Motorcyles...

[WORKEROUTER]

I really want to learn how to ride a motorcycle, and take a road trip with a couple of my buddies on one this summer.

Since I don't have much money, I was thinking of just getting a dirtbike and using that.

Anyway, although I think it would be a great thrill, I am still ambivalent about the idea because of their safety.

So I am wondering if anyone on here rides motorcyles and could help me better decide if I should go through with this adventure.

 

[TheDarkSaint]

On any kind of long distance trip, you're going to get mighty uncomfortable on anything except for a road machine. There is virtualy no place to store any of your gear on rockets or dirt bikes and both are going to leave your ass sore for longer than a couple of hours.

 

[PeoplesChamp]

I ride a Harley 883 Sportster. I wouldn't recommend riding with out taking a course on it first. Riding isn't nearly as forgiving as driving (hence why a lot of dumbasses get killed on bikes) For example I friend my dad works with who had been riding for decades dropped his bike at a stoplight, the force made him hit his head on the pavement. he didn't think much of it. He ended up dying a few days later from a hemmorage.

A person driving a car has to be consciously aware of 7 things at one. A person riding a bike has to be consciously aware of 20.

 

[Alpine]

Motorcyclists, the world of organ transplant recipients salute you. :cheer:

 

[Jake-inator]

You don't have 3 g's for a bike? That's pretty cheap.

My dad's getting a hog, so i'll probably be riding his soon.. and i'm not an organ donor! So much for that badly needed liver transplant huh?

 

[SELF-MASTERY]

All my friends have bikes, but after seeing a guy skid off the highway with his girfriend in tow I've changed my mind. I'm buying an air trike, I've always wanted to fly.....

 

[penkitten]

Originally posted by SELF-MASTERY
I'm buying an air trike, I've always wanted to fly.....

haha

 

[Vincent]

Originally posted by Alpine
Motorcyclists, the world of organ transplant recipients salute you. :cheer:

Not everyone who rides a bike kills themselves. Some people are actually smart.

They take motorcycle classes (effectively teaches you the proper way to fall off a bike, yes there is a way, watch bike racing to discover this.) They always wear proper riding gear: helmets, leather, protective gloves. And most of all, they're smart on their bikes.

If you don't follow these rules, you're going to learn the hard way with a likely outcome being death.

 

[Maestro Monk]

For all the 2 wheel riders out there..
I am hoping to purchase a bike and begin a training course by the end of this summer. Was hoping you guys could point me in the right direction for finding the best compromise between an inexpensive learner's bike, and a low-cost insurance package.
I'm 20 years old living in South Eastern Canada, am not registered through any vehicle insurance at the moment, and have a clean driving record. I am basically looking to buy a used beginner bike that I can practice riding around town for the next few years. I would not be too worried about full insurance coverage (like theft); just a good basic, inexpensive insurance package that will legally get me on the road so that i can learn. How much can I expect to pay for the bike and insurance? Also, any advice for a good beginner bike/insurance combo, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[PRMoon]

I sell motorcycles, there' bad mo fo's but can be dangerous in the wrong hands. 2/3 of all motorcycle accidents happen to untrained riders so make sure you go to saftety school.

If you're getting a first bike get something cheap for like 2,500 it wont' be pretty or nice but if you drop it a few times who gives really? I mean you'll be selling it for just about as much as you got it anyway. If you don't ride at all and you're looking to get started you should probably get a cruiser not a rocket. Newbie riders on rockets spells disaster. If you do get a rocket dont' get anything over a 750, that's all the power and spead you'll be needing, I wont' even sell a 1000 to a new rider just because i know they're probably going to die.

You should around for a bike that fits your personality and take pride and care of your bike. Shop around for insurance in your phone book or online, there are tons of motorcycle insurance providers you just have to call and get quotes. Don't go through your car insurance company, they'll jacke your rates to the max typically. When i called in for my bike insurance (I ride an 04 Yamaha R1: Delta box 5) my insurance company wanted like 8 grand a year, but then i got insurance from a motorcycle only company and now i pay 68 dollars a month for full coverage.

Hope that helps a little, have fun and be safe.

 

[crowes22]

WORKER,

Go w/ the dirt bike. I've been riding for years and still love it. Warning, it gets in your blood. Some outgrow it, some don't. I didn't.

I've had every kind from the big 4. I used to fix em up and sell them. This is what I've found:

Honda: Great bike. Midrange punch like Tyson. Very light in front end. I actually raised my rear suspension, to avoid this. With Honda you will pay, but it's worth it. Reliable bike. Do the preventive maintanace.

Yamaha: Great too, very fast. Reliable bike. YZ's are like CR's, your'e gonna pay. I suggest buying used.

Suzuki: I'm a tall guy so the ergs on a RM were a little cramped for me. But they shine in other areas. For example, if you don't feel like shifting gears, don't. No rev limiter. Unlike a CR or YZ, (time you hit the powerband, they are begging for the next gear)
the RM will just scream, how I didn't blow mine up is still beyond me.

Kawasucky: Nice bike, when they are running. My KX was a plug eating monster. This was very annoying to me. Particulaly if we'd stop to rest, shoot the bull, and the fvcking bike fouled a plug. I had to push that bytch back. I wasn't amused. Plus you'll take grief from your buds.

Safety: Wear a full face hemet and goggles, you can't ride w/ others w/out goggles, unless you like hitting trees. You'll see. Wear MX gloves, a rock from the bike in front of you colliding with your hand is not a pleasant experience. Get MX boots, no they won't break in, remember they are for riding, not walking. These aforementioned things I highly reccomend. I have been saved by these items more than once.

I never took any damn class, I learn my lessons the hard way, so you make the call on that one. I actually enjoyed some of the crashes that I was able to walk away from quickly. You'll be more worried about the bike than you, that is if you get bit by the bug. Warning: DBing is cool, but your knees will suffer. Getting sore and arm pump is routine, you'll work alot harder than you think DBing. The dirt bike world is a cool family. Test it out. Hope this helps.

--Crowes

 

[TheCalmGuy]

I had 2 accidents with my bike, although I never took a driving lesson and I dont have a licence because you need to be atleast 17 years old to have one. After the second accident 5-6 months ago I still have a scar on my leg and I dont think it will disappear. Driving a bike doesn't only depend on you, it depends from the other cars as well, alot of drivers dont watch out for the bike drivers, so you need to be extra carefull, always wear a helmet, thanks god I was wearing a helmet when I had the accidents... You should take driving lessons trust me I wish I took some lessons before riding my motorbike, drive safe and good luck!

 

[Oxide]

i have seen A LOT of guys on bikes wearing nothing but jeans, t-shirts and sunglasses. Looking good for the ladies...at what expense?!

I want to get into this whole thing as well, although it might not be a smart choice if you live in Minnesota.. is it realistic to find a bike for $750? I am talking about a bike that has at least some speed.

What gear is essential? how hot does it get in the sun? what do you worry about when riding? how often do you cut inbetween lanes when stuck in traffic?!