[deutschmann59]

I'm feeling like a regular rebel without a cause. I went motorcycle shopping with my cousin on the weekend and now I want a bike!

The thing is, I don't know how to ride a bike. They are giving free classes in a few weeks at a local college and I'm probably going to take them.

Would any riders here like to give me some advice? The only thing I'm unsure about is I don't know if I want to put myself in debt for another $3000 when I still owe about $20,000 on my bimmer yet.

Also, I'm a little afraid of them, but riding looks so fun!

[shimshimhada]

I'm doing the same thing over the summer.

[deutschmann59]

C'mon, no passionate riders out there that want to convince me to get it?

No one with a fear of motorcycles that want to talk me out of it?

[bavarian19]

Take the MSF course. Its a weekend of learning how to ride a bike. Best $70 I ever spent

Also, dont look into a new bike. Just like your first car, it 'shouldnt' be a porsche... Learn how to ride first...

[bavarian19]

by the way... riding a bike is a completely different feel. You think your flying even at 40MPH :rocks:

[kluke07]

What kind of bike are you looking for? Sport or cruiser?

[deutschmann59]

I was looking at a 250cc ninja sport. But I've always wanted a BMW sport bike, even when I was in high school.

Of course, the ninja, or maybe even a used one would be ok as a first bike. If I really like it and get used to it in a few years, maybe I'd get a BMW.

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by bavarian19

Take the MSF course. Its a weekend of learning how to ride a bike. Best $70 I ever spent

Also, dont look into a new bike. Just like your first car, it 'shouldnt' be a porsche... Learn how to ride first...

Where did you take yours? My dad wants to take it with me.

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by sharp1183

I was looking at a 250cc ninja sport. But I've always wanted a BMW sport bike, even when I was in high school.

Of course, the ninja, or maybe even a used one would be ok as a first bike. If I really like it and get used to it in a few years, maybe I'd get a BMW.

I am leaning towards a Ninja 250R too. There are a bajillion used ones out there.

[yu]

I plan on getting a bike soon, too. Aren't BMW bikes automatic?

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by YuBimmer

I plan on getting a bike soon, too. Aren't BMW bikes automatic?

[yu]

It's just something I heard! I'm a newbie when it comes to bikes!

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by YuBimmer

It's just something I heard! I'm a newbie when it comes to bikes!

I thought you were joking.

[ward]

riding's a blast,

start with a cheap learner bike, nothing super sport or huge cruisers

just be carefull out there!

[yu]

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

I thought you were joking.

In that case, I was!

[bavarian19]

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

Where did you take yours? My dad wants to take it with me.

I took it like 5 years ago while still at JMU... Things are a little cheaper down there...

[bavarian19]

haaa... automatic bike?

Shifting gears takes some getting used to. You actually change gears with your left foot, clutch with your left hand, and gas with the right hand. Braking is all done on the right side of the bike. Front brakes on the handlebar, rears with the foot.

If youve driven a manual car, it should help, but still takes some getting used to. You have to think to ride

[shimshimhada]

Originally Posted by bavarian19

I took it like 5 years ago while still at JMU... Things are a little cheaper down there...

Maybe I should just transfer to JMU. I heard their motorsports club was good too.

[bavarian19]

Originally Posted by shimshimhada

Maybe I should just transfer to JMU. I heard their motorsports club was good too.

[kluke07]

The smallest bike I would suggest you get is a 600cc (Anything less would be dissapointing after a couple months). My first sport bike was a 02' Honda cbr F4i. It is an excellent starter bike and fast enough to get the thrill you need.

BMW makes great bikes but they are mainly for touring and are quite expensive. You can buy a great japenese bike (used) for around 3-4k. If you end up loving to ride then go spend more money.

[SteveMD]

I have ridden bikes since I was 17 starting with a 175cc BSA, then a 250cc Yam, 650cc Kawa and then an 1100cc Suzi. Since then, all fast sports bikes.

Didn't get my car license until I was 23 but living in London, a bike was much more of a necessity than a car. The American car-driving public is not as bike-aware as Europeans so you will need to be careful.

My advice is to start off with something slow and inexpensive because at some point, you will be laying it down. Better it be something that isn't costly to repair. Once you feel comfortable then move up to something with a little more HP. Keep in mind that a good 600cc sports bike will do sub 11 sec quarters. It is very easy to die quickly so learn and take your time.

You will find that riding a bike makes you a better car driver. You constantly scan side roads, the traffic around you, the road ahead to a much greater distance than you would normally do.

Also make sure you get good riding gear. Get a decent helmet and always wear good boots, leg protection and a leather jacket. I cringe when I see dudes in shorts and sneakers doing crazy speeds.

Good luck.

[saini023]

GET IT MAN..GET IT...i was in the same position last year..i took a motorcycle trainin course..well worth the money. cant remember how much i paid..dnt get a 250cc...like said before you will be disappointed in a month or 2...get a 500cc or 600cc..dnt be afraid..its not that scary being a new driver if you take the training course....GET IT MAN...u will love it..i bought it.and went into 3 grand debt for this exact reason...but if u already are in 20k..i would say save up..get a in expensive bike..but u also want to get a safe bike..me and my buddy are looking into buyin one 2..we sold ours couple months ago..but with summer rolling along..its hard not 2 get one..haha man..now u got me wantin to get back and get one...i agree with the post above..get good gear..worth it..dnt ride w/ out the gear..and riding does make u a better driver...good luck and ride safe..