Tip's Needed from Motorcycle Riders
 

Hey all,

So I think I want to eventually buy a bike next summer, but don't know to much about the process of getting a license/learning. I'll probably take the written exam, but I don't really know where to go from there. I don't really know anyone with a motorcycle to teach me. Do I buy a bike first? Are there classes I should take/required? What's a good bike for someone just starting out? (I kind of like the Hond Rebel) What's a realistic overall budget for someone who just wants to get started? I'm hoping around $4k will be enough.

Thanks in advance.

Take a rider class at the local community college.

They'll put you on a 250 for a day of training and a day of riding, and you'll complete both tests and walk away with your license. It's usually <$200 and gives you time on a bike before you make a purchase.

The bike question is very open ended, and depends on what you want. $4k is plenty if you're going used and comfortable working on your bike.

:iagree:

IMHO the basic rider class is a must for a rookie.

Take an MSF course for sure. You can find locations on this website.

Also, check out the Honda CBR250r and the new Kawasaki Ninja 300. Both would be great bikes to start on.

A lot of usefull info. Thanks guys.

The riding courses are your best bet if you have the time and money to invest in them and they help lower your insurance rate on whatever bike you end up getting with most insurance companies. With that said you can also buy a bike and learn in a parking lot. I learned on a 750cc cruiser in basically a big parking lot at the old fair grounds with my dad instructing on various maneuvers when I was 16. I will say invest in the proper riding gear as there are only two types of riders.

I am selling my 2006 CBR1000RR if interested :stirthepot:

Probably not the best starter bike though.

Definitely take the rider course. That's not a bad idea even for someone who already knows how to ride. You can't learn too much.

I would hold off buying a bike until afterwards though. You will learn on a 250cc Rebel or something like that. Small bike, small crash. Big bike, big crash. But the truth is after taking the rider course, your use for the Rebel will pass. Don't get me wrong, they're great little bikes, but you will out grow it in a month and wish you had a little more power. Not that you want to set the world on fire, but you do want to be able to get out of your own way. The same goes for small import v twin cruisers. Very low power and they're out grown in a hurry. IMO the best beginner bike of all time is the 90's and up Honda 750 Magna. It's a 750cc V 4 cyl that has enough weight to feel like you're actually riding something. They're agile, been around forever so they're cheap and if you keep the RPM's below 5k they're as doscile as a kitten. Above 5k, hold on. That's something you can grow into and not be too worried about putting it down until your experience level comes up some. If you're driving a Z, sooner or later you're going to want more power and there's nothing wrong with that. But there's no reason to have to buy two or three different bikes to do that.

Just my 2 cents. Good luck with it. Always glad to see someone else on a bike..:)

I took the rider course this past August..itwas the best thing! I learned so much and you ride the bikes inclass all day! it was well worth my $$

The Honda 750 Magna was my first bike and what I learned on besides riding dirt bikes growing up.:tup:

I had one in 98 and had a softball at the same time. Taught my son to ride on the Magna and never regretted it. We both ride Hayabusa's now. If a little is good, then a lot must be better, right? :)

What style of bike do you want?
The 2nd gen SV650 (03-08) is a great starter bike and you can get them under $4k.