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Question: What should i know about motorcycles?

(Posted by: Nunya B on 2010-03-09 00:10:44)

I really want to get a motorcycle, but I'm wondering if there's anything I should know about them before I commit to getting licensed and buying one. Any info will be appreciated. Thanks.

Posted by: Dimo J on 2010-03-09, 07:19:37

What you should know depends on *why* you want a motorcycle. If you want to play "racer " you should take the advanced classes on how to race motorcycles. You will be engaging in a dangerous sport and will need the best 'gear' you can afford -- and even then you will be getting hurt. If you want cheap transportation a motorcycle is safer than a car, far less likely to be involved in a collision. However, if you are involved in a collision you have no protective steel cage around you and you will be getting hurt. Yeah, just about everyone drops their bike. Usually at very low speed, more embarrassing than hurtful -- scraped elbow, knee, nothing really ugly. Bottom line, no matter what, if you ride a motorcycle you will, eventually, get hurt. Probably not bad, just a bit of skin getting scraped off. No big deal. You cannot go through life injury free. I've been hurt worse stepping out of a car then anything that has happened on a bike on the street.

Posted by: zacf1 on 2010-03-09, 00:33:47

Well, obviously, rule of thumb, motorcycles, doesn't matter if you're on a ninja 250 or a freaking hayabusa, THEY ARE ALL DANGEROUS. I'm not discouraging you from getting one, I own one myself. But just know it is advised to take a safety course, they will help with how to handle bad situations and more importantly how to keep you out of them. Even if you are the most careful rider in the universe, there are still stupid drivers everywhere who pay little attention to what they are doing. Also know, there is no "I'll never lay my bike down " when it comes to motorcycles. The most common thing i have heard about motorcycles is this: "THERE ARE ONLY 2 KINDS OF RIDERS, ONES THAT HAVE BEEN DOWN, AND ONES THAT ARE GOING DOWN. " Keep that in mind, I wouldn't go buying a brand new bike, because especially as a beginner, you will put it down and it will not make you a happy camper. I hope this is some helpful information, email me with any other questions. :)

Posted by: Timpala on 2010-03-09, 01:41:55

I took the class and learned a lot. I didn't grow up riding so I felt it was necessary to take the class. Where a helmet, boots and motorcycle jacket (pretty please...with sugar on it). You will wreck one day and think of me. That is if you were wearing a helmet. Don't drive too fast. It is easy to start getting comfortable with speed. The problem is stopping. It only takes one careless moment and you are ^%^ &%^! I would recommend getting a bike with low horsepower to begin with (50 to 75 range). Don't be afraid to get an older "less cool " bike to begin on. I have an old 1976 Honda that actually gets more comments on looks than newer motorcycles. I bought a motorcycle before I took the class and drove it around a bit. If you live in a rural area it's ok. If you live in a big city, take the class first. You sound like a smart person for even asking this question. Just remember, everyone is going to pull out in front of you. I hope this helps.

Posted by: Blake on 2010-03-09, 04:59:37

The best book I've ever read about getting started with motorcycles is "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Motorcycles ". I provided a link below, if you're interested. The 4th edition has an updated buyer's guide, which is handy when you're looking for a used bike to start out on. The gear is expensive, but good quality gear will save your life and your skin. Your helmet is the most important piece of gear. When getting your first bike, stay away from the inline-four engines (AKA race bikes). Get a bike with two cylinders. It's much easier to control the throttle on them and you won't outgrow them as quickly as a single-cylinder bike. The Hurt Report is full of useful facts, particularly about the biggest hazards when riding. See the second link.

Posted by: CommanderCrusty on 2010-03-09, 06:37:52

You need to understand how motorcycles steer (you counter steer to lean them over, then regular steer to go around the corners) and you need to know how to set your corner entrance speed (slow in, fast out). Take a class. Seriously. MSF or Riders Edge followed by a trip to the California Superbike School or a Ride Like a Pro clinic (or at least a click through to Amazon.com for some books on riding techniques).

Posted by: Billy on 2010-03-11, 06:41:03

Best thing you could ever do in this situation, is take the MSF course. They'll teach you everything. Mine was a 3-day course (friday night, saturday & sunday mornings) and it only cost me $350 in Virginia, and my wife took it in Maryland for $175. You'll get to ride their bikes, and use their helmets. So the only thing you'll need to pay for is the class itself. Successfully completing the class will give you your motorcycle license. I think it's your best bet, because if you do this and end up not liking riding motorcycles, then you only wasted $175-$350, instead of buying a $5000 motorcycle and hating it.