I am thinking of learning how to ride. The jackass I was dating had 8 bikes, but wouldn't ever teach me to ride, so I am thinking of doing it on my own.
Does anyone know anything about motorcycles? I don't know how to start.
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I am thinking of learning how to ride. The jackass I was dating had 8 bikes, but wouldn't ever teach me to ride, so I am thinking of doing it on my own.
Does anyone know anything about motorcycles? I don't know how to start.
Awesome. That is very cool, wish I could help but I dunno anything about 'em.
I know that you have to start with small ones and the gradual go on to bigger bikes so you wont smash your brains cause its harder to feel speed on big machines.
Thanks guys. I am not sure if it is best to start with a cruiser, or a street bike. I don't think I would consider anything too sporty - I am not interested in leaning so far forward.
I do! Rode one for years, will be getting another one soon, I hope.Quote:
Originally Posted by vashti [Dear Guest/Member you have to reply to see the link.click here to register]
Start with your local MSF course. www.ca-msp.org
I never took the course, but I sat in on my ex's class when she took it, and they teach a VERY good course. After riding for 10+ years prior, I actually learned something.
I suggest a small (250-500cc) used bike to start. Pay cash for it, when it's time to step up, you can usually re-sell it for what you paid for it. I say this because it's probable that you'll drop it a time or two. If you do it with a small bike it's easy to pick up, and you won't care so much about scuffing/denting it.
A lot of people think a 600cc sportbike is a good starter - it's not. That's sort of like trying to learn to drive in a Ferrari... the power-to-weight ratio is nuts on those things.
I'll post more if you want, or you can PM me.
"Drop" it? Do you mean fall off? Am I supposed to expect to fall off?
When you talk about 250-500 cc, are you talking about a dirt bike?
Not necessarily, no... but during low-speed maneuvers parking and stuff it will likely get away from you once or twice, and even a small bike is hard to hold up once it gets past the balance point, though it's easier to pick up once you get off.
Other things happen too, like not getting the kickstand fully settled and the bike falls over, or something.
It's just likely that once or twice while you're learning, the bike will tip over. It's a normal part of the learning process, nearly everyone does it.
No, though there are some enduro bikes (street-legal dirt bike) that are good for that sort of thing.Quote:
Originally Posted by vashti [Dear Guest/Member you have to reply to see the link.click here to register]
I was thinking more like a Ninja 250, 300 (new replacement for the 250) or a Honda Rebel or some such.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/mcy/3725863231.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/3752655085.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/mcy/3747846187.html
Like those?
Here's a couple of lists with some good beginner's bikes. Personally I would avoid anything bigger than 500CC's:
http://www.adventureseeker.org/thrill-seeker/10-great-beginner-motorcycles-to-get-you-started/
http://motorcycles.about.com/od/howtostartridin1/tp/Ten-Great-Beginner-Motorcycles.htm
One thing: Shop your gear first. That way you don't over-spend and then be unable to afford decent gear. I'm an ATTGATT (All The Gear, All The Time) guy... I'd rather sweat than bleed.
This is a good site to buy gear from - their prices are very reasonable, and they frequently have good deals. Don't buy online without trying on at a shop first, particularly helmets, not all helmets fit all heads, even when they're the right size.
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/
Yes, yes and yes. None of those makes a crapload of power, none of them weigh a whole lot.Quote:
Originally Posted by vashti [Dear Guest/Member you have to reply to see the link.click here to register]
Ooo... that Ninja 500 - avoid it. It's got a salvage title, price is way too high.
Oh, BTW - women on motorcycles are dead sexy by default. :)
I've never seen a woman on a bike.
In OC?! That's freakin' weird.
Vashti - is this near you?
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/mcy/3738034980.html
Those are great little bikes. Heck, I'd jump on that if it were near me.
i would want to learn how to ride a bike too! i can only ride a bicycle. haha
I've only ridden a motorcycle once when I was in elementary school, but my uncle has one. He said that it's essentially the same as riding a bike, except heavier. As long as you find your center of balance, I think you should be okay, but, again, that's all what I remember from him telling me (He was trying to get me to learn to ride even though I don't know how to ride a bike).
Your uncle was um... minimizing stuff so you'd try. A heavy bicycle is 30 Lbs... a light motorcycle is 400lbs. There's a vast (Vashti?) world of difference between them.
Vashti, if you can drive a manual transmission car, you've already got a good start. Just need to learn to shift with your foot and clutch/throttle with your hands, LOL.
Do they teach you to do this in a course? Someone told me today that I should already know how to do the basics before I take a class, only I don't have anyone to teach me.
Yes, they do.
I wish I were somewhere nearby, I'd love to help you.
It's harder if you don't already know, but an intelligent person can do it. Knowing what your profession is, you're more than average-bright so you'll be fine. Pay attention.
Lots of nice bike riding in new mexico!
But...why?Quote:
Originally Posted by vashti [Dear Guest/Member you have to reply to see the link.click here to register]
Riding one require alot of upper body strength. Maybe that is why you haven't seen many women on motorcycle.Quote:
Originally Posted by Love'sReject [Dear Guest/Member you have to reply to see the link.click here to register]
Wrong. Dexterity yes, strength, no.Quote:
Originally Posted by fearoflove [Dear Guest/Member you have to reply to see the link.click here to register]
Do it Vash. Go, go, go. I'd do the course with you if I lived closer.
I am feeling a need to do something that will challenge me, distract me from my love life, my lawyer, my daughter's health issues, and give me a thrill. My kids aren't little anymore, so I don't think it's irresponsible, and my youngest sister rides, and she loves it. If she didn't live in another state, she would teach me.Quote:
Originally Posted by fearoflove [Dear Guest/Member you have to reply to see the link.click here to register]
Indi - I wish you DID live closer. i would love to have a girlfriend to ride with.
If you do it and decide to take a road trip, come up here next summer. Or this one, depending how skilled you get.
It's like owning your own roller-coaster. It's the most fun you can have with your clothes still on.Quote:
Originally Posted by vashti [Dear Guest/Member you have to reply to see the link.click here to register]
Tell me you're joking! I never ceased to be amazed at the difference between countries.Quote:
Originally Posted by Love'sReject [Dear Guest/Member you have to reply to see the link.click here to register]
In that case, I don't think I'll be that quick to try it. lol Damn...I never thought of them as being that heavy, but it makes sense now that you bring it up. :SQuote:
Originally Posted by HeartIsAching [Dear Guest/Member you have to reply to see the link.click here to register]
Good luck, Vashti! Let us know how it works out?
He only lives an hour from me, and I see it often enough.Quote:
Originally Posted by basilandthyme [Dear Guest/Member you have to reply to see the link.click here to register]