Never Ridden before
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Stage II
Joined: Oct 2005
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Never Ridden before
Hi all, I've never ridden a motorcycle before but I had a question before I decided to buy one. I plan on taking the MSF course and finding out which bike suits me but Im not a big guy - Im 5'2 and weigh 130 lbs im in good shape and can lift and hold a good amount of weight what would be a good starter bike to look for thats not too heavy for me? Thanks for any advice!! 
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Joined: May 2005
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RE: Never Ridden before
You'd probably be OK with a smaller bike to begin with in the 500-600 CC range then move up to a Harley if you want one. Once you get the feel and get proficient at riding, you can make a better choice then. You'd hate to spend some good money on a harley only to drop it while you learn.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,322
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From: Somerset County
RE: Never Ridden before
5'2 130?? You should lose 15 pounds and become a jockey!
All kidding aside I am not a big guy either (5' 7" 190) and I can handle my ride just fine - I highly suggest you take a course, get your endorsement and ride everything you can get your hands on - You simply are going to have to take into consideration your build when you pick a ride and Bill's suggestion is excellent in your case - start small, on the cheaper side and work your way up - Would be intersted in knowing your age - It will be your skills that determine what is right - Good luck and keep up posted on your progress - kess
All kidding aside I am not a big guy either (5' 7" 190) and I can handle my ride just fine - I highly suggest you take a course, get your endorsement and ride everything you can get your hands on - You simply are going to have to take into consideration your build when you pick a ride and Bill's suggestion is excellent in your case - start small, on the cheaper side and work your way up - Would be intersted in knowing your age - It will be your skills that determine what is right - Good luck and keep up posted on your progress - kess
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
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From: Midland, TX
RE: Never Ridden before
It's really not about weight, it's about leverage. The side stand on a 700# bike weighs only 3# but supports the entire bike. So, the important thing is to get a bike that you can flat foot, even if you have to get it lowered, develop good riding skills, always pay attention, and you won't have any problems at all. Taking the MSF course is the best place to start. Good luck, enjoy and welcome to the family.
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Stage II
Joined: Oct 2005
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RE: Never Ridden before
Thanks for the replys Im 22 and yeah Im a small guy Im probably going to start on a smaller bike TCSTD said and work my way up and take the MSF course and just get used to riding until I get comfortable enough to get the bike I really want Thanks all and will keep you updated
Im 22 and yeah Im a small guy Im probably going to start on a smaller bike TCSTD said and work my way up and take the MSF course and just get used to riding until I get comfortable enough to get the bike I really want Thanks all and will keep you updated
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
RE: Never Ridden before
You have exactly the right attitude. You will do well. Enjoy and let us know when you do the course and get a bike. Poke around the Thrify Nickel and such. You can get a second hand metric for not very much and sell it in a few months for about what you paid for it. Now is a good time of year to buy a bike as riding season is about over so it's a buyers market. Again, welcome to the site.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,947
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From: Ontario, Canada
RE: Never Ridden before
Learn to ride on some smaller lighter bike. When you get to the point that you can ride it without thinking about what you're doing , then get a Harley. What I'm trying to say is you need to get to a point were you don't have to look at the controls or even really conciously think about it, it just happens like walkin or talkin.
While you are learning you're new skill you may drop it or fall down with it , hopefully it won't hurt to much or cost to much and you will learn on the small bike what not to do.
JMO but I always find no matter what the toy, bike, sled, four wheeler etc. you learn a lot on the first one and it generally takes a bit of a s@#t kickin in the process.
While you are learning you're new skill you may drop it or fall down with it , hopefully it won't hurt to much or cost to much and you will learn on the small bike what not to do.
JMO but I always find no matter what the toy, bike, sled, four wheeler etc. you learn a lot on the first one and it generally takes a bit of a s@#t kickin in the process.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 340
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From: Tennessee
RE: Never Ridden before
Oldgeezer had the main point for ya....flat footin the bike.
I dont care if its a 50cc, 600cc or 1450cc, when ya ride ya have to be able to get your feet on the ground.
Not this tippy-toe crap either, but flat footed.
Thick soled boots will help but I do think you will be looking at a "cruiser" type bike and not a "street bike" style because most of those have high seat heights.
Between Honda, Kawi, and Suzuki you can find a starter bike between 250cc and 750cc that will fit ya well.
Ride the **** out of it and then buy yourself a Harley.
Ride safe.
Crow
I dont care if its a 50cc, 600cc or 1450cc, when ya ride ya have to be able to get your feet on the ground.
Not this tippy-toe crap either, but flat footed.
Thick soled boots will help but I do think you will be looking at a "cruiser" type bike and not a "street bike" style because most of those have high seat heights.
Between Honda, Kawi, and Suzuki you can find a starter bike between 250cc and 750cc that will fit ya well.
Ride the **** out of it
and then buy yourself a Harley.Ride safe.
Crow
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 685
Likes: 3
From: South central, Pa.
RE: Never Ridden before
All of these guys have given good advice about learning on something smaller and lighter but when they suggest getting a metric bike in the 600 to 750cc range, I hope that you understand that they don't mean to buy a "crotch rocket". Those things are not beginner bikes !!
My suggestion is to find a used 250 Street/Trail bike. I've had a few of them since I started riding and they're a lot of fun because they go just about anywhere. You can start out in an open field to get the hang of shifting, braking, etc., and then jump on a back road somewhere to practice faster speeds and cornering. When you feel comfortable with everything, you'll be ready for your test on the blacktop. I'll bet you like that bike so much that you'll decide to park it next to your Harley when you get one.
My suggestion is to find a used 250 Street/Trail bike. I've had a few of them since I started riding and they're a lot of fun because they go just about anywhere. You can start out in an open field to get the hang of shifting, braking, etc., and then jump on a back road somewhere to practice faster speeds and cornering. When you feel comfortable with everything, you'll be ready for your test on the blacktop. I'll bet you like that bike so much that you'll decide to park it next to your Harley when you get one.
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