New Motorcycle Rider needing information?

[justin.design]

ok, hi everyone, I am in the process of looking at motorcycles to buy, since the rising gas prices i can't afford to drive around town no more with my truck. I am new at riding. I just want something that is good to learn on, but has enough power that i won't be wanting something new in 6 months.

I'm 6'1 and skinny if that matters. Some friends said a 600cc would be a good choice. anyone have any different opinions? or recommendations?

[owner_of_a_lonely_CAR]

Now that gas cost an arm and a leg (pretty soon a testicle) more and more people are asking about motorcycles. In south america (and most of the rest of the world) many people ride motorcycles because of gas. But in those countries they ride mostly 250 cc bikes. But then again those country don't have as HWY like USA.

Somebody above wrote about Enduro bikes. They are great for beginners (if you are tall enough). They can take the abuse. They are fairly light. They are super nimble. Since you have a truck I would think this would be a great option. Anything bigger and your MPG can go down as low as 40 MPG.

Motorcycles are one of those things that require "step" to learning to do it safe. So if you are worried about not having enough bike (and needing to upgrade in 6 months) that may be a necessary evil. During my college year few friends of mine jumped on large 750cc or 900cc. Eventually they all trashed their bikes and stopped riding. I started on 400cc and so far I've owned 3 bikes (not including my little moped during HS).

Another poster mentioned class. They are called MSF (motorcycle safety foundation).

http://www.msf-usa.org/

The way it works in NYS is that you (a) get your permit first (b) take classes with MSF (c) when you finish successful you automatically get a license (no separate test). It all depends on your State. But the beauty of this option is that you don't need to get all the requirement of getting ready for a test (in NYS, I would need a car, motorcycle, a driver with license and / or motorcycle rider with license).

Good luck and ride safely.

[timothy stewart]

My first bike was a gsf 500 suzuki it was great taught me the ends and out of riding and forgiving to some beginner mistake they all make the first time out. From experience try the 500cc first then move up. To big to fast you will end up on your _______.

When I purchased my first bike the salesman told me at story He said" There was this guy who came the shop and told me he wanted a bike and that all his friends told him to buy nothing smaller than a 1000cc," this guy never rode a bike a day in his life, the salesmane tried to convince him to start smaller but the buyer stood still on his friends advice to him. So the salesman sold him what he wanted. The salesman told me" Upon purchase his brand new gsx 1000 he noticed there was a big problem when this buyer call his friend to ride the bike home for him. Two days later the friend of the buyer came into the dealeship to have is bike tune and the salesman inquired about the buyer, he said" My friend total the bike the first time riding and he knew it to much for him and he didn't have a chance to insure the bike yet".


Go smaller and work your way up

[arklatex]

I agree with Tim, start out small and move up. Don't be afraid to look at the 250cc bikes. I came across a HYOSUNG GV250 the other day parked next a Honda Magna and the HYOSUNG looked bigger but yet has a small engine. Also, take a look at the KYMCO VENOX also a 250. Both bikes will fix your size easy and safe you lots of money.

[Kevin Mccarty]

You might also want to check out the Vento V-Thunder line made in Texas. Advertized as a full size bike they only weigh 350 lbs. and have a 250 cc engine. They start out at $3600.00 and come standard with windshield, sissy bar for 2nd rider, saddlebags, and floorboards.

[Kevin Mccarty]

Speaking of the Vento V-Thunders, has anyone heard about them coming out with new 500cc and 750cc versions beginning in 2008? A friend told me this but when I searched Vento's home page I didn't find any info about this. Where should I look to learn about the 500 and 750 models coming out in 08? I would be interested in buying 1 since they will probably be more economically priced than comparable cc's. Thanks.

[bonnie&clyde]

hey bro im selling my 04 suzuki 600 for 3900, its an awsome bike. im going to college and need to get rid of it, its always best to start to ride on a used bike that way when u drop it (cause everyone does) u dont take such a big hit, well let me know if ur interested ill send u some pics