Long time lurker, finally joining

C

chickenfried

Super Noob
Hi all,
I've always had an interest in motorcycles. Been aware of BARF for a long, long time and would pop in to check out beginner threads now and then. Finally seriously thought about a bike. Signed up for a MSF class. found the motorcycle gloves I've been carrying around for ~15 years:rolleyes. Passed this weekend, have my dmv appointment for written on Nov. 9th.

Kinda lost on how to proceed. Need more practice but none of my friends ride. I have the means to buy a new bike and used doesn't seem like that great a discount. One of the best things about shopping for a new vehicle is the test ride. But I'm not ready to take a test ride on the busy SF streets by the motorcycle shops or even ride it home. So I'm here for advice on how to proceed.

Eyeing a cb300f or 500f ABS :love

Daniel
 
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avu3

avu3

Been around the block
Yeah that's a bit of a spot. Usually say used because you'll feel less badly if you drop it - but there is the hassle of evaluating a used bike particularly if you aren't feeling confident enough to practice.

And I've never liked the "buy a $500 70s standard" because then you get into reliability issues - something you don't want when you want to focus on learning.

Everyone I know who started riding had some prior experience, usually on dirt. Only one guy was a complete newb, and he dropped his bike at the dealership the day he bought it,then called me to ride it home. He rode it to work the next day, though.

Hopefully someone in SF will pop up with some better advice/tips.

And welcome!
 
C

chickenfried

Super Noob
Thanks for the welcome.

plus my parents gave me a buy once cry once mentality....

avu3 said:
Yeah that's a bit of a spot. Usually say used because you'll feel less badly if you drop it - but there is the hassle of evaluating a used bike particularly if you aren't feeling confident enough to practice.

And I've never liked the "buy a $500 70s standard" because then you get into reliability issues - something you don't want when you want to focus on learning.

Everyone I know who started riding had some prior experience, usually on dirt. Only one guy was a complete newb, and he dropped his bike at the dealership the day he bought it,then called me to ride it home. He rode it to work the next day, though.

Hopefully someone in SF will pop up with some better advice/tips.

And welcome!
Click to expand...
 
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two wheel tramp

two wheel tramp

exploring!
chickenfried said:
Hi all,
I've always had an interest in motorcycles. Been aware of BARF for a long, long time and would pop in to check out beginner threads now and then. Finally seriously thought about a bike. Signed up for a MSF class. found the motorcycle gloves I've been carrying around for ~15 years:rolleyes. Passed this weekend, have my dmv appointment for written on Nov. 9th.

Kinda lost on how to proceed. Need more practice but none of my friends ride. I have the means to buy a new bike and used doesn't seem like that great a discount. One of the best things about shopping for a new vehicle is the test ride. But I'm not ready to take a test ride on the busy SF streets by the motorcycle shops or even ride it home. So I'm here for advice on how to proceed.

Eyeing a cb300f or 500f ABS :love

Daniel
Click to expand...

Welcome to BARF.

There's a sweet 500F at Moto Java. I learned on a GS500. As far as a test ride goes, you don't really know anything yet so I wouldn't worry about it too much. I bought my GS after sitting on it.

Once you get your license I'll go putter around SF with you a bit. I had to learn via the sink or swim all by yourself method. It's a bit scary but doable. It will be nicer for you if you have someone behind you to help create a bit of space.

I work weird hours but we can find some time once you're ready. :)
 
C

chickenfried

Super Noob
I saw that but I want ABS. The 2008 YAMAHA V-STAR 250 is tempting too.

Thank you for the ride offer. :thumbup

Daniel

two wheel tramp said:
Welcome to BARF.

There's a sweet 500F at Moto Java. I learned on a GS500. As far as a test ride goes, you don't really know anything yet so I wouldn't worry about it too much. I bought my GS after sitting on it.

Once you get your license I'll go putter around SF with you a bit. I had to learn via the sink or swim all by yourself method. It's a bit scary but doable. It will be nicer for you if you have someone behind you to help create a bit of space.

I work weird hours but we can find some time once you're ready. :)
Click to expand...
 
Smash Allen

Smash Allen

Banned
i started riding on a 1982 kz440 in 2009 and i also suggest getting something where reliability is not of concern. looking back, i should have paid a bit more for a newer bike. not sure how i survived with it spitting 1qt of oil on my rear tire 90 miles to and from LA to UCSB for that first quarter :laughing hell of a way to get my hands dirty..ended up replacing the cylinder head as my first swing at mechanics

ended up with a 2002 sv650s that i put 30,000 mostly trouble-free miles on commuting :)

either of your choices look good, and if you have the means ABS is a no-brainer. not an excuse to become lazy with braking or not learn proper application of brakes, but it can save your bacon when you need it most :ride
 
jh2586

jh2586

Well-known member
Look at a 90s Ninja 250. Reliable as hell, fun and nimble, and perfect for beginners
 
M

motomania2007

TC/MSF/CMSP/ Instructor
Welcome!

As an instructor and a 48 year rider here is what I suggest:

1) check with some of the local CMSP ranges as they offer additional ride time where you ride on their range under supervision of one of their instructors, on one of their bikes. I know PMT offers this in SSF.

2) buy cheap, used bike as a first bike. New makes no sense at all unless you can afford to burn at least 50% of the new bike price be ause that is what the bike eill be worth when you drop it the first few weeks you have it.

3) buying used is also cheaper to insure.

If you need some riding advice or help, just ask.
 
XC horizon

XC horizon

432 Crew and 88Rising
Welcome buddy! I agree with the others regarding your first bike being used. You're likely to ding it some way and it would be less of a worry if your bike isn't sparkling new. I say whenever you have time find a nice vacant and open location where you can practice your throttle control, clutch work, and low speed maneuvers whenever you do end up getting a bike. Sometimes riding under control slowly is much more difficult than riding quickly. Also regarding test rides, most dealerships may be reluctant or refuse to let you test ride a brand new (or even used) bike since you just got your motorcycle endorsement. When I went in at contra Costa powersports to test ride a brand new Kawasaki z650, they wanted anybody test riding to have been riding for 2 years already. But when it comes to riding a bike that's not mine, I get nervous because I don't want to ruin it in anyway especially because it isn't mine. Anyways good luck with your journey into the world of two wheels and if you've never ridden and can't ride a bicycle well, I recommend you look for a 250-300cc motorcycle because they are much more forgiving if you make an error regarding throttle in out or something of the likes
 
Butch

Butch

poseur
Staff member
Welcome! BARF delivers.
My two bits is get a cheap bike and get some seat time. ...And pay attention because you are invisible to most cagers. The rest will come grasshopper.
 
Elijahsb

Elijahsb

Member
Hello fellow new person
I can attest to staying away for old 70s bikes unless you like working on them "alot" unless they are in pristine condition. The first bike I bought was a 71 cb450t last year and I was constantly wrenching it almost every ride
 
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