Motorcycles!

[spyder003]

Just curious... How many people ride here?

I just picked up a '95 ZX-6R last week. I've never ridden before and this is my first bike. I realize starting on a 600 class sportbike isn't the wisest choice I've made, but I'll be taking it slow this season.

I've been practicing in parking lots the past few days and took it out on the street for the first time tonight. Fun stuff

So, how long have you been riding and what did you start on? Any bad experiences?

[HAL9000]

I don't ride, but I have a piece of advice for you.... if you're going to be one of these idiots tearing up the road and/or weaving in and out of traffic because you are more maneuverable, sell the bike now... three times I have helped clean people up off of the street because of their wreckless habits on bikes and trust me, it's never a pretty sight. The last guy wiped on some lose stones on a cloverleaf slamming himself into a street sign, breaking his one leg in three places with bone sticking out at two of the breaks, the other leg in one spot, again, with bone sticking out... I had the pleasure of witnessing it and being first on the scene to aid.... I swear if it were legal, in those situaitons, I would rather put a bullet in the guy's head....

[spyder003]

I'm a responsible car driver, obeying all traffic signs, and don't exceed 5 MPH over the speed limit. I don't plan on riding the bike any different. Just in the short time I've had it, I've already realized it's got enough power to make me nothing more than a skid mark on the road. I'm just riding for fun.

[juppy]

I've never had a street bike of my own. Always wanted one though, just can't afford it. I've been on dirt bikes most of my life, since about age 7, starting out with a little white Yamaha MX80. Most of the time now I just ride my Honda XR250 or my Yamaha 225 3-wheeler.

I have to agree with HAL.....keep your head on straight when riding and try not to do anything TOO stupid. With all the videos showing people in California and other places doing stunts and riding at insane speeds, it seems like everyone is trying to act that same way anymore. Wasn't long ago around here that a girl got killed on a bike because her boyfriend that was driving it decided to try and run a red light......ended up T-boning a Honda Civic in the driver's door at an estimated 85 mph (in a 35 mph zone). Ironic thing was that it happened right in front of a hospital, but they still weren't close enough to save her.....basically dead on impact. So now he gets to live the rest of his life knowing that he killed his girlfriend. Fun.

If you keep it safe and adhere to the laws and rules of the road though, yeah, they're alot of fun.

[rjfvillarosa]

Although I don't have a bike at the moment (actually looking around for one now) I have been riding bikes for almost forty years and I have only had one crash and even that wasn't my fault (flippin coffin dodger pulled out in front of me). Hal's advice although a bit harsh and graphic is very true, enjoy your bike, riding is fun, remember it was designed to ride on two wheels why would you want one off the ground. My last bike that I rode on a regular basis was a 650cc Honda TransAlp and in all honesty it was probably the most well behaved and forgiving bike I have ever ridden.

previously owned bikes.
Suzuki 250GT
Yamaha RD250
various Triumph Bonneville's
Honda 750four
Kawasaki ZZR1100 (the fastest bike I have ever ridden, this bike can respond faster than you can think BEWARE )
Honda 650 TransAlp.

previously ridden bikes.
pick one and I have probably ridden it after working on it.

[David M]

I am on my third motorcycle now, an 800cc Honda Pacific Coast.

One of the best things you can do to help preserve your life is to take a motorcycle safety course. I took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course and learned things that I had not even thought of before...and I had already been riding for over 15 years. The course has definately made me a more aware and intelligent rider. What makes someone a safer rider is not necessarily riding skills but a better situational awareness of what could happen (anticipation) and knowing what to do if something does happen. You are taught how to ride so the chance of getting into an accident is reduced.

Most riders are not at fault in a motorcycle accident and learning instictively what to do can save your life.

People driving cars are not looking for motorcycles, they are looking for other cars primarily.

The course is not a basic course. You must already have your basic riding skills down. I saw two people flunk out of the course because they were not good enough at maneuvering the obstacle course. You must be able to maneuver lines and cones on pavement to pass...and not slowly either. Some of the maneuvers you must do at a pretty good speed...like you would find out on the streets.

The course works on the psychological aspect of riding as well, which I found interesting. The instructors are avid riders themselves, not your typical Drivers Ed teacher who hates his job.

It is definately worth the money to reduce the chances of getting paralyzed for life or dieing.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation: http://www.msf-usa.org/

[glc]

Owning a high performance bike as a first bike is not in itself bad as long as you have a good head on your shoulders. Having said that, my first bike was a vanilla 400cc twin - far from high performance, but strong enough to get one in trouble if ridden irresponsibly. In a way, I'm glad I did it that way, moving up to faster and heavier bikes was easier having the basics down already.

[Parker03GT]

+1 Motorcycle Safety Foundation course
It helps! I don't ride yet, I've been trying for a Suzuki SV650S since last July but things keep popping up. I'll get there eventually.

[glc]

Parker, the military requires you take the course before you can get a base sticker and ride on base, right?

[spyder003]

Yeah, I'm already signed up for the MSF. They actually provide a course on base at no cost. Most bases require the MSF before you can ride on base. Where I'm currently stationed they require it to ride on OR off base.

[bailey]

I have been riding two wheel devices sence I was 13, started with a cushman alstate, and the last one was a 1982 goldwing interstate with a camping trailer which the wife and I traveled all over the north west.

I did it one dear with a harley 125, the bike stoped, but I didn't.

the best advice I can give is to drive ahead of you and watch the other people on the road, and look out for littel critters, they may be small, but they will get you.

[Kareeser]

Originally Posted by David M I took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course and learned things that I had not even thought of before...and I had already been riding for over 15 years. ... People driving cars are not looking for motorcycles, they are looking for other cars primarily.

I'm assuming that one of the tips included not hanging around in somebody else's blind spot... that goes for cars too.

Having never ridden a bike, I'm content to watch them whiz by me, or take the shoulder in a traffic jam.

Have fun, spyder!

[Redfallon]

I agree 100% with what the other posters have stated. Although I haven't ridden on street since my son was born, I spent a couple of years before then. I have been toying with the idea of getting a new street bike. Currently my 250kx keeps me entertained off road where I don't have to worry about the cagers. I don't think a 600 is a bad size bike to start off with. At least you didn't go out and pick up a GSX-R 1300 Hayabusa.

[HAL9000]

Ya... 600 is still a managable size.. my brother went and bought a 750 for his first bike.. then ended up staring at a girl while coming to a stop at an intersection... well, too busy staring and misplaced his foot on the ground, dumped the bike and broke his foot in three places... the funniest part (and most humiliating for him I'm sure) is when the girl came and helped him pick the bike up off of his foot

[flanzig1]

Been riding for 20+ years. First bike was a Honda 550. Tried to teach myself how to ride; first time I tried to ride I popped the clutch the bike went and I didn't. Have had no crashes, did have my last bike tip over will taking a rest at the top of Beartooth pass in Wyoming. Tough breathing at almost 12,000ft. Had to flag someone down to help right the bike.

[raftero]

i love them, rode street bikes for years, first one a honda 450. had a bsa 600 (cost $1200 in the crate, put it together myself) i was a fun bike, always something to do to it, had a bmw 600 , great road bike but nothing to do except wash it and change oil, anyway there safe enough just assume everyone else has the right of way and watch for dogs and wild animals .

[mbossman2]

latest ride is a V-star 1100.

the MSF is a MUST: if you have never ridden, if you are returning from a layoff or if you have been riding for "forever". there is a lot to be learned.

Remember the liklihood of having an accident on a motorcycle is 4-6 times lower if you take a structured, professional training class.

600cc sport bike? as a first bike? ooops (not the end of the world, but not the best choice...but I guess it's better than the litre bike choice). www.beginnerbikers.org is a place to visit, get some advice and share your experiences (and get an earful for your choice of bike at this stage of the learning curve)

repeat after me: ATGATT. ATGATT. AGATT. All The Gear, All The Time. That means full jacket with armor, riding pants, also with armor, good gloves, full face helmet, over the ankle motorcycle boots. (www.newenough.com)

Yes, there are different rules for bikes on base. Usually you have to take and pass a military approved motorcycle course before you can take it on base.

tkae it easy, take it SLOW and practice your panic stops (they can save your life).

good luck and remember: shiny side remains UP.

[spyder003]

Thanks for the advice, guys.

I'm definitely a believer in the riding gear. I've done enough to research to persuade me that it works. I've already picked up a new helmet and jacket, which ran me almost $400, and that's on the low end. I've got some decent gloves, just need to pick up some pants and good boots.

[fudtone]

No professional advice here.. I road for a few (5?) years... heavy America Steal. Not all of the same rules apply when riding a over raked over stretched chopper...I like to say ditch over dodge and always be rdy to jump. Only layed her down once at about 15 mph... I pulled the tooth out of my lip and kicked the side mirror the the curb and took off.

[als814]

I want to get a Hyabusa at some point.

[FireByyrd]

I'm riding on a Kawasaki 250R right now. It serves me fine for the commute to work, and just joy riding. I hate riders who ride recklessly and hitting 100mph on a 50mph. Its horrible, and they give riders a bad image.

Starting with a ZX-6R is pretty crazy in my opinion. I've been riding for a couple years... and that bike is one 'hell of a ride. But then again im not in for the thrill just an economical way of transportation.

I really don't have any bad experiences. but im riding a 250cc so its pretty slow...

[doctorgonzo]

Originally Posted by spyder003 I'm definitely a believer in the riding gear. I've done enough to research to persuade me that it works. I've already picked up a new helmet and jacket, which ran me almost $400, and that's on the low end. I've got some decent gloves, just need to pick up some pants and good boots.

Good for you. Just remember that it's a lot cheaper and a lot less painful to shred your gear than it is to shred your skin.

I haven't ridden in several years; I used to have a 1973 Honda CB450 I picked up at an auction.

[enhanced08]

I'm getting ready to get my first as well, a 2002 Yamaha FZ1 1000cc street bike. I have rode others before, a few of my friends ride and I ride with them sometimes but this bike will be the most powerful I have ever been on. It will take some time to get used to it I'm sure but I think I'll be ok.

Good riding gear and a good head on your shoulders, as mentioned above, and you should be alright.

Have fun!

[mbossman2]

Originally Posted by enhanced08 I'm getting ready to get my first as well, a 2002 Yamaha FZ1 1000cc street bike. I have rode others before, a few of my friends ride and I ride with them sometimes but this bike will be the most powerful I have ever been on. It will take some time to get used to it I'm sure but I think I'll be ok. Good riding gear and a good head on your shoulders, as mentioned above, and you should be alright. Have fun!

yeow...unless you have ridden a lot (and based on your own admission, this will be your 1st bike) that bike is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy too much for a beginner...

Please take my advice: pick something else for your 1st ride. this bike is EXTREMELY fast, extremely quick and extremely powerful and requires an experienced hand to properly and safely control this beast. this is a derivative of the Yammy R1 (a race level bike) and the inexperience of a beginner can put the rider in a position that their skills can't cope with. Can't cope = accident = injury


BTW, if you don't believe me...come over to www.beginnerbikers.org and ask here. you will get a lot of responses and they can give you an honest, unbiased opinion.

[FireByyrd]

Even experienced riders, that is a "super" bike which many people deem "track-only"... 1000cc.. fast.

[DougL]

Scuse my ignorance but don't they have laws to restrict new learners in the states? over here its illegal to ride high powered motorcycles without the compulsory training and even then your restricted cc wise. I've ridden motorcycles for thirty years and have had a great time. You will always get the idiots no matter how much or little training they have had but that goes for car drivers too. Once the red mist comes down theres no stoping em!

Doug

[mbossman2]

Originally Posted by DougL Scuse my ignorance but don't they have laws to restrict new learners in the states? over here its illegal to ride high powered motorcycles without the compulsory training and even then your restricted cc wise. I've ridden motorcycles for thirty years and have had a great time. You will always get the idiots no matter how much or little training they have had but that goes for car drivers too. Once the red mist comes down theres no stoping em! Doug

nope. the UK has a far superior system for motorcycle licensing than the USA.

the UK uses a graduated licensing set up were a young inexperienced rider is limited by engine displacement and horsepower to certain bikes. AS their skills develop, thru training and experience, they can elect to test up and have legal access to the bigger and more powerful bikes.

The USA has no compulsory motorcycle training and in fact it is quite possible to buy a bike and obtain insurance without a license (in fact, according to the NHTSA, over half of motorcycle accidents involve unlicensed/improperly licensed riders). Getting a license requires no training at all: if you can drive your bike in a straight line, do a slalom and a swerve...you probably will pass.

[mbossman2]

spyder, enhanced and anyone thinking about a motorcycle:

please read this article.

pay close attention to these quotes:

not all those riders are qualified to ride the big bikes they're on, some experts say.

The concern that some new riders are over-reaching by buying big bikes, however, is something of which she said the state was aware.

"Right now, most of the people who are getting killed are the doctors and lawyers that are going out to buy big bikes and have no experience," Eldorado said. "I would say if you started small and got some experience and then you move up in size, that really works well."

[mbossman2]

I know I am multiple posting when I could roll this up into 1 post, but this is important:

I took the liberty of posting spyder and enhanced's comments here.

I would urge them both (and anyone who is thinking about riding) to follow this thread.

[Dustmann]

Hey, glad to see some fellow riders here.

That being said, I just sold my rm125 and gave up motocross for the time being after a really hard crash. I bought an 05 Kawasaki ex250, (awesome bike, definitely would recommend to beginners) and am getting some experience on it before moving on to either a 600 or a Buell in a couple of years. Check out the forums at www.sportbikes.net they are a good group of guys there that will get you started out right.

If anyone is interested, I crashed on Easter 05 on a good sized 4th pinned step up/double on a really windy day, the wind died and gusted hard while i was in the air. I landed sideways and flipped over, landed on my head, temporary amnesia/concussion and a few bumps and bruises. Doc said if I hit my head again within a year, even a small impact would most likely give permanent brain damage due to brain swelling. Thus, I'm studying in the Netherlands, thousands of miles away from the temptation of my bike, and the day I get back I'll be safe to ride again.