Starter bike?

Och

Och

ATI Champion
As I've been getting older, I've been getting the itch to get a bike. I've been drooling every time I see my neighbor's Harley, but I fully realize that its not a good idea for a starter bike. I have zero experience, I never rode a bike, and don't even have a bike license.

I've been looking at some options, and it seems for a learner a good start would be either a scooter or perhaps the Honda Rebel or even Harley. Inexpensive, and simple without much power. Not much cool factor to these things, but I can always upgrade once I get the hang of it.

Summer is too effing short! :D
 
I'm addicted to riding and started 3 years ago. I was asking myself the same question. There is a huge debate on the size of bike someone should start out on. My advice, would be to do the research and not get caught up on the cc's of the motor itself. If you're new to bikes, it can be deceiving. A Harley around 600cc (I don't know Harleys...) is NOT the same thing as a 600cc sport or supersport bike. One is stupid, crazy fast and razor sharp in handling and brakes...the other is not. The sportbike will have 100hp+ while the Harley might have 60hp. Granted, either could kill you and it's best to respect them regardless.

Before doing ANYTHING, take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. It's offered nearly anywhere and gives you the most basic skillsets to at least ride and understand a bike. It'll just cost you a weekend of your time and around $160 investment. It's worth it. Some other benefits are that in many states you won't need to take a riding test for a license. I just took a 10min written test, showed the MSF endorsement, and got the license. Also, many insurance companies have a rate reduction for MSF graduates.

I know what type of starter bike I'd recommend to someone wanting to get into sportbikes, but what type of bike are you interested in?
 
OverclockN' said:
I'm addicted to riding and started 3 years ago. I was asking myself the same question. There is a huge debate on the size of bike someone should start out on. My advice, would be to do the research and not get caught up on the cc's of the motor itself. If you're new to bikes, it can be deceiving. A Harley around 600cc (I don't know Harleys...) is NOT the same thing as a 600cc sport or supersport bike. One is stupid, crazy fast and razor sharp in handling and brakes...the other is not.

Before doing ANYTHING, take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. It's offered nearly anywhere and gives you the most basic skillsets to at least ride and understand a bike. It'll just cost you a weekend of your time and around $160 investment. It's worth it.

I know what type of starter bike I'd recommend to someone wanting to get into sportbikes, but what type of bike are you interested in?
Click to expand...

Eventually I'd love to find myself on a nice Harley cruiser. No sport bikes for me.

I'll certainly start by obtaining a bike license and getting all the safety courses. Riding in NYC is not easy with all the traffic and maniac drivers.
 
Riding in NYC is not easy with all the traffic and maniac drivers.
Click to expand...

Brave. :lol:


Something like the Street 500 would make a great starter bike. Low seat height, low weight (for a Harley) at 489lbs, etc. It's listed as a Cafe Racer. I have some argument with that, but generally means it might not be as laid back as their other cruisers.

First riders generally tend to drop their first bikes at low speed, like at a stop light or parking lot. Picking up a giant whale of a bike is never fun, especially for a new guy with no technique. The Super Low could be good as well, and more of a cruiser. The cafe racer style bikes have a more aggressive seating position and are leaned forward and sit a bit higher.

Maybe there is someone around here that knows older Harley's that can refer something in the used market.


Street 500

Super Low
 
44Eu0fd.jpg


on a more serious note, your best best is to take some time at safety course and after that start low, when you feel confident enough after a while you can still ramp up the game. The most common mistake is to get the license and start up with a ridiculous overpowered bike just to destroy it (and, if you're unlucky, your health) faster than you can say "oops, i lost control, i think..".
 
Got my permit last week, signed up for bike classes, and this morning bought this.

sKreGAF.jpg


Suzuki Boulevard S40
 
Should have a reliable engine at least. Riding position and chrome is not my cup of tea but I understand the appeal.

I was going to chime in and say it's different for everyone, but if you're confident in your ability get the bike you want rather than being molly coddled into getting a "starter bike".
 
Idle Wild said:
I was going to chime in and say it's different for everyone, but if you're confident in your ability get the bike you want rather than being molly coddled into getting a "starter bike".
Click to expand...

I would argue that this is a starter bike.

Low seat position, light weight (381lbs), a cruiser (wont have razor sharp throttle/brakes), and with only 31hp/37tq...it's not exactly going to be a handful.

For a first bike, this is an excellent choice. :up:
 
So anxious to receive it. They couldn't release it to me today without insurance, and I wont be able to get insurance until Tuesday. Hopefully that goes smooth and they can deliver it to me on Tuesday so I can finally test it out.
 
Och said:
So anxious to receive it. They couldn't release it to me today without insurance, and I wont be able to get insurance until Tuesday. Hopefully that goes smooth and they can deliver it to me on Tuesday so I can finally test it out.
Click to expand...

damn, you move fast. congrats on the bike.
Watch a few of the clutch/throttle/countersteering videos on youtube...should help you during your msf course.
 
Finally got it delivered and been practicing this afternoon. Seems like the clutch is the trickiest thing, as well as trying not to roll on the throttle while pulling the brake. Going to take some practice for sure!
 
also make sure you are able to pick up yer bike if you have to "drop" it. Sounds easier than it is (which is why it's part of the license-training over here).

And the most important thing: Take your time to learn the ropes and enjoy riding your bike.
 
Only 25 miles ridden so far and I already start to hate car drivers. Bunch of obnoxious pricks. :D
 
OverclockN' said:
Before doing ANYTHING, take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. It's offered nearly anywhere and gives you the most basic skillsets to at least ride and understand a bike. It'll just cost you a weekend of your time and around $160 investment. It's worth it. Some other benefits are that in many states you won't need to take a riding test for a license. I just took a 10min written test, showed the MSF endorsement, and got the license. Also, many insurance companies have a rate reduction for MSF graduates.
Click to expand...

Thats good advice. My dad teaches both the MSF course and Harley riders edge and it seems the MSF is actually the better of the two. The bikes they use are easier to learn on.

Don't forget padded riding gear. I know that from first hand experience don't be a Squid.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top