I Want A Motorcycle...

ladysolitary85 · 06-01-2011, 11:24 PM

alright guys, newbie here on the bike talks....

Whats a good newbie bike?

Should I start off with a scooter first, till I get the feel of riding or go straight for a motorcycle?

Please clue me in... I want to know stuff. I want to feel that openness when your out on the road. Something about riding is awesome... can't describe it but lately has been a trigger for me to try for.

**Jiro** · 06-02-2011, 12:11 AM

the answer is...... I don't know. Nobody can answer your question. Everybody is different so it's basically impossible to tell you what's good for you. It's just something you'll have to figure it out for yourself. You'll have to rent a scooter or borrow someone's scooter to see if it's right for you or not. If you feel you can handle more, then a motorcycle (either 250cc or 650cc).

have you taken MSF class?

Glenn · 06-02-2011, 01:00 AM

Tough question. What kind of riding to you see yourself growing into one day?

Small enough so that it doesn't get you into too much trouble.

Do you have any relatives who ride? Talk to them and find out where they started.

**Ausrider** · 06-02-2011, 04:22 AM

I say go for a bike first as it has little in common with riding a scooter

Edit - What sort of riding are you looking at doing?

Grummer · 06-02-2011, 04:53 AM

if you keen to actually learn ride a motorcycle, that is if you had experience and working knowledge of how to drive a MANUAL (stick shift) cars, then get a 100-125 cc four stroke road motorcycle with 6 speeds, they are cheap to run and really teaches you how to ride, brakes are not fantastic and neither the power but you'd learn to respect the motorcycle, yourself and probably not the other road users, *wankers drivers, taxi driver,s old lady drivers, truck drivers, postal vans drivers(they the worst)...
but yeah when you actually understand how to accelerate adn downshift with blipping the throttle at rapid pace, (braking hard) and actually have ability to know how to down shit quickly without locking the brakes, and doing this often it builds up your confidence (and you better read the roads well too, oil spills, slicks, gravel, pots, uneven surfaces, paint on the road (they are bloody slippery in the wet(...experience is BIG on motorcycle riding...
then you may want to ease down on the gear-changing, and move up to bigger power, with more lazy gear shifting with more throttle power/impact that gives speed/and/or acceleration at will,...but you need to understand all this is with actual CONTROL (of yourself (speed greed, and willingness to brake) with this knowing the limits and how you juggle all the wick-on-throttle-when-to-brake-WHILE- reading-roads-AND-reading-traffic-and road signs then you'd know where to back off on from 250cc, 600cc or 1000cc..best for most is 250cc-400cc, but bigger slower revving can suit slower riders too...
so its all there just you got to start small, gain experience, try mix with those who actually ride motorcycle for sake of loving bikes, not images...
then you might be in the right crowd for the awesome experiences...

Good luck
once again, try go for geared bikes at least 100cc and no more that a slower single cylindar 250cc (4 cylinder are too hard to ride and it demands more pyche/understanding too stressy) want a 185-250 single cyling
maybe a 100-125cc to start with due to its less intimidating wieght, and the brakes will teach you to NOT be cocky...thus riding more sensibility for that all-important road survival

GOOD luck
oh if you get scooter, you'd get lazy, and soon forget real ideas of motorcycle unless you actually want to ride scooters...thats your choice...

ladysolitary85 · 06-03-2011, 04:42 AM

Haven't taken the MSF yet, waiting to pay off my hearing aid before getting either a bike or a scooter. The local JC teaches you to ride on a Honda Rebel and a Nighthawk.

Still not sure which I'd want ( scooter or bike, but eventually bike). For now I see myself just going to and from work, going around town sometimes just to get out. Eventually I'd like to try and do a few road trips.

Heres the weird thing, I don't even drive a car.... thats actually by choice though. Cars scare me yet motorcycles doesn't.... does anyone else find that weird?

The Highlander · 06-04-2011, 03:16 PM

California Motorcyclist Safety Program

I take MSF (IL) for free.

ladysolitary85 · 06-04-2011, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Highlander

California Motorcyclist Safety Program

I take MSF (IL) for free.

Not one in my town or near it

Thanks anyways though, guess I'm stuck with the junior college courses

**Phillips** · 06-04-2011, 11:55 PM

Good luck!!!

I am too busy and no time for taking bike tutorial.

**Jiro** · 06-05-2011, 04:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladysolitary85

Haven't taken the MSF yet, waiting to pay off my hearing aid before getting either a bike or a scooter. The local JC teaches you to ride on a Honda Rebel and a Nighthawk.

Still not sure which I'd want ( scooter or bike, but eventually bike). For now I see myself just going to and from work, going around town sometimes just to get out. Eventually I'd like to try and do a few road trips.

Heres the weird thing, I don't even drive a car.... thats actually by choice though. Cars scare me yet motorcycles doesn't.... does anyone else find that weird?

since you don't drive car.... that's gonna be a bit of problem cuz you'll need to drive to MSF class unless you have somebody to drop you off at early morning for 3 days.

but you do have driver license, right?

radioman · 06-05-2011, 09:32 AM

My first bike was dirt. 10 years later got a scooter due to being poor and needing transportation. pretty stupid decision as I got the cheap ones that only go up to 40mph. and you cant go on highways with it and you really cant go out to countryside roads without getting on highways in some places. If you got a scooter that can do 60 mph, but you pay an arm and leg for it where you can get a regular motorbike in 100-400 range for same money but give you the freedom you want. I have driven 500 and 1000 and i find anything from upper mids 600 and 900 s good fit for me. it all boils down to what really fits you after you ride a bit.

I would not spend money on a bike until you took the bike class since they provide bikes for you to learn on as you stated. This will give you a starting point on what you really want. as they say, you never go smaller or never will go back to smaller.

**Reba** · 06-05-2011, 12:11 PM

Good point about the speed limitations of a scooter. If the rider lives and rides in downtown or beach areas only that have low speed limits, a scooter might be enough. Any place that requires highway travel is not for most scooters or mopeds.

**Jiro** · 06-05-2011, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by radioman

My first bike was dirt. 10 years later got a scooter due to being poor and needing transportation. pretty stupid decision as I got the cheap ones that only go up to 40mph. and you cant go on highways with it and you really cant go out to countryside roads without getting on highways in some places. If you got a scooter that can do 60 mph, but you pay an arm and leg for it where you can get a regular motorbike in 100-400 range for same money but give you the freedom you want. I have driven 500 and 1000 and i find anything from upper mids 600 and 900 s good fit for me. it all boils down to what really fits you after you ride a bit.

I would not spend money on a bike until you took the bike class since they provide bikes for you to learn on as you stated. This will give you a starting point on what you really want. as they say, you never go smaller or never will go back to smaller.

just to be more specific

on the average -
scooter with 50cc goes up to around 45 mph (not legally allowed on highway)
scooter with 150cc goes up to around 60 mph (not advisable for highway)
scooter with 300cc goes up to around 80 mph
mopeds = depending on each state law but it's legal on limited basis everywhere. I think this is not quite a good idea to get due to complicated legal matter

ladysolitary85 · 06-05-2011, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiro

since you don't drive car.... that's gonna be a bit of problem cuz you'll need to drive to MSF class unless you have somebody to drop you off at early morning for 3 days.

but you do have driver license, right?

No I don't.... I've had my permit before but failed to take the driven test. I don't know why but I feel intimidated driving a car.

**Jiro** · 06-05-2011, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladysolitary85

No I don't.... I've had my permit before but failed to take the driven test. I don't know why but I feel intimidated driving a car.

ah... you'll need to have a driver license first before you take motorcycle test.

ladysolitary85 · 06-05-2011, 03:04 PM

you have to have a C license before the M1 license??

AlleyCat · 06-05-2011, 03:52 PM

I'd like a HD someday. Hopefully sooner than later!

**Reba** · 06-05-2011, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladysolitary85

you have to have a C license before the M1 license??

Ask your DMV or go to their website.

Glenn · 06-05-2011, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladysolitary85

you have to have a C license before the M1 license??

Yes.

Glenn · 06-05-2011, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlleyCat

I'd like a HD someday. Hopefully sooner than later!

I know someone on here who has a couple of them.

**Reba** · 06-05-2011, 04:36 PM

Motorcycle Licensing

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl655/mcy...quirements.htm

AlleyCat · 06-05-2011, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glenn

I know someone on here who has a couple of them.

Well, I love the rides.

Now, it's a matter of whether (or how soon) I buy one.

Glenn · 06-05-2011, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlleyCat

Well, I love the rides.

Now, it's a matter of whether (or how soon) I buy one.

yeah, I know they aren't on the low end of the price scale. I hope you get to take this ride.

**Jiro** · 06-05-2011, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

Motorcycle Licensing

Motorcycle Handbook License Requirements

ah! perfect.

Quote:

Effective January 1, 2006, you may operate a motorized scooter with a Class M1 or M2 driver license. Prior to January 1, 2006, you must have a Class C or higher driver license to operate a motorized scooter.

looks like you don't have to get C in order to get M1/M2

XBGMER · 06-05-2011, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladysolitary85

you have to have a C license before the M1 license??

You haven't to... Unless you took a MSF classes.

take a note -Once you pass the motorcycle course, if you already have your Class C license, you don't have to take the driving test. depend on various dmv, sometime DMV acts like a b!+ch on you for * MUST* taking driving test.

Digging through the site - California DMV Manuals - Download the CA Drivers License Manual Online - DMV Guide that information came up with what is important here as read below.

Quote:

(I) Class C does not include any two-wheel motorcycle or any two-wheel motor-driven cycle.

(4) Class M1. Any two-wheel motorcycle or motor-driven cycle. Authority to operate vehicles included in a class M1 license may be granted by endorsement on a class A, B, or C license upon completion of an appropriate examination.

lady, please takes my advice- you better get C license.

**Jiro** · 06-05-2011, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XBGMER

You haven't to... Unless you took a MSF classes.

take a note -Once you pass the motorcycle course, if you already have your Class C license, you don't have to take the driving test. depend on various dmv, sometime DMV acts like a b!+ch on you for * MUST* taking driving test.

Digging through the site - California DMV Manuals - Download the CA Drivers License Manual Online - DMV Guide that information came up with what is important here as read below.

lady, please takes my advice- you better get C license.

whoa that post sounds confusing. I'd like to clarify it for you, ladysolitary85

1. apparently according to California DMV, you are not required to have Class C in order to get a motorcycle license. Many states do require Class C prior to Class M. California is becoming more and more motorcycle-friendly state. It's the only state that allows lane-splitting but DO NOT DO IT unless you have thousands miles of experience first!

While it's cool that California does allow lane-splitting... here's a catch - any accident occurred from lane-splitting is usually automatically blamed on motorcyclists unless otherwise proven innocent (ie - the driver broke a traffic law that caused you to crash while you were lane-splitting).

2. It is advisable for you to get Class C as what XBGamer suggested so that you can understand the situation from driver's perspective. That way - you can ride motorcycle more comfortably and confident. But it costs money and time to do this. However, since you stated that you are not comfortable with driving car... don't do it. Never do something you are not comfortable with.

3. MSF course is typically 3-days, 15-hrs total (4 hrs on first day, 8 hrs on second day, and rest on last day). On the last day, you will be tested for your riding skill. If you passed, you're done!

Just head over to DMV to get a new license!

4. Prior to taking MSF course, you need to do motorcycle permit first at DMV

**sequoias** · 06-05-2011, 09:55 PM

Fast 50cc Scooters

Fastest 50cc modified scooter went to 102 mph. With some modifications, you can get it to 60-65 mph or even more for an average user.

**Jiro** · 06-05-2011, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sequoias

Fast 50cc Scooters

Fastest 50cc modified scooter went to 102 mph. With some modifications, you can get it to 60-65 mph or even more for an average user.

I wouldn't even dare to ride a scooter that's not designed to handle speed much faster than its specification.

and not to mention the fact that it's probably illegal almost everywhere.

**sequoias** · 06-05-2011, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jiro

I wouldn't even dare to ride a scooter that's not designed to handle speed much faster than its specification.

and not to mention the fact that it's probably illegal almost everywhere.

Guess not.

**Jiro** · 06-05-2011, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sequoias

Guess not.

but I can see purplecatty doing this

06-01-2011, 11:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
ladysolitary85 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: CA Posts: 1,512	I Want A Motorcycle... alright guys, newbie here on the bike talks.... Whats a good newbie bike? Should I start off with a scooter first, till I get the feel of riding or go straight for a motorcycle? Please clue me in... I want to know stuff. I want to feel that openness when your out on the road. Something about riding is awesome... can't describe it but lately has been a trigger for me to try for.

06-02-2011, 12:11 AM	#2 (permalink)
Jiro Aparecium Deletrius Legil Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: The Soprano State Posts: 60,439	the answer is...... I don't know. Nobody can answer your question. Everybody is different so it's basically impossible to tell you what's good for you. It's just something you'll have to figure it out for yourself. You'll have to rent a scooter or borrow someone's scooter to see if it's right for you or not. If you feel you can handle more, then a motorcycle (either 250cc or 650cc). have you taken MSF class? TinCanSailor likes this. __________________ - Don't forget to buy Jiro's Special Edition Sunglasses for $19.95

06-02-2011, 04:53 AM	#5 (permalink)
Grummer Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: In the Batcave Posts: 9,512	if you keen to actually learn ride a motorcycle, that is if you had experience and working knowledge of how to drive a MANUAL (stick shift) cars, then get a 100-125 cc four stroke road motorcycle with 6 speeds, they are cheap to run and really teaches you how to ride, brakes are not fantastic and neither the power but you'd learn to respect the motorcycle, yourself and probably not the other road users, *wankers drivers, taxi driver,s old lady drivers, truck drivers, postal vans drivers(they the worst)... but yeah when you actually understand how to accelerate adn downshift with blipping the throttle at rapid pace, (braking hard) and actually have ability to know how to down shit quickly without locking the brakes, and doing this often it builds up your confidence (and you better read the roads well too, oil spills, slicks, gravel, pots, uneven surfaces, paint on the road (they are bloody slippery in the wet(...experience is BIG on motorcycle riding... then you may want to ease down on the gear-changing, and move up to bigger power, with more lazy gear shifting with more throttle power/impact that gives speed/and/or acceleration at will,...but you need to understand all this is with actual CONTROL (of yourself (speed greed, and willingness to brake) with this knowing the limits and how you juggle all the wick-on-throttle-when-to-brake-WHILE- reading-roads-AND-reading-traffic-and road signs then you'd know where to back off on from 250cc, 600cc or 1000cc..best for most is 250cc-400cc, but bigger slower revving can suit slower riders too... so its all there just you got to start small, gain experience, try mix with those who actually ride motorcycle for sake of loving bikes, not images... then you might be in the right crowd for the awesome experiences... Good luck once again, try go for geared bikes at least 100cc and no more that a slower single cylindar 250cc (4 cylinder are too hard to ride and it demands more pyche/understanding too stressy) want a 185-250 single cyling maybe a 100-125cc to start with due to its less intimidating wieght, and the brakes will teach you to NOT be cocky...thus riding more sensibility for that all-important road survival GOOD luck oh if you get scooter, you'd get lazy, and soon forget real ideas of motorcycle unless you actually want to ride scooters...thats your choice... __________________ "Problems cannot be solved at the same level of awareness that created them." Albert Einstein

06-04-2011, 03:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
The Highlander Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 6,227	California Motorcyclist Safety Program I take MSF (IL) for free. __________________ "There are a lot of people that don’t like this software. It is because they don’t understand how to use the software and don’t realize it’s potential."

06-04-2011, 11:55 PM	#9 (permalink)
Phillips Lets ride horses! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Spaceship Posts: 11,170	Good luck!!! I am too busy and no time for taking bike tutorial. __________________ My journal! http://poochie21.blogspot.com/ *Enjoy life today, Yesterday has past and Tomorrow may never come.*

Today
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06-02-2011, 01:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
Glenn Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Washington Posts: 2,909	Tough question. What kind of riding to you see yourself growing into one day? Small enough so that it doesn't get you into too much trouble. Do you have any relatives who ride? Talk to them and find out where they started.

06-02-2011, 04:22 AM	#4 (permalink)
Ausrider Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: At a track near you Posts: 331	I say go for a bike first as it has little in common with riding a scooter Edit - What sort of riding are you looking at doing?

06-03-2011, 04:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
ladysolitary85 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: CA Posts: 1,512	Haven't taken the MSF yet, waiting to pay off my hearing aid before getting either a bike or a scooter. The local JC teaches you to ride on a Honda Rebel and a Nighthawk. Still not sure which I'd want ( scooter or bike, but eventually bike). For now I see myself just going to and from work, going around town sometimes just to get out. Eventually I'd like to try and do a few road trips. Heres the weird thing, I don't even drive a car.... thats actually by choice though. Cars scare me yet motorcycles doesn't.... does anyone else find that weird?

06-05-2011, 09:32 AM	#11 (permalink)
radioman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: In the good ole USA ! Posts: 2,551	My first bike was dirt. 10 years later got a scooter due to being poor and needing transportation. pretty stupid decision as I got the cheap ones that only go up to 40mph. and you cant go on highways with it and you really cant go out to countryside roads without getting on highways in some places. If you got a scooter that can do 60 mph, but you pay an arm and leg for it where you can get a regular motorbike in 100-400 range for same money but give you the freedom you want. I have driven 500 and 1000 and i find anything from upper mids 600 and 900 s good fit for me. it all boils down to what really fits you after you ride a bit. I would not spend money on a bike until you took the bike class since they provide bikes for you to learn on as you stated. This will give you a starting point on what you really want. as they say, you never go smaller or never will go back to smaller.

06-05-2011, 12:11 PM	#12 (permalink)
Reba Granny Terp Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: South Carolina Posts: 39,112	Good point about the speed limitations of a scooter. If the rider lives and rides in downtown or beach areas only that have low speed limits, a scooter might be enough. Any place that requires highway travel is not for most scooters or mopeds.

06-05-2011, 03:04 PM	#16 (permalink)
ladysolitary85 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: CA Posts: 1,512	you have to have a C license before the M1 license??

06-05-2011, 03:52 PM	#17 (permalink)
AlleyCat Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In my time zone Posts: 10,780	I'd like a HD someday. Hopefully sooner than later! ladysolitary85 likes this.

06-05-2011, 04:36 PM	#21 (permalink)
Reba Granny Terp Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: South Carolina Posts: 39,112	Motorcycle Licensing http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl655/mcy...quirements.htm

06-05-2011, 09:55 PM	#27 (permalink)
sequoias Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Iowa, the land of the cornfields and pigs Posts: 21,854	Fast 50cc Scooters Fastest 50cc modified scooter went to 102 mph. With some modifications, you can get it to 60-65 mph or even more for an average user.

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