East bay newbie here :D

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bobby90

New member
Hello everyone :)

I am a new rider and I am preparing for my motorcycle safety training later this month. I'm here because my cousin, a rider of 10+ years, urged me to join and introduce myself :) I guess my short term plan is to get my license and find a bike. If anyone has any advice for a new rider, I am all ears. Also, my budget is pretty tight so I am open to any and all recommendations on where I might find a fairly "broken in" but inexpensive bike to start on (I hope that's not against the rules - I don't plan on setting foot in the classifieds until two weeks from now I have made my 15 posts).

Cheers!
Bobby
 
W800

W800

Noob
bobby90 said:
Hello everyone :)

I am a new rider and I am preparing for my motorcycle safety training later this month. I'm here because my cousin, a rider of 10+ years, urged me to join and introduce myself :) I guess my short term plan is to get my license and find a bike. If anyone has any advice for a new rider, I am all ears. Also, my budget is pretty tight so I am open to any and all recommendations on where I might find a fairly "broken in" but inexpensive bike to start on (I hope that's not against the rules - I don't plan on setting foot in the classifieds until two weeks from now I have made my 15 posts).

Cheers!
Bobby
Click to expand...

Hi Bobby! Welcome.

I think there's some pinned threads for new riders. I'm an old rider, so I don't remember where they are - but I think some of the long-time members can point them out to you.

I started riding in the mid-1970's. The rule back then was start small when it comes to a first bike. You will probably also learn a lot of stuff about this from the training (MSF?)

Also - plan to spend some money on a good helmet, gloves, boots, and a jacket.

Finally - it's OK to be square. Don't worry about looking cool or being cool. Or being fast or anything like that. If your target bike has good tires, and good brakes, and is reasonably mechanically sound, and is light - that's your ideal first bike.
 
ScottRNelson

ScottRNelson

Mr. Dual Sport Rider
Welcome to BARF.

If you're tall enough, I would suggest getting a dual sport as a first bike. They're harder to damage when you drop them. Not every new rider drops their bike, but most do. All it takes is getting into an awkward situation and down it goes. A sport bike with full fairings is likely to get scratched up, but a dual sport you just pick it back up and continue on your way.

Either way, start with a smaller, less powerful, more forgiving bike. Learn to be a safe rider, then you can think about a more serious bike.
 
SFMCjohn

SFMCjohn

13
:newbie

sounds like you’re off to the start of a wonderful adventure. hard to go wrong, as long as your new-to-you motorcycle has two wheels! :thumbup:ride
 
WoodsChick

WoodsChick

I Don't Do GPS
Welcome to BARF, Bobby! :thumbup
And welcome to the wonderful world of 2 wheels! :ride

I 2nd the suggestion of a dual sport bike if you're not super-short like me. Maybe a Suzuki DRZ400 or something similar. Cheap to purchase, maintain and insure. Also fairly indestructible for when you inevitably forget to put the side stand down or get a little off-balance getting out of a parking spot or something similar.

Whatever you get, I hope you enjoy the experience! :party


WoodsChick
 
Maddevill

Maddevill

KNGKAW
Welcome Bobby,
I agree about the dual sport if you're tall enough to stride one. Otherwise, Honda,Rebel 250 or, if you want sport, a Ninja 250 are fine starter bikes. But remember, you can hurt yourself on anything.
Keep this in mind when starting out
There are 3 kinds of riders
Those who have been down.
Those who are going down..
And those who are going down...AGAIN ! ( it's a joke)

Mad
 
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Pauley

Well-known member
Getting a smaller bike to start out on is a good idea. Easier to learn on and control.

Not judging those who prefer darker colors, but I recommend hi viz gear. I have a yellow helmet and a mostly neon yellow jacket. I think it helps a lot being seen on the road.
 
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bobby90

New member
Hi again

Thanks for all the responses! It looks like I have a lot to read and learn haha. I definitely appreciate all the pointers.

To everyone suggesting bike sizes: I am looking in the lower end of the 300-500cc range as my primary goal is time/cost efficient transportation.

And the people suggesting getting a dual sport: I am 5'8". According to Tinder, I am too short to date. Is that too short for a DS?

Pauley: I have a hi viz jacket in my cart on revzilla :p also I am getting a cheap helmet for now but I will get a Shoei 1400 once I begin commuting and riding the freeway.

Thanks again everyone! I hope to figure out how to turn notifications on so I can be more responsive xD
 
Slow Goat

Slow Goat

Fun Junkie
It should go without saying but do Not get a project bike as your first. Preferably something fuel injected and not too old.

There are a ton of old threads here that I found helpful when I was getting back into motos, search read and enjoy.

Welcome to the BARF!
 
Caddywumpus

Caddywumpus

4N631
Welcome to barf! I hope you have a great class

Edit- my CMSP site gives out free high viz vests to students
 
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Lukich

Well-known member
Welcome!!!

Check out Honda CB300F/CB500F. They are low to the ground, have bulletproof engines and there's tons of them around. In addition to all the good advice given above I would like to emphasize the importance of good footwear. Motorcycle sneakers are all fine and dandy until the time you drop the bike and your foot gets stuck between it and the ground. Make sure it is something that prevents the foot compression at the very minimum.

Good luck on your test!
 
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maidenfan84

Well-known member
I second everything to it’s already been said. It makes sense to get something reliable but don’t blow a ton of money. I’ve seen time and time again people who buy the most expensive bike, go all out on expensive gear, etc...just to ride for 2 months and say riding isn’t for them. We all hope you stick around with riding! It’s just important to make sure you are really into it for the long haul before deciding to make that financial commitment. And go at your own pace when riding. Best thing you can do is ride alone for a while so you can grow without any temptation of trying to ‘keep up’. An empty parking lot is your best friend. Fill up your tank and spend a few hours when you can just working on your basics like braking, acceleration, etc. no matter if you started 10 days ago or 10 years ago, there’s always room for
Improvement in riding skills.
 
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Momo-san

Momo-san

Peachy!
You have a lot of good advise here at your disposal already so I'll just say WELCOME! Enjoy learning about motos, riding, and getting to know the moto community.
 
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