"Old Red Wagon" (wr10)
03/14/2016 at 14:49 • Filed to: None
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"Old Red Wagon" (wr10)
03/14/2016 at 14:49 • Filed to: None | 0
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I shouldn’t get ahead of myself. I’m considering taking the safety course and acquiring a motorcycle license then purchasing a bike. I’ve never been on a motorcycle. I cycle A LOT and have ridden in all kinds of traffic on a two wheeled machine that’s been powered by my own legs so I’ve been in some pretty sketchy positions.
Will having thousands of miles on a road bike help the learning process on a motorcycle? Any tips? Don’t know if I should buy a used, cheap beater to start with then buy something nicer or go all out from the start.
The bike will be added to my stable, current rides are a MK7 GTI and an E30 Touring.
d15b
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 14:56 |
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Now would be the time to buy, before the weather starts to get really nice and temps (and bike prices) rise!
Wacko
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 14:57 |
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yamahog
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 14:58 |
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If you know about countersteering and how to operate a manual vehicle then that puts you ahead of the curve, but definitely take an MSF or similar course if you have ones available near you. They should provide motorcycles so you don’t have to buy one before taking the course.
The Ghost of Oppo
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 14:59 |
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Riding a motorcycle is all about situational awareness. You constantly have to be on the look out for everything from 18-wheelers to small animals to wet tar snakes. So yes, your motorless two wheeled experience will serve you well.
Judging by your cars I would guess you know how to drive a stick so between knowing how that works and your biking experience, you should have an easy time learning a motorcycle’s transmission.
As far as buying a bike, I would recommend going with a used bike. Brand new beginner to mid level bikes depreciate pretty fast and nothing is worse than dropping your brand new bike in a parking lot. Now how old and how much mileage is up to you. If you have lots of wrench experience and are open to the possibility of unreliability then you have lots of options, but if you want something reliable I would say look for something a few years old with a couple grand on the odometer.
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Old Red Wagon
> yamahog
03/14/2016 at 15:02 |
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I will definitely be taking the safety course. Riding safely is priority for me and anything I can learn regarding that I will take advantage of. I do know about counter steering and both my cars are manual so no problems there.
just-a-scratch
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 15:02 |
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YES. DO IT.
Pedaling yourself around in traffic really gets you used to the worst stuff. You’re invisible to lots of cars and you have minimal protection.
The MSF course is really a good way to get acquainted with basic operation of the machine, and maybe even get a license. Some states and courses include the license exam in the course. It’s kinda fun if you’re new.
As for tips, start small-ish. Start with something you can drop and not feel bad about it. There is a good chance gravity will have its way with the bike.
An older bike in good shape is likely to retain value. If it’s not too much worse when you sell it, you might get the full purchase price back later. That’s what I did.
Don't just buy some cheap gear to get started. Invest in your gear. Good riding gear makes the whole experience much more enjoyable, and safer.
Gone
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 15:02 |
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Well, I’d assume you’ve learned about weight distribution, balance, and countersteering, so it’s a good start.
Buy good gear, with whatever money you have left, buy a small CC cheap bike that’s been maintained. Take the MSF. Ride alone in low traffic areas, then start playing traffic. Be smart, ride smart, don’t show off, and keep your head on a swivel.
I ride 5k or so a year (via pedals). But all my real experience came from dirt bikes.
Party-vi
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 15:02 |
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Ride a scooter first. It’ll help with the throttle response you get on a bike.
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Old Red Wagon
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 15:11 |
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Thank you to all the replies so far. I have learned a good amount about weight distribution, counter-balance riding my bicycle. Riding a bicycle approximately 8,000 miles in Los Angeles my situational awareness is probably as high as it’ll ever get haha.
I should probably run this by my wife as well, I’ve mentioned to her in the past that I wanted to get a bike and she was not a fan.
jminer
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 15:12 |
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The bicycle experience will help, but they are different. You’re already used to being out in the elements with nothing between you and traffic.
One serious question: where do you live? That has a large impact on the bike availability, riding season, and local culture.
Since you’re already used to a light bike I would recommend a dual sport. Something in the 250cc class. They’re usually findable in the $2-2500 in good running condition, take abuse well, will do the highway and get excellent gas mileage. One warning is that you’ll be able to pop a wheelie from a stop without thinking about it.
I’m not a atgatt guy (dons flame suit) but definitely buy a decent helmet, jacket, and a pair of gloves. You don’t need to spend $2k before you ever throw a leg over a motorcycle, spend $2-400 and it’ll keep you safe and you can upgrade to what fits your needs better once you get the hang of it.
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Old Red Wagon
> jminer
03/14/2016 at 15:15 |
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I currently live in San Antonio which kind of sucks because drivers out here are some of the worst I've experienced. People here are completely oblivious when they get behind the wheel of a car.
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jminer
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 15:19 |
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That’s a good location for riding because of the weather. You should also be able to find other riders fairly easily and see how and what they ride.
I live in STL and can only count on a 5 day week of riding weather (no rain/snow, above 40 degrees) maybe 3 months out of the year. I can ride 2-3 days a week another 6 months, and then depending on our winter the bikes get put away for about 3 months.
I’ve started sneaking in riding days in late Feb this year, but 38 on a naked bike traveling the highway is cold!
mycarneverruns87
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 15:48 |
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If I were in your shoes I would most definitely take the course as others have suggested. They provide a great environment to learn the basics. You will quickly know that you either love it or hate it.
Once you have your license and are ready to get a bike I HIGHLY suggest getting a cheap used lightweight bike to start on. An enduro dirt/road bike in the 250cc range would be a good place to look beyond the typical Ninja 250, Buell Blast, Honda Rebel, and what not. An enduro is more flexible to changing riding conditions and allows you to play around off road to continue building your skill. As a seasoned rider I still would not buy a new bike as there are so many killer options out there in the used department for much less money. I especially would never get a new bike as a new rider.
Whatever you get, make sure it is comfortable as you will be able to remain alert to oblivious drivers instead of your aching back, wrists, neck.
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mycarneverruns87
> jminer
03/14/2016 at 15:49 |
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Man I live just north of STL and can attest to the weather you described!
bob and john
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 15:52 |
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motorcycle instructor here:
yes, riding a motorcycle is like riding a bicycle. you know how to rtide a bicycle? your 70% of the way to a motorcycle.
now, does this mean you should get all cocky about it? no. your still straddling 300+ lbs of metal
yes, buy a beater/beginner bikes first.
tips? on what? gear? the bike? how to ride?
gear: you dont need to buy a 2K one peice and 600$ arai to start off with, but DO budget something for gear.
helmet: always buy a NEW helmet. you never know what previous life its lived and how bad the styrofoam is on the inside
jacket: get a proper motorcycle jacket. fashion leather is TERRIBLE for riding. actual bike leather is treated diferently and is tough and hard, not soft and plyable.
pants: heavy denim jeans will work for a bit. none of that strechy shit though, thats bad. you want something thick
boots: boots. not shoes. Id stay away from work boot b/c of the steel toes, it takes away from of the feel of the shifter
BIKE: stay under 500CC and newer then 10 years old for your first bike. this more or less keeps you off of anything that could have been neglacted or is too powerful
how to ride: like others have said, take the MFS course. its the best way to learn.
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jminer
> mycarneverruns87
03/14/2016 at 16:21 |
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Oh yeah, it’s brutal at times. I’ll still usually ride a couple days atleast every month of the year, but my 25 mile(one way) highway commute is rough below 40.
Decay buys too many beaters
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 16:38 |
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Buy a beater, ride it for a year, and make sure you like it. Then buy a bike you really want (I’d still recommend used) based on what kind of riding you want to do.
Sidenote, buy a 250, poeple say they are slow but most people are morons. A decent 250 will get from 0-60 just as fast (or faster) than your GTI while feeling twice as quick.
TheOnelectronic
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 16:41 |
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I’ve ridden a few bikes, currently ride a 1200cc literal Monster of a bike.
We got a Ninja 250 in the shop a few months ago and I took that out. Even being a beat up, poorly-running example, it was still lots of fun. Don’t worry about a bike being “too small” since you’re not up at 7000 feet or anything (which is why I have a bike that is, frankly, terrifying at sea level.)
I’m also going to join the chorus and say don’t skimp on gear. It took me a few times to get it right, but my current setup is extremely armored, breathable, more comfortable than most street clothes, and virtually indestructible. Not being hot and sweaty, and having a helmet that keeps your head cool makes a huge difference.
Oh, and depending on what speeds you plan to be riding, get ear plugs. You’ll need them much above 50mph. It will drastically cut down on fatigue and has the added bonus of not causing hearing loss.
In my opinion, you don’t even lose situational awareness because without the roar and buffeting of the wind, you can much more easily pick out the sounds of nearby vehicles. I know I can hear my engine better with plugs in.
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Old Red Wagon
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 16:46 |
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Great info in here, thank you for all the input. After some quick research it seems a used Ninja 250 might be the way I go if I do go through with getting a bike. Finding 2009+ models in the 2k range, look to be in good shape with pretty low mileage on some of them. I will definitely not skimp out on gear, staying alive is priority haha, so buying the right gear so I don't end up six feet under is key.
450X_FTW
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 16:52 |
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cycling will help, but only a little bit. Learning to balance on a 10, 15, 20 pound road bike is a lot different than learning how to balance on a 400, 500 pound bike.
If you know someone with a dirt bike, start there. Learning how to ride on the dirt, open field, is the easiest way to learn possible. No hazards, and dirt hurts a lot less than pavement. Also dirt bikes are made to take a beating so if you fall over or crash riding in a field, the damage will be minimal if any.
Seriously though, learn to ride before taking your class, it will make it much easier.
If you can drive a manual that’s also an advantage. You at least understand the concept of clutching, shifting.
Mmmmm
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 17:17 |
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Definitely do do the MSF course. You get to learn all the basics and on someone else’s bike. Then if I were you the first thing I would do after the MSF course when you have your bike is go to an empty parking lot and get up to 20-30 mph then try stopping as fast as you can. And I wouldn’t recommend using the rear brakes, just the front. That will be taking up all your focus by itself and if you really are using all the front brake available to you, it won’t take hardly any rear brake pressure to lock the rear wheel. The hardest part about learning to emergency brake is grabbing the brake quickly but smoothly. When you are first starting out slow=smooth and quick=forcefully which is going to end badly either way if you really need to stop haha. But, with practice you can grab the brakes fast but smoothly and get that bike slowed down with confidence. Like everything else it takes practice and I think a lot of people don’t know how hard they can squeeze the brakes or what the sensations are. Trying to stop before hitting a car that just pulled out in front of you isn’t a fun time to go into uncharted territory:).
BobintheMtns
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 17:21 |
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Your biking experience will help A LOT. Just being familiar with how to conduct yourself in traffic with cars, as well as understanding the grip limits of the front tire in curves and wet roads.... you’ll be way ahead of the curve (haha)..
And regarding getting the atgatt gear mindset— I, for a looooong time, was a “I’ll just be mellow and careful so I can skimp on the gear” type of guy. But after a couple of 2 second mistakes that took 3 months to heal.... I’m now a believer. Look on craigslist. I scored a nice armored jacket and leather pants for under $100 total there. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to get some gear. As it’s been said, an ounce of protection is worth a pound of flesh....
DynamicWeight
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 18:01 |
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I got into motorcycles after riding bicycles for a long time. A motorcycle feels like you’ve suddenly got super legs! As a bicycle rider, I think you’ll really appreciate a smaller lighter less powerful motorcycle... because compared to your legs, you’re going to feel like you have infinite power. Eventually you’ll move to higher displacement machines, and those are fun too, but nothing beats a 70mpg flickable fun machine.
For instance, I have a CBR 1000 RR in the garage, but when I was in a shop I took out a ninja 250 for kicks. I have to say, I FELL IN LOVE WITH IT. SO much fun. So stable. So easy to bang through the gears. You’ll find whatever it is thats your style. Just ride the heck out of everything. Good luck!
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DynamicWeight
> Old Red Wagon
03/14/2016 at 19:25 |
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2K is very standard for a 250 ninja. If you have a little bit more, also check out a Yamaha WR250R. A friend had one and it was super fun! I’ve been riding for years and I’m still looking to snatch one up as soon as I find a nice one.
AdverseMartyr
> bob and john
03/14/2016 at 21:01 |
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Were you including 500cc in there? (Because a GS500 twin is a decent first bike.)
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bob and john
> AdverseMartyr
03/14/2016 at 21:26 |
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yes, 500cc and under.