i know there are a lot of "i want to start riding" or "what bike should i get" threads (which im sure most of you guys are tired of reading and replying to) but i cant seem to find the answer to my questions in any of em so here it goes...



ive been wanting to get a bike now for the longest time, but the only thing holding me back from accomplishing this is the fact that i dont know anyone with a bike and i have never ridin one. so my question is...how am i suppose to shop around for one that i like and feel comfortable with if i cant test drive it? im planning on taking the course or whatnot but if i dont have a bike to learn on, nor do i know how to ride one, then how am i suppose to choose one? i know this might seem ridiculous but im very careful with my money and i like to know what im getting into before i spend my 4-5 grand on a used bike.

im pretty sure the some people have been in this situation and can relate to what im saying one way or another...so post any mistakes/tips/experiences you had when you were starting out so i can feel more comfortable with my decision.

thanks
sergio

 

I know what you mean dood. That's why I only had my first bike for a month. I'd say take the class, get your endorsement and I believe there are some dealers who will let you test some of the bikes, but I've only heard this, never actually done it.

 

o btw im 6'5" so im sure finding a comfy bike might be a little difficult too...

 

get your endorsement and ask your friends to let you ride, realistically you will not be able to tell which you really like better right at first...you will be very unsure of your abilities as well as the bikes true abilities, so you will not notice the small differences between the different models. Aside from mere riding stance on the bike, not much can be told from one ride(like at a dealer, which only two in the area let you do...and that is with a license...not a permit). My best advice is to get a cheap 600 and ride it a while, find your riding style...ie twisties, stunt, cruise...and go from there.

 

not really.

The only thing thats gonne feel different is handling, but if you can sit on a bike in a riding postion for 30 min and still be comfortable then i'd say go for it. You definatly need to get your endorsment first though. As far as a test ride, you'd have to go with a euro or american brand, japanese vendors don't allow it. You could become friends with some people who ride and beg and plead to ride their's but i doubt it would do any good.

 

everything sounds good, thanks for the input guys. i was planning on starting out with a cbr600 and working my way from there. on that note can anyone here reccomend anyplaces to get certified at, or atleast point me in the right direction?

thanks again...

btw im on the market for any good starter bikes in the 600cc range.

sergio

 

take a msf course... so at least u can learn to ride...

im 6'3 and im starting with a 03 ninja 250r.. if fits me fine.. i only weight 160sumthing..but i started and learned how to ride on my own.. but im now taking the msf(the one at MCC) right now... its a good course if u never been or reding a bike

 

Sergio get one then we can ride together!!, if you need any help call my cell if you still have it or pm me....

<---------- Eric

 

ERIC! whatsup homie...long time no see...its good to hear from you. last time i heard about you was when erik told me you got a bike and he saw you at the car show. im going to pm you with my cell #.


back on subject...

any places where i can buy gear for cheap? what brands are good? should i get leather or the other material gear (not sure what it is) and should i spend good money on good gear to start out w/ or should i just buy basic gear that will cover my ass for now and expect the worse?

thanks for all the info again guys and im going to look into that msf course.

sergio

 

For gear and everything, ebay is your freind......