As much as I love cars, I'm starting to love motorcycles just as much. But I haven't rode on a bike in my life. Where is a good place to start taking riding lessons and learn the basic physics of riding a motorcycle. I'm thinking about buy a small used bike like a Ninja 250 or something like that so I can learn and develop some skills. Anyone have some advice for a motorcycle newbie?

 

MSF school- there's a website for listings but I forgot where, do a search

bike under 500cc's- basically any dual purpose or anything that has the number 500 or lower in its name. DP is "better" because you can drop it a million times and it'll look the same, plus it's a better platform to learn basic motorcycle control on

basic motorcycling book (ie- motorcycles for dummies)

Helps if you know someone who has a bike.


[Modified by redblues, 6:13 AM 2/7/2002]

 

yes, get a bike that has no plastic...you will drop it at least once.

 

and don't skimp on the gear. that's your own *** that you're protecting.

 

http://www.msf-usa.org




[Modified by marked001, 8:57 AM 2/7/2002]

 

please do!


check out my post
what i have learned about motorcycling

 

don't do it!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your love for cars will wain.

 

haha true. Bikes will take some of your love for cars away. My advice? Take the Motorcycle Saftey Foundation's course then buy an old bike with NO plastics on it. I promise you it will get laid down or dropped (either you or some friend you let ride it). Plastics are DAMN expensive. Just my $.02.

 

i couldnt fit any more cars in my garage, so i got a bike

 

No car will beat the rush of a bike, unless you happen to be Mr Schumacher. Training, common sense, fun...go for it

 

What?? I dont think so man, maybe you got the wrong bike. After buying my Busa, driving my Type R didnt compare to the rush I got with the bike, so I got rid of the R.

 

you guys are saying the same thing...with the exception that a formula 1 car will out handle, out accelerate, and out brake any bike and also get lower lap times on a track.

i have a video of an F-18 racing a formula 1 car from a standing start. its an interesting race...

 

A bike is definately fun! I also recommend the MFC course.. its 180 bucks but its money well spent imo. As for riding being more fun than driving, well it depends on personal taste. Sometimes i liek to drive while other times i like to ride.. Do keep us inform on what bike you decided to purchase

 

Er.....

 

Tell you what. You get a bike, and love it (you will), and I'll take that Audi off your hands for you

I'm thinking of replacing my teg with a truck, and then getting a bike. Then, I get the best of both worlds.

 

OOPS sorry it was late. What was I thinkin??

 

I decided that I'm going to buy 2 bikes at the same time. A Suzuki DR200SE (200cc) "DualSport" to learn on and just **** around with. And also a YZF-R6 for when my skills get to the point where I can ride a larger, faster bike safely. What do you guys think?

 

good idea i spose. just get the dual sport at first. take the MSF class. that lil bike will be a hoot.

 

DR is nice, but the 200 is underpowered. Go for the 350. Also consider the Kawi KLR.

The switch from the DR to the R6 is quite dramatic, but if you can handle the DR well, you shouldn't have much problems with the transition.

 

just don't think the R6 will be as forgiving as the Dualsport.

 

And if you want, I can look after the R6 for ya while you're still learning.

Good luck!

 

The R6 is definately not a very forgiving bike, so becareful. The only problem with the plan is that once u get on the R6, you wouldn't want to ride that dual sport

 

What would be another good alternative to the R6? Honda CBR600F4?

 

Have you considered a Suzuki SV650/SV650S? Its more forgiving and has more user-friendly power than the R6. I've owned one for 3 years and it keeps me entertained. Some people might tell you its down on power but it wiil hang with most bikes up to the triple digit speeds and surprise alot of people when the road gets twisty. There's a huge aftermarket support so the sky's the limit for mods. Check http://www.svrider.com and http://www.sv650.org for lots of info.

 

My personal opinion is if you dont know how to ride, only spend as much as you're willing to pay again for repairs... If you but a $6000 bike, expect to pay up to half that in repairs and such for the various times you lay it down... but if you MUST get a new bike for whatever your reasons are, i agree with 1.6, get a SV 650, or 650S.