not really looking on a bike preference, i read the intro post and i am not looking for some radical bike, not even looking to go over 100 with it. just want it to look good, get decent gas mileage, etc.

but to my "needing guidance"

what sort of mechanical upkeep is there? i understand there is a special oil for bikes due to the engine and transmission sharing the same oil?

how is the gas mileage actually, say a CBRf4i?
local bike riding schools/classes?
best suggested equipment for when i do drop it? (i work in a warehouse most the time, so i can bare some heat to save my skin)
any suggested parts to help prevent damage? thought i recall someone mentioning pegs or rollers or something to save the ferrings?
should i have an issue, are the older bikes easier to work on, say pre 96?
insurance, what is with this, do i need it?
motorcycle liscenses?

like i said, total newbie, if i missed a post where this is all explained, please direct me toward it.

 

mine gets 40+mpg, and if you wanna protect the fairings get some frame sliders, i think you can look up classes on msf.com or search this forum.....

 

ahhhhhhhhhhhh welcome to the dark side!!!!!! lol

older 600 is about the best for a first bike.

gas is better on a 600 than a 1000 like mine but i get about 30-35 beating on it

up keep isn't bad. just oil and filter cost a little more than a car.
a can of spray lube for the chain. i spray mine every 100 miles or so, a can lasts forever

frame sliders are a cheap bolt on and save some when you drop it.

as for working on one. i think cars are for working on and bikes are for riding. get something newer with EFI and you shouldn't have to ever fix much. tires are about all you'll really spend money on.


insurance... you don't have to have it by law. only need it if you finance it and they require it. there's ways around that with a new bike too.

motorcycle licenses... there's a quick free written test to take at the dmv. its good for 3 months and you can reup it 5 times before taking the driving test. or just take the msf course and they give you a waiver thing to just to pick up your shit at the dmv


helmet, jacket and gloves all the time and you'll be fine.

 

thanks jon, i wasnt lookin for a huge bike like a 1000 or anything, lil 600 or 750 at the most...preferably just for the better gas mileage and clean look, i get like 30 in the sentra doing 1/2 interstate and 1/2 city. but without an insurance payment and the extra gas, i can save more for the bird. my biggest concern comes from the fact ive lost a couple friends, and had a couple severely injured on a bike...most all of em had helmets but either bled out or got severely messed up due to no protection otherwise. its why i havent considered a bike up until now.

 

Depends on the bike. V-twin cruisers get anywhere from 30-70mpg depending on the size and make. Also, some bikes don't share oil with the crankcase and the clutch. Japanese bikes from anytime in the 90's and Harleys/Buells from '84-'98 are bulletproof, so don't worry about repairs. Chainlube (or not if you're on a Buell), tires, oil, and maybe a clutch here and there are all you're going to need. Go take the MSF course!

 

Its all been said above. The single most important thing to remember when you get a bike is, PAY ATTENTION TO EVERYONE ELSE, the moment you do not is the moment when soccer mom pulls out and you werent prepared for it.

 

You should buy my 03 Katana. It get 40+ MPG and has an extended warranty. $4,000 - - -....

Depending on how much heat you can take to save you skin leather will protect you the best of course. Make sure you get a good pair of gloves too. I have the leather jacket in my avatar and the Icon Ti-Max mesh for the Summer. There are also pants you can buy with reinforced areas for protection.

 

SV650 :thumbsup: