good "learning" motorcycle?

[XcumminsX]

Id really like to start riding. My Grandfather, dad, and uncle do. And have all there lives. Id really like a motorcycle so i could ride with my family, i dont have any friends who ride yet, and most likely if they did theyd get the jap crap. I dont like those bikes id want something like a harley (wont be able to afford a harley). My grandpa used to have a Vmax back in the day and i loved that bike i think it was a 92'. any recomendations for a good "learning" bike. Please no flames saying i shouldnt ride.



Nick

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

The biggest thing to remember is that you've never ridden so don't think you know everything because the rest of your family rides and go out and buy a big bike. An inexperienced rider does not belong on a Honda 919 or a Harley 100+ horsepower bike. An inexpensive bike to learn on would be something like a Honda XR or Suzuki DR, they actually handle great on the road and are light and nimble. Then after many miles of experience you could step up to something like a Buell if you want sporty but not Japanese.



If you do start to ride be very cautious, even with headlights on riding a red bike with a bright red jacket I probably average one person per 200 miles that either pulls out in front of me or just about pulls out in front of me but stops just in time. In one eighty mile ride one day I had 4 people pull right out in front of me.



When I got my bike license I was in Maine and up there they required you to take a state approved AMA safety course to get your permit and I am glad they did, even though I have been riding since I was about 6 or 8 I learned alot, take an AMA safety course even if it's not required. It will even make you a better automobile operator because you'll think about the guy on the bike more than you did before.

 

[bighammer]

What do you suppose would've happened had you been on a bike instead of in your truck when that knucklehead in the Jeep showed up?



I know you didn't want this kind of post, but my suggestion is to get more time driving and see how STUPID some drivers are befroe you jump out there with no protection. I nearly killed myself on a bike (at about your age) when somebody pulled out in front of me. I've thought about a bike, but Lisa's (my wonderful wife) stories of the corpses and amputated mangled parts that she sees on a regular basis (along with the brain-dead actions of a high percentage of drivers) keeps me from it.



On the right roads, at the right times, it would be a blast. For everyday transportation it's risky.

 

[scootergmc]

Your term of "Jap Crap" is interesting seeing how you "love" the V-Max. Coming from someone who's never ridden before. Nice contradiction. Take a poll of the broken down bikes you see on the side of the road. Note the manufacturer. I saw 3 last weekend. All Harleys or a derivative.



If you really want a bike, get one. You will always have people saying it's unsafe and unwise. Take the MSF course. If you're into sportbikes go to a track and do a couple of trackdays. Awareness is the best safety feature on a bike. But since you appear to be in the cruiser market, I would look for a mid to late 90's Yamaha Virago. They're cheap, reliable, easy to maintain, and comfortable. I believe they came in four different powerplants 250cc, 535cc, 750cc, and 1100cc. Good luck w/ your decision.

 

[Grand Creek]

Ive ridden bike for 18 years now on the street. never laid one down or been in a accedent. Love them, i would never be without one. Few things to do like Turbo Tim said take a course for bikes. then get any bright color jacket you like, preverably with reflective tape sewn into it. buy a bright bike not black cause its cool. Always asume none else can see you. When you stop in traffic stop to the left of the car infront of you and watch your mirrors till two cars stop behind you. If you park to the left you can shoot past a few cars if someone behind you isint stopping. Somewhere in there learn to enjoy riding also. Its great way to relax once out on the highway. Always wear your helmit and jacket. even when its 90 above wear your jacket. The pavement doesn't get softer when its 90 above and if you ever hit it you will be amased at what a good jacket will do for you. .

 

[jmeehan]

Check out http://www.beginnerbikes.com . I just found this site yesterday. I hope to be in the market for my first bike next spring. I'm looking into the BMW F650 right now. I'd prefer a dual sport bike, that I can do some traveling on if I get the urge.

 

[Forrest]

Great question Nick. One angle is get ahold of the nearest motorcycle lesson / certification agency. Sometimes thru the police station. They'll give you an angle.



Check your "inseam" length -vs- seat height. It's a real pain trying to touch the ground on your tippytoes while learning.



On the engine side, I'd go with a 4 stroke, big single or twin. Lotsa torque so you don't have to rev it way up & jerk with the clutch. Just thinking out loud, 750 twin or so. Something that you could take out on the road, with good acceleration, & not be afraid of getting run over.

 

[jponder]

I agree with Tim, I got a old 83 xl 250 honda for my son to learn on and he loves it, $400 bucks and he was rolling. I ride a KLR 250 and it is light and gets 65 MPG in the city plus I rode it on the beach in the water with my nephew and he loved it. Get you a cheap dual sport light bike and once you put 1K miles are so decide what kind of bigger bike you want, sell your bike and get you a big old heavy hog.



I may get a big bike one day but I like my little 250lb KLR. I do look kinda funny when I pull up to a bar.

 

[bighammer]

Seems to be really good info here. A class/instruction is a great idea.

 

[JConley]

Gota love it... Someone who has never ridden a bike, and already has the impression that anything other than a Harley is jap crap.



You might want to change your attitude.



#ad

 

[Jeff Clark]

I bought a 01 Yamaha V-Star 650 for my wife to learn on. It's perfect. Weighs in at around 450 and sits low enough that she can stand flat-footed with both feet. Doesn't really have highway legs, but she won't get out on the highway. Paid 5000 for it used with 7300 miles on it, and if it gets dropped a few times I'm not out that much. We both took the class. She finished third behind me and another guy in riding score and actually scored higher than me on the written test.

 

[PSU-CE]

Has anybody ever had a Hondamatic? I had a '76 CB400 with the Hondamatic transmission (two speed automatic), that bike was indestructible. My CB360 was also a good bike. After 20+ years they never leaked oil or needed major repairs, unlike alot of new H-Ds.

 

[XcumminsX]

Thanks alot guys. I was actually looking into the v-star. My dad had a custom softail a couple years ago i wish that was still around . He sold it for a custom bike with a hot rod engine in it now hes selling that for a chopper

 

[XJSuperman]

I'm just wondering how many times he'll change his mind on what to do with the bike (provided he even gets one) like he has with his truck.

Which iteration are we on now Nick?



And clarify your wording "Jap-crap"... . blow it out your ear. yes. . Harley makes good bike... . BUT new Harleys are about as American as my dodge (which was built in Mexico like a lot of newer Harleys) If you don't like the "crotch rocket" style of bike then say so... but they are far from crap.

I bet my wife and I's yamahas are equal to if not better than any comparable harley... . and we paid MUCH less for them than even 'lesser' harley's. I've ridden a 1200 sportster AND a new fuel injected fatboy and I'll take my roadstar 7 days a week over either harley(or any Harley for that matter). Now again... not knocking HD... but quit talking out both sides of your butt when you want advice.



I 2nd the V-star (or the older version being the virago). I started on a honda rebel 250 which my wife inherited, then a Yamaha v-star 1100 and now my 1700 roadstar. My wife now rides a 650 v-star custom and it is great for her and would also make a terrific 1st bike for someone who is taller than her.

 

[XcumminsX]

I dont think i am being understood... . by jap crap i meant something like the ninjas, cbr's, etc (the real fast ones... ) thats what my friends would want, not a cruiser like i am interested in. .

 

[jponder]

Originally posted by PSU-CE

Has anybody ever had a Hondamatic? I had a '76 CB400 with the Hondamatic transmission (two speed automatic), that bike was indestructible. My CB360 was also a good bike. After 20+ years they never leaked oil or needed major repairs, unlike alot of new H-Ds.

I had a 79 CM400T honda and my buddy had the same year in a hondamatic, it was a CM400A, he hated it... weak as hell I mean I would walk off and leave him and he couldnt even catch a good wheelie. His dad bought it for him thinking it would be safer, it was slower. It still killed him in 1981



Him and my best friend on the back, been partying and he never let off the throttle till he went through the T and neck was broke when he hit the sign on the other side.



Matter of fact that is not the only friend that died on a bike, oh well I still ridem, just keep your eyes open

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I'd get a Honda if I were you...



They're respected as being the most refined, reliable and balanced out of all the other Japanese makes... .



Matt

 

[Shovelhead]

Originally posted by XcumminsX

I dont think i am being understood... . by jap crap i meant something like the ninjas, cbr's, etc (the real fast ones... ) thats what my friends would want, not a cruiser like i am interested in. .

The term for that style bike would be "Crotch Rocket"... ...



Ed

 

[scootergmc]

The term for that style of bike would be "fun. " But I'm biased.

 

[XcumminsX]

JAP CRP CROTCH ROCKET