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Originally Posted By frozenny: Some background: I've got 20+++ years as a MSF Rider Coach.. unlike most coaches, I'm not a " coach four classes every summer" coach. Last year I coached 60+ MSF classes. Total student count somewhere in the 5000 +/- range .. The KLX300 is an ideal bike for a newer rider. Fun fact: even though I've got decades on bikes, I'll be adding one of those to my stable before Labor Day. Good choice. Suggestion: take an MSF Basic Rider Course. Ignore all the reasons not to. Just do it. Motorcycling is not golf. Mistakes are very expensive, very painful. Motorcycle riding is NOT intuitive. If you are self taught, or taught by your brother/friend/ neighbor, odds are astronomically high all they have done is pass on bad habits. Something like 96% of mc fatalities involve riders who were self taught or taught by family/ friends Just do the course. It's very basic. But having a solid understanding of how you are supposed to do things like braking and cornering is a huge leg up on the ladder of survival. Take the class. I’m on my 3rd year of street. I’ve ridden dirt my whole life and still ride 3-4 days most weeks on my track here. I feel pretty confident on my street bikes but signed up for a brc2 class aug 2nd. 70’ double to me is way more easy than heavy city traffic or interstate. I need to get my foundation clear. |
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Originally Posted By tep0583: Has anyone mentioned the MSF course yet  It is money well-spent and is inexpensive. The inexpensive part really depends on where you live. When I taught back in IA, IL, IN it was cheap. Here in UT, classes are $250 and non-refundable. Still cheap compared to trying to learn on your own and dropping and damaging your new bike because you don't know what you are doing. |
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Originally Posted By sanman28: You aren’t! Get it and go have fun. Even if it sits a lot it’s still fun. I love just looking at my bikes in the garage. Originally Posted By sanman28: Originally Posted By sq40: I want this thing so bad. But I’ve never been on a bike and I’m too old to learn i think. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/49447/IMG_0898_jpeg-3581200.JPG You aren’t! Get it and go have fun. Even if it sits a lot it’s still fun. I love just looking at my bikes in the garage. That 400 seems fairly affordable and I think it might be a good starter bike? |
“There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy”.
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Originally Posted By CDW4ME: Me & my wife bought motorcycles last year. She started with a Honda CBR300R and I got a Yamaha R3. In January I bought a new 2025 Yamaha R7 and my R3 became my wife's R3, we sold the Honda. I've put over 3,500 miles on the R7 already. Not the type motorcycles you would expect a 56 & 58 year old to ride. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/302943/1000003388_jpg-3581206.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/302943/1000003439_png-3581207.JPG Originally Posted By The_Beer_Slayer: it always starts there, then you wake up with an 1100lb 1800cc goldwing in the garage One day I'm gonna have 590# 1300cc Hayabusa in the garage.
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Strive to carry the handgun you would want anywhere, everywhere; forget that good area bullcrap.
"Wouldn't want to / Nobody volunteer to" get shot by _____ is not indicative of quickly incapacitating.
"Wouldn't want to / Nobody volunteer to" get shot by _____ is not indicative of quickly incapacitating.
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Originally Posted By sq40: I want this thing so bad. But I’ve never been on a bike and I’m too old to learn i think. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/49447/IMG_0898_jpeg-3581200.JPG Bought my first bike at 36-37. Just bought number 15 or so at 65 and that's with a 14 year gap from riding in there. Take the MSF and see it it's going to be for you. It's cheaper that therapy. |
| I've been driving manual cars/trucks for 32 years and love them but I get straight dumb when it comes to driving a motorcycle. Its like I just couldn't get the hang of it. I haven't tried it in 20 years and I've never really had a WANT to own a bike. I am now getting interested in something exactly like you posted |
"Endeavor to Persevere."
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Originally Posted By sq40: I want this thing so bad. But I've never been on a bike and I'm too old to learn i think. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/49447/IMG_0898_jpeg-3581200.JPG doit.gif |
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Originally Posted By Rbass: So here's the thing about the MSF classes, they are only as good as the instructors, and are at least a day or more too short for true zero experience students. My wife got her first bike last year and took the local course. I was keeping an eye on it and heard her debrief after each day, and it was a joke. They hardly covered anything about bike control in enough detail, just seemed to want to get everyone out on the exercises as quickly as possible. I had to teach her everything, the training she got there was not anywhere near enough for a true newby. They have barely enough time scheduled for any in depth training in the couple of days they have, and don't have any extra time for students that might need a few more laps and more instruction. The basic rider course is more of an overview level of instruction, not very in depth on prerequisite knowledge. I'm sure classes vary, but nobody should be telling you msf brc is a magic pill. It qualifies you to practice riding around in a parking lot. And I was an instructor for a couple years. Still a good basic skill set. |
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Originally Posted By chase45: It’ll be all I need I still want something light enough to throw on a hitch mounted motorcycle carrier I’m not looking for something fast tbh. Just something to putt around with and have fun on backroads and such Originally Posted By chase45: Originally Posted By feelthepayne: I don't know much about bikes, but a 300 seems small. Probably would make a good beginner bike but I think you'll be looking for something bigger pretty quick. It’ll be all I need I still want something light enough to throw on a hitch mounted motorcycle carrier I’m not looking for something fast tbh. Just something to putt around with and have fun on backroads and such My intention is to do this also. I think it would be awesome to load up the bike and go to a state park or wildlife area for a weekend. Cruise some nice backroads and campgrounds without the fuss of riding all the way there. |
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Originally Posted By haveTwo: I'm sure classes vary, but nobody should be telling you msf brc is a magic pill. It qualifies you to practice riding around in a parking lot. And I was an instructor for a couple years. Still a good basic skill set. Not exactly, if you pass the course it qualifies you for your completed rider test from the DMV, to be a fully qualified licensed rider (assuming you pass the written etc.) It is a good starting point, I took it over three decades ago and it was pretty much the same as what the wife experienced recently. Of that 8hrs of riding, about a third or fourth of that is spent waiting in line for your turn. The say a lot of "do this" but zero background knowledge of what or why, which is a horrible way of trying to teach new skills. The real issue I have with them is that the course is just way too short for true beginners. It should be about 4 days at least, starting with one day of ground school training. There should really be some supervised street riding involved as well for any MSF or state license qualification, as there is with new drivers. As it is, it's about the only way to get any type of formal bike training, so I will always recommend it, but I'd always try to get a new rider schooled up enough before hand to really benefit from the BRC. The course can and will overwhelm a true beginner quickly unless they happen to have a very good and observant instructor. That is rare though unfortunately. |
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Excellent choice for a first bike. The American Motorcyclest Association used to offer a first time riders course and a safety course. I recommend taking the courses BEFORE you by the bike. I had a friend take the courses and decide motorcycles weren't for him. It saved him buying a motorcycle. I've been riding for about 50 years, I started a little before you. Oh yea, ride like no one sees you. Especially with phones many people are distracted. Then keep in mind the increase in idiots and illegals that have no idea how to drive. Safety first ! |
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Originally Posted By frozenny: Some background: I've got 20+++ years as a MSF Rider Coach.. unlike most coaches, I'm not a " coach four classes every summer" coach. Last year I coached 60+ MSF classes. Total student count somewhere in the 5000 +/- range .. The KLX300 is an ideal bike for a newer rider. Fun fact: even though I've got decades on bikes, I'll be adding one of those to my stable before Labor Day. Good choice. Suggestion: take an MSF Basic Rider Course. Ignore all the reasons not to. Just do it. Motorcycling is not golf. Mistakes are very expensive, very painful. Motorcycle riding is NOT intuitive. If you are self taught, or taught by your brother/friend/ neighbor, odds are astronomically high all they have done is pass on bad habits. Something like 96% of mc fatalities involve riders who were self taught or taught by family/ friends Just do the course. It's very basic. But having a solid understanding of how you are supposed to do things like braking and cornering is a huge leg up on the ladder of survival. Take the class. I would love to see where you are getting stats that 96% of all motorcycle fatalities are involving self taught or friend taught riders. That sounds like a msf instructor version of gunshop fudd misinformation. How would you verify that a rider that died was self taught? Contact him by a ouija board? |
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Originally Posted By ALASKANFIRE: Can't buy something that doesn't exist Originally Posted By ALASKANFIRE: Originally Posted By StuckItIn: Get the Buell Super Cruiser Op. Federal Tax credit on the loan interest. Made in the USA.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGAEbokmYRYCan't buy something that doesn't exist Yeah they look cool but I don’t think they’re really available yet. Kind of similar to my FTR, but with 50% more insane power; which a is little nuts since my FTR already feels near excessively powerful for a non-supersport. I would not want a first year production bike from them or anyone else, though. |
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I had a KLX300SM. Perfect first bike, not fast enough to get yourself killed but super fun to ride and the 9" of suspension travel makes for very forgiving on massive potholes and speed bumps. Huge brakes and sticky tires and lots of lean angle will keep you out of trouble The EFI is so much nicer than a carb LOL |
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I have been riding since I was 5years old. Started riding on the street at 13. I'm in my 40's and still love to ride. KLX is a tons fun for any skill level, those are fantastic bikes OP. As many have mentioned take a Motorcycle Sfatey Course, I took one when I was about 15 or so. I still use the scanning technique they taught not only when I ride, but when I'm driving a vehicle. Stay on the backwoods for a while, take the long way, no need to run the traffic gauntlet until you have some experience. |
How do you do?
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Originally Posted By cschaeff: Excellent choice for a first bike. Ride it for a couple of years before you decide to get another one, or keep it forever. 
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All your wheel weights are belong to me.
Patriot
Q-Tard
“We’re surrounded. That simplifies the problem.” - Chesty Puller, USMC
Patriot
Q-Tard
“We’re surrounded. That simplifies the problem.” - Chesty Puller, USMC
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Your reactions aren't what they used to be. You don't recover from injuries like you used to. You have a family to provide for. It doesn't matter how safe you ride, your fate lies in the hands of others; primarily teenagers looking at their phones and not-giving-a-shit illegal immigrants. I've seen a few older guys jump into bikes, gamble everything, with no riding experience, and regret it quickly. https://www.ar15.com/forums/General/Teens-Look-at-Smartphone-a-Fifth-of-Driving-Time/5-2803181/ So, be safe. |
'You [Antivaxxers] need to be taught a lesson.' - Sokarul
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Originally Posted By Digsafe: Same here, I had never ridden a motorcycle. I had bought a brand new Honda CBR600RR. I never knew you had to push the bar in the direction you want to turn. Understanding how and why countersteering works is vital. Someone who just rides on instinct and doesn’t really understand what’s going on is at a major disadvantage if anything goes even moderately wrong. |
"I keep hearing 'must have a dialogue,' but I keep being told to shut up when I speak." -Sand_Pirate
“I’m starting to think the Internet was a terrible mistake.” -Subnet
“I’m starting to think the Internet was a terrible mistake.” -Subnet
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Originally Posted By Rbass: So here's the thing about the MSF classes, they are only as good as the instructors, and are at least a day or more too short for true zero experience students. My wife got her first bike last year and took the local course. I was keeping an eye on it and heard her debrief after each day, and it was a joke. They hardly covered anything about bike control in enough detail, just seemed to want to get everyone out on the exercises as quickly as possible. I had to teach her everything, the training she got there was not anywhere near enough for a true newby. They have barely enough time scheduled for any in depth training in the couple of days they have, and don't have any extra time for students that might need a few more laps and more instruction. The basic rider course is more of an overview level of instruction, not very in depth on prerequisite knowledge. That’s unfortunate. My class was great. Yeah, having good instructors is very important. |
"I keep hearing 'must have a dialogue,' but I keep being told to shut up when I speak." -Sand_Pirate
“I’m starting to think the Internet was a terrible mistake.” -Subnet
“I’m starting to think the Internet was a terrible mistake.” -Subnet
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Originally Posted By sq40: That 400 seems fairly affordable and I think it might be a good starter bike? Yup. 400’s aren’t super fast, the bike isn’t very heavy or tall, and the riding position isn’t too low. Just take it easy and ride a bunch on quiet streets and big parking lots. Classes aren’t a replacement for seat time. |
10% for the BIG GUY
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Originally Posted By APBullet: If you never rode motorcycles keep to the neighborhood(s) for couple of months and get some time on the bike and you will get used to used to it. Enjoy. I had my first bike trailered to my house. I didn’t even leave my subdivision for a few days. Didn’t go anywhere near heavy traffic for weeks. Took it nice and slow. |
"I keep hearing 'must have a dialogue,' but I keep being told to shut up when I speak." -Sand_Pirate
“I’m starting to think the Internet was a terrible mistake.” -Subnet
“I’m starting to think the Internet was a terrible mistake.” -Subnet
| I don't subscribe to the fable that "you're going to dump it, not if, but when". I have never dumped or dropped a motorcycle. I have only known many hundreds of riders over the years, only knew a few who had. Every incident I've experienced was courtesy of a stranger. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but certainly not as likely as inferred in earlier posts. |
Arfcom's own STD
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Originally Posted By bobbitybobbity: I don't subscribe to the fable that "you're going to dump it, not if, but when". I have never dumped or dropped a motorcycle. I have only known many hundreds of riders over the years, only knew a few who had. Every incident I've experienced was courtesy of a stranger. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but certainly not as likely as inferred in earlier posts. Yeap, rode bikes for 12 years (GPZ500s, VFR750, VTR1000), never dropped any of them, got knocked off twice, broken collarbone on the first, fractured forearm on the second, kept riding for a couple more years but gave it up when I moved to the US and got married/had kids. Kept skydiving though, which was far safer. |
'You [Antivaxxers] need to be taught a lesson.' - Sokarul
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Originally Posted By bobbitybobbity: I don't subscribe to the fable that "you're going to dump it, not if, but when". I have never dumped or dropped a motorcycle. I have only known many hundreds of riders over the years, only knew a few who had. Every incident I've experienced was courtesy of a stranger. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but certainly not as likely as inferred in earlier posts. Me either. I never dumped mine, thank goodness. I did accidentally lose balance and have to let it lay down on its side while trying to move it in my garage once. Couldn’t stop it, but I was able to hold on and let it down gently. No damage, and I got to practice what I’d learned on how to pick it back up. After that, I always straddled it when walking it around instead of pushing it from the side like a bicycle. |
"I keep hearing 'must have a dialogue,' but I keep being told to shut up when I speak." -Sand_Pirate
“I’m starting to think the Internet was a terrible mistake.” -Subnet
“I’m starting to think the Internet was a terrible mistake.” -Subnet
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Originally Posted By TurtlesAlltheWayDown: If you don’t have friends that ride regularly they’re pretty damn boring to do alone Most of my rides are going to Walmart 10 miles (25 min) away and pick up smaller items to be carried in a backpack. I have 3 music playlist, 150 songs. I've got a camera on my helmet and make videos when people make me go 10 MPH under on double yellow. I am entertained. Sometimes my wife rides with me and we talk using Cardo but my music continues. |
Strive to carry the handgun you would want anywhere, everywhere; forget that good area bullcrap.
"Wouldn't want to / Nobody volunteer to" get shot by _____ is not indicative of quickly incapacitating.
"Wouldn't want to / Nobody volunteer to" get shot by _____ is not indicative of quickly incapacitating.
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I was talking to my FIL yesterday. He just sold his 100th Anniversary Harley because he can’t ride anymore. 74 years old, and bad back/knees. He said he saw a business opportunity years ago. Put a life insurance salesman in every bike dealership. You just bought your bike, now see to it your family is taken care of when some cager wipes you out or you turn yourself into human hamburger. My dad had a saying as well. “The day you think you have mastered the machine, the machine will master you.” |
Man who put head in sand get ass kicked.
| Get an off road enduro type dirt bike… they aren’t nearly as dangerous, and actually more fun. For street use get a moped, like a Honda Ruckus…should not go on the free-way on 2 wheels anyway…just bomb around town on a moped or electric bicycle, like a Surron. |
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Congrats on the purchase! Take the Rider Safety Course, you'll learn from it as well as it helps you walk into your local DMV to get your endorsement. My bit of "helpful" advice is, when riding down the road, don't count on eye contact with the driver of a car. Watch their front wheel. If it starts moving, you're getting on your brakes. |
RIP John Hobbs 5624
You will forever be missed my friend
You will forever be missed my friend
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First bike I ever rode was an 82 Honda ft500. Fell off it first time I twisted the throttle and broke the tail light. I was considering buying it and once I broke it I told the kid I’d buy it. I still wish I hadn’t sold it. I loved that thing. That Triumph 400 reminds me of it a bit……hmmm |
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Originally Posted By Slvrktman: Get an off road enduro type dirt bike… they aren’t nearly as dangerous, and actually more fun. For street use get a moped, like a Honda Ruckus…should not go on the free-way on 2 wheels anyway…just bomb around town on a moped or electric bicycle, like a Surron. You do realize that around town riding is far, far more dangerous than highway riding? And then you want to increase the risk by riding something that is smaller, less powerful, and less maneuverable? |
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Just be safe and go slow at first. I had the advantage of learning on dirt and even though it hurt less (and there's hopefully fewer cars) it's still inevitable that you eat grass or asphalt. I went KX80, YZ250, R6, R1, Vstar 1100. Harley Nightster 1200, FZ6 and now a XSR700 Wear your gear and have fun. Take a motorcycle safety course if just for the saddle time and insurance benefits. |
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Regards rider training: there isn't a ton of factual info. However, there IS a report put out by National Traffic Safety Admin often called ,"The Hurt Report". Author was a guy named Hugh Hurt IIRC... It's old. But it's the best actual factual data available. I had to look it up. My "stat" was slightly over stated. I said 95%. I was in error. The correct # was 92% were self trained or trained by friends and family members. It is listed as Factor 7.7, on page 125 of the report ( 400 plus pages long). So my bad. If 95 vs 92% is a huge difference, I'll accept the "Fudd Lore" label. I chalk it up to my aging brain. However, I think the point is made: the single most indepth study of motorcycle crash causation looked at freaking near everything. Riders who did not receive professional training are significantly over represented in crashes. Not my statistic. Those are findings of the single most comprehensive study of motorcycle crashes we have. |
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Originally Posted By bobbitybobbity: I don't subscribe to the fable that "you're going to dump it, not if, but when". I have never dumped or dropped a motorcycle. I have only known many hundreds of riders over the years, only knew a few who had. Every incident I've experienced was courtesy of a stranger. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but certainly not as likely as inferred in earlier posts. I hit the ground at least once every ride. It's been a couple of years since I had a "can't ride for a while" injury. The upside of motorcycle injuries is the handicap parking pass. |
Fantrax ARFCOM PICKERS Champion 2022, 2023, 2024
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Originally Posted By Dagger41: How tall are you @Chase45 ? The seat height on that bike is 34 inches. At 6 feet tall I don't think I could get both feet flat on the ground. Take the MSF course. I am but a small manlet 5’6 I had to tippie toe it a little bit when I sat on the regular klx version. I believe they sit a little taller than the sm Some of the used ones I’ve looked at mentioned some sort of link modification that made them sit shorter. May look into that. With it leaned a little I’m fine though |
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Originally Posted By ARCNA442: You do realize that around town riding is far, far more dangerous than highway riding? And then you want to increase the risk by riding something that is smaller, less powerful, and less maneuverable? And he wants him to spend even more money buying two bikes lol. A surron costs almost as much as the new bike op wants |
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Originally Posted By chase45: I am but a small manlet 5’6 I had to tippie toe it a little bit when I sat on the regular klx version. I believe they sit a little taller than the sm Some of the used ones I’ve looked at mentioned some sort of link modification that made them sit shorter. May look into that. With it leaned a little I’m fine though I’m only 5’8. Part of the reason I bought the mt03 was the fact it had one of the lowest seat heights. I flat foot it no issues. One of the sumos I was looking at was not much taller. I can’t recall what it was though. My Harley sits low as is so it was never an issue. Get the bike you want. It’s your money and your life. If nothing else, take it easy for awhile learning it. Don’t be stupid on it. That way the only danger to watch is the people and roads around you |
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Originally Posted By chase45: I am but a small manlet 5’6 I had to tippie toe it a little bit when I sat on the regular klx version. I believe they sit a little taller than the sm Some of the used ones I’ve looked at mentioned some sort of link modification that made them sit shorter. May look into that. With it leaned a little I’m fine though I would suggest a bike you can easily flat foot for your first. The TW already recommended would be a great choice.
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Originally Posted By chase45: I am but a small manlet 5’6 I had to tippie toe it a little bit when I sat on the regular klx version. I believe they sit a little taller than the sm Some of the used ones I’ve looked at mentioned some sort of link modification that made them sit shorter. May look into that. With it leaned a little I’m fine though Originally Posted By chase45: Originally Posted By Dagger41: How tall are you @Chase45 ? The seat height on that bike is 34 inches. At 6 feet tall I don't think I could get both feet flat on the ground. Take the MSF course. I am but a small manlet 5’6 I had to tippie toe it a little bit when I sat on the regular klx version. I believe they sit a little taller than the sm Some of the used ones I’ve looked at mentioned some sort of link modification that made them sit shorter. May look into that. With it leaned a little I’m fine though Most of us can’t get both feet down on a dual sport. It’s a psychological thing only. Totally unnecessary to have more than one foot down. I’m 6’ but still can’t flatfoot most dual sports. Couldn’t quite flatfoot my first bike, a DR650. I got so used to just putting one foot down that it still feels like an unneeded luxury to be able to sit flatfooted on my street bike. Can’t have shitloads of ground clearance without jacking the seat up there! It’s worth it to be able to ride over pretty much anything in your path. |
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Originally Posted By dannypoo: Baffles me the first thing people do is to go out and buy a bike before taking a class and learning how to ride it. I took the class first. |
"I keep hearing 'must have a dialogue,' but I keep being told to shut up when I speak." -Sand_Pirate
“I’m starting to think the Internet was a terrible mistake.” -Subnet
“I’m starting to think the Internet was a terrible mistake.” -Subnet
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Originally Posted By frozenny: Regards rider training: there isn't a ton of factual info. However, there IS a report put out by National Traffic Safety Admin often called ,"The Hurt Report". Author was a guy named Hugh Hurt IIRC... It's old. But it's the best actual factual data available. I had to look it up. My "stat" was slightly over stated. I said 95%. I was in error. The correct # was 92% were self trained or trained by friends and family members. It is listed as Factor 7.7, on page 125 of the report ( 400 plus pages long). So my bad. If 95 vs 92% is a huge difference, I'll accept the "Fudd Lore" label. I chalk it up to my aging brain. However, I think the point is made: the single most indepth study of motorcycle crash causation looked at freaking near everything. Riders who did not receive professional training are significantly over represented in crashes. Not my statistic. Those are findings of the single most comprehensive study of motorcycle crashes we have. What percentage of all riders are professionally trained? |
"I keep hearing 'must have a dialogue,' but I keep being told to shut up when I speak." -Sand_Pirate
“I’m starting to think the Internet was a terrible mistake.” -Subnet
“I’m starting to think the Internet was a terrible mistake.” -Subnet
If the glove don't Fitz, you must acquits.
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Posts:
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EE: 100% (27)
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Originally Posted By Admiral_Crunch: I took the class first. Originally Posted By Admiral_Crunch: Originally Posted By dannypoo: Baffles me the first thing people do is to go out and buy a bike before taking a class and learning how to ride it. I took the class first. I never took the class. Got my first bike at 10, a Honda CT70. |
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Originally Posted By dannypoo: Baffles me the first thing people do is to go out and buy a bike before taking a class and learning how to ride it. |
USN Retired: APR 1988 - MAY 2008
"My center is giving way, my right is falling back, situation excellent, I attack." —Ferdinand Foch
"My center is giving way, my right is falling back, situation excellent, I attack." —Ferdinand Foch