What do you wish you'd known before you got your first motorcycle?
June 14, 2013 6:19 PM Subscribe
Inspired by the apartment thread, i realized this would be a great place to ask. I recently decided that i was actually going to follow through with one of my longtime dreams and get a bike...
I've read several of the threads on here, which are chock full of good advice(like this and this). The thing is, they're more on a pre-100 level of questions about what specific bikes they should be looking at.
I have many years of experience riding a road bike, of the bicycle variety, and various mopeds going back to grade school.(I got my first engine powered two wheeled thing when i was 11 o_o). I'm familiar with how people in traffic try to murder you on a two wheeled vehicle, and Not Dying™ in that environment... To an extent, when you're going <30mph at least. I've signed up for an MSF course and have a good handle on what brands/sizes of gear to buy and will be picking that stuff up when my paycheck shows up in a few days. I also have decent guidance from several people including my coworker whose been riding since the early 70s, and a good friend whose been riding since highschool(who is willing to come along with me to inspect any bike i go to look at). I've been looking at cheap 250-600cc not-ridiculous stuff i wouldn't care about banging up when i tip it over outside of a safeway, as per what basically everyone says.(Although my coworker recommended an old BMW R-series bike, those are too damn expensive now... and pretty)
I also have a couple years of experience fixing up and driving a 1960s V8 car that barely even has seatbelts as my only vehicle, and driving it accordingly. I may be in my early 20s, but i don't really feel like the kind of guy who would end up splatted like a bug on an armco barrier being a moron. In addition to this, i have a fairly solid level of shade tree mechanic/technical knowledge fixing all manner of things and am not really concerned about maintenance as long as the parts are cheap, and i can find a service manual/guide on the internet.
So my main question here is what general advice do you have for a new rider? Not so much about bike selection, but just about the actual experience of it and what you wish you had known when you started out. Things to look out for, sage advice, etc. "I wish i had bought frame sliders" kind of stuff falls in to this category.
Oh, and it's worth noting that this will not be a primary mode of transportation at all. I'm getting a bike entirely as something to do for it's own sake. I don't even drive to commute. Barring some weird circumstances i can't forsee in the future, this will be an entirely leisure time vehicle
I've read several of the threads on here, which are chock full of good advice(like this and this). The thing is, they're more on a pre-100 level of questions about what specific bikes they should be looking at.
I have many years of experience riding a road bike, of the bicycle variety, and various mopeds going back to grade school.(I got my first engine powered two wheeled thing when i was 11 o_o). I'm familiar with how people in traffic try to murder you on a two wheeled vehicle, and Not Dying™ in that environment... To an extent, when you're going <30mph at least. I've signed up for an MSF course and have a good handle on what brands/sizes of gear to buy and will be picking that stuff up when my paycheck shows up in a few days. I also have decent guidance from several people including my coworker whose been riding since the early 70s, and a good friend whose been riding since highschool(who is willing to come along with me to inspect any bike i go to look at). I've been looking at cheap 250-600cc not-ridiculous stuff i wouldn't care about banging up when i tip it over outside of a safeway, as per what basically everyone says.(Although my coworker recommended an old BMW R-series bike, those are too damn expensive now... and pretty)
I also have a couple years of experience fixing up and driving a 1960s V8 car that barely even has seatbelts as my only vehicle, and driving it accordingly. I may be in my early 20s, but i don't really feel like the kind of guy who would end up splatted like a bug on an armco barrier being a moron. In addition to this, i have a fairly solid level of shade tree mechanic/technical knowledge fixing all manner of things and am not really concerned about maintenance as long as the parts are cheap, and i can find a service manual/guide on the internet.
So my main question here is what general advice do you have for a new rider? Not so much about bike selection, but just about the actual experience of it and what you wish you had known when you started out. Things to look out for, sage advice, etc. "I wish i had bought frame sliders" kind of stuff falls in to this category.
Oh, and it's worth noting that this will not be a primary mode of transportation at all. I'm getting a bike entirely as something to do for it's own sake. I don't even drive to commute. Barring some weird circumstances i can't forsee in the future, this will be an entirely leisure time vehicle
1. Learn how to counter steer. I was always amazed at how many motorcyclists I met who didn't understand that you actually do *push* on your right handlebar to turn to the right, in every situation except the slowest parking lot manuevering.
2. This may not work for you where you will be riding, but my general approach was always to be riding slightly faster than the flow of traffic, with the reason being that I could react better to what was happening in front of me than to what was barreling towards me from behind.
3. Full face helmet all the time, even if a half shell looks cooler or your local laws don't require a helmet at all. It's your head.
posted by Balonious Assault at 6:29 PM on June 14, 2013 [5 favorites]
2. This may not work for you where you will be riding, but my general approach was always to be riding slightly faster than the flow of traffic, with the reason being that I could react better to what was happening in front of me than to what was barreling towards me from behind.
3. Full face helmet all the time, even if a half shell looks cooler or your local laws don't require a helmet at all. It's your head.
posted by Balonious Assault at 6:29 PM on June 14, 2013 [5 favorites]
There's two types of motorcyclists: Those who have crashed, and those who will crash.
Wear earplugs, boots made for motorcycling, and full gear. You're much more able to concentrate on the road when you're not suffering from bug splats to your cheek and wondering what the hell that was that just bounced off your ankle.
posted by SpecialK at 7:13 PM on June 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
Wear earplugs, boots made for motorcycling, and full gear. You're much more able to concentrate on the road when you're not suffering from bug splats to your cheek and wondering what the hell that was that just bounced off your ankle.
posted by SpecialK at 7:13 PM on June 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
Watch out in the right lane. People pull out from side streets without seeing you, and you crash into the side. Major cause of getting seriously hurt.
Never a drop of alcohol before riding, but I'm sure you know that.
I guess the biggest thing no one told me was to think hard about how you would get the bike to the shop if you need to. I bought too short/steep a ramp for loading my bike into my truck, and dropped it on my self while loading it. Thankfully someone walking by helped.
posted by BeeDo at 7:18 PM on June 14, 2013
Never a drop of alcohol before riding, but I'm sure you know that.
I guess the biggest thing no one told me was to think hard about how you would get the bike to the shop if you need to. I bought too short/steep a ramp for loading my bike into my truck, and dropped it on my self while loading it. Thankfully someone walking by helped.
posted by BeeDo at 7:18 PM on June 14, 2013
This is from a Paramedic and a former motorcycle rider.
Please use a full face helmet and riding gear, including boots with ankle support, every time you ride. Please. I have picked up a lot of horribly injured people who might have walked away from their accident with some bumps, but instead stripped off planches of skin and left them in a smear on the asphalt, because they rode just this once with just a t-shirt, or shorts, without gloves, or in sandals. You will eventually wipe out. I did, and my full face helmet saved me from knocking out several teeth and possibly fracturing my jaw, if not sustaining a more serious head injury. Making good decisions and forming good habits may not save you from the extremes of physics, but they can have a substantial effect on the outcome of a majority of accidents.
You sound very reasonable about this, and I know I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, but someday when it's hot and you don't want to wear the bulky riding gear and it would feel so free to ride without wearing all that armor, I can only hope you'll imagine some of the truly ghastly things I've seen, and reconsider.
posted by itstheclamsname at 7:49 PM on June 14, 2013 [8 favorites]
Please use a full face helmet and riding gear, including boots with ankle support, every time you ride. Please. I have picked up a lot of horribly injured people who might have walked away from their accident with some bumps, but instead stripped off planches of skin and left them in a smear on the asphalt, because they rode just this once with just a t-shirt, or shorts, without gloves, or in sandals. You will eventually wipe out. I did, and my full face helmet saved me from knocking out several teeth and possibly fracturing my jaw, if not sustaining a more serious head injury. Making good decisions and forming good habits may not save you from the extremes of physics, but they can have a substantial effect on the outcome of a majority of accidents.
You sound very reasonable about this, and I know I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, but someday when it's hot and you don't want to wear the bulky riding gear and it would feel so free to ride without wearing all that armor, I can only hope you'll imagine some of the truly ghastly things I've seen, and reconsider.
posted by itstheclamsname at 7:49 PM on June 14, 2013 [8 favorites]
Please don't make me hate you by souping it up to make extra loud noise for no real reason.
posted by michellenoel at 7:58 PM on June 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by michellenoel at 7:58 PM on June 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
Many, many people told me that I should buy a cheap used bike as my first bike. Their rationale was that the vast majority of first-time bike owners underestimate the engine size that suits them I took this into consideration and bought a nice new 750, which at the time was considered large for a woman. But I vehemently was not interested in purchasing or riding a moped, which scare the bejeezus out of me. The key for me was to get the biggest bike I could push around when it was off, and that means a low seat height. Sit on (and walk around with) bikes of all sizes before you commit. The MSF class is great.
posted by janey47 at 8:01 PM on June 14, 2013
posted by janey47 at 8:01 PM on June 14, 2013
I'm going to repeat something everyone else said: Wear a high quality full face helmet. No matter how cool it feels to have the wind blowing through your hair (oh it does, it does), it isn't worth it. Wear a helmet!
posted by Literaryhero at 8:02 PM on June 14, 2013
posted by Literaryhero at 8:02 PM on June 14, 2013
All the gear, all the time. High quality, full face helmet. My husband will probably come chime in with better and more detailed advice, but I'll tell you that he's the most responsible motorcyclist I've ever met and yet he still got into a fairly minor accident a few months ago which nevertheless wrecked his bike--and he fell right on his noggin. Thank god for full-face helmets. Because he wears ridiculous full-body armor, including shin guards, boots, kevlar pants and jacket, and armored gloves, all he had was a sore neck. Even the paramedic was impressed.
I don't mind him riding because he's a gear nerd who does stuff like records his rides to analyze his performance. I constantly run into people who tell me that I shouldn't "let" him ride, which is poppycock, so I'd recommend a supportive partner, too. But I can tell you that I wouldn't be so supportive if he weren't such a nerd about it. Be a nerd about it--be safe.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 8:42 PM on June 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
I don't mind him riding because he's a gear nerd who does stuff like records his rides to analyze his performance. I constantly run into people who tell me that I shouldn't "let" him ride, which is poppycock, so I'd recommend a supportive partner, too. But I can tell you that I wouldn't be so supportive if he weren't such a nerd about it. Be a nerd about it--be safe.
posted by PhoBWanKenobi at 8:42 PM on June 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Please use a full face helmet and riding gear, including boots with ankle support, every time you ride. Please. I have picked up a lot of horribly injured people who might have walked away from their accident with some bumps, but instead stripped off planches of skin and left them in a smear on the asphalt, because they rode just this once with just a t-shirt, or shorts, without gloves, or in sandals. You will eventually wipe out. I did, and my full face helmet saved me from knocking out several teeth and possibly fracturing my jaw, if not sustaining a more serious head injury.
Oh, im on board with this. I'm buying one of the nicest arai helmets(if its the only kind jay Leno will buy, not that expensive, and he has like $10^8... then it's obviously what to get), and already wear proper over the ankle boots most of the time anyways even when just walking around(I just like them). I'm also getting an armored jacket, and most likely a spine protector and whatever else makes sense. This was one of my first considerations.
posted by emptythought at 8:47 PM on June 14, 2013
Oh, im on board with this. I'm buying one of the nicest arai helmets(if its the only kind jay Leno will buy, not that expensive, and he has like $10^8... then it's obviously what to get), and already wear proper over the ankle boots most of the time anyways even when just walking around(I just like them). I'm also getting an armored jacket, and most likely a spine protector and whatever else makes sense. This was one of my first considerations.
posted by emptythought at 8:47 PM on June 14, 2013
First off, kudos for you for being responsible about gear and approaching this in a more adult way than most people in their early 20s would! Taking the MSF course is GREAT, and I'd also recommend doing a little reading, especially David Hough's Proficient Motorcycling and A Twist of the Wrist.
Engine displacement when choosing a first bike is tricky. It depends on what kind of bike it is and how the engine is set up. For instance, a Ninja 650 or a SV650 is a decent bike for someone starting out. However, something like a GSX-600 is not. This is because the 650s are fairly forgiving twins and the 600 is an inline-4, with a peaky power band. A lot of 600cc bikes are a lot more dangerous than their 650cc counterparts. 600cc bikes tend to be high performance bikes, and if you want to know more about or high performance bikes in general that check out this: http://i.imgur.com/s4wtm.gif If your first bike is a cruiser, the higher cc's don't mean as much since it's probably a higher displacement twin which is fairly tame. For instance my Honda Shadow 750cc is a hell of a lot different than GSX-750, since it is a V-Twin and the GSX-750 is an inline four. Of course, something like a 1500cc cruiser might still be a bit much for your to handle, even though it's a cruiser.
After that, it's pretty simple. Take the MSF course. Look through your turns. Gear up. Be aware of threats around you, including cars, animals and god knows what else! Maintain a safe following distance. (You'll learn most of this stuff in the MSF course or the the reading I recommended anyway!) Keep learning. Keep improving. Honestly assess yourself and don't get overconfident.
Other than that, don't drink and ride, don't speed, and (as I assume you are, based on your post) get your license and the MSF class under your belt. If you do all that the right way, you've pretty much gotten rid of the cause of over half of accidents. Have fun, man, it's really wonderful!
Oh, and regarding helmets, go to a store and try them on. Make sure it doesn't roll back off your head with minimal pressure. Make sure you can't wedge a couple fingers easily in between the padding between your forehead and your skull. Make sure when you twist the helmet to the right or left, it tugs your cheeks with it. (You don't want the helmet to be moving freely over your head if you get in an accident.) It should be a little snug, but not so snug that you'd be uncomfortable if you were riding in it an hour +. It'll get a little looser after you wear it a bit. If it pinches in your cheeks a little bit, so when you "bite down" there's some cheeks in between your teeth, that's OK.
posted by Modus Pwnens at 9:05 PM on June 14, 2013 [3 favorites]
Engine displacement when choosing a first bike is tricky. It depends on what kind of bike it is and how the engine is set up. For instance, a Ninja 650 or a SV650 is a decent bike for someone starting out. However, something like a GSX-600 is not. This is because the 650s are fairly forgiving twins and the 600 is an inline-4, with a peaky power band. A lot of 600cc bikes are a lot more dangerous than their 650cc counterparts. 600cc bikes tend to be high performance bikes, and if you want to know more about or high performance bikes in general that check out this: http://i.imgur.com/s4wtm.gif If your first bike is a cruiser, the higher cc's don't mean as much since it's probably a higher displacement twin which is fairly tame. For instance my Honda Shadow 750cc is a hell of a lot different than GSX-750, since it is a V-Twin and the GSX-750 is an inline four. Of course, something like a 1500cc cruiser might still be a bit much for your to handle, even though it's a cruiser.
After that, it's pretty simple. Take the MSF course. Look through your turns. Gear up. Be aware of threats around you, including cars, animals and god knows what else! Maintain a safe following distance. (You'll learn most of this stuff in the MSF course or the the reading I recommended anyway!) Keep learning. Keep improving. Honestly assess yourself and don't get overconfident.
Other than that, don't drink and ride, don't speed, and (as I assume you are, based on your post) get your license and the MSF class under your belt. If you do all that the right way, you've pretty much gotten rid of the cause of over half of accidents. Have fun, man, it's really wonderful!
Oh, and regarding helmets, go to a store and try them on. Make sure it doesn't roll back off your head with minimal pressure. Make sure you can't wedge a couple fingers easily in between the padding between your forehead and your skull. Make sure when you twist the helmet to the right or left, it tugs your cheeks with it. (You don't want the helmet to be moving freely over your head if you get in an accident.) It should be a little snug, but not so snug that you'd be uncomfortable if you were riding in it an hour +. It'll get a little looser after you wear it a bit. If it pinches in your cheeks a little bit, so when you "bite down" there's some cheeks in between your teeth, that's OK.
posted by Modus Pwnens at 9:05 PM on June 14, 2013 [3 favorites]
Oh, I also forgot to include this: Some brands of helmets tend to not fit certain shapes of heads. There might be some brands that just don't fit your particular shape.
posted by Modus Pwnens at 9:14 PM on June 14, 2013
posted by Modus Pwnens at 9:14 PM on June 14, 2013
A lot of local motorcycle online forums promote group rides. People enjoy them because it's a way to meet new people, the feeling of camaraderie, it looks cool when there are dozens of riders moving off in a big group, and some new riders think it'll be good practice and experience. AVOID.
When people get together in big groups they tend to get stupid and this is especially so when they're all perched on powerful, loud machines. Some riders want to show off and start riding too fast and loose, and newer riders want to keep up with the group and ride faster than they're safely able to. Some riders have no clue about proper group riding etiquette. It's a recipe for disaster. Locally, I've heard of many, many group rides ending with someone binning it and taking out others in the group. One ended in a terrible fatality when a new rider joined the group and rode up on a the tail of a very experienced, responsible rider. The poor guy didn't have a chance - when the other rider's front tire touched his rear tire, he lost traction in the middle of a corner and slammed into a cliff face. He died instantly.
In my opinion, you're better off riding on your own than with people who are going to do dumb, dangerous things just a few feet away from you at speed. Find a couple of people who are safe, experienced riders with good habits who will keep the ride at a safe pace. Be open to constructive criticism and remember that it'll be a lifelong learning process. If ever someone's riding makes you nervous, leave the group.
Another good thing to know - the highest incidence of accidents occurs in your 3rd season of riding. That's typically when you start feeling very comfortable and confident on your bike, and you begin taking more risks. Beware of overconfidence.
posted by keep it under cover at 9:19 PM on June 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
When people get together in big groups they tend to get stupid and this is especially so when they're all perched on powerful, loud machines. Some riders want to show off and start riding too fast and loose, and newer riders want to keep up with the group and ride faster than they're safely able to. Some riders have no clue about proper group riding etiquette. It's a recipe for disaster. Locally, I've heard of many, many group rides ending with someone binning it and taking out others in the group. One ended in a terrible fatality when a new rider joined the group and rode up on a the tail of a very experienced, responsible rider. The poor guy didn't have a chance - when the other rider's front tire touched his rear tire, he lost traction in the middle of a corner and slammed into a cliff face. He died instantly.
In my opinion, you're better off riding on your own than with people who are going to do dumb, dangerous things just a few feet away from you at speed. Find a couple of people who are safe, experienced riders with good habits who will keep the ride at a safe pace. Be open to constructive criticism and remember that it'll be a lifelong learning process. If ever someone's riding makes you nervous, leave the group.
Another good thing to know - the highest incidence of accidents occurs in your 3rd season of riding. That's typically when you start feeling very comfortable and confident on your bike, and you begin taking more risks. Beware of overconfidence.
posted by keep it under cover at 9:19 PM on June 14, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'm not a motorcyclist but a neighbor who is a firefighter told me a bad situation he once was called to involved a guy and a girl riding a motorcycle and some article of clothing of hers was hanging down and got caught in the wheel and they both went tumbling when that wheel suddenly stopped spinning. So if you have someone ride on your bike with you, be very careful about dangling clothes and accessories.
posted by Dansaman at 9:48 PM on June 14, 2013
posted by Dansaman at 9:48 PM on June 14, 2013
The suggestion of reading Proficient Motorcycling is a good one. I believe the author does a lot of riding in the Seattle area, so there is some information pertinent to the conditions in that region.
If the size and power band of your bike are too intimidating, you may find yourself reluctant to get on a log the necessary solo mileage to increase your proficiency. Don't be afraid to do a lot of early-morning cornering and low-speed handling drills in your nearest abandoned parking lot.
If you would like to wrench on your bike, the Honda Common Service manual is widely available online. Honda parts seem to be much more interchangeable than other manufacturers. Whatever bike you decide on, www.bikebandit.com is a great source for parts. Check to see what sort of bikes your nearest garage specializes in. If you develop a relationship with your garage, they can be very helpful for all sorts of small issues - properly disposing of used oil and parts, for example.
If you can comfortably chew gum in your helmet, it's too large.
posted by Svejk at 3:18 AM on June 15, 2013
If the size and power band of your bike are too intimidating, you may find yourself reluctant to get on a log the necessary solo mileage to increase your proficiency. Don't be afraid to do a lot of early-morning cornering and low-speed handling drills in your nearest abandoned parking lot.
If you would like to wrench on your bike, the Honda Common Service manual is widely available online. Honda parts seem to be much more interchangeable than other manufacturers. Whatever bike you decide on, www.bikebandit.com is a great source for parts. Check to see what sort of bikes your nearest garage specializes in. If you develop a relationship with your garage, they can be very helpful for all sorts of small issues - properly disposing of used oil and parts, for example.
If you can comfortably chew gum in your helmet, it's too large.
posted by Svejk at 3:18 AM on June 15, 2013
Friend I work with husband recently had his mandible ripped off in an accident. Wear a full face helmet.
posted by Mario Speedwagon at 4:59 AM on June 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Mario Speedwagon at 4:59 AM on June 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
Know your tires. Some brands/tread patterns/compounds work better than others on various chassis, and some tires definitely have particular roles for which they are best suited. Reading about tires, talking with knowledgeable people like shop service advisers, etc. is important, but ultimately, you're probably going to have to go through a few sets of tires of differing brands/tread patterns/compounds on a particular bike to find some that seem to particularly suit your needs, local conditions and riding style. Don't be too concerned about getting the last mile out of tires before replacing them. Your tires are the only safe way you can transmit your driving inputs into bike control actions on the street.
Check and maintain your tires, before and during every ride. A thorough visual check of both tires, including a hand powered full rotation of each one, with the bike on the center stand, should be part of your 5 minute pre-drive ritual. Also, a daily pressure check (even if your bike has inflation monitoring). I know that maybe 1 in 1000 riders actually does anything like regular tire inspection, much less before each and every ride, but be that 1.
After personal protective gear, and top line health insurance, dollars you spend on tires, brakes, and suspension upgrades and maintenance will quickly come to seem like the best money you've ever spent.
posted by paulsc at 5:15 AM on June 15, 2013 [2 favorites]
Check and maintain your tires, before and during every ride. A thorough visual check of both tires, including a hand powered full rotation of each one, with the bike on the center stand, should be part of your 5 minute pre-drive ritual. Also, a daily pressure check (even if your bike has inflation monitoring). I know that maybe 1 in 1000 riders actually does anything like regular tire inspection, much less before each and every ride, but be that 1.
After personal protective gear, and top line health insurance, dollars you spend on tires, brakes, and suspension upgrades and maintenance will quickly come to seem like the best money you've ever spent.
posted by paulsc at 5:15 AM on June 15, 2013 [2 favorites]
The things I think would have benifted me when I started that nobody mentioned.
Ear plugs, they help me to concentrate and reduce fatigue.
Ride an unfaired bike with crash bungs for those inevitable drops.
Get an easy to ride bike by which I mean avoid extremes such as race replicas, cruisers or enduros. Ensure you can walk it around, pick it up and sit flat footed.
Training is good, an awful lot of motorcyclists never learn to steer, position, park, observe, or handle side winds.
Avoid group riding.
Treat motorcycling as a skill that you constantly develop.
Every motorcycle will deteriorate rapidly if you ride in all weathers.
Get an experienced mechanic to ride and check your bike occasionally. Progressive deteriortion may not be apparent to you.
Follow the regular maintenance schedule for your bike religiously, they are not as forgiving as cars.
The very best motorcyclists I know have an attitude that I don't know the word for. In essence they take responsibility for their own safety to the extent that even when inolved in a close shave thar wasn't obviously their fault their response will be "What could I have done differently".
Feel free to memail and good luck.
posted by BenPens at 7:22 AM on June 15, 2013
Ear plugs, they help me to concentrate and reduce fatigue.
Ride an unfaired bike with crash bungs for those inevitable drops.
Get an easy to ride bike by which I mean avoid extremes such as race replicas, cruisers or enduros. Ensure you can walk it around, pick it up and sit flat footed.
Training is good, an awful lot of motorcyclists never learn to steer, position, park, observe, or handle side winds.
Avoid group riding.
Treat motorcycling as a skill that you constantly develop.
Every motorcycle will deteriorate rapidly if you ride in all weathers.
Get an experienced mechanic to ride and check your bike occasionally. Progressive deteriortion may not be apparent to you.
Follow the regular maintenance schedule for your bike religiously, they are not as forgiving as cars.
The very best motorcyclists I know have an attitude that I don't know the word for. In essence they take responsibility for their own safety to the extent that even when inolved in a close shave thar wasn't obviously their fault their response will be "What could I have done differently".
Feel free to memail and good luck.
posted by BenPens at 7:22 AM on June 15, 2013
My experience is all with mid-1970s Hondas, but in that category I've got a lot of experience. I've owned a CB350 2-cylinder, a CB400 4-cylinder, a bunch of CB750s and a GL1000 (the Gold Wing before it was called that). When picking a bike, I suggest you consider how far you'd like to go, and at what speeds. A heavier bike with a bigger engine is much nicer for freeways and long road trips, but is a PITA in the city. If you're just running around the neighborhood and only occasionally breaking 50mph, a small bike is much nicer -- more maneuverable at low speeds, easier to park, cheaper on gas. I took my 400 on the freeway now and then, but to keep up with traffic the engine was screaming in 6th gear. The 550 and 750s were perfectly at home at freeway speeds, and the GL1000 was just made for cruising.
If you're considering older bikes like the ones I've had, know that there's a lot of variability in handling characteristics between models. The CB750 came out in 1969 (think I've got that right) and while it was a powerful, exceptionally well-engineered bike for its time, the steering geometry was crap. It was fine for going in straight lines, but muscling it around twisty mountain roads all day was exhausting. By comparison, the GL1000 (which came out in '75) practically steered itself if when I thought about where I wanted to go.
posted by jon1270 at 8:10 AM on June 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
If you're considering older bikes like the ones I've had, know that there's a lot of variability in handling characteristics between models. The CB750 came out in 1969 (think I've got that right) and while it was a powerful, exceptionally well-engineered bike for its time, the steering geometry was crap. It was fine for going in straight lines, but muscling it around twisty mountain roads all day was exhausting. By comparison, the GL1000 (which came out in '75) practically steered itself if when I thought about where I wanted to go.
posted by jon1270 at 8:10 AM on June 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
Also, I wish I hadn't been quite so cheap as I was when buying my first bike. I met a guy in a Denny's parking lot and paid $200 for a CB750 mongrelized with parts taken from a couple other bikes. I didn't have any idea what a CB750 was supposed to look like, so I didn't realize that the gas tank didn't really fit its mounts, or that the seat was held on with a bungee cord. It took me a week to ride that bike from central Florida to Cleveland. The carburetor float valves would stick and empty the gas tank onto the pavement, the valve seals were shot so it burned a quart of oil every few hundred miles, and the electrical system was so corroded that fuses would blow randomly and the stator coil got fried the first day out, stranding me with a dead battery and no charging system in the middle of nowhere. I only got home by buying a battery charger in Lake City, FL and thereafter plugging my bike into rest stop Coke machine outlets, to recharge the battery every couple of hours. I learned about the bike along the way, but I'd still recommend you get something substantially less crappy.
posted by jon1270 at 8:25 AM on June 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by jon1270 at 8:25 AM on June 15, 2013 [1 favorite]
I own six motorcycles, ranging from 1959 to the present. On the newer ones, keeping them running is a matter of simple maintenance like changing the oil and checking valve clearance. On the used and older bikes, it's a full time job with the job requirements being things like carburetor theory, electrical gremlins, top end rebuilding, etc. Even on a recent bike with only one previous owner, you might find the most ridiculous amateur repairs.
My point is: either get a new bike that will run for years with little maintenance or be prepared to spend a good portion of time keeping an older one roadworthy. Personally, I enjoy working on bikes as a hobby almost as much as I like riding them, so the second option is just fine with me.
posted by PSB at 8:44 AM on June 15, 2013
My point is: either get a new bike that will run for years with little maintenance or be prepared to spend a good portion of time keeping an older one roadworthy. Personally, I enjoy working on bikes as a hobby almost as much as I like riding them, so the second option is just fine with me.
posted by PSB at 8:44 AM on June 15, 2013
I very much like BenPens' comment about taking personal responsibility, as I think it's a good description. I'm hoping my parents/brother don't happen to see this post, as they don't know I rode for ~8 years until this past April, when I had my inevitable accident. An oncoming truck was not paying attention and was far into my lane on a 2-lane road. To avoid getting hit head-on, I went off the road, dislocating and fracturing my elbow. I was wearing full safety gear, and it's likely my leather jacket prevented me from shattering my elbow (rather than a relatively minor fracture) and my helmet prevented other serious damage. I was going < 35mph when I went off the road, and slowed down significantly as I tried to keep the bike upright before ultimately failing to do so.) I had surgery in April and I've been in PT since then, and all in all, I'm lucky; I have regained most range of motion in my elbow, and had no other major problems. I still can't button a shirt with my right arm, but thankfully, I'm left-handed.
I hate to be a downer, and I'm not trying to tell you not to ride; I don't regret 99.999% of the time I spent on a motorcycle. But, be aware the risks are very real, and mitigate them as well as possible. Ride carefully, use all the safety gear you can EVERY time. But realize that if it's not your lucky day, you still might well be screwed. Also, max out the coverage on your insurance for personal injury AND uninsured motorist coverage; the truck who caused my accident likely didn't even know and didn't stop. Good luck, and enjoy!
posted by JMOZ at 12:14 PM on June 15, 2013
I hate to be a downer, and I'm not trying to tell you not to ride; I don't regret 99.999% of the time I spent on a motorcycle. But, be aware the risks are very real, and mitigate them as well as possible. Ride carefully, use all the safety gear you can EVERY time. But realize that if it's not your lucky day, you still might well be screwed. Also, max out the coverage on your insurance for personal injury AND uninsured motorist coverage; the truck who caused my accident likely didn't even know and didn't stop. Good luck, and enjoy!
posted by JMOZ at 12:14 PM on June 15, 2013
Heated grips are nice, heated vest is nicer.
Don't get too big a bike.
Also, I had a very very attractive BSA for about 15 years. Bought it in baskets, rebuilt it when I had dough. It was an enormous pain in the ass - I spent so much time by the sides of so many roads. By the time I sold it, though I still found it attractive and do have some very fond memories of riding it I brought it to the guy's front door without being asked. That is, don't buy a late 60's British bike. If you want an 'old' bike buy a BMW. And old bike's are not great on the highway.
posted by From Bklyn at 8:20 PM on June 15, 2013
Don't get too big a bike.
Also, I had a very very attractive BSA for about 15 years. Bought it in baskets, rebuilt it when I had dough. It was an enormous pain in the ass - I spent so much time by the sides of so many roads. By the time I sold it, though I still found it attractive and do have some very fond memories of riding it I brought it to the guy's front door without being asked. That is, don't buy a late 60's British bike. If you want an 'old' bike buy a BMW. And old bike's are not great on the highway.
posted by From Bklyn at 8:20 PM on June 15, 2013
- Take the MSF course, no question.
- There's a 99% chance you're going to drop this bike. Don't get a new Triumph/BMW/Ducati for your first bike.
- Another good reason to start with an older bike - you may decide in 6 months that riding isn't for you.
- Full gear, full face helmet. I won't ride on the freeway without armored pants in addition to the rest of the gear.
- Carry a card for the local moto tow - a couple of different ones if possible.
- Find a mechanic you like.
- Find a bike mentor who will give you advice and is patient enough to go on rides with a n00b. Not having anyone to go riding with is one of my biggest downers.
- Start with a less-powerful bike and don't go up until you feel comfortable.
- On longer rides bring an extra jacket/sweater/scarf that fit under your jacket. The coldest I've ever been in my life was during a ride on a sunny northern California day.
posted by bendy at 10:01 AM on June 16, 2013
- There's a 99% chance you're going to drop this bike. Don't get a new Triumph/BMW/Ducati for your first bike.
- Another good reason to start with an older bike - you may decide in 6 months that riding isn't for you.
- Full gear, full face helmet. I won't ride on the freeway without armored pants in addition to the rest of the gear.
- Carry a card for the local moto tow - a couple of different ones if possible.
- Find a mechanic you like.
- Find a bike mentor who will give you advice and is patient enough to go on rides with a n00b. Not having anyone to go riding with is one of my biggest downers.
- Start with a less-powerful bike and don't go up until you feel comfortable.
- On longer rides bring an extra jacket/sweater/scarf that fit under your jacket. The coldest I've ever been in my life was during a ride on a sunny northern California day.
posted by bendy at 10:01 AM on June 16, 2013
My friend gave me a good piece of advice when I was looking for my first bike. He said to get a "Honda civic" not a "1974 VW bug." I got a new, smaller bike I could handle that was in my price range, came with instructions and a warranty, instead of the heavier vintage Hondas and franken-bikes I had been testing. Best decision I've made - it's easy to handle, great for city driving (all I do), light enough for me to pick up and a great starter bike. When I'm ready to move on to something bigger I'm confident it will be fine.
Also, full gear and all that - I have a vented armored jacket for the summer and one with a fleece insert for winter or summer. Always ankle boots and I found I needed both hot and cool gloves. Full helmet, duh.
Keep an eye out for stopped lanes of traffic. Can't tell you how many times I've had to swerve because someone didn't want to sit behind a car waiting to make a left turn and tried to cut over without looking.
Enjoy the course, study for your license test, ride smart, have fun!
posted by buzzkillington at 10:02 PM on June 16, 2013
Also, full gear and all that - I have a vented armored jacket for the summer and one with a fleece insert for winter or summer. Always ankle boots and I found I needed both hot and cool gloves. Full helmet, duh.
Keep an eye out for stopped lanes of traffic. Can't tell you how many times I've had to swerve because someone didn't want to sit behind a car waiting to make a left turn and tried to cut over without looking.
Enjoy the course, study for your license test, ride smart, have fun!
posted by buzzkillington at 10:02 PM on June 16, 2013
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by furnace.heart at 6:24 PM on June 14, 2013 [1 favorite]