The Best Bike To Learn On Might Not Be A Motorcycle At All

"Peter Monshizadeh" (practicalenthusiast)
08/11/2015 at 10:15 • Filed to: Learning To Ride, Starter Bike, Vespa, Motorcycle, Lanesplitter

100

It’s a question as old as the pursuit of riding motorcycles itself. “What bike should I learn on?”

The resulting opinions are as numerous and diverse as the questions that triggered them. Sometimes, a specific bike is mentioned – typically of the lower displacement variety. Other times, the question is met with an adamant preach for taking a motorcycle rider training course. Both can be correct, but at the same time be met with their respective downsides.

Enrolling in a motorcycle rider training course is arguably the best and safest way to get started in motorcycling. Simply put, you pay a fixed amount and they will provide you with first hand riding experience on low-cc motorcycles while at the same time providing you with a book-load of riding safety tips. Upon its successful completion you will be typically granted your motorcycle driver’s license endorsement.

The problems that arise when considering this method are scheduling and confidence. The classes, at least in my area, are three days and are offered Thursday through Saturday. It runs around $200 and spots fill up quickly. If you’re working a full-time job, it can be hard to justify taking a couple of days off for this. Confidence plays another big role in taking the class. Going in without any previous experience of riding a motorcycle can really get the nerves going. The thought of jumping in the saddle for the first time in front of all of your classmates turns many people away. (Image courtesy of VIP Motorcycle Cover)

It is possible to overcome these preliminary nerves by getting some first-hand riding experience before you take the class. If you’re lucky, you know of a friend who has a light, small-displacement machine with battle scars that they would gladly “teach” you on. By this, I mean learning clutch engagement in a wide open parking lot. Of course, in a perfect world, you would do this with full riding gear to protect yourself from the inevitable low-speed tip over when you lose your balance due to killing the engine by letting the clutch out too fast. Unfortunately, back here in the real world, this isn’t always an available option.

The solution to this problem may be more accessible than you think; your quest to learn to ride might not actually involve a motorcycle after all. The key to motorcycling mastery may just start with:

A Vespa.

A Vespa? Yes –an old, beat up, Vespa.

The word Vespa has become as analogous to scooters as Kleenex has become to tissues. While this relationship may be more fitting for the modern Vespas that you see around, it certainly shouldn’t be applied so haphazardly to the older stuff. By that, I mean pre-1981 (USA market) models of the iconic Italian machines. We’re talking the cutesy, brightly colored, small framed, 50cc-of-two-stroke-fury wonder bikes.

Many people inside of the USA are not aware that these little machines are more closely related to a motorcycle than a scooter. You see, modern scooters are the automatics of the two-wheeled world. They utilize CVT-style transmissions that allow the most clueless of riders to take the helm. The braking systems are set up just like a bicycle, where each handlebar lever operates the front or rear brakes. It is simplicity in a complete package. This is not what actual motorcycle riding is like.

On the other hand, older Vespas have hand-operated clutches just like a motorcycle. They have four speed manual transmissions just like a motorcycle. They have a hand operated front brake and a foot operated rear brake, just like a motorcycle. They require a medium of skill to operate, just like a motorcycle. They are extremely light, forgiving, small and not intimidating – unlike a motorcycle. On paper, it starts to shape up as an excellent starter bike. But how would I know?

The Hunt

On our second date, I took my girlfriend out for a motorcycle ride. I had determined she displayed a genuine interest in motorcycles so our dating could continue. At the time I had a 2003 GSX-R 1000 (that I still wish I hadn’t sold), which is such a polarizing bike that when ridden as a passenger, will either make you hate the thought motorcycling all together, or turn you into a bike nut for the rest of time. She fell into the latter group. It wasn’t long before the inevitable happened. “I want to learn how to ride!”

Well, crap.

There wasn’t a bike in the stable that would be a good instructing tool – they were all of the liter bike variety. It had been years since the last time I had a small-ish bike. We talked about her enrolling in a motorcycle riding class, but alas, her schedule wouldn’t permit it at the time. So began the search for something with two wheels that was cheap, humble and indestructible. It wasn’t but three days when the perfect teaching companion came forth; an orange, slightly battered, non-running 1979 Vespa 50 Special.

It was a one-owner-since-new Italian gem that came with all records and manuals. With only 1700 miles on the clock, it was exactly the sort of machine that you want to buy. It had been a few years since it had last ran but the engine turned over. The pressed-steel body work was scratched and dented but I felt it attributed to the little bike’s charm. The battery was flat and so were the tires – a test ride was not in the cards. Then there was the price - $700. A decent price if it were running, a bit steep if not. I offered $400 but the seller turned it down. I really wanted the little guy but I had to be realistic about the purchase. As I headed back to the car, the owner had a change of heart. He knew it was going to a good home. With the exchange of four large bills, I loaded the lightweight into the back of the 4Runner and headed home.

Simply getting the bike running was objective number one. As it turns out, it didn’t need much. After installing a new 6 volt battery, changing the transmission oil and filling it up with a fresh tank of premix gasoline, it started right up. However, plenty of work needed to be performed before I would trust it in the hands of my girlfriend.

On went new white-walls and tubes to replace the original hard and cracked tires. I took the opportunity with the wheels off to scuff the brake pads and drums and lubricate the hinges and cables. While there, I repainted the wheels and replaced all of the wheel hardware.

Most of the electrical system wasn’t operational; the headlight worked but that was about it. I replaced all bulbs with new 6 volt units, which, by the way, you probably won’t find locally. I had to visit Ebay to source them. The brake light wasn’t working but it turned out the handlebar brake switch was out of adjustment – an easy and free fix. The front shock wasn’t doing much in the way of damping so that was switched out for new. After a good amount of cleaning, the little Vespa was ready for its first go-around of the block.

I have never ridden a more cheerful machine. In terms of fun, it puts larger machines to shame. What other bike can you crack the throttle wide open, run through all the gears, and still not approach the speed limit? Not many that I know of. Burnouts and wheelies are not in this bike’s future – at least in stock form. The antiquated brakes and suspension certainly take some getting used to, but are adequate for this size of bike. The seat height allows for the shortest of riders to firmly plan both feet on the ground while at a stop. It is amazingly easy to ride and the clutch is very forgiving – exactly what I was hoping for. The little motorino was ready for its first day of school.

Old School

While the little bike was ready, its student wasn’t. Event with a small unsuspecting machine like this, you still need to give a few pointers as to what all the levers and buttons do. After about 30 minutes of instrument and mechanical systems familiarization, I felt that my girlfriend was ready to hit the road. I hoped not literally.

When learning to ride a motorcycle, the first obstacle to overcome is clutch engagement. This can be quite a difficult thing to master properly on a full-sized bike. But on a Vespa? Piece of cake! After about 10 linear stops and starts she had it down. While she is a quick learner, I would have to attribute some this to the Vespa’s light and forgiving clutch. You hardly have to mix any throttle in while letting the clutch out. Literally, the bike is so light that if you were to just let the clutch out all by itself, the engine would not die - it would just start off with or without you at a leisurely walking pace.

From here we proceeded to learn about stopping, utilizing the front and rear brakes independently. If you can figure out how to brake effectively on this, you’ll be a braking master on any other bike. The old drum brakes do not lead themselves to smooth operation. Next up was learning to shift gears. Vespas have an interesting and unique shifting mechanism. Instead of shifting with your foot like on a motorcycle, a Vespa requires you to rotate the left handlebar to select your next gear; think Wal-Mart 18 speed bicycle. Pull in the clutch, rotate the wrist, chunk , and there you go – you’ve found the gateway to 28 MPH.

She was really starting to get the hang of this little bike. I started to teach her how to negotiate turns and before I knew it, she was doing figure eights! It might not sound like much, but if you’ve never before ridden anything self-propelled with two wheels, it’s an exciting and life changing event. You start the day as a nervous wreck and you end it feeling like a pro. She was hooked. The Vespa even came away with a name at the end of the day – “Orangey.” How original!

Friend for Life

The now aptly named Orangey had just transformed my girlfriend from a motorcycle passenger to a motorcycle rider-in-training. Sure, there was still plenty for her to learn about riding than could be possibly learned in one day on a Vespa. However, the foundation for riding technique had been laid. Not only had my girlfriend’s desire to ride a motorcycle been realized, she now had the confidence to take on the riding class.

Learning to ride can be a confusing and expensive proposition. All of the opinions out there expressing how to learn properly can only add to the conundrum. This story was not meant to dissuade anyone from taking a motorcycle riding training course – quite the opposite in fact. It was meant to bring to light a solution that can solve many a would-be rider’s dilemma: Building confidence without expectations or commitments. A little Vespa can pay dividends in terms of laying a solid foundation for riding. Over time you may outgrow its mechanical limitations, but you’ll never outgrow its charm. You’ll come to realize that sometimes, the best motorcycle to learn on isn’t a motorcycle at all.

DISCUSSION (100)

450X_FTW > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 10:21

Perfect learning bike

Kinja'd!!!

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 10:39

Nah, we all know that the GSX600R is the best first bike because it helps evolution along.

Racescort666 > 450X_FTW
08/11/2015 at 10:41

Kinja'd!!!

Peter Monshizadeh > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
08/11/2015 at 10:56

An unfortunate truth.

Peter Monshizadeh > Racescort666
08/11/2015 at 10:57

Just when you thought a Gold Wing couldn't get better looking...

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:04

I almost can’t believe how many people get Gixxers for their first bike. People know I ride, so ask me. I’ll tell them to get a used Ninja 250. They complain that it’s not big enough, so go straight to the fucking superbikes. Of those people, only one hasn’t been down yet.

Peter Monshizadeh > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
08/11/2015 at 11:08

Well, you gave them good advice. Let 'em figure it out the hard way I guess!

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:13

Yep. 600cc engines for go-karts? 600cc go-karts!

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
08/11/2015 at 11:30

BUT BRO IF YOU DONT GET A LITERBIKE RIGHT AWAY YOURE WASTING TIME AND MONEY JUST GET YOUR LTIER BIKE AND YOU WONT CRASH IT CUSE YOULL BE SARED AND JUST BE A PUSSY WITH IT UNTIL YOU CAN GET ON THE GAS

505 - morphine not found > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:34

...and now I want one. Damn!

HateBox > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:40

Truly any bike you can get your hands on is great for learning. Being on two wheels with 50cc’s is far more fun than 4 wheels.

Peter Monshizadeh > HateBox
08/11/2015 at 11:41

Very true! Although I wouldn’t recommend a superbike.

CalBearsFan99 > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:42

Shame that the 125cc and 250cc scooter/bike things I see all over S.E. Asia aren’t here, they’d be perfect and don’t look wimpy.

heelcameltoe > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
08/11/2015 at 11:43

First car I drove manual on was my buddy’s 700+ horsepower 98 cobra. We didn’t have to cover shifting to second for some time

My X-type is too a real Jaguar > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:44

I learned on an orange Honda CL175, not quite simple as a Vespa but the same principle, not powerful enough to reach ludicrous speeds all the functions of a bigger bike. Small is better when learning.

450X_FTW > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
08/11/2015 at 11:45

That’s why I love Europe. Need a special license to get a bigger bike

Kinja'd!!!

AuburnSpeedster > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:45

Honda Grom

http://powersports.honda.com/2015/grom.aspx

PooveyFarmsRacing > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
08/11/2015 at 11:46

My first bike was a Honda CBR 929...Got my liscence with it. Took it easy for the first year and a half of riding. Took maybe three years before I was really going all out on it but I never had a single problem.

2 Wheels awesome! > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:46

NO, learning use the gears and clutch properly is important. A shit box scooter does not teach you anything about shifting on a motorcycle.
Best bike to learn on? The one they give you at the rider safety course. After that, whatever cheap motorcycle you can get a hold of that will last you a few years.

Pending Approval > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:46

OBJECTION!

Get lucky and find yourself a YSR 50, and then take it racing.

Then after the motor blows and your technical know how goes up, swap in a xr 100 motor, or a chinese 200cc honda clone and lulz to be had.

Kinja'd!!!

Dubblewhopper > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:46

Naaaw, this is the bike you learn in:

skurdnin > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:47

I taught myself how to ride (took the safety course about a month later) on a $1000 Nighthawk 250 that I got a year out of. Sold it for $1050. I’d recommend this route to anybody if they get the chance, as it’s a real motorcycle that still incredibly easy to ride. I’d been on minibikes and stuff but had never worked a clutch before.

Keith Moon > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:47

I learned to ride on a 100 cc Kawasaki back when I was 12 (and did not live in the US). It was almost perfect for me at that time. It would take forever to reach 45 mph, but you’d be insane to want to ride it any faster :P

UncleWalty > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:48

I’ve always said newbies should learn on a small dirt bike. Preferably in a nice open field with all the safety gear. Lay it down a few times, no biggie.

UncleWalty > Racescort666
08/11/2015 at 11:48

You should be banned for posting that pic.

GrannyShifter (don't judge my Hofmeister kink) > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:49

Going in without any previous experience of riding a motorcycle can really get the nerves going.

If you’re that prone to nervousness or that worried about how you will be perceived in a class of strangers also learning to ride, you really shouldn’t be riding a motorcycle or a scooter on public roads.

move-over-peasant-I-have-an-M5-in-the-shop > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:51

Kinja'd!!!

that sad, shocked face. It reminds me strongly of Mr. Bill about to be squished. In the facial features and expression, not color/shape/etc.

dp455 > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:51

Dirt bikes are the way I learned. My Suzuki DS80 was a perfect learning tool. Not too big or too fast, but certainly fast enough to command respect.

dp455 > Dubblewhopper
08/11/2015 at 11:53

I just watched this last week.

wætherman > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:53

My first two-wheeler was a Honda Elite 150. It was unabashedly uncool, but honestly it taught me about handling a bike without needing to focus on shifting or dealing with a lot of weight. It also made it super easy to get a motorcycle license - it’s almost unimaginable that the same license I got riding that scooter would later be used to pilot my Kawasaki K1000. Anyway, point is scooters can be fun and cheap and don’t need to be stepping stone to a larger motorcycle, but they are an excellent way to get started on that path.

previouslyprommie > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
08/11/2015 at 11:53

Increases the supply of organ donations too.

Justin Hughes > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:55

Kinja'd!!!

It even worked for this guy.

thirstforspeed > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:55

i always loved those old school vespas. when i found out how the shifting worked, it was like a revelation. so much low speed fun.

on a related note, how awesome would it be to have a Ruckus, but build it with the Grom powertrain and a clutch + hand-shift mechanism like an old Vespa? Wouldnt that be wild?

NickR32 > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:56

I learned on a 50cc crappy Chinese knockoff scooter, later upgrading to a crappy 125cc Chinese scooter. Neither ran very well, but when they did, I started to get why people like motorbikes along with some basics of control. The most important thing was that I was able to experience faster-than-bicycle speeds on something that wouldn’t buck me if I was careless about throttle input.

I also took a rider’s safety course before going to a big-boy motorcycle. The course does teach a lot of practical things like low-speed maneuvers but is very lacking in learning how to deal with traffic. I suggest riding early on weekends or in low-traffic areas long before navigating to work during rush hour.

The best thing I did with my learning experience is take everything slowly. I have only ridden consistently for a bit over a year now, but the difference in confidence and control is pretty amazing.

Mangooey > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
08/11/2015 at 11:57

Man, I almost bought a GSXR600 as my first bike, but from your experience, it seems like a good idea that I didn’t! Luckily, I found my R6 for a better deal, but had I known, I wouldn’t have looked at those Gixxers in the first place!

drock905 > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:57

I really think the best bike to learn on is a cheap used dual sport.

I feel like a Vespa would get you interested in riding but you would develop bad habits that would carry over to your first motorcycle.

I would recommend a Suzuki dr200. They can be had for under $1500 easily. It has just enough power to not be scary on fast non highway roads, costs nothing to insure, you won’t care when you drop it, it’s light, and you can sell it for what you bought it for.

Kinja'd!!!

AnotherHobby > UncleWalty
08/11/2015 at 11:58

That’s how I learned, way back in 8th grade. It was 100cc enduro, in a wide open field out in the country with some friends.

j250ex > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 11:59

Learned to ride on a Honda trail 110 then moved to my first real bike. A Honda nighthawk 250. Gave me a lot of good experience and taught me how to ride. It was definelty underpowered but when your that green that's the best you can ask for

buckfiddious > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:02

I’m just gonna toss this out there, but maybe, just maybe the best bike to learn on might be a bicycle?

getting used to front and rear brakes? check. Getting used to a very different seating position? check. Getting used to being a lot more vulnerable in traffic? check. Getting used to turning by leaning instead of turning a wheel? Check. Getting used to having a butt-load of controls in your hands? check. Getting used to the idea that you might want to wear different clothes, shoes and a helmet when riding? Check.

Decades of riding a bike made me a much better motorcyclist. Just sayin’.

VoOnTheGo > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:03

Yes, but how will you take your license test if you die from embarrassment?

m > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:04

Where do you live? I’ve taken the MSF course a couple of times in a couple different states. It’s always been an order of magnitude cheaper than you state or totally free, offered Friday evening through Sunday, and began with riders literally getting pushed by hand on a non-running motorcycle to ease newbies into the feel of it. Basically, it’s set up to totally avoid every one of the problems you mentioned with it. It’s an excellent course (as you noted), but it sounds like the organizers in your area are really screwing it up in ways that discourage people from picking up riding. That’s a real shame.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Racescort666
08/11/2015 at 12:05

What even is that?

Peter Monshizadeh > drock905
08/11/2015 at 12:06

That is a good option! In some states (maybe most?) insurance isn’t required for vehicles under 50ccs, so the ease of entry could be preferable.

User1312 > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:06

I’m a huge proponent of taking a class. But your points are valid. Still, if you have a friend (such as yourself, a moto blogger) that knows how to ride and ride well, that’s honestly just as good. The Vespa? Sure, it’s a good learning platform. I personally dislike the feature that makes a scooter a scooter: the lack of a gas tank to hold onto. But it is what it is. And the Vespa is unlikely to lose any value at this point, so bonus!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:07

Great write-up! I’m by far a car guy more than a motorcycle guy...would probably kill myself on anything too powerful, but I’ve often thought I might enjoy puttering around on a scooter - cheap efficient, but still fun transportation! Classic Vespas (and modern Vespas...) are really expensive around here. You see a lot of the modern ones for sale for not that much less than brand new prices, and the classic ones have shot up in price as collectors snap them up. Most of the old cheap scooters you see around here are mostly Honda - ‘80s Elites and Mascots.

Peter Monshizadeh > Pending Approval
08/11/2015 at 12:08

Ohh man those are sweet. But aren't they kind of expensive?

bob and john > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:08

you, i kinda of agree and I kinda dont.

I totally get where you are coming from. learning the ins and outs of 2 wheels vehicles. BVut at the same time, riding a step-through scooter doesnt have the same mechanics as a bike (in terms of what you can hold on to. Gripping the tank with your knees is a big enough part) not to mention the totally different controls between a scoot and a full sized bike.

But I do get the basis of wat you are saying. The way we teach is that we get the students to push each other for a little bit first and see how similar it is to a bicycle. then we work on clutch control and move on from there

mrbwa1 > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
08/11/2015 at 12:11

I learned a Honda Trail 90. The Ninja 250 was my introduction to Sport bikes. I still say they are some northernmost fun you can have, wringingnthebthunkoutbto 12 or 13k and still staying at legal speeds.

Disclosure: I still have a trail 110 absorbing that the Honda trails are one of the Best bikes ever. Throw it on the back of a truck or camper and you are set for most any terrain.

KazVH > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:11

I ride a 865cc trimuph, and there are days I yearn for a 150cc Vespa or scooter.

Vin > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:13

Hey, guy.

When you hear about a motorcycle riding school in the DC area that uses old Vespas, come on down to claim your share of the profits.

Brilliant idea. Not even joking.

FN-2187 > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:14

You know a lot of people would have payed to have watched the small rebuild of the vespa, I want to get into motorcycle riding but nobody know has one and not many people are willing to help someone learn from scratch, papa preferred newspapers and computers to his children haha

Jakehopter > drock905
08/11/2015 at 12:14

Dude yes. This was my first bike at the age of 15. Sure I’d ridden from the 5 year old me in a Yamaha 50cc, then to a 75cc, then finally my first 125 2-stroke by about 12 or so. Finally at 15 my dad got the above bike for me once I got my M license. Then in 2 years I was riding his GSXR1000 and the ZX-14. It’s about knowing your limits and being comfortable with the power, because you don’t need to use all of it.!

Peter Monshizadeh > Vin
08/11/2015 at 12:15

Thanks Vin!

PissReekingOcelot > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:16

I learned how to ride on a 1999 Yamaha R6. That bike started out twitchy (also known as awesome), and was made more so by a sprocket conversion. Just picture 125 lbs. of lanky mid-20s woman trying to learn how to clutch and accelerate on that. Fun times.

But when I took my license exam, I figured it all out. Got a friend’s wee little Yamaha TW200, and I was an instant pro. Sure, the tires aren’t great on any surface other than dirt roads, but the super low seat height makes it amazingly maneuverable. Just right.

Hammerdown > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:17

I took the MSF class and they were using small (125cc) dual sports and the little baby 250 Kawi cruisers. They also had a couple of Ninja 250s. All are great bikes, and I totally get the point of the Vespa. However, what’s the long term plan on it? Basically, it’ll be too slow to actually do any riding faster than 50 mph. So you have to buy another bike?

Not that you asked but I’m telling you my story anyway. I did the MSF class and then wanted to start riding right away. The only accessible bike was my dad’s 1978 KZ1000 LTD, which are crazy heavy and crazy powerful. That’s what I learned on when I was 16 until I found a $800 1983 Honda Shadow 750. I don’t recommend the KZ. I do recommend the Shadow.

Peter Monshizadeh > VoOnTheGo
08/11/2015 at 12:17

The embarrassment wears off quickly once you realize how much fun you are having!

Drive-able > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:18

Dirt bike. Because if you can’t ride off-road; you probably shouldn't ride on road

Xkjacob > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:19

Yea, our riding instructors, after we qualified to take the DMV test, take all the qualifications with a scooter.

Good fucking god.

The scooter was so much better.

Chasaboo > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:19

In my MSF course there was a newbie and he could barely keep his balance and work the brakes and gas. He had just bought a Ducati 848. I nicknamed him to the other riders in the course “Dead Meat”.

StndIbnz, Drives a MSRT8 > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
08/11/2015 at 12:19

Eh, my first and only bike so far is a Yamaha R6. I did just fine and still am. Depends on the rider I think, you really need to respect the bike. It scared the shit out of me for about 6 months before I started to push a little bit. Still love it and wouldn’t have changed a thing.

Bubba68CS > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:20

Uh, you don’t have to take off work to do the MSF course unless you work nights and weekends...its a few hours at night, then during the day on weekends...

At least thats the way it was when I took it a few years back.

Pending Approval > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:20

yeah, a titled one anyway.

I’ve been lucky and never paid more than $500 for one though ( untilted ) and the process to get them road legal was more than the cost of racing, so I went racing instead.

But a 50cc 5 speed 2-stroke? yes please.

Daveinva > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:20

Translation: the perfect bike to learn on is an exceptionally rare garage queen that doesn’t act or handle much like a bike at all. Sheesh, Marie, they can’t ALL eat cake!

Just suck it up and take the class. Easiest way to spend good money.

AfromanGTO > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:20

Kinja'd!!!

So do you still have the Vespa?

Pending Approval > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:21

bikes are opposite of cars, the smaller and slower they are, the more fun they are.

Vin > Racescort666
08/11/2015 at 12:23

Y u do dis :-(

Pending Approval > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:23

My racer, stock engine, half the size, 10x the fun.

Kinja'd!!!

Peter Monshizadeh > bob and john
08/11/2015 at 12:23

I agree that they are quite different platforms. But at the same time, a lot can still be learned with an old Vespa that will translate to a full-on motorcycle, ergonomics aside. That being said, I always advise new riders to enroll in a riding course.

Vin > drock905
08/11/2015 at 12:24

I’d use the Vespa to progress to (and eventually test on) this. Vespa could go very far to build confidence and clutch feel.

Peter Monshizadeh > Pending Approval
08/11/2015 at 12:25

That thing is awesome. Do you race on kart tracks?

towman > drock905
08/11/2015 at 12:26

Might be too tall for vertically challenged new riders, don’t no a the DRZ 200, but the 400 is tippy-toe territory for me at 5’10.

UncleWalty > AnotherHobby
08/11/2015 at 12:27

That’s about the same age I learned. Believe it was an 80cc Husqvarna. Old school.

Pending Approval > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:28

yeah, TexasMiniGP, 150cc and under. Most of the people are full size bike track dayers and casual racers who put slicks on their kids dirt bikes. but there are a few who have dedicated mini track bikes, 85cc two strokes all hopped up and can easily hit 70mph+ on the shifter tracks.

Mine is slow, but still tons of fun, and some of the cheapest racing there is.

crash red hot > 450X_FTW
08/11/2015 at 12:28

Indeed. I’ve got my kids on a CRF50. Lots of fun for dad, too.

AyeAyeCapn > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:29

I learned on a 2008 Ninja 250, so obviously the correct answer here is “2008 Ninja 250”

Kinja'd!!!

d3c509b aka Steve > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:30

Kinja'd!!!

dem 20s

ztatum > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:30

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. If you can not ride a bicycle with competence in city traffic, you are most likely not ready for a motorcycle.

But, I never considered a vespa as a stepping stone; very good suggestion.

Peter Monshizadeh > AyeAyeCapn
08/11/2015 at 12:31

That's a good option!

Peter Monshizadeh > ztatum
08/11/2015 at 12:32

Very good point. If you can't handle bicycle, you don't stand a chance.

Ed > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:33

Amen. All of my “students” start on my paddock scooter Zuma on the grass, then a TTR125 in a parking lot, and THEN a Ninja 250 in a bigger parking lot.

Peter Monshizadeh > Ed
08/11/2015 at 12:34

That is a perfect progression!

theparttimegoon > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
08/11/2015 at 12:34

It’s really not that bad... 250s are dangerously slow on the highway

KMK90 > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:37

I disagree, this is the best starter bike

Kinja'd!!!

Tohru > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
08/11/2015 at 12:38

I rode dirtbikes for a long time. My first bike was a 1981 Honda CB900C that I traded a Ford Bronco for (still miss that truck). I was never super-comfortable on it, so I sold it and got a used Ninja 250.

Tohru > bob and john
08/11/2015 at 12:40

See, I figured you’d be chiming in because she’s wearing normal jeans (gasp!) and tennis shoes (double gasp!!).

MTY19855 > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:40

Riding something with no power lulls riders into a false sense of security the first time they get onto something real. Try out a sport bike after learning on a Vespa, yank the throttle like you’re used to and you’re on one wheel.

TigerWolfe > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:40

So, I’m fairly comfortable riding as I’ve dirtbiked for years. I plan to still go through a course before I ever get a road bike though. But here’s where I run into an issue, I don’t need a bike to learn on, I need one I’ll fit on. I’m 6’2”, so I’m a “tall” guy. But here’s the kicker... I’ve only got a 28” inseam. Using the tools at cycle-ergo.com there are bikes I can’t even reach the pegs on (all in the chopper/Harley style, so not a huge deal cause I don’t want one of those), but similarly on a lot of the smaller bikes I’d look like this ridiculous towering monstrosity. I’m thinking something like a Super Tenere, but I don’t know how viable it is to lower the ride height on those.

NipperDawg > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:46

If I like the person, i tell them go ride a bicycle for a few months daily in traffic. Its a safer way to learn how to play in traffic, and notice how badly other drivers really do drive. You learn waht to look out for, who sees you, who doesnt.

justinwjames > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:47

This is how I learned. It's really great. They are light weight and more forgiving as you're learning.

drock905 > towman
08/11/2015 at 12:48

The dr200 has a 31.7 inch seat height that gets even lower when you sit on it. Yeah the drz400 is 37 inches I think, way too tall for a beginner rider in my opinion

TheHondaBro > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
08/11/2015 at 12:50

HOW DARE YOU SUPERBIKES ARE THE BEST FIRST BIKES BECAUSE THEY SO COOL AND PEOPLE RACE THEM GRRRRRRRRRR GO KILL YOURSELF GDSJIGNJUDISOGNFJIDSNGJIONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Tohru
08/11/2015 at 12:51

And to think that the CB 900 while 900cc, is an old cruiser, so is much slower than a gixxer. And that’s after dirt bikes anyway. I don’t think that a gixxer is necessarily a bad idea for someone who grew up on dirt bikes and is now riding on the street. Probably still a bit big, but it’s not going to be as foreign or alarmingly fast as it would be to someone who has never been on a bike before, which is the case most of the time.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > TheHondaBro
08/11/2015 at 12:52

Kinja'd!!!

Collin > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:57

For a lot of people, it sounds elementary, but the best motorcycle to learn on in the beginning is a bicycle, not anything with an engine. Even if you rode bikes growing up, it still helps to spend a little time pedaling around and getting used to how a bike handles. Once you’ve got that down, then move to something with an engine.

Yes, a motorcycle is heavier than a bike and moves under its own power, but it’s also way less intimidating to practice braking, taking corners, and all that when you’re on something more familiar.

Once you get used to doing it on a bike, hopping onto your first motorcycle will feel a lot like riding a heavy bike, just with less pedaling.

syaieya > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:58

Around where im at a vespa by name is almost a status thing. Ive never heard of one go under 4 figure numbers. And while ive poked at the idea of them thats a lot of money for not much bike

RocketJsquirrel > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 12:59

Yes, The first motorized two wheeled vehicle I ever rode was a Vespa. After watching my friend ride it around, I hopped on board and promptly shot down the drive, across the lawn and into the bushes. The valuable lesson here is before you learn how to go make sure you know how to stop. I went on to own a Honda CB160 (nearly indestructible),several more Hondas and six BMWs in progressively larger displacements. I wish I still had my R100RS (preped by none other than Reg Pridmore) sigh.

TheSpeedAddict > Peter Monshizadeh
08/11/2015 at 13:01

Trying to define the one true “best bike to learn on” is like trying to define the best size shoes to buy; it’s definitely not the same for every person.

I started on a 1980 CB650. Once I got it running for more than a few seconds I jumped on it and went for my first ride. Being on a bike immediately felt natural and within 30 seconds I had completed my first u-turn on a narrow neighborhood street without so much as a wobble. I passed the riding test about a year later on a 1000rr and have now been riding for over 8 years with no incidents (I did graze the last cone on the slalom but passed easily and was only the third rider to do so out of 20+ attempts that day). Personally, I could have started on the 1000rr and I would have been fine.

On the other hand, I have friends who have been riding for years but still aren’t as comfortable as I was on that first ride.. I’ve also seen more than one person with over a year of practice fail the riding test miserably on a small scooter; those people shouldn’t ever be allowed to ride at all.

EtrnL_Frost > Racescort666
08/11/2015 at 13:05

Starred because the pained comments that follow are delicious.

QADude > Racescort666
08/11/2015 at 13:06

My parents recently had a Goldwing with a trike conversion until they sold it.

TheChafing > AyeAyeCapn
08/11/2015 at 13:09

I learned on a 2006 so I agree in principle, except they really need to offer a naked version that doesn’t get damaged if you drop it.