Absolute Newbie

"JOJO" <dfkatz123 DeleteThis @aol.com> wrote in message
news:1182607490.394571.25030@w5g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
>I am 6'0 and about 230 pounds. I am starting to very seriously
> consider my first bike. I have gotten as far as enrolling in a saftey
> course. Any advice from the group would be greatly appreciated.
>

That is like asking what kind of shoes you should buy. Are you going to a
wedding or on a hike?
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"JOJO" <dfkatz123.DeleteThis@aol.com> wrote in message
news:1182610164.779915.174080@n60g2000hse.googlegroups.com...
>>
>> That is like asking what kind of shoes you should buy. Are you going to
>> a
>> wedding or on a hike?
>
>
> Good point. I live in a suburb north of Atlanta. I would be using this
> bike strictly for my own entertainment and perhaps long weekend rides
> in far off places with no traffic. I have heard that 250's make
> excellent starter bikes, but it feels very small. Is a 750 to large to
> start off with?
>

You are a big boy. You will hate the 250s.

Buy used. There are many good bikes out there, so look around and sit on or
ride as many as possible.

I am personally fond of the Nighthawk 750.
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"BryanUT" <nestle12 RemoveThis @comcast.net> wrote in message
news:s7WdnXHW0eCtquDbnZ2dnUVZ_uOmnZ2d@comcast.com...
>> Good point. I live in a suburb north of Atlanta. I would be using this
>> bike strictly for my own entertainment and perhaps long weekend rides
>> in far off places with no traffic. I have heard that 250's make
>> excellent starter bikes, but it feels very small. Is a 750 to large to
>> start off with?
>>
>
> You are a big boy. You will hate the 250s.

Agreed; just a little more on that, though - if by "safety course"
you mean the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's (MSF) Basic
RiderCourse, you will very likely be on 250s (Nighthawks,
f'rinstance) during that. That course is run completely within
the confines of a parking lot or some other closed area (not
on public streets), and those little bikes are just fine there.
But if you go from that right to a 750 on the street, well, just
keep in mind that you're definitely still just learning, and you've
taken a big step up in equipment. The BRC, though, IS
absolutely your best first step.

> Buy used. There are many good bikes out there, so look around and sit on
> or ride as many as possible.
>
> I am personally fond of the Nighthawk 750.

Agreed, again. Some other options you might want to
consider that are fairly available on the used market would
include the Suzuki SV650 (esp. the carbureted first
generation, 1999-2002, my personal fave) and the Honda
599. You want used, though, for sure - you WILL drop your
first bike, unless you're extremely lucky, and you don't want
to be overly concerned about getting a little ding or scratch.
DO NOT be seduced by a race-replica literbike for your
first, no matter what sort of deal you find on a used one.

The MSF course will also require that you have a helmet,
gloves, some sort of jacket, and decent protective footwear.
They don't really require that these be "real motorcycle
gear" (well, except for the helmet), but you might as well
get something that's actually intended for riding right from the
start - and then don't just hang up this gear when the course
is over, just because no one is forcing you to wear it any
more.

Outside of that - welcome, have fun, and most importantly,
don't ride for anyone but yourself. This isn't about impressing
anyone else, keeping up with the fastest rider in the pack,
showing off, etc., etc.. Stay alert, stay safe, and ride for YOU.


Bob M.
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On Jun 23, 12:31?pm, "Bob Myers" <nospample... RemoveThis @address.invalid> wrote:
> "BryanUT" <nestl... RemoveThis @comcast.net> wrote in message
>
> news:s7WdnXHW0eCtquDbnZ2dnUVZ_uOmnZ2d@comcast.com...
>
> >> Good point. I live in a suburb north of Atlanta. I would be using this
> >> bike strictly for my own entertainment and perhaps long weekend rides
> >> in far off places with no traffic. I have heard that 250's make
> >> excellent starter bikes, but it feels very small. Is a 750 to large to
> >> start off with?
>
> > You are a big boy. You will hate the 250s.
>
> Agreed; just a little more on that, though - if by "safety course"
> you mean the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's (MSF) Basic
> RiderCourse, you will very likely be on 250s (Nighthawks,
> f'rinstance) during that. That course is run completely within
> the confines of a parking lot or some other closed area (not
> on public streets), and those little bikes are just fine there.
> But if you go from that right to a 750 on the street, well, just
> keep in mind that you're definitely still just learning, and you've
> taken a big step up in equipment. The BRC, though, IS
> absolutely your best first step.
>
> > Buy used. There are many good bikes out there, so look around and sit on
> > or ride as many as possible.
>
> > I am personally fond of the Nighthawk 750.
>
> Agreed, again. Some other options you might want to
> consider that are fairly available on the used market would
> include the Suzuki SV650 (esp. the carbureted first
> generation, 1999-2002, my personal fave) and the Honda
> 599. You want used, though, for sure - you WILL drop your
> first bike, unless you're extremely lucky, and you don't want
> to be overly concerned about getting a little ding or scratch.
> DO NOT be seduced by a race-replica literbike for your
> first, no matter what sort of deal you find on a used one.
>
> The MSF course will also require that you have a helmet,
> gloves, some sort of jacket, and decent protective footwear.
> They don't really require that these be "real motorcycle
> gear" (well, except for the helmet), but you might as well
> get something that's actually intended for riding right from the
> start - and then don't just hang up this gear when the course
> is over, just because no one is forcing you to wear it any
> more.
>
> Outside of that - welcome, have fun, and most importantly,
> don't ride for anyone but yourself. This isn't about impressing
> anyone else, keeping up with the fastest rider in the pack,
> showing off, etc., etc.. Stay alert, stay safe, and ride for YOU.
>
> Bob M.


All excellent point. Went by the local Harley Davidson shop this
morning and sat on the Sportster and the Dyna low rider. The salesman
indicated that most folks were returning the sportster for an upgrade
very quickly. I have now intention of getting a racing bike. I am 33
years old with three kids, my thought is to ease into this very, very
slowly. I am not trying to get killed on a bike. I think that riding
will be cheaper than a shrink and from everyone I have spoken to there
is nothing quite like it.

I am also concerned about depreciation and having to take a big lose
if I decide to sell. Not sure I want to invest 17K on a first bike. I
have seen the Dyna's for around 7K. What is high mileage for a
motorcycle? My main concern is being able to be comfortable on the
bike enough to enjoy the ride, but not getting anything that I will
not be able to handle while I am learning.......

Thoughts?
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Bob Myers wrote:
> Suzuki SV650 (esp. the carbureted first
> generation, 1999-2002, my personal fave)

I'm curious why you prefer carbs?
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Bob Myers wrote:
> "BryanUT" <nestle12.DeleteThis@comcast.net> wrote in message

>> Buy used. There are many good bikes out there, so look around and sit on
>> or ride as many as possible.
>>
>> I am personally fond of the Nighthawk 750.
>
> Agreed, again. Some other options you might want to
> consider that are fairly available on the used market would
> include the Suzuki SV650 (esp. the carbureted first
> generation, 1999-2002, my personal fave) and the Honda
> 599. You want used, though, for sure - you WILL drop your
> first bike, unless you're extremely lucky, and you don't want
> to be overly concerned about getting a little ding or scratch.
> DO NOT be seduced by a race-replica literbike for your
> first, no matter what sort of deal you find on a used one.

Even the old 400-450 bikes such as the KZ400 and CB450 are powerful
enough for someone your size to go fast enough to get into trouble
I'm still trying to buy my brother's LTD440 back from him. At 6'1"
250lbs, that is the bike I spent my formative (read: first 10,000 miles)
year ons. Forgiving and damn near indestructible.
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JOJO wrote:

> I am also concerned about depreciation and having to take a big lose
> if I decide to sell. Not sure I want to invest 17K on a first bike. I
> have seen the Dyna's for around 7K. What is high mileage for a
> motorcycle? My main concern is being able to be comfortable on the
> bike enough to enjoy the ride, but not getting anything that I will
> not be able to handle while I am learning.......

I would take a 5 year old bike with 50,000 miles on it before I would
take a 15 year old bike with 10,000.

Motorcycles are like boat motors. As soon as they stop seeing regular
use, they deteriorate quickly.
 >> Stay informed about: Absolute Newbie 

JOJO wrote:
> I am 6'0 and about 230 pounds. I am starting to very seriously
> consider my first bike. I have gotten as far as enrolling in a saftey
> course. Any advice from the group would be greatly appreciated.

If you're in no hurry to take up street riding get a beat up dirt bike
(and trailer if you don't have a truck) and learn to ride on dirt first.

That said, my old Honda 400 was plenty of bike for me at over 200
pounds, and something in that range would IMO be a very good first bike.
I got it because several reviewers said it had "perfect handling" and
whether that was true or not, it was a damnably easy bike to ride. It's
a shame that there are so few in that general category these days. If
you can find a used 350-450 Honda in good shape that would be a really
good option.

--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
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"BryanUT" <nestle12.RemoveThis@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:47ydnVFZYelr-uDbnZ2dnUVZ_riknZ2d@comcast.com...
>> indicated that most folks were returning the sportster for an upgrade
>> very quickly. I have now intention of getting a racing bike. I am 33
>
> I am 50 with grandkids and I ride a 600cc sportbike....

Ditto, except for the grandkids.

Look, Jojo, it IS your decision, but there are a whole lot of
options out there besides cruisers. Harleys are pretty
fashionable right now, and if that's what floats yer boat, OK,
just realize that there ARE other options that are preferred
by a lot of riders. For me, the cruiser riding position is
definitely NOT comfortable for longer rides, and while the
big Harley V-twins admittedly have torque that will pull
the planet off its axis, in terms of horsepower they're woefully
behind more modern standards and sportbikes. You may
also find that cruiser handling leaves quite a bit to be
desired, even compared with a fairly mild standard such as
the Nighthawk.


>> have seen the Dyna's for around 7K. What is high mileage for a
>> motorcycle? My main concern is being able to be comfortable on the
>> bike enough to enjoy the ride, but not getting anything that I will
>> not be able to handle while I am learning.......

You can get a very nice first bike for around half that, IF
you're willing to look beyond the H-Ds and all the chrome.
Any of the other bikes that have been mentioned so far
(Nighthawk 750, SV650, Honda 599, etc.) can be found
in very usable condition, without excessive mileage, for
$3500-4000. Take a look at craigslist.com for your area,
just to get an idea of what's out there pricewise.

Bob M.
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"timeOday" <timeOday-UNSPAM.RemoveThis@theknack.net> wrote in message
news:uZSdnZQ2iMrU9eDbnZ2dnUVZ_jSdnZ2d@comcast.com...
> Bob Myers wrote:
>> Suzuki SV650 (esp. the carbureted first
>> generation, 1999-2002, my personal fave)
>
> I'm curious why you prefer carbs?

I don't exactly prefer carbs (although I think that having
a carbureted bike for your first one isn't a bad experience);
I just like the 1st gen SV for a beginner over the 2nd
(they're widely available at a decent price, I like the
round-tubed frame better, etc.), and also wanted to point
out the carbs as one significant difference between the two.

Bob M.
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Bob Myers wrote:
> "BryanUT" <nestle12.TakeThisOut@comcast.net> wrote in message
> news:47ydnVFZYelr-uDbnZ2dnUVZ_riknZ2d@comcast.com...
>>> indicated that most folks were returning the sportster for an
>>> upgrade very quickly. I have now intention of getting a racing
>>> bike. I am 33
>>
>> I am 50 with grandkids and I ride a 600cc sportbike....
>
> Ditto, except for the grandkids.
>
> Look, Jojo, it IS your decision, but there are a whole lot of
> options out there besides cruisers. Harleys are pretty
> fashionable right now, and if that's what floats yer boat, OK,
> just realize that there ARE other options that are preferred
> by a lot of riders. For me, the cruiser riding position is
> definitely NOT comfortable for longer rides, and while the
> big Harley V-twins admittedly have torque that will pull
> the planet off its axis, in terms of horsepower they're woefully
> behind more modern standards and sportbikes. You may
> also find that cruiser handling leaves quite a bit to be
> desired, even compared with a fairly mild standard such as
> the Nighthawk.
>
>
>>> have seen the Dyna's for around 7K. What is high mileage for a
>>> motorcycle? My main concern is being able to be comfortable on the
>>> bike enough to enjoy the ride, but not getting anything that I will
>>> not be able to handle while I am learning.......
>
> You can get a very nice first bike for around half that, IF
> you're willing to look beyond the H-Ds and all the chrome.
> Any of the other bikes that have been mentioned so far
> (Nighthawk 750, SV650, Honda 599, etc.) can be found
> in very usable condition, without excessive mileage, for
> $3500-4000. Take a look at craigslist.com for your area,
> just to get an idea of what's out there pricewise.

Further, for the price difference between a good just about anything
else and an equivalent Harley you can do a lot of farkling on the just
about anything else.

--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
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On Jun 23, 7:04 am, JOJO <dfkatz... RemoveThis @aol.com> wrote:
> I am 6'0 and about 230 pounds. I am starting to very seriously
> consider my first bike. I have gotten as far as enrolling in a saftey
> course. Any advice from the group would be greatly appreciated.

JOJO,
I am about your size (1" shorter), and I started with 750cc Honda
Shadow. This particula model was "inspired" by HD Dyna Glide Super...
(Read: Honda copied Dyna Glide and called it Shadow, to the point that
the chocke is in the same place etc...)
At first the bike was a pain to handle, expecially since very little
twist of throttle on the parking lot tried to yank the thing from
under me. After 2-3 weeks I passed OR DMV test on it with no problems
though...
Besides the aestetical reasons, I think cruiser are more comfy. I use
mine for every day commute on snaky country roads, and I like the way
it handles. The thing has a lot of torgue at the low end, but at
superslab speeds I wish I had 6th gear.



Reagards
Yuriy
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JOJO wrote:

> I am 6'0 and about 230 pounds. I am starting to very seriously
> consider my first bike. I have gotten as far as enrolling in a saftey
> course. Any advice from the group would be greatly appreciated.

Harley Davidson Electra Glide
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