Any motorcycle riders in here?
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Tire Hater
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 681
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From: Laredo, Texas
Any motorcycle riders in here?
Well, I'm looking into getting a motorcycle pretty soon. I plan on getting a "crotch rocket" style, preferably in 600cc and under 5k (for a first bike, I know I'm going to lay it down). I was just wondering how many here ride?
I'm not talking a 24/7 deal (well, maybe for the first month or two) but just to ease my aching wallet with diesel bills, plus it should be an interesting experience. Also, can anyone point me in the direction of a _good_ motorcycle forum?
I'm not talking a 24/7 deal (well, maybe for the first month or two) but just to ease my aching wallet with diesel bills, plus it should be an interesting experience. Also, can anyone point me in the direction of a _good_ motorcycle forum?
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 116
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From: Englewood, CO
sportbikes.com is a good place. Check out the new rider forum.
The basic advice you will get is this. Get (insert what ever bike they ride here) or a SV650. Make sure you set aside enough money for gear. Figure at least a thousand dollars on PPE(personal pertection equipment) leathers, gloves, boots, helmet things of that nature. You should at the minimum have a leather jacket, gloves and Helmet for gear and you can wear jeans and a basic pair of work boots, but remember that the more you spend on gear the less you spend on skin grafts.
I started off riding on a cbr600rr, dont really know how a lived through that its more bike then a newbie should be on. But I am hooked now, cant ride on the street only the track, just cant go fast enough (and still be legal) on the street. I would recommend a Honda for a sportbike. Two reasons for that, they have the same rep that the Cummins has, bullet proof engine. Very crash worth bikes and if you get a F4i or F4 there are parts readily available for it if you do crash and for cheep. The other reason is that hondas are much more stable then the other bikes I have ridden. Good luck and feel free to ask me any more questions you might have.
The basic advice you will get is this. Get (insert what ever bike they ride here) or a SV650. Make sure you set aside enough money for gear. Figure at least a thousand dollars on PPE(personal pertection equipment) leathers, gloves, boots, helmet things of that nature. You should at the minimum have a leather jacket, gloves and Helmet for gear and you can wear jeans and a basic pair of work boots, but remember that the more you spend on gear the less you spend on skin grafts.
I started off riding on a cbr600rr, dont really know how a lived through that its more bike then a newbie should be on. But I am hooked now, cant ride on the street only the track, just cant go fast enough (and still be legal) on the street. I would recommend a Honda for a sportbike. Two reasons for that, they have the same rep that the Cummins has, bullet proof engine. Very crash worth bikes and if you get a F4i or F4 there are parts readily available for it if you do crash and for cheep. The other reason is that hondas are much more stable then the other bikes I have ridden. Good luck and feel free to ask me any more questions you might have.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,988
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From: Nebraska
I wouldn't get on a bike if you are thinking about crashing it, and you should not get a racing bike if you are going to misuse it. Death is pretty hard to come back from, being paralized is even harder. All the leather in the world can't save you when you slide down a guard rail @ 80mph and are cut open like a fish. I've been riding bikes for over 30 years. I've never put one down. When you get on a motorcycle you need to get it in your head right now that you a target and you are NOT going to get hurt. Drive defensively. Never speed when there are cross streets or curves. You are NOT a motorcycle racer. You are an organ donor with an open donation date.
Harsh? Try being in your parents shoes (or wife) when the cops walk up to their front door and say "I regret to inform you".
Harsh? Try being in your parents shoes (or wife) when the cops walk up to their front door and say "I regret to inform you".
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 89
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From: VA
I've been riding motorcycles all of my life. Started with dirt/motorcross/enduro bikse and then street bikes once out of college. I now race with my RC51 and ride on the road with a KLR650.
Some good advice:
1. Start with a smaller bike. The Suzuki SV 650 is probably one of the best starter bikes out there for people that don't want to start any smaller (like a EX250 or EX or GS500). The SV has plenty of Torque and HP to get you out of trouble but not so much to put you into trouble. You can also get either a standard or a half faired SV so if you are going for the Sport Bike look, the half faired SV is a nice looking bike. The new 600 class sportbikes have the same HP ratings as liter bikes from just a few years ago. They can get you into trouble fast.
2. Take the MSF course. Helps reduce insurance costs. Gives some decent instruction (some of which I don't agree with but that's just cause I'm hard headed). The course itself is cheap and doesn't take that much time and for most states, allows you to get the motorcycle endorsement without having the hassle of going through a DMV rider test.
3. Ride with other knowledgable motrcyclists. Stay away from squids (kids wearing flipflops and shorts while riding). You will learn more from other people than you can realize.
4. Always ride with the proper equipment. Full face helmut (snell and DOT approved), full height boots, full gauntlet gloves and preferrably leathers (top and bottom). I have crashed enough times to say that leathers and proper equipment will save your life. If the cost of leather seems high, just remember, leather is cheaper than skin grafts.
5. Do some track days with organizations like NESBA or Sportbike Track Time. You will learn more from doing track days than years of street riding. you will find out what your and your bikes limits are without the dangers of street riding.
6. Get a dirt bike and hit the trails. Sportbike riders always ask how they can become faster. My first question is "have you ever riden a dirt bike?". You need to feel what its like spinning the rear and locking up the front and rear and doing this on the dirt will give you lots of skills that you can take to the street.
Good luck and have fun!
Some good advice:
1. Start with a smaller bike. The Suzuki SV 650 is probably one of the best starter bikes out there for people that don't want to start any smaller (like a EX250 or EX or GS500). The SV has plenty of Torque and HP to get you out of trouble but not so much to put you into trouble. You can also get either a standard or a half faired SV so if you are going for the Sport Bike look, the half faired SV is a nice looking bike. The new 600 class sportbikes have the same HP ratings as liter bikes from just a few years ago. They can get you into trouble fast.
2. Take the MSF course. Helps reduce insurance costs. Gives some decent instruction (some of which I don't agree with but that's just cause I'm hard headed). The course itself is cheap and doesn't take that much time and for most states, allows you to get the motorcycle endorsement without having the hassle of going through a DMV rider test.
3. Ride with other knowledgable motrcyclists. Stay away from squids (kids wearing flipflops and shorts while riding). You will learn more from other people than you can realize.
4. Always ride with the proper equipment. Full face helmut (snell and DOT approved), full height boots, full gauntlet gloves and preferrably leathers (top and bottom). I have crashed enough times to say that leathers and proper equipment will save your life. If the cost of leather seems high, just remember, leather is cheaper than skin grafts.
5. Do some track days with organizations like NESBA or Sportbike Track Time. You will learn more from doing track days than years of street riding. you will find out what your and your bikes limits are without the dangers of street riding.
6. Get a dirt bike and hit the trails. Sportbike riders always ask how they can become faster. My first question is "have you ever riden a dirt bike?". You need to feel what its like spinning the rear and locking up the front and rear and doing this on the dirt will give you lots of skills that you can take to the street.
Good luck and have fun!
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,309
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From: Smithfield, VA
Let me repeat what a Ca. state trooper told me as he was writing my first reckless driving ticket. "There are only two types of motorcycle riders; Those that have been hurt and those that are going to get hurt. Which one are you? 
Honda Sl 350, Harley Sportster, Kawasaki 900 Z1A, BMW 750S, Fat Boy. Dropped the Honda 15 times, the Sportster 3 times, the BMW once. Came close but no cigar on the others.
Honda Sl 350, Harley Sportster, Kawasaki 900 Z1A, BMW 750S, Fat Boy. Dropped the Honda 15 times, the Sportster 3 times, the BMW once. Came close but no cigar on the others.
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: VA
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Registered User
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Cheyenne Wyoming
I have been riding since I was a wee lad. At age 42, I have many thousands of miles under my wheels (well over 200K, likely over 300K). With that said;
Attend a motorcycle safety course!
Buy good protective gear! Do you really have a $50 dollar head/brain, if it’s worth more get a better helmet and WEAR IT!!
Be safe on the street. Ride like every car is trying to kill you (remember bumper cars at the circus, it’s no fun on a bike).
Keep your stupid stuff (fast riding, stunts, etc....) on the track, not the street. Your insurance, skin, and bones will thank you!
Don’t kid yourself, you will not save money on fuel by buying a bike. With insurance, maintenance, tires (a sport bike will eat a $250 - $300 set of tires in a few thousand miles, at least one set a summer if you ride often and hard), gear, bike payments, etc....... All that equals a bunch of fuel. your truck could get 5 MPG and likely not make up the difference.
Now if you are honest with your reasons to get a bike, and still justify it to yourself, then GO FOR IT.
Lastly, Life is a journey, enjoy the ride!
“You never see a motorcycle parked in front of a psychiatrist office”
Attend a motorcycle safety course!
Buy good protective gear! Do you really have a $50 dollar head/brain, if it’s worth more get a better helmet and WEAR IT!!
Be safe on the street. Ride like every car is trying to kill you (remember bumper cars at the circus, it’s no fun on a bike).
Keep your stupid stuff (fast riding, stunts, etc....) on the track, not the street. Your insurance, skin, and bones will thank you!
Don’t kid yourself, you will not save money on fuel by buying a bike. With insurance, maintenance, tires (a sport bike will eat a $250 - $300 set of tires in a few thousand miles, at least one set a summer if you ride often and hard), gear, bike payments, etc....... All that equals a bunch of fuel. your truck could get 5 MPG and likely not make up the difference.
Now if you are honest with your reasons to get a bike, and still justify it to yourself, then GO FOR IT.
Lastly, Life is a journey, enjoy the ride!
“You never see a motorcycle parked in front of a psychiatrist office”
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,749
Likes: 4
From: Cypress, TX
I've been riding since I was 9 years old (I grew up in the country - with a Simplex Automatic!!). My first road bike was a new 1963 Honda 305 Super Hawk, so I've been riding awhile. I now have a 2003 BMW K1200GT and a 1971 Honda CB750K1 that I bought new (it has 8800 miles).
As others have said, take the MSF rider safety course. If it's your first bike, start with something conservative (I've seen too many new riders die on crotch rockets). Always wear the proper safety equipment. And ride defensively - you'll soon learn that you can stare a car driver dead in the eyes, but they will still pull out of that side street right in front of you.
Rusty
As others have said, take the MSF rider safety course. If it's your first bike, start with something conservative (I've seen too many new riders die on crotch rockets). Always wear the proper safety equipment. And ride defensively - you'll soon learn that you can stare a car driver dead in the eyes, but they will still pull out of that side street right in front of you.
Rusty
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 542
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From: Salem, Ohio
Having put some miles on straddling a tank, I can second the ride defensively motion. I do not wear helmets, do wear shorts and loafers, but I am very cautious when others are on the road. To me the thrill of acceleration is diminished when I think about someone pulling out in front of me. Be careful, get to know the bike, and enjoy. When you are comfortable with the bike is when it will bite you, so be careful.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 156
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From: Irvine
I have been riding for 25 years, started in the dirt, and moved to street when I was old enough. I still ride everyday to work, but have given up on the crotch rockets. I ride a dual sported XR650, and I can eat up just about any one riding a crotch rocket up a twisty road. Only the really good riders can pass me up. Then at the top of the hill I veer off in the to dirt trail with just as much confidence. I love riding!
If you are looking for a good starter rocket get the CBR600F4 it is a great bike and at a good price. You can probably find a used one for 4k or less.
As far a good sites, the best is to find out what bike you are getting then find a site that talks about that particular model. I know of tons of dual sport sites, but have not researched sport bikes in a long time.
If you are looking for a good starter rocket get the CBR600F4 it is a great bike and at a good price. You can probably find a used one for 4k or less.
As far a good sites, the best is to find out what bike you are getting then find a site that talks about that particular model. I know of tons of dual sport sites, but have not researched sport bikes in a long time.
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small? or something to grow into?
All your concerns are a good ones. As I have told countless others. If you buy small (600cc) because you have rationalized that is all you need. Get ready for loosing some money when you sell it to get a bigger bike. (this was not meant to offend any 600cc purist that is a true racer) so buy a used one that won't loose much value if you decide to upgrade or buy a newer one in less than a year.
With that said, please realize as others have said never never never forget your bike will kill you no matter what size. The second you don't respect your bike it will bite you. Many of the wrecks associated with sport bikes are due to ego and drinking.
I rode in the dirt first and my first street bike was one that could definitely kill me (2003 Kawa ZRX 1200 with minor
modifications) This is a great all around bike. With practice you can keep up with many riders on curves and straight lines especially. I ride normally 300-400 mile days in comfort. Average 40 miles per gallon. Motorcyclist magazing called it "best bang for your buck" you can pick one up with less than 10k miles for under $5K. Lots of torque so you don't have to work the gears to get it going (get out of the way of the guy changing lanes on you) I love it. I have 39k miles on it now and can't stop riding. It is addictive. Be ready to fall in love and never stop. It is a calculated risk, it is dangerous. Defensive driving can't save you all the time, 
Check us out at www.zrxoa.com
With that said, please realize as others have said never never never forget your bike will kill you no matter what size. The second you don't respect your bike it will bite you. Many of the wrecks associated with sport bikes are due to ego and drinking.
I rode in the dirt first and my first street bike was one that could definitely kill me (2003 Kawa ZRX 1200 with minor
modifications) This is a great all around bike. With practice you can keep up with many riders on curves and straight lines especially. I ride normally 300-400 mile days in comfort. Average 40 miles per gallon. Motorcyclist magazing called it "best bang for your buck" you can pick one up with less than 10k miles for under $5K. Lots of torque so you don't have to work the gears to get it going (get out of the way of the guy changing lanes on you) I love it. I have 39k miles on it now and can't stop riding. It is addictive. Be ready to fall in love and never stop. It is a calculated risk, it is dangerous. Defensive driving can't save you all the time, Check us out at www.zrxoa.com
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally Posted by blown32
Don’t kid yourself, you will not save money on fuel by buying a bike. With insurance, maintenance, tires (a sport bike will eat a $250 - $300 set of tires in a few thousand miles, at least one set a summer if you ride often and hard), gear, bike payments, etc....... All that equals a bunch of fuel. your truck could get 5 MPG and likely not make up the difference.
“You never see a motorcycle parked in front of a psychiatrist office”
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 8
From: Charleston SC
Originally Posted by jumpinj
Great post
by TALKING IT UP to everyone you see with a bike. carry around a notepad, and talk to everyone you see on a scooter.
a circle of bike friends will usually have a "starter bike" that they sell to the new rider every 6 months. we had a CM450E that was owned by a half dozen guys in a year.
remember opinions and a-holes? everyone is WAY over biased towards their bike, and may not clearly see the benefits of the bike you personally like.
i'd go cheep, because riding IS A PAIN. you have to have gear, if it gets dark, you need a coat, clear glasses, if it rains you need..., if it's hot you need...
most folks don't realize how MUCH WORK it is to ride unless you have a system, and ALL the gear for the right conditions.
that's why you see tons of new bikes with ~1500 miles on them, they ride for a while, and the work of getting all the stuff takes away from the fun.
i haven't bought a bike now, because wife works with me, and we are going to the gym and really enjoying that, but without getting a Goldwing or other huge bike, we can't tote enough stuff (have to have full coverage on base)
get a cheep bike - ride for 6 months - then you will have a good picture (and feel the pain of new tires/ins/gear/helmets/weather) and know where to go from there.
with that said,
http://www.v-rodforums.com/
"fastest street legal competition with a 9.69@130mph but the BadRod bike pulled an amazing 246.4 HP on the dyno"
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: dfw texas
buy what you want, if you buy something else you will just want it more. i have owned more than 20 motorcycles, mostly sport bikes. i have had 900 ninjas, 1000 ninjas, gs1150es zuks, k1000 kaws with a mr. turbo kit and a fzr1000 yamahammer. they were all good tough bikes that i raced every chance i got. put more than 300,000 miles on the lot of them. but i am now and official old man, i turned 40 last birthday and i have since bought a harley tour glide[with radio and back rest and full luggage. and i even bought a ifs 4x4,3/4 ton dmax.
the motor cycle safty course is one of the best things you can do, i took it at 18 years old in the navy and i am sure it saved my bu++ more than a few times.
and i have a friend thats son bought a 600 honda f4 or what ever and has grown tired of it. pm if you want details. mike
the motor cycle safty course is one of the best things you can do, i took it at 18 years old in the navy and i am sure it saved my bu++ more than a few times.
and i have a friend thats son bought a 600 honda f4 or what ever and has grown tired of it. pm if you want details. mike