Buying a Motorcycle

September 19, 2009 3:48 PM

What's a good motorcycle for me and what do I need to know about the process of getting one?

I am a mid-twenties woman of about 140lbs and 5'9. I am tired of having to rely on public transportation to commute and there is no way to park near my building with a car. Thus, I am considering getting a motorcycle to get around, and also for random road tripping on weekends. I live in Chapel Hill, NC. When I was a kid/teenager I road dirt bikes a lot, so I have some idea of how to maneuver a 2-wheeled vehicle.

My questions would be the following:

-what sort of bike do you think would be good for me? Let's ignore a definitive price limit, but I'm assuming no BMW or HD or the likes.

-I would have to take motorcycle driving lessons as part of acquiring the license to drive it (I believe). What are they like?

-Do you put motorcycles onto your car insurance policy?

-Can you finance a motorcycle like you can a car?

-Can I just park my motorcycle somewhere and take the keys out and assume that it would be safe?

-What else should I know?

posted by sickinthehead to travel & transportation (22 answers total)

-Honda Nighthawk
-They're worth the time. Depending on your coaches, they can be a little stressful, but a whole lot of fun. Don't skip this.
-Yes, you can.
-Yes, you can.
-You can, but I'd get an alarm and a cover. I live in an area where most people just leave their cars unlocked so they don't have to replace their windows several times a year, and my bike has yet to be messed with. The alarm has gone off, and I've seen people scamper away from it, but it has yet to disappear.
-Practice, practice, practice.
posted by piedmont at 3:56 PM on September 19, 2009

You can finance the purchase of a motorcycle just like you can a car.
posted by dfriedman at 4:12 PM on September 19, 2009

Sign up for a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course in your area. It'll take the weekend, and requires that you already have a motorcycle learner's permit, but if you pass you don't need to take a road test and it counts as a defensive driving class for your insurance policy. Takes a weekend and is 100% worth it, even if you already know how to ride.

As for bikes, depends on the style of bike you're looking for as well. Kawasaki Ninja 250/500/650R's are quite popular, and easy to find used. So is the Suzuki SV650. Any of those would fit you easily.

Not all car insurance companies insure motorcycles. You'll have to do some homework there. Another reason to take the class - YOU MUST HAVE A CLASS M LICENSE.

Seconding a lock/cover & potentially an alarm. It's pretty easy to steal a bike if you're so inclined.

Practice, practice, practice, and take the MSF class - I consider it mandatory for anyone, as they drill into your head just how unaware most drivers are of motorcyclists.
posted by swngnmonk at 4:13 PM on September 19, 2009

A quick google search for motorcycle leasing shows this Honda financing site.

(I know nothing about motorcycles other than that they can be financed.)
posted by dfriedman at 4:15 PM on September 19, 2009

- Depending on how you sit on one, how long your inseam is, and a hundred other factors, no one can really tell you online. You may be comfortable with a bigger engine right off, but I'd stick with no more than 600 or 750 cc's, make sure it's used, and get one without a lot of plastic on the sides.
- The motorcycle classes are worth your time because they focus on learning and repeating the essential skills that you'll need on the road, and in general are designed to prepare you for riding on the road. Don't skip the classroom sections, even though they're cheesy. They generally only take one weekend and you walk out with a card that you can exchange for your motorcycle license/endorsement at the DMV.
- You would generally get an additional policy with your vehicle insurer. Some insurers don't like motorcycles and charge accordingly. It may be worth your time to move both your vehicles to the same insurer.
- You can finance a motorcycle like you can a car, but I would not buy a new motorcycle for your first one. I would buy a cheap ($1000) used one. Don't forget to budget for about $1000 in riding gear to go with that though -- you want a GOOD (>=$250) helmet, a good leather or textile jacket, riding pants, riding boots, and gloves that are specialized for riding. Anything not designed for motorcycling will peel right off of you the second you hit asphalt in an accident.
- Depends on the area you live/work in, but I'd recommend a cover if you buy a new bike and it's outdoors. Many motorcycles can be easily stolen by pounding a screwdriver into the ignition with a big enough hammer. It's not worth most thieves' time to mess with covers, disc locks (disc brakes on wheels, a disc brake will prevent the wheel from turning) and alarms.
- You will need practice, and you will need to hone your skills, and you will need to do the things they tell you in class to make yourself a better rider like practicing emergency stopping and the intermediate and advanced rider classes. The best way to hone your skills is to find a group of other motorcyclists of all skill levels who are interested in the same kind of weekend trips that you are, and learn from the ones who are skilled and safety-minded.
posted by SpecialK at 4:20 PM on September 19, 2009

The Nighthawk 250 is the standard recommendation for a starter motorcycle, and one of the major ones the MSF classes use. While it is good for learning on, I'd suggest going straight for something with more kick; the 250 just feels like an underpowered unsafe toy at higher speeds (i.e. anything remotely resembling the flow of traffic on a highway). The biggest thing you're going to have to choose is style: a sport bike of the same size engine will behave totally differently than a cruiser. I'm partial to the Nighthawk 750, but if you go used (make sure it's well checked out), there are a lot of good midsize (500 cc or so) Hondas and Yamahas out there.

You can insure motorcycles almost ridiculously cheaply through most car insurance companies. Progressive has a reputation for dealing well with bikers. Comprehensive runs a bit more cause they're easy to steal.

Financing is certainly available, though many are in an attainable price range.

You'll want a lock that goes through the brakes, because the steering locks are easy to break, and then it can just be rolled off. I used to cover up for weather reasons anyway, and locked the bottom of the cover closed more as visual deterrent than real security.

Take the MSF class.
posted by Dr.Enormous at 4:24 PM on September 19, 2009

If it's more than just transportation & practicality you want out of your new bike, than bear with me, I'm a Ducati fan. Ducati Monsters are very popular, reliable and easy to ride, yet sporty. For something a little more expensive, maybe a Sport Classic would satisfy a wish for a sleek retro look (the cafe racer). And being the Ducati marque, resale will almost always be generous. Here's a dealer I found near you. Buying new will get you service specials and maybe free or low cost accessories. Yes, the bikes are insured with my car insurance agency (state farm). Yes, Ducati finances. Purchase a cover for overnight parking to keep eyes and rain off the bike.
See you on the road!
posted by artdrectr at 4:24 PM on September 19, 2009 [1 favorite]

-I would have to take motorcycle driving lessons as part of acquiring the license to drive it (I believe). What are they like?

Kinda boring, but useful and irreplaceable. I learned to ride on the streets of LA and Tokyo, but the skills they teach you are good, like telling you that the back tire loses traction during braking due to vehicle weight shifting onto the front wheel -- I experienced that in a minor ("low-side") crash in '93 but didn't understand the dynamics until it was covered in class (in 2002).

Do you put motorcycles onto your car insurance policy?

I did, via State Farm, yes.

Can you finance a motorcycle like you can a car?

The manufacturers provide some form of credit, yes. The dealer's job is to arrange this.

Can I just park my motorcycle somewhere and take the keys out and assume that it would be safe?

Generally no, but it greatly depends on the area.

It's generally better finding a used bike to start out on. That way when you drop it you won't be really really sad.
posted by Palamedes at 4:41 PM on September 19, 2009

-what sort of bike do you think would be good for me? Let's ignore a definitive price limit, but I'm assuming no BMW or HD or the likes.

A Suzuki SV650 would probably rock your world. You are the perfect size for it and they are spectacular beginners bikes. Not only are they great for beginners, but you won't outgrow it (racers LOVE them) and they are excellent commuters. I can't recommend them highly enough. Go with the standard rather than the S version and put your own windscreen on if you want one.

-I would have to take motorcycle driving lessons as part of acquiring the license to drive it (I believe). What are they like?

Easy. If you've ridden a dirtbike you'll do fine. It's mostly teaching you to use a manual clutch and to look where you are going. The stuff you'll learn is on road safety tips, which are extremely useful.

-Do you put motorcycles onto your car insurance policy?

Yes.

-Can you finance a motorcycle like you can a car?

Yes.

-Can I just park my motorcycle somewhere and take the keys out and assume that it would be safe?

Totally depends on where you are and what bike you own. Most places with most bikes, yes. Some places with some bikes, no. It really depends on the crime level in the area you live in and the bike scene there.

-What else should I know?

Buy good gear. Plan on spending at least $400 for gear to start. $200 for a helmet, $150 for a jacket, $75 for gloves. Good gear costs money. Those are starting points. I wrote some good glove info here.

Read up on helmets. You want one that is Snell approved. Arai and Shoei are the two best brands. If you are going to spend extra money, this is where to do it because you only have one brain. Helmets are only good for 5 years before the crushable liner begins to degrade. A dropped helmet may not be safe anymore, even if it looks good, so keep both of these in mind if you are tempted to get a used helmet from somewhere. NewEnough.com is a great online retailer. Regardless of whether you buy from them or not, their gear reviews are fantastic.

If you are commuting you will also want saddle bags and a tank bag.

I've got a ton more info, but I have to run. MefiMail me if you have any questions or want any clarification. FWIW I've been riding for over a decade, am a certified BMW, Honda and Suzuki tech and have owned my own shop and managed another, so I'm not just spouting stuff I've read off the net.

Good luck and have fun!! You're going to love it.
posted by thekiltedwonder at 5:02 PM on September 19, 2009

There's some great advice here already. Two things that I was told when I first started riding (again) were:

For your first bike, don't get something too fancy, because you are most likely going to drop it.

And when you start riding on the road, be confident! Like you, I bombed around on dirt roads on a bike when I was younger, but being on the road is a different experience. Having confidence in myself made a huge difference when I got back out there.

Congratulations - motorcycling is a blast!
posted by suki at 5:29 PM on September 19, 2009

Take a course, absolutely! If only to prepare you to avoid the folks in cars who can't see you. And maybe starting small is a good idea, if it's been awhile: a 250cc will take you lots of places cheaply and easily, but not on a highway. I am a shortish female and have a 650 Suzuki Boulevard and am really pleased with how light (and low) it is - I don't feel worried about dropping it all the time as I have felt with other bikes. And bikes age very well, so if financing is a concern, you can buy a good used one and not pay through the nose. Good luck, and check over those shoulders.
posted by fish tick at 6:13 PM on September 19, 2009

Oh, and parking: try to park somewhere highly visible, if you can. A small bike can be easily lifted into a truck and spirited off (I lost a beauty this way), and some people just like tipping them. The course will give you tips on this, too. And you would do well to keep your helmet with you rather than clipping it to the bike - the brain bucket is a big investment, and you don't want to lose it or have it banged around when it's out of sight. Also, use the bike's steering lock and leave it in gear as extra precautions.
posted by fish tick at 6:20 PM on September 19, 2009

nthing the MSF rider safety course.
posted by rmd1023 at 6:21 PM on September 19, 2009

Good advice so far; I wish I'd had good advice the first time I bought a motorcycle.

The only thing I'd add is that motorcycle safety relies on the bike being powerful enough to get you out of trouble when you need it. My mistake was in buying something that was powerful, but so heavy that I couldn't pick it up after I'd found it necessary to lay it down.

That's a final test for me now: can you stand it up when it's on the ground.
posted by reflecked at 7:10 PM on September 19, 2009

The first thing I ever rode was a 50cc Yamaha Vino, with a top speed of about 40mph. I rode it around for around 5 years or so, so that colors my judgement a lot. Right now, I have a Honda Rebel that tops out around 75 or so, and I'm sorta lusting after a Kawasaki Ninja 250, which can get up to 90. I've ridden the Rebel on the freeway in Seattle plenty of times, and would feel pretty good about taking it to Portland. It was pretty cheap, and gets good mileage too.

The MSF is a really good idea, if for no other reason than it feels good to be able to pass their test at the end.
posted by fnerg at 7:33 PM on September 19, 2009

some really good advice here so far.

i would just like to say that, if you have any experience riding (dirt bikes count) and aren't intimidated by motorcycles, don't get a 250.

I don't think anyone has ever bought a 250 and still been happy with it (as their one and only bike) after an entire season. and, as someone else said, the lack of power actually feels dangerous at highway speeds.

the SV650 is a good suggestion. in the same vein, but somewhat cheaper (and easier to find used) bike is the Suvuki GS500 or the Ninja 500.

None of those bikes will overpower a new rider and any of them should keep you happy for several seasons while you figure out yourself what your dream bike is.
posted by 256 at 7:34 PM on September 19, 2009

-what sort of bike do you think would be good for me? Let's ignore a definitive price limit, but I'm assuming no BMW or HD or the likes.
A lot depends on your commute, but you might want to look at something like the Suzuki GS500e. (Unfortunately, it got replaced by the more expensive GS500f several years ago, so you would have to look for a used one.) It has a lot of fans because it is simple, reparable, strong enough for the highway, and doesn't have a lot of expensive plastic. But do take some time and look around at a number of different bikes - ergonomics is really important.

-I would have to take motorcycle driving lessons as part of acquiring the license to drive it (I believe). What are they like?
I highly recommend the MSF courses. They are quite thorough, with an emphasis on safety. In a lot of jurisdictions, DMV will waive the road test requirement for a motorcycle license if you show them you passed the MSF class. You get better insurance rates for taking the MSF class. The class I took consisted of two Saturdays in the classroom and two Sundays riding around a parking lot. The class had a bit of a boot camp feel to it, but the male instructors and students were careful to be respectful of the women students.

-What else should I know?
Safety, safety, safety. You need a good helmet, boots, jacket, pants, and gloves at a bare minimum. As one rider concluded after an accident, "Always dress as if you had to throw yourself onto a really big belt sander at any moment." But once you have some confidence in your ability, motorcycles are a lot of fun. Let us know how you do!
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 7:57 PM on September 19, 2009

Also, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Motorcycles is a good, but not great place to start.
The Perfect Vehicle: What It is about Motorcycles is a great book on "why".
Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well is a great book on "how".
posted by Multicellular Exothermic at 8:33 PM on September 19, 2009

As others have said, start with the MSF course. I ended up with a Suzuki V-Strom 1000 and am really happy with that decision after riding four other bikes owned by friends. Before that I thought I was set on the SV 650. It's really all about ergonomics for me. I commute 80 miles a day 5 days a week and appreciate waterproof pants, gloves, and jacket at this time of year. I got a Scorpion helmet because it came in neon yellow; if Shoei had the same color I would have gone with them. Helmet noise is a big factor on the highway and Shoei reportedly makes a very quiet helmet.

What is your commute like? Is this your only vehicle? Do you need to carry more than you can fit in a back pack? I'm a fan of bikes with luggage options (FJR, V-Strom, K1200RS, Ulysses). Enjoy.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 9:28 PM on September 19, 2009

My wife sent me this link http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/mcy/1382784045.html to remind me why I shouldnt buy one. I dont think it should matter to you that much because she is not your wife ;)
posted by london302 at 1:05 AM on September 20, 2009

Here
posted by london302 at 1:49 AM on September 20, 2009

Plenty of good advice except for the alarm system advocacy. Motorcycles that start shrieking in the night get kicked over and jumped on.

You can best avoid theft by using two good locks -- ideally a heavy hardened chain that runs through rear wheel and frame and attaches to something solid, and a U-lock through the front wheel. Using two different types means thieves have to be twice as clever to pull off the theft.
posted by gum at 6:51 AM on September 20, 2009