[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Beginner Motorcycle Questions (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 5/18/2017 2:59:46 PM EDT
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I rode dirt bikes as a kid and mopeds as a dork, now migrating into commuter/streetbikes. Already signed up for a 3 day beginner class too. Looking at used Ninja 250s too.
So, gear time. What is a good and safe helmet that wont break the bank (aka the G19 of helmets) ? What is the arfcom of bikes? Any other resources to look at? |
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Research has shown that there's no difference in safety between cheap and expensive helmets as long as they're rated at current snell ratings.
Go to the the store and try.on all the helmets in your price range. Take your time and buy the one that fits best/most comfortable |
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Bell Qualifier is the best you're going to find for $100 bucks and should be all you'll need at any street-legal speed in the US.
The only caveat is that it's louder than shit, so foam ear protection is mandatory, but you should be wearing it anyway since no helmet is *really* quiet enough to be hearing safe for extended time at highway speeds. |
| I like some HJC helmets for budget ones. I grew up riding dirt bikes, then on a streets a Kawi KZ900, then Ninja 600, and lately a Yamaha FJR1300. But I still commute on my Honda Metro 50 scooter quite a bit because it's damn cheap to ride and so much easier to maneuver than my big sport tourer. |
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Especially in the first year you should dress like you plan to crash. Good helmet, gloves, boots, and a jacket if at all possible. Never ride in shorts. Never ride in flip flops. You will eventually fall off the thing. That's the nature of motorcycles. Now I know there are guys on here who are absolute experts and never crashed despite starting out on a CBR900 or some such shit but take it all with a grain of salt. Riding a motorcycle hurts some times.
Buy as much bike as you can afford to destroy. Even a mid sized pooch can outrun most cages. Maintain it well and don't worry too much if you scratch it up on the blacktop. Remember, it's bound to happen. There are two kinds of motorcyclists in the world. Those who have crashed and those who are going to crash. |
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Unless you are 14, I would get something bigger than a ninja 250. |
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I had a friend that went from dirt to street. He kept wanting to put his foot down in turns to kick the ass end around. Don't do that...  
Took me a few road rides to learn that the front brake was the way to go. In the world of dirt, the rear break is/was king... with the front being for control. On the street, it's the opposite. |
| I will celebrate 50 years of riding this year. Several sky-ground-sky events to my credit. Never saddle up without a helmet. Always ride defensively. They either can't see you or they're aiming for you. Or both. Don't dress for the beach, dress for bad weather. Chicks don't dig scars as much as I thought... |
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Long time motorcycle rider, been riding since 6, had a motorcycle license for over 10 years now and a half dozen street bikes.
Riding motorcycles on the street is fucking dangerous and I don't do it anymore. Nobody pays attention when driving and I have lost a couple friends from crashes. I'll stick to riding dirt bikes off-road. My advice is think real hard about it and the risk you take just trying to get to work on a bike. Sorry to be a wet blanket. |
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Honestly, the helmet should be the one thing you don't go budget on. I'm not saying get one that is diamond encrusted or anything, but seriously... if it comes down to it, it's your head. You keep your brain in there.
And agreed with the post above... there are those who have crashed, and those who are going to. <---------- Has crashed. |
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Long time motorcycle rider, been riding since 6, had a motorcycle license for over 10 years now and a half dozen street bikes. Riding motorcycles on the street is fucking dangerous and I don't do it anymore. Nobody pays attention when driving and I have lost a couple friends from crashes. I'll stick to riding dirt bikes off-road. My advice is think real hard about it and the risk you take just trying to get to work on a bike. Sorry to be a wet blanket. |
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Especially in the first year you should dress like you plan to crash. Good helmet, gloves, boots, and a jacket if at all possible. Never ride in shorts. Never ride in flip flops. You will eventually fall off the thing. That's the nature of motorcycles. Now I know there are guys on here who are absolute experts and never crashed despite starting out on a CBR900 or some such shit but take it all with a grain of salt. Riding a motorcycle hurts some times. Buy as much bike as you can afford to destroy. Even a mid sized pooch can outrun most cages. Maintain it well and don't worry too much if you scratch it up on the blacktop. Remember, it's bound to happen. There are two kinds of motorcyclists in the world. Those who have crashed and those who are going to crash. Watch out for all the texters out there. Getting run over hurts. Even 3 years later. |
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ninja 650 or a suzuki sv650
little less HP than a 600cc (vtwin vs a inline 4) BUT You'll have a lot more lower end torque for confidence in cornering and still plenty get up and go. You'll outgrow the 250 too quickly. go to a cyclegear store. plenty in CA. They will help fit a helmet that will work for YOU. Different shaped noggins fit different helmets. You only get 1 head, protect it with a WELL FITTING helmet. Cost is a secondary concern. |
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Long time motorcycle rider, been riding since 6, had a motorcycle license for over 10 years now and a half dozen street bikes. Riding motorcycles on the street is fucking dangerous and I don't do it anymore. Nobody pays attention when driving and I have lost a couple friends from crashes. I'll stick to riding dirt bikes off-road. My advice is think real hard about it and the risk you take just trying to get to work on a bike. Sorry to be a wet blanket. 
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Most helmets are very similar in the protection provided. Additional costs are what you pay for increased comfort/features. Which, when I only had bikes, and rode no matter what, mattered a lot to me.
Make sure you have sturdy gloves, and don't forget footwear or protective pants. Stuff with padding. I like one piece textile suits for the street. Bike? Something you won't mind dropping. As for the power, most any bike will be fine. What are the highways like where you are? In the southwest, I hesitate to recommend something like a Rebel 250, or a Ninja 250, in part because we have a lot of highways you really have to be on at some point with 65+mph speed limits. I think your profile says CA? I've only driven there once for as long as it took to pass through LA, but I wouldn't classify it as friendly to underpowered vehicles. I've helped several people buy Ninja 650 (not the 600, but a more upright version that looks *kinda* similar) It's a vertical twin bike that I always had a blast on. So don't limit yourself to either sport bike, or cruiser. There are lots of options in the relatively upright category. Those also tend to have more streetable engines as opposed to the high strung sport bike engines. I am a big fan of less top end "peak horsepower" and more mid-range torque. I've got a collection of bikes from '79-'07, my favorite so far was my '99 Honda VFR. Not pretty, but low maintenance, and very reliable. The biggest thing? Ease into it, but don't be afraid. During the class, all you are going to do is ride in a parking lot. Start on less populated roads, and steadily work you way up to normal roads. And don't be afraid of freeways. At least on those people are (mostly) going the same way, as opposed to surface streets with a lot more potential problems to be on the lookout for. Commuting is a great way to build experience, but don't forget to go ride somewhere "just because." |
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I rode dirt bikes as a kid and mopeds as a dork, now migrating into commuter/streetbikes. Already signed up for a 3 day beginner class too. Looking at used Ninja 250s too. So, gear time. What is a good and safe helmet that wont break the bank (aka the G19 of helmets) ? What is the arfcom of bikes? Any other resources to look at? You'll be bored with the 250 within a week. Buy a ZX-10R. At least at that point it isn't going to matter what you're wearing, anyway. |
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And in yet another ARFcom thread about new riders, a lot of guys say a 250 isn't enough bike when they couldn't ride a 250 to it's potential if their life depended on it.
OP, that's a fine first bike. I'd recommend a dual sport for handling/cost/visibility and versatility reasons (plus they're crazy fun), but seriously....don't think for a millesecond that you're supposed to just buy into a bike that you're going to be satisfied with 2 years from now. The point of a starter bike is to become a better rider FASTER, so that your confidence and skills build quicker than trying to cope with a bigger, heavier, poorer handling bike right out of the gate. It's easier to ride a smaller bike well than a larger bike for a new rider, period, end of story. That's why they're good starter bikes. If you need your throttle to get you out of trouble, you've probably put yourself into a stupid situation and 99% of the time, your brakes are a better option than a handful of gas. Who fucking cares if you get bored with it? That's not the point of a starter bike, it's to learn and become proficient on, not entertain you for 10 years. When/if you get really confident, sell it and move up. You might find, like I did, that small bikes are a fucking hoot and you might always want one around even if you have a big bike too. Every good, skilled, really objective rider I've ever been around or talked to would agree with me on this. Yes, I anticipate pushback from this opinion, because ARFcom is gonna ARFcom. As to your gear question, go try on helmets. There's never been a better time for affordable, quality helmets. It's all about fit, they're all pretty safe and if it's comfortable and offers good vision, that's all that matters. Get a full face, good boots, gloves, jacket & at the VERY least some kevlar lined pants with knee/hip armor. It's all cheaper and preferable to an ER visit, trust me. |
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And in yet another ARFcom thread about new riders, a lot of guys say a 250 isn't enough bike when they couldn't ride a 250 to it's potential if their life depended on it. OP, that's a fine first bike. I'd recommend a dual sport for handling/cost/visibility and versatility reasons (plus they're crazy fun), but seriously....don't think for a millesecond that you're supposed to just buy into a bike that you're going to be satisfied with 2 years from now. The point of a starter bike is to become a better rider FASTER, so that your confidence and skills build quicker than trying to cope with a bigger, heavier, poorer handling bike right out of the gate. It's easier to ride a smaller bike well than a larger bike for a new rider, period, end of story. That's why they're good starter bikes. If you need your throttle to get you out of trouble, you've probably put yourself into a stupid situation and 99% of the time, your brakes are a better option than a handful of gas. Who fucking cares if you get bored with it? That's not the point of a starter bike, it's to learn and become proficient on, not entertain you for 10 years. When/if you get really confident, sell it and move up. You might find, like I did, that small bikes are a fucking hoot and you might always want one around even if you have a big bike too. Every good, skilled, really objective rider I've ever been around or talked to would agree with me on this. Yes, I anticipate pushback from this opinion, because ARFcom is gonna ARFcom. As to your gear question, go try on helmets. There's never been a better time for affordable, quality helmets. It's all about fit, they're all pretty safe and if it's comfortable and offers good vision, that's all that matters. Get a full face, good boots, gloves, jacket & at the VERY least some kevlar lined pants with knee/hip armor. It's all cheaper and preferable to an ER visit, trust me. |
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Blah blah.. motorcycles are dangerous... blah blah....
You are more likely to be killed crossing the street, falling in your bathroom, or dying in a car accident then a motorcycle accident. Risk of Dying next year: Pedestrian 1 in 47,273 Pedal Cyclist1 in 375,412 Motor Cycle Rider1 in 89,562 Car occupant1 in 17,625 |
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I rode dirt bikes as a kid and mopeds as a dork, now migrating into commuter/streetbikes. Already signed up for a 3 day beginner class too. Looking at used Ninja 250s too. So, gear time. What is a good and safe helmet that wont break the bank (aka the G19 of helmets) ? What is the arfcom of bikes? Any other resources to look at? "the arfcom of bikes?" I got nothing.. resources: www. revzilla.com SH*T ton of products with rider reviews, everything from pro-gear to accessories. www.cycletrader.com Good search app for your budget and location. I came back into street-riding after a decades long off time. Cagers are going to Cage - ride like everyone's out to run you over. 'cause they usually will. |
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Meh... it's definitely a hobby/joy with increased risk. But for those who love spending time on two wheels, it can't be beat. I've been riding on the road since '94 and in the dirt since about '79 (if you don't count rides on my dad's BSAs, Bultacos, and Yamaha drit bikes) 'and have never been hit... though I've certainly had a few close calls. But I was able to see and avoid them because I was riding defensively. Doesn't mean that it's impossible to be hit on a bike through absolutely no fault of my own. But it is what it is and I still enjoy the hell out of it. Quoted:
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Long time motorcycle rider, been riding since 6, had a motorcycle license for over 10 years now and a half dozen street bikes. Riding motorcycles on the street is fucking dangerous and I don't do it anymore. Nobody pays attention when driving and I have lost a couple friends from crashes. I'll stick to riding dirt bikes off-road. My advice is think real hard about it and the risk you take just trying to get to work on a bike. Sorry to be a wet blanket. Lose a close friend to an idiot not paying attention in his van and your opinion of riding on the roads might change. |
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Blah blah.. motorcycles are dangerous... blah blah.... You are more likely to be killed crossing the street, falling in your bathroom, or dying in a car accident then a motorcycle accident. Risk of Dying next year: Pedestrian 1 in 47,273 Pedal Cyclist1 in 375,412 Motor Cycle Rider1 in 89,562 Car occupant1 in 17,625 Edit: Yup |
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Blah blah.. motorcycles are dangerous... blah blah.... You are more likely to be killed crossing the street, falling in your bathroom, or dying in a car accident then a motorcycle accident. Risk of Dying next year: Pedestrian 1 in 47,273 Pedal Cyclist1 in 375,412 Motor Cycle Rider1 in 89,562 Car occupant1 in 17,625 I don't know anyone personally who died falling in their bathroom or crossing the street, but I know several who died in motorcycle accidents. My cousin lost his spleen, a kidney and broke both arms last night on his bike 
I ride, but when I'm in town I keep an eye out for everyone trying to actively kill me. |
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Definitely wear a helmet
Happened upon a bunch of police activity last night. Dude got creamed by a car on a bike. There was a large pool of blood. Onlookers told me the guy about drowned in his own blood and they thought he was dead until he finally started moving a little. Driver ran away is what they told me. Car was even totaled |
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Anecdote: I don't know anyone personally who died falling in their bathroom or crossing the street, but I know several who died in motorcycle accidents. My cousin lost his spleen, a kidney and broke both arms last night on his bike
I ride, but when I'm in town I keep an eye out for everyone trying to actively kill me. Quoted:
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Blah blah.. motorcycles are dangerous... blah blah.... You are more likely to be killed crossing the street, falling in your bathroom, or dying in a car accident then a motorcycle accident. Risk of Dying next year: Pedestrian 1 in 47,273 Pedal Cyclist1 in 375,412 Motor Cycle Rider1 in 89,562 Car occupant1 in 17,625 I don't know anyone personally who died falling in their bathroom or crossing the street, but I know several who died in motorcycle accidents. My cousin lost his spleen, a kidney and broke both arms last night on his bike
I ride, but when I'm in town I keep an eye out for everyone trying to actively kill me. I sold my last bike about a year ago after nearly getting rear ended by a woman who wasn't paying attention. Would most likely not have been fatal but could have ended up with a f---ed up back for the rest of my life. |
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Research has shown that there's no difference in safety between cheap and expensive helmets as long as they're rated at current snell ratings. Go to the the store and try.on all the helmets in your price range. Take your time and buy the one that fits best/most comfortable |
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the new Honda 1100 would be a great first bike. http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2013models/2013-Honda-CB1100j.jpg 
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The pain and rehab needed if your gear fails/you don't have gear is expensive. Compared to just buying and wearing good gear.
Snell rated helmet Jacket with body armor/back protector -vented if its hot there. Boots with ankle protection - look at Alpinestars Spend money on good gloves - Kangaroo leather was awesome during my road racing years. Don't skimp on gloves! Get something well stitched and that covers past your wrist. Skidding down the asphalt is no joke. The fall doesn't hurt, but the sudden stop sure does. SV650 is a heck of an all around bike. |
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We've had 2 guys die in the last couple of days around here both were wearing helmets. The one this morning had his head ran over by an oncoming pick up. Helmet didn't help |
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The pain and rehab needed if your gear fails/you don't have gear is expensive. Compared to just buying and wearing good gear. Snell rated helmet Jacket with body armor/back protector -vented if its hot there. Boots with ankle protection - look at Alpinestars Spend money on good gloves - Kangaroo leather was awesome during my road racing years. Don't skimp on gloves! Get something well stitched and that covers past your wrist. Skidding down the asphalt is no joke. The fall doesn't hurt, but the sudden stop sure does. SV650 is a heck of an all around bike. I did a few mods... Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Learn risk management. Yes, riding in the street is dangerous. It seems more so today than it used to. An absolutely safe, risk-free life would be boring. Understand the risks and have a plan for managing them.
My street survival strategy is based on the assumption that I'm invisible to 80% of the people out there, and the other 20% think I have a target on my back. The bottom line is that you have to understand the only person really concerned for your well being is YOU. I could go on for pages. I'll just encourage you in getting your initial training and echo the recommendation of the book "Proficient Motorcycling." |
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Learn risk management. Yes, riding in the street is dangerous. It seems more so today than it used to. An absolutely safe, risk-free life would be boring. Understand the risks and have a plan for managing them. My street survival strategy is based on the assumption that I'm invisible to 80% of the people out there, and the other 20% think I have a target on my back. The bottom line is that you have to understand the only person really concerned for your well being is YOU. I could go on for pages. I'll just encourage you in getting your initial training and echo the recommendation of the book "Proficient Motorcycling." |