getting a first bike
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: North of Denver
getting a first bike
Sorry if this has been covered before (I looked, but didn't find anything although it probably should have been beaten to death already).
I have almost no experience riding, and have for years rejected the idea of buying a bike without thinking too hard about it, but now I think I might want to.
I figure I should take some riding classes and then consider what kind of bike is for me. Some people think I look like a biker and when they inevitably ask why I don't ride one, I tel them it's because I don't want to die, but that's old and really the only reason I don't ride is because I don't have a bike and never learned how to do it.
I don't really think I'll die, but I'm concerned enough about safety to want to make sure I know how to handle a bike before I get one - and I know you can never fix the other drivers out there on the road which are probably the biggest danger.
Apart from learning to ride what should I look for in a bike? I don't need anything super-fast. but it should have decent acceleration (not a problem, I suspect) and not struggle to keep up on I-25 where the speed limit is 75 (I'm in Northern Colorado).
Any advice for a clueless newb is appreciated.
I have almost no experience riding, and have for years rejected the idea of buying a bike without thinking too hard about it, but now I think I might want to.
I figure I should take some riding classes and then consider what kind of bike is for me. Some people think I look like a biker and when they inevitably ask why I don't ride one, I tel them it's because I don't want to die, but that's old and really the only reason I don't ride is because I don't have a bike and never learned how to do it.
I don't really think I'll die, but I'm concerned enough about safety to want to make sure I know how to handle a bike before I get one - and I know you can never fix the other drivers out there on the road which are probably the biggest danger.
Apart from learning to ride what should I look for in a bike? I don't need anything super-fast. but it should have decent acceleration (not a problem, I suspect) and not struggle to keep up on I-25 where the speed limit is 75 (I'm in Northern Colorado).
Any advice for a clueless newb is appreciated.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 373
Likes: 2
From: Virginia Beach
I bought my first motorcycle 7 years ago when I was stationed on an aircraft carrier. I got a really good deal on a brand new 1200 XLH, 100th Anniversary Sportster. Never rode in my life. Once back from deployment I had a friend go to the dealer with me and drive it back home. From there I'd have him ride it to a parking lot and I had at it. In a couple of hours of practicing I was able to drive it back home down the street. And everyday I'd drive around the block and work my way up to the main streets and then the highways. It's all about your comfort zone, baby steps and RESPECT the bike. Don't try to do too much all at once. I sold the Sporty a few years later and got a new Dyna Streetbob. I love to ride and I'm glad I gave it a shot. It's the best feeling on the road!
Stay safe,
Jake
Stay safe,
Jake
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 7,116
Likes: 3
From: Yakima, Wa.
Welcome aboard. Get your training and license first. Then ride as many different bikes as you can. Go slow and narrow down whether you're gonna be a short trip rider or long trips. Let that set the general direction of your quest. Be safe and most of all enjoy the ride. Geez
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 373
Likes: 2
From: Virginia Beach
oh and by the way, A class is a very good idea. But I wanted to learn the basics of riding on my own before taking the class because if the instructors feel like you're not picking it up fast enough they will fail you. I did my MSC on base in Washington State and once I passed the class that gave me privileges to bring it on base and for the state motorcycle license endorsement so I didn't have to do the state driving test.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 17,717
Likes: 1
From: NY
Welcome aboard from New York.
You're headed in the right direction. Take the beginner class and see how it goes. You'll then have an idea of what you want in a bike. Might be good to get a used bike first as you may want to get a bigger bike to tour after you get the hang of it.
You're headed in the right direction. Take the beginner class and see how it goes. You'll then have an idea of what you want in a bike. Might be good to get a used bike first as you may want to get a bigger bike to tour after you get the hang of it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 33
From: TEXAS
Take a course, get a license, by that time you will be able to tell whether or not you are going to like it. Then buy what you like and be careful. The most dangerous motorsickle you will ever own is you first one. So don't ride outside of your capabilities, watch out of cars, critters and teenage girls on the cell phone.
Last edited by harleyflyboy; Jul 25, 2009 at 04:57 PM.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Does anyone have a preference to Road Kings or Road Glides
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Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Sorry if this has been covered before (I looked, but didn't find anything although it probably should have been beaten to death already).
I have almost no experience riding, and have for years rejected the idea of buying a bike without thinking too hard about it, but now I think I might want to.
I figure I should take some riding classes and then consider what kind of bike is for me. Some people think I look like a biker and when they inevitably ask why I don't ride one, I tel them it's because I don't want to die, but that's old and really the only reason I don't ride is because I don't have a bike and never learned how to do it.
I don't really think I'll die, but I'm concerned enough about safety to want to make sure I know how to handle a bike before I get one - and I know you can never fix the other drivers out there on the road which are probably the biggest danger.
Apart from learning to ride what should I look for in a bike? I don't need anything super-fast. but it should have decent acceleration (not a problem, I suspect) and not struggle to keep up on I-25 where the speed limit is 75 (I'm in Northern Colorado).
Any advice for a clueless newb is appreciated.
I have almost no experience riding, and have for years rejected the idea of buying a bike without thinking too hard about it, but now I think I might want to.
I figure I should take some riding classes and then consider what kind of bike is for me. Some people think I look like a biker and when they inevitably ask why I don't ride one, I tel them it's because I don't want to die, but that's old and really the only reason I don't ride is because I don't have a bike and never learned how to do it.
I don't really think I'll die, but I'm concerned enough about safety to want to make sure I know how to handle a bike before I get one - and I know you can never fix the other drivers out there on the road which are probably the biggest danger.
Apart from learning to ride what should I look for in a bike? I don't need anything super-fast. but it should have decent acceleration (not a problem, I suspect) and not struggle to keep up on I-25 where the speed limit is 75 (I'm in Northern Colorado).
Any advice for a clueless newb is appreciated.
*Yep its been covered, but that's ok.
*We all started somewhere in time..
*Yep again, take a motorcycle safety course and get Ur licences.
*The I don't thing I'll die statement is wrong. We all are going to die sometime.
*Common sense, great awareness, not riding faster than posted speed limit, respect for bike, alone with anticipating what other might do will go a long way in safe riding.
*IMO, U want a bike that fits U for sure but I don't know anything about U so I can't suggest what U want or need.
There's Crotch Rockets, Cruisers, Touring. type of riding U will do, solo, two up, around town, trips, over nighters?
*Most bikes will say what its max or cruising speed is.
*I would start with a used one that can be resold easy in a size thats Comfortable for U. Then go from there
Welcome to the forum.
Lots of different areas to read & learn from in here. Most of the (Whats the best?), questions have been answered 100's of times in here.
The search feature will get U most answers to Ur questions, or Google it. If you cant find the answer, start a thread in the CORRECT SECTION area.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: In the middle of Texas
Good luck, Im on my first bike had it for 2 weeks now. I have wanted one for a while but my wife didnt want me to get it finally she gave in and got one too. But to start off with we both took classes and went from there. Classes are great and most dealers will throw them in with a new bike. As far as the bike. Everyone i talked to says you will out grow a bike quicker than you think so find something that is comfortable and something that you think you can enjoy for a while so your not taking a cheap bike back in 2 months becuase your bored of the ride