New Rider, First Bike, and Commuting - Thoughts?
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Joined: May 2008
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From: CA, USA
New Rider, First Bike, and Commuting - Thoughts?
Ok, First Post, but I have read all of this thread:
https://honda-tech.com/zero...age=1
But rather than hoping to be the next speed racer or anything, I am looking at getting a bike for commuting 60mi [120RT] a day for the next 12 weeks or so, down the [CA-Interstate] 405 from Torrance to Laguna Beach where I have an internship that is paying next to nothing.
Right now I drive a 99 Nissan Maxima, its a good car to me so far, but with traffic being such a *&*ch since I have to commute during rush hour, it wanting premium fuel, and gas getting so expensive, I am considering a motorcycle, this way instead of paying $8 a day in tolls I can take some of the 5 freeway, avoid the 73 toll road, and not waste away and extra hour of my day, every day, for 12 weeks.
Right now my plan is to go do the MSF - get the license [all i need to do is fill out the DL-44 and complete the MSF and maybe written test as well] and go from there... during the MSF, perhaps they will talk me out of it, but I will at least have the option in the future. If I decide to get a bike, get one off of Craigslist or w/e for under $3000, buy new helmet, leathers, etc..
As for me, I'm 6'3, 265lbs. [working to lose some more, but bottom line is I am a big -though stong guy.]
So I don't want a small and uncomfortable bike... something that won't kill my back, would have some room for gear bags, etc.. any ideas?
Also, for leathers and all... on the freeway, what level of protection should I be looking at? Besides a jacket and helmet, am I good with jeans or should I get the pants as well - even if it looks more ridiculous. Speed wise I will likely find myself at 70mph... just with the flow of traffic... I am going to avoid more than that ideally. Also the boots, should I have the protector plates in my jacket as well in case I lay it down on the road? Or is this a bad idea, would be too uncomfortable, etc..
I realize a lot of this info is around here, but for this particular situation, what are your thoughts... or should I scrap the plan completely?
All input appreciated.
Thanks,
Patrick
https://honda-tech.com/zero...age=1
But rather than hoping to be the next speed racer or anything, I am looking at getting a bike for commuting 60mi [120RT] a day for the next 12 weeks or so, down the [CA-Interstate] 405 from Torrance to Laguna Beach where I have an internship that is paying next to nothing.
Right now I drive a 99 Nissan Maxima, its a good car to me so far, but with traffic being such a *&*ch since I have to commute during rush hour, it wanting premium fuel, and gas getting so expensive, I am considering a motorcycle, this way instead of paying $8 a day in tolls I can take some of the 5 freeway, avoid the 73 toll road, and not waste away and extra hour of my day, every day, for 12 weeks.
Right now my plan is to go do the MSF - get the license [all i need to do is fill out the DL-44 and complete the MSF and maybe written test as well] and go from there... during the MSF, perhaps they will talk me out of it, but I will at least have the option in the future. If I decide to get a bike, get one off of Craigslist or w/e for under $3000, buy new helmet, leathers, etc..
As for me, I'm 6'3, 265lbs. [working to lose some more, but bottom line is I am a big -though stong guy.]
So I don't want a small and uncomfortable bike... something that won't kill my back, would have some room for gear bags, etc.. any ideas?
Also, for leathers and all... on the freeway, what level of protection should I be looking at? Besides a jacket and helmet, am I good with jeans or should I get the pants as well - even if it looks more ridiculous. Speed wise I will likely find myself at 70mph... just with the flow of traffic... I am going to avoid more than that ideally. Also the boots, should I have the protector plates in my jacket as well in case I lay it down on the road? Or is this a bad idea, would be too uncomfortable, etc..
I realize a lot of this info is around here, but for this particular situation, what are your thoughts... or should I scrap the plan completely?
All input appreciated.
Thanks,
Patrick
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: São Paulo, Brazil
Re: New Rider, First Bike, and Commuting - Thoughts? (phatpat88)
First of all, welcome to the forums.
Second, you will not see the gas savings when buying a bike, unless it's an scooter. Gear, insurance, etc, etc, etc will even things out. But like you said, it will greatly shorten your commute (That was one of the main reasons I bought my first bike, to shorten my 1 hour and half commute to a 15-20 min one).
As for the bike, since you're a big guy, you could begin looking aroung for an EX500, GS500...even maybe a SV650. Go and sit on them, try to find which is more comfortable for you.
Leather is prefered, all gear is going to be hot sitting in traffic and stoplights. Buy a perforated leather jacket. My commute gear consists of perf leather jacket, helmet, gloves, boots and jeans or other pants. I will look into buying some textile overpants in the future.
Hope this helps
Second, you will not see the gas savings when buying a bike, unless it's an scooter. Gear, insurance, etc, etc, etc will even things out. But like you said, it will greatly shorten your commute (That was one of the main reasons I bought my first bike, to shorten my 1 hour and half commute to a 15-20 min one).
As for the bike, since you're a big guy, you could begin looking aroung for an EX500, GS500...even maybe a SV650. Go and sit on them, try to find which is more comfortable for you.
Leather is prefered, all gear is going to be hot sitting in traffic and stoplights. Buy a perforated leather jacket. My commute gear consists of perf leather jacket, helmet, gloves, boots and jeans or other pants. I will look into buying some textile overpants in the future.
Hope this helps
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,383
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From: Charleston, SC
Re: New Rider, First Bike, and Commuting - Thoughts? (phatpat88)
If you are wanting to start out and get a bike that would be good for bags and whatnot, I would suggest getting a small used Sport Tourer, mybe like a mid 90's Yamaha FJR or something similar. There are a lot of really nice comfortable sport tourers out there that can be had with low miles and at a cheap price. I suggest snooping around your local motorcycle shops and sit on a few bikes and see what feels comfortable to YOU.
For gear, I would reccoment a jacket with CE shoulder and elbow protectors and at a minimum a pair of jeans. I would also strongly reccoment a full face helmet, gloves and ALWAYS wear boots with ankle protection. I suggest getting a pair of riding boots, but a regular pair of boots will do as long as they are leather and cover the ankle.
Taking the MSF will get you on your way to success and remember, practice practice, practice and when you are done with that practice some more.
For gear, I would reccoment a jacket with CE shoulder and elbow protectors and at a minimum a pair of jeans. I would also strongly reccoment a full face helmet, gloves and ALWAYS wear boots with ankle protection. I suggest getting a pair of riding boots, but a regular pair of boots will do as long as they are leather and cover the ankle.
Taking the MSF will get you on your way to success and remember, practice practice, practice and when you are done with that practice some more.
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Joined: May 2007
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From: EPOR
Re: New Rider, First Bike, and Commuting - Thoughts? (phatpat88)
Well, you'd want to take MSF, get a bike, that could eat up some of your summer. I'm not sure I would recommend that a new rider start out on the freeway either. You would definitely want some leg protection, textile pants are good, because they are baggy enough to go over your street clothes, and you can just take them off when you get there. You'd want boots too. A good jacket with armor is desirable as well. Your talking about skin and bones, to me there prices less, some people don't see it that way tho.
As far as bikes go, you'll have to back thru the years to find something for 3 grand. Bikes don't depreciate like cars and summer jacks up the prices (everybody wants a bike when the weather is good).
Some good starter bikes For 3 gs or less used
DRZ 400, GS 500
Ninja 250 Ninja 500
I've seen posts like this before, are you sure you want to risk bodily harm/death for gas mileage? If you see motorcycles and think "Yeah that's for me" go ahead, but if you only are looking at the bottom line, maybe you should think about a smaller car, public transportation, carpooling, etc.
As far as bikes go, you'll have to back thru the years to find something for 3 grand. Bikes don't depreciate like cars and summer jacks up the prices (everybody wants a bike when the weather is good).
Some good starter bikes For 3 gs or less used
DRZ 400, GS 500
Ninja 250 Ninja 500
I've seen posts like this before, are you sure you want to risk bodily harm/death for gas mileage? If you see motorcycles and think "Yeah that's for me" go ahead, but if you only are looking at the bottom line, maybe you should think about a smaller car, public transportation, carpooling, etc.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,265
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From: Aliso Viejo, Ca, USA
Re: New Rider, First Bike, and Commuting - Thoughts? (phatpat88)
I've ridden that route a couple of times and it's OK. Traffic bunches up heavily near John Wayne and Irvine drivers are the worse. Since you're going to Laguna, You'll be taking the 133 which is a really nice ride.
Don't worry about the kind and size of bike for now. You'll cut your teeth on whatever you end up buying. Invest in quality riding gear and wear it - all the time. When I first started riding at night, I threw one of those blinking red LED lights you see on the back of bicycles into the mesh part of my backpack. I still do that right after the daylight savings time change.
Don't worry about the kind and size of bike for now. You'll cut your teeth on whatever you end up buying. Invest in quality riding gear and wear it - all the time. When I first started riding at night, I threw one of those blinking red LED lights you see on the back of bicycles into the mesh part of my backpack. I still do that right after the daylight savings time change.
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Owner of SQUIDS, SouthernCalifornia
Re: New Rider, First Bike, and Commuting - Thoughts? (phatpat88)
You sound like you have level head and are eager to make the leap into the freedom that is motorcycling. 
I have had the luxury of growing up around motorcycles and racing them from a very young age, but learning to ride on the street is entirely different. Even with my years of racing experience, I took the the MSF course. What did I learn? Well, to be honest I already knew the handling dynamics and traits of a motorcycle (push the direction you want to turn, look through the turn, etc...), but I learned a lot about repetition and developing good habits. They teach you little acronyms like FINE-C (fuel, ignition, neutral, engine cutoff switch, choke
) which really make riding second nature by giving you a mental checklist to follow every ride. If you plan to ride on the street, plan on passing the MSF course.
I spend a great deal of time commuting to and from work. My commute is about 65 miles each direction, 60% freeway, 20% surface street, 20% country/back-road. I wear the following gear on my commute and most street rides:
Quality motorcycle jacket, I have several depending on mood/weather.
Motorcycle gloves, full fingered that go above the wrist bone (gauntlet type)
Textile over-pants, or textile riding pants
A* One-O-One riding shoes at the bare minimum, or more often than not A* boots
full-face helmet
There are many different brands and styles of gear, but the single most important aspect of gear in my opinion is Fit. The gear can have 2,000 pads and armor spots in it, but if none of them sit in the correct spot they are useless. Quality gear will appear sturdy, well constructed and should have even and quality stitching throughout. Comfort is important while commuting, so wear gear that is layered, or has the ability to convert as weather and conditions dictate. Also look into a tank-bag or saddle bags to take the weigh off of your back while riding. Nothing sucks more than a long commute with a backpack hanging off your shoulders.
Basically, plan to crash. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. If you are comfortable hitting the ground at freeway speeds with nothing more than board shorts and a tank top, then don't waste your money on gear. The majority of us however, don't like those odds and buy gear accordingly.
Budget yourself around $1,000 for nice gear.
I have had the luxury of growing up around motorcycles and racing them from a very young age, but learning to ride on the street is entirely different. Even with my years of racing experience, I took the the MSF course. What did I learn? Well, to be honest I already knew the handling dynamics and traits of a motorcycle (push the direction you want to turn, look through the turn, etc...), but I learned a lot about repetition and developing good habits. They teach you little acronyms like FINE-C (fuel, ignition, neutral, engine cutoff switch, choke
) which really make riding second nature by giving you a mental checklist to follow every ride. If you plan to ride on the street, plan on passing the MSF course.I spend a great deal of time commuting to and from work. My commute is about 65 miles each direction, 60% freeway, 20% surface street, 20% country/back-road. I wear the following gear on my commute and most street rides:
Quality motorcycle jacket, I have several depending on mood/weather.
Motorcycle gloves, full fingered that go above the wrist bone (gauntlet type)
Textile over-pants, or textile riding pants
A* One-O-One riding shoes at the bare minimum, or more often than not A* boots
full-face helmet
There are many different brands and styles of gear, but the single most important aspect of gear in my opinion is Fit. The gear can have 2,000 pads and armor spots in it, but if none of them sit in the correct spot they are useless. Quality gear will appear sturdy, well constructed and should have even and quality stitching throughout. Comfort is important while commuting, so wear gear that is layered, or has the ability to convert as weather and conditions dictate. Also look into a tank-bag or saddle bags to take the weigh off of your back while riding. Nothing sucks more than a long commute with a backpack hanging off your shoulders.
Basically, plan to crash. Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. If you are comfortable hitting the ground at freeway speeds with nothing more than board shorts and a tank top, then don't waste your money on gear. The majority of us however, don't like those odds and buy gear accordingly.
Budget yourself around $1,000 for nice gear.
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Member
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: Haymarket, VA, USA
Re: (B18CmyRR)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by B18CmyRR »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote"> I have an 03 CBR600RR with mint mileage n in PRISTINE Condition! Testing the waters with it for $6500!</TD></TR></TABLE>
WTF? The OP is looking for information about a starter bike around 3 grand and advice on how to safely get into riding. Start your own damn thread, don't hog somebody elses.
Alternatively, there are PMs if you really must spam the dude trying to offload your pile.
:tool:
WTF? The OP is looking for information about a starter bike around 3 grand and advice on how to safely get into riding. Start your own damn thread, don't hog somebody elses.
Alternatively, there are PMs if you really must spam the dude trying to offload your pile.
:tool:
B*a*n*n*e*d
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,966
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From: Todays date is, UK
Re: (SJR)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by phatpat88 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Right now I drive a 99 Nissan Maxima, its a good car to me so far, but with traffic being such a *&*ch since I have to commute during rush hour, it wanting premium fuel,
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I want to know why a grocery getter like a nissan maxima requires premium? I think your savings in money lies there in, not in getting a huge touring bike.
Anyways, if I were to buy a tourer, I'd look at BMW's.
Edit: Also, my recommendation is this beautiful honda:
http://powersports.honda.com/s...N2507
I think the Helix is a scooter that will fit your needs perfectly, great gas mileage, good commuting ability, and also has some pep to carry a guy your size.
Modified by GraphiteAccord at 9:09 PM 5/12/2008
Modified by GraphiteAccord at 9:10 PM 5/12/2008
Right now I drive a 99 Nissan Maxima, its a good car to me so far, but with traffic being such a *&*ch since I have to commute during rush hour, it wanting premium fuel,
</TD></TR></TABLE>
I want to know why a grocery getter like a nissan maxima requires premium? I think your savings in money lies there in, not in getting a huge touring bike.
Anyways, if I were to buy a tourer, I'd look at BMW's.
Edit: Also, my recommendation is this beautiful honda:
http://powersports.honda.com/s...N2507
I think the Helix is a scooter that will fit your needs perfectly, great gas mileage, good commuting ability, and also has some pep to carry a guy your size.
Modified by GraphiteAccord at 9:09 PM 5/12/2008
Modified by GraphiteAccord at 9:10 PM 5/12/2008
B*a*n*n*e*d
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,966
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From: Todays date is, UK
Re: (SJR)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SJR »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
WTF? The OP is looking for information about a starter bike around 3 grand and advice on how to safely get into riding. Start your own damn thread, don't hog somebody elses.
Alternatively, there are PMs if you really must spam the dude trying to offload your pile.
:tool:</TD></TR></TABLE>
not to mention, his 6500 price tag is about 2 grand more than that the bike is worth.
WTF? The OP is looking for information about a starter bike around 3 grand and advice on how to safely get into riding. Start your own damn thread, don't hog somebody elses.
Alternatively, there are PMs if you really must spam the dude trying to offload your pile.
:tool:</TD></TR></TABLE>
not to mention, his 6500 price tag is about 2 grand more than that the bike is worth.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,048
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From: Ocala, FL
Re: New Rider, First Bike, and Commuting - Thoughts? (phatpat88)
I don't think you should get a bike and jump right into freeway riding, especially on crowded freeways in traffic.
You should probably learn to ride on around on the streets for awhile and get used to ridiing before trying to tackle the freeway.
At least that's what I plan to do.
You should probably learn to ride on around on the streets for awhile and get used to ridiing before trying to tackle the freeway.
At least that's what I plan to do.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5
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From: CA, USA
Re: (GraphiteAccord)
LOL.
That was funny. I would hate to see that thing on a freeway.
As for the premium deal.. I am not really sure, but before it was not much of an issue since I did not find myself filling it up much, since it only was about a $3.50 difference for a whole tank.
At this point, I am thinking that I will just go do the MSF and start learning to ride on the streets, etc, get some experience, and then consider using it for commuting in the future after I have more experience, etc.
That was funny. I would hate to see that thing on a freeway.
As for the premium deal.. I am not really sure, but before it was not much of an issue since I did not find myself filling it up much, since it only was about a $3.50 difference for a whole tank.
At this point, I am thinking that I will just go do the MSF and start learning to ride on the streets, etc, get some experience, and then consider using it for commuting in the future after I have more experience, etc.
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5
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From: CA, USA
Re: (Jay J)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Jay J »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">His maxima requires mid grade at least or premium..Nissan eevn used NGK R plugs from the factory I think? </TD></TR></TABLE>
You are correct sir, NGK plugs indeed.
You are correct sir, NGK plugs indeed.
Prince of Zamunda
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 6,391
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From: Socal CA
Hmnn I think for Pat his bike choices are like a GS500, SV650S(with at least the screen); EX650R or EX500R..
Any other decent bikes in his price range? I coudln't think of any...
And I definitely think the 250 is not him...I had one the thing was scary to ride on a 4 lane road in Socal..when a bus or truck went by I flew.....
Of the bikes I listed above which one has the cheapest valve adjustment charges..the GS500 is air cooled correct? I think I remember that from when I got the 250.
Any other decent bikes in his price range? I coudln't think of any...
And I definitely think the 250 is not him...I had one the thing was scary to ride on a 4 lane road in Socal..when a bus or truck went by I flew.....
Of the bikes I listed above which one has the cheapest valve adjustment charges..the GS500 is air cooled correct? I think I remember that from when I got the 250.
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 475
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From: OH, USA
katana? ew, no
I rode a GS500 over the weekend and my first bike is an F4i.
The GS500 seems impossible to get into trouble with. The torque gets you where you need to be and its really smooth. Overall sitting position is very relaxed and I've heard upwards of 50mpg. Compared to my F4i I hate it =p but thats me.
I rode a GS500 over the weekend and my first bike is an F4i.
The GS500 seems impossible to get into trouble with. The torque gets you where you need to be and its really smooth. Overall sitting position is very relaxed and I've heard upwards of 50mpg. Compared to my F4i I hate it =p but thats me.
B*a*n*n*e*d
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,966
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From: Todays date is, UK
Re: (phatpat88)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by phatpat88 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">LOL.
That was funny. I would hate to see that thing on a freeway.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
um, why? That thing will haul ***. You want economy..that isn't something a sport bike has to offer.
so since you want to apparently cruise at 100 plus MPH (you didn't like the last scooter I posted...)
I give you this.
600cc V twin...I'm sure it'll easily go 120mph, and still get good mileage.
That was funny. I would hate to see that thing on a freeway.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
um, why? That thing will haul ***. You want economy..that isn't something a sport bike has to offer.
so since you want to apparently cruise at 100 plus MPH (you didn't like the last scooter I posted...)
I give you this.
600cc V twin...I'm sure it'll easily go 120mph, and still get good mileage.
Re: (GraphiteAccord)
Im a new rider also and I can say that it is pretty scary to think about hoping on the freeway with no experience. I have only been riding a week and have been on the freeway a few times (5, 91, 71, 22) and what really helped me was riding with a group of people. I would hop on the free way for a stretch of about 5 exits or so and hop off. I still get a little nervous when Im on the freeway, but I hope over time it will pass.