Advice on first bike?

zodiaque · Dude where's my Car? Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 602

I'm considering getting a motorcycle, although I am not to sure how serious I am about it yet.

What would be a good first level to intermediate bike to buy used? I was thinking along the lines of a 250 trail or if possible, a small cruiser or semi cruiser. I am not too big a fan of sport bikes, I prefer the cruiser style the most.

If I decide to buy it I intend to keep the bike a while unless it is easy to obtain a replacement with a larger engine, so if possible a larger engined bike may be preferable. Bear in mind that I am not of small build and should be able to handle a slightly larger than entry level bike when I start to ride.

What sort of price range will I be looking at? It can be a semi decent bike that would need a little work too I guess, once the mechanicals run well.
Any advice welcome on the subject, because like I said, I am totally new to this.
Thanx
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zodiaque · Dude where's my Car? Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 602

Anyone?
I'm thinking a trail is good to start off with, 250cc? would that be a good choice?
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MG Man · Posted: Thu Jul 27, 2006 9:41 pm Post subject:

first off.................WTA? all dem cars waitin to be fixed--up an u wanna bike? grrrrr
for under 20k u cud get a nice 400 sportsbike
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zodiaque · Dude where's my Car? Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 602

^Future plans, lol, fer real, lots of cars to fix here Shocked

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NarendZORCE · Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 2:09 am Post subject:

Riding tips from Suzuki

Buy a helmet! Most states now have helmet laws. Even if yours doesn�t, it�s a smart idea to cradle your cranium in a top-notch helmet.

Wear proper gear. Leather jackets and pants provide excellent protection against wind and scrapes; gloves offer insulation and warmth; a helmet with an eye shield prevents bugs from flying into your face; and boots are far superior to dress shoes, running shoes or sandals for riding on your bike.

Don�t forget to outfit your motorcycle with a fairing �� these can catch bugs, rocks, pebbles and other debris from the road that could hit you in the head, neck or body.

Perform periodic pre-ride check-ups of your motorcycle.
� Daily: Check gas and oil levels, the brakes, mirrors, horn, lights, nuts and bolts. Carry a
well-equipped tool kit for just-in-case emergencies.

� Weekly: Check that the drive chain and cables are properly tuned and lubed.
Check tires for wear and air pressure.

Don�t zigzag between lanes. While it�s tempting to squeeze between stopped cars by straddling lanes, it can lead to bumps, bruises and wrecks.

Watch your speed. Obey the basic laws and you�ll be safer.

Always drive defensively. Remember that a motorcycle is NOT a car, so you don�t have doors and bumpers to protect you from other vehicles.
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NarendZORCE · Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 2:21 am Post subject:

Many people say it's best to learn on a dirt bike first, like a Yamaha DT250 then go up to a midrange sportbike like a 600cc then finally up to the big boys. I hear there are 400cc ex-racer bikes that can be had cheap from Japan that will run a 600.
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Drags, Circuit, Solodex, Rally, Karting, the Shows, the Girls, the Car you drive...
ZORCERs done know... the speed lifestyle magazine in the Islands, ZORCE
Click to hear it >> http://www.zorce.com/fortheforums/Zorce15NEW.mp3
Download & SEE iT! >> http://www.zorce.com/fortheforums/Zorce-15.mp4
...........................................................
Oh Yeah! Feel the Rush, it's like... WOW!
May the (Mass x Acceleration)-F+Z be with you...

MG Man · Posted: Mon Jan 01, 2007 5:02 pm Post subject:

^^^I disagree
he could learn on a nice 400cc sportsbike
he have the height to balance it well
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Quickbits · ZORCE-PowerSeller Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 2

Depends on the style of riding you intend to do, and your physical size

Usually a mid-size bike is a good starter, like a 500-600cc.

You will note that I stayed away from mentioning the 400cc as parts can be hard to get locally.

You could give me a call and I will put you on to "salesmen" Very Happy

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MG Man · Posted: Tue Jan 09, 2007 6:26 pm Post subject:

^^^^ I will close my eyes and follow any advice this man gives
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cacasplat3 · Posted: Wed Jan 10, 2007 2:43 pm Post subject:

i wanted to start riding as well.....well actually learning to ride. i'm getting a nice 200cc trail for about $13,000 new
i'm not of large built like zodiaque, so bigger bikes would be harder to learn with.....cuz i'm only 145lbs Sad

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solo · Jedi Hopeful Joined: 09 Nov 2005 Posts: 249

You will get fed-up of a 400 in no time. forget it. If you know how to ride already but you're no road expert go directly with something bigger...600cc and up. (watch the clutch on those newer model bikes, you fan it too much and you front is up in the air!) If you have no idea how to ride buy something very cheap first..dt 175 for ah lil $3000.-$6000. get the feel first then go for bigger. My neighbour is selling his 400 ninja right now because he is usually at max throttle when the rest of us are just riding spirited. I own an '86 FJ1100, stage 1 jet kit, vance and hines exhaust, aftermarket coils, enough fire to be up front with Horsie with his zx10 and meh boys with their new R1's and gsx-r 1000's. Heavier bike yes, but better road feel and comfort for a 6ft-4 200 lbs negro who likes to blast.
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zodiaque · Dude where's my Car? Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 602

Thanks for the advice, may look to obtain one when I save some dough.
Btw, have you all seen those Triumph Legends? sweet bikes Cool

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MG Man · Posted: Sat Feb 03, 2007 1:12 am Post subject:

yeah boi, dey legendary
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NemesisEnforcer · Pumpum Conqueror Joined: 13 Aug 2006 Posts: 8

zodiaque · Dude where's my Car? Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 602