Motorcycle Advice
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EddieWalker
Epic Contributor
In 1991 I was arrested and charged with drunk driving. I had been pushing it for some time and when I was caught, I was way overdue. I never had an accdent or hurt anybody, but it was probably going to happen in due time. I've beena arrested and spent many nights in the drunk tank from my Marine Corps days into my early 20's.
That was my wakeup call and where my life changed directions. I went years without a drink at all, and now I have one or two beers at the most, or a glass of wine. I drink at home and a case of beer can last me months. So far this year, I've had one beer and a couple glasses of wine.
I never drink and drive and never will. I lost al linterest in bars and being and the nightlife. I don't mind being around others who are drinking, and in some cases, find it down right entertaining. I just don't feel the need to join in or be part of the entertainment.
Eddie
That was my wakeup call and where my life changed directions. I went years without a drink at all, and now I have one or two beers at the most, or a glass of wine. I drink at home and a case of beer can last me months. So far this year, I've had one beer and a couple glasses of wine.
I never drink and drive and never will. I lost al linterest in bars and being and the nightlife. I don't mind being around others who are drinking, and in some cases, find it down right entertaining. I just don't feel the need to join in or be part of the entertainment.
Eddie
Gem99ultra
Elite Member
I understand where you're coming from Eddie. Bought my first bike at age 57, right after my divorce. Never rode before, but always wanted a bike. I'm >200#, 5'11" and needed something with enough torque to get me out of the way of the 'road warrior's'.
I did start out with a full size bike (Road King). Loved that bike. Since then I've had a couple of GoldWings and even a smaller SilverWing, all the while owning a Harley. I got rid of the the Honda's, but then, that was my choice, not a blanket recommendation. Now have been riding my H-D Ultra Classic for 10 years. Love that bike. I was fortunate in finding a lady that owned her own Harley; we've been on many road trips, and those have been the best memories of my life.
But - my recommendation, after you take the MSF Class, buy a cheap smaller bike. Something that won't matter if (when) you drop it. And that will happen. While you're getting used to the freedom of a motorcycle, you'll decide for yourself which bike fits your style and personality.
Don't expect a bike to be cheaper to operate than an economy car - it isn't. But there is nothing in the world like being on a motorcycle, even just puttin' around the country roads. At least for me...
I did start out with a full size bike (Road King). Loved that bike. Since then I've had a couple of GoldWings and even a smaller SilverWing, all the while owning a Harley. I got rid of the the Honda's, but then, that was my choice, not a blanket recommendation. Now have been riding my H-D Ultra Classic for 10 years. Love that bike. I was fortunate in finding a lady that owned her own Harley; we've been on many road trips, and those have been the best memories of my life.
But - my recommendation, after you take the MSF Class, buy a cheap smaller bike. Something that won't matter if (when) you drop it. And that will happen. While you're getting used to the freedom of a motorcycle, you'll decide for yourself which bike fits your style and personality.
Don't expect a bike to be cheaper to operate than an economy car - it isn't. But there is nothing in the world like being on a motorcycle, even just puttin' around the country roads. At least for me...
dmccarty
Super Star Member
I work with a group of motorcycle NUTs. 
One of whom is a safety instructor. He is a bad guy since he tries to entice people into the bike world. :laughing: Thankfully I don't directly work with him anymore. So his enticement powers are much reduced.
I am dittoing previous advice on the thread but it is good advice. Which is to buy a cheap, used bike and see if you like or want to keep riding. The safety instructor is working with a company that supplies bikes for the class. I seriously thought about taking the class because I would like to ride a bike. The class sounded fun, challenging and I like those type of classes. But I will never ride a bike. The bikes don't scare me but these people in cars scare the scat out of me. I have too many near misses every week if not every day with these idiots.
A 7,500 pound truck is not safe enough from these people.
I just read a week or so ago that one is three times more likely to get killed on a bike than a car.
One guy I work with went through a divorce and bought a starter bike. He has a bunch of kids. He laid the bike down one day and that was that. He has too much to loose and too many responsibilities so he sold the bike.
Another couple of guys bought used starter bikes a couple of years ago. One has just quit riding and is going to sell the bike. He got the bug out of his system :laughing: I don't know if they other guy still rides or not.
Back around 1993ish I started sorta seriously looking at bike to ride. It might have been something to do with a break up. :laughing: What the heck is it with break ups and motorcycles? I wanted something to drive on the real nice spring and fall days in my area as well as trips to the mountains or beach. And to save a bit of money since it would be cheaper than a Wrangler. After looking at the prices of bikes I stopped looking. :laughing:
I can buy a lot of fuel for the price of a bike.
But buying a bike for fun is a different matter. Buying one to save money I question. If one ONLY has a bike and does not have another vehicle then it is cheap transportation. I just did some quick math comparing the better mpg with my truck. A $10,000 bike would take over 7 years to payoff with the fuel savings. The bikes I looked at almost 20 years ago were more than 10K.
By the way guys. Stop these motorcycle threads. They make me think too much about motorcycles. These discussions pop up and I HAVE to read them. STOP IT.
Please? :laughing:
Or just talk about crutch rockets, dirt bikes, or most of the HDs. DO NOT talk about about BMWs, GoldWings and related bikes. :thumbsup:
Thanks,
Dan
One of whom is a safety instructor. He is a bad guy since he tries to entice people into the bike world. :laughing: Thankfully I don't directly work with him anymore. So his enticement powers are much reduced.
I am dittoing previous advice on the thread but it is good advice. Which is to buy a cheap, used bike and see if you like or want to keep riding. The safety instructor is working with a company that supplies bikes for the class. I seriously thought about taking the class because I would like to ride a bike. The class sounded fun, challenging and I like those type of classes. But I will never ride a bike. The bikes don't scare me but these people in cars scare the scat out of me. I have too many near misses every week if not every day with these idiots.
A 7,500 pound truck is not safe enough from these people.
I just read a week or so ago that one is three times more likely to get killed on a bike than a car.
One guy I work with went through a divorce and bought a starter bike. He has a bunch of kids. He laid the bike down one day and that was that. He has too much to loose and too many responsibilities so he sold the bike.
Another couple of guys bought used starter bikes a couple of years ago. One has just quit riding and is going to sell the bike. He got the bug out of his system :laughing: I don't know if they other guy still rides or not.
Back around 1993ish I started sorta seriously looking at bike to ride. It might have been something to do with a break up. :laughing: What the heck is it with break ups and motorcycles?
I wanted something to drive on the real nice spring and fall days in my area as well as trips to the mountains or beach. And to save a bit of money since it would be cheaper than a Wrangler. After looking at the prices of bikes I stopped looking. :laughing: I can buy a lot of fuel for the price of a bike.
But buying a bike for fun is a different matter.
Buying one to save money I question. If one ONLY has a bike and does not have another vehicle then it is cheap transportation. I just did some quick math comparing the better mpg with my truck. A $10,000 bike would take over 7 years to payoff with the fuel savings. The bikes I looked at almost 20 years ago were more than 10K. By the way guys. Stop these motorcycle threads. They make me think too much about motorcycles. These discussions pop up and I HAVE to read them. STOP IT.
Please? :laughing:
Or just talk about crutch rockets, dirt bikes, or most of the HDs. DO NOT talk about about BMWs, GoldWings and related bikes. :thumbsup:
Thanks,
Dan
Jim2
Bronze Member
Sorry if I was harsh. I'm coming from the POV where any bike over 1000cc is probably too big to be a practical "first bike". When I was starting out I had a few different bikes before I really caught on to riding. Maybe I'm a slow learner? Whatever. The bike that helped me turn a corner was the Suzuki 650 Savage! That's kind of a silly little Harley wannabe if you're familiar. I'm 6' 2" tall riding this little single cylinder bike. I did get laughed at some. . . . Anyway, it was so lightweight and low to the ground that it is the only bike that I had for any period of time that I never did one of those accidental parking lot drops.
Mine was a 1987 model with 4 speed shift. It was very torquey and really, really fun on gravel. It had a big fat tire out back. I would get it on gravel, lean forward, and get on the throttle and that back tire would just spit gravel. It was extremely stable. Of course it would top out at 80-85 mph downhill, too. And forget having a passenger unless they're kid-sized and only going a block or two. I had to trade eventually because I couldn't get a girlfriend small enough to ride two-up--though I did teach one girl to ride a motorcycle with it!
All bikes have good points and bad points. That Yamaha is probably easier to change the oil than it is on my Honda ST1100--even without the aftermarket oil relocater. I've got start removing plastic in order to even get at the oil filter. . . . But, I wouldn't recommend anything as heavy as an ST to a beginner either!
Jim
Bird
Rest in Peace
Jim, I'd have been inclined to think the same thing, and of course I started small and worked my way up. HOWEVER . . ., I still remember when I bought my Goldwing from the same dealer from whom I had bought the 650 Silver Wing, he told me that he sold more Goldwings to people over 50 who had never ridden a bike before. That kind of surprised me.
Another of those comments I never forgot . . . When I was a recruit in the police academy, the chaplain once asked the class (29 recruits) how many wanted to me motorcycle officers. A half dozen or so held up their hands. Then the chaplain said, "I always get to know the motorcycle officers better than any of the others . . . . because I visit them in the hospital all the time.":laughing:
RobertN
Super Member
Either of you make it to Marcus Dairy?
I have only been there once, and not on a bike(was on a business trip that lasted in to the weekend). It was in April; there was not a whole lot going on, but stil 100 or bikes around. My friend back there, said in warmer weather it is a mass of all kinds of bikes, vendors ect.
I have only been there once, and not on a bike(was on a business trip that lasted in to the weekend). It was in April; there was not a whole lot going on, but stil 100 or bikes around. My friend back there, said in warmer weather it is a mass of all kinds of bikes, vendors ect.
charlz
Elite Member
According to that page "Effective September 1, 2009 Basic Rider Course is required to get a new Texas motorcycle license (class M endorsement) "
They provide the bike and helmet. So take the course and ride their bike. This will give you some real experience riding that particular size bike and then you can go from there to figure out what you want/like.
Looks like the basic course is full for a month out anyway, so sign up now for a course in May. Seems to work with your timetable.
According to their page taking/passing this course replaces the driving portion of the motorcycle exam which is how it works here as well.
IH3444
Elite Member
- Joined
- Jan 10, 2004
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- 2,591
If you are set in your mind for a motorcycle Eddie, I recommend a dual sport also. 500-650 range. Enought grunt for the highway, and you can ride it on your property. I have DOT approved full knobbies on my Suzuki DR650S. The rear tire is 6 ply. I also have the full engine/sump aluminum guard, and the factory rear luggage rack. And yes I have used it to just zip into town, for a hardware store run. It is a great ride, and does 70mph all day without huffing and puffing. After the smoothness of a streetbike, it does take some getting used to a big thumper. You can also have a great time in the dirt with it.
Dual Sport tires: C858 / C913 / C914 Dual Sport Tu
Dual Sport tires: C858 / C913 / C914 Dual Sport Tu
Eddie- notice the many recommendations for a "dual-sport"? Here's a recent pic of my ol', trusty, almost bullet-proof, XL250.
I hadn't ridden it much for the past 5 years or so, having been more interested in the 360 and then the 750.... but I'd forgotten how much fun it is. Handles very "lightly," has no trouble with my dirt road --even with the muddy spots-- and last fill-up was over 71 miles for .931 gallons. Worked out to 77+mpg.
No electric start, but she fires up after one or two kicks. Cheap. Fun. Only goes (comfortably) at 40mph or so, but she'll hit 60 if she has to. Great commuter.
Oh-- apologies for the ugly cosmetic box/trunk. It was handy, so I bolted it on...
I hadn't ridden it much for the past 5 years or so, having been more interested in the 360 and then the 750.... but I'd forgotten how much fun it is. Handles very "lightly," has no trouble with my dirt road --even with the muddy spots-- and last fill-up was over 71 miles for .931 gallons. Worked out to 77+mpg.
No electric start, but she fires up after one or two kicks. Cheap. Fun. Only goes (comfortably) at 40mph or so, but she'll hit 60 if she has to. Great commuter.
Oh-- apologies for the ugly cosmetic box/trunk. It was handy, so I bolted it on...
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Eddie,
Congrats on your now long term freedom from the "booze bug".
I don't admit to having been an alcoholic, just that I was a heavy habitual drinker... a dozen years or so ago.
I do admit to having been very drunk on motorcycles, kinda hard to remember how big chunks of sod hanging off the footpeg got there the night before.
Only good fortune got me through and maybe a bit of sub-conscious skill, maybe.
One of the things you will learn a lot more about is road surfaces, I know you plan to ride on the road, but surface changes matter a lot more to you when on two wheels.
I was thinking about this while driving a truck and trailer today, in particular the change in levels between lanes when they re-pave.
Do NOT try to cross from the low old surface to the new high raised surface, BAD things happen, just stay in your lane.
We have a lot of sand on the roads up here right now, it is worth studying where it windrows to, even when you're just driving a car/truck (-:
Congrats on your now long term freedom from the "booze bug".
I don't admit to having been an alcoholic, just that I was a heavy habitual drinker... a dozen years or so ago.
I do admit to having been very drunk on motorcycles, kinda hard to remember how big chunks of sod hanging off the footpeg got there the night before.
Only good fortune got me through and maybe a bit of sub-conscious skill, maybe.
One of the things you will learn a lot more about is road surfaces, I know you plan to ride on the road, but surface changes matter a lot more to you when on two wheels.
I was thinking about this while driving a truck and trailer today, in particular the change in levels between lanes when they re-pave.
Do NOT try to cross from the low old surface to the new high raised surface, BAD things happen, just stay in your lane.
We have a lot of sand on the roads up here right now, it is worth studying where it windrows to, even when you're just driving a car/truck (-:
Dmace
Elite Member
The thing about dual sports in my eyes is that they don't do anything really well. They are OK off-road and OK on-road but hardly really good at either so is it really worth it? I would much rather have a good street bike that does everything on-road well and spend a little for a dirt bike (if needed) that does everything off-road well. I hate the feeling of those enduro knobby tires on pavement, it's like riding a street bike on those metal grate bridges constantly. Again, that's just my opinion...
Agreed.
Well, sort of.
"Street" bikes aren't all equally good as "commuter scooters" and "track day play racers", neither are their tires.
As a FIRST bike (the context of THIS thread) the DP as a compromise may well be the best compromise and a good platform to figure which type, size, etc the NEXT bike will be.
{Always a next bike ? not always,...}
I would vote against "Enduro Knobbies" (close to MX) but for two digit speeds Trials tires work OK.
Metal grate bridges ? Might as well get comfortable with the feeling early on (-:
RedRocker
Veteran Member
I've got a KLR 650, fun bike to ride, 50 to 55 mpg and can be had for three or four grand.
deepNdirt
Veteran Member
I'm not sure how enjoyable of a ride this would be My neighbor custom builds 3 wheelers from old VW rear trans axles and cycle front ends, he owns a real nice HD but he rather ride his 3 wheeler, he and his Friends get together and rattle the neighborhood with these things, some of them have trunk compartments and others have small truck beds, some have rear seats some have big beverage coolers built on them,:drink: some have stainless steel kegs for fuel tanks and a draft drawn lever for a shifter, he builds them and sells them for around 5-k and they are registered to be driven as a cycle :thumbsup:
My neighbor custom builds 3 wheelers from old VW rear trans axles and cycle front ends, he owns a real nice HD but he rather ride his 3 wheeler, he and his Friends get together and rattle the neighborhood with these things, some of them have trunk compartments and others have small truck beds, some have rear seats some have big beverage coolers built on them,:drink: some have stainless steel kegs for fuel tanks and a draft drawn lever for a shifter, he builds them and sells them for around 5-k and they are registered to be driven as a cycle :thumbsup:
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I would also strongly recommend a harley.. good quality bike.. gotta love the sound of a harley.
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czechsonofagun
Elite Member
I was wondering when somebody mentions that besides me. I had always street bikes but KLR is my choice for the - hopefully - near future.
The Haymaker
Veteran Member
Not a practical one, no.
The Haymaker
Veteran Member
Bike choices? So many! I have two bikes to suit different riding styles off road, they are at opposite ends of the spectrum. An XR650R and a KTM200EXC. I'd do the same for the street, but settled for my first ever Kawi, a Ninja650R. It looks like a crotch rocket, but offers a more upright, cushy, ride and peaks out at 55mpg if I behave myself.
I agree with the others on a MSC before riding. I'd worry more about your defensive skills than actually riding. Get comfortable, don't end up like my wife's niece this past weekend.
'She only got to ride her bike one day' | The Morning Sentinel, Waterville, ME
Anyway, now for what I think would be your bike.
Because of your property, as others have suggested, I'd go with something like a DRZ400.
It's big enough to do some highway cruising, but light and nimble off road. I miss my DS bikes, being able to go from pavement to dirt was nice. I had intended on DS'ing the big XR for years, as it is idling at 65, but got to wound up into woods riding so didn't want all the extra stuff to break off.
Either way, get a bike, learn what life really is!
I agree with the others on a MSC before riding. I'd worry more about your defensive skills than actually riding. Get comfortable, don't end up like my wife's niece this past weekend.
'She only got to ride her bike one day' | The Morning Sentinel, Waterville, ME
Anyway, now for what I think would be your bike.
Because of your property, as others have suggested, I'd go with something like a DRZ400.
It's big enough to do some highway cruising, but light and nimble off road. I miss my DS bikes, being able to go from pavement to dirt was nice. I had intended on DS'ing the big XR for years, as it is idling at 65, but got to wound up into woods riding so didn't want all the extra stuff to break off.
Either way, get a bike, learn what life really is!
Boondox
Elite Member
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Eddie -- I'll chime in here. Having ridden for 40+ years I feel strongly that there are major differences between a starter (or getting back into it) bike and a forever bike. The "over 35 and getting back into riding" demographic has a very high rate of crashes. I'm not sure why, but in my personal observations I think those riders may assume they have more residual skills than they actually have.
It's not like it used to be. When I was a younger rider there were threats on four wheels, but back then folks got behind the wheel to get somewhere. Today you have cell phones, texting drivers, sound systems so loud you can hear them a hundred yards away, and IMO roads full of people who feel driving is all about their rights and who have forgotten all about the responsibilities of being behind the wheel.
I ride a BMW R1200GS primarily for the fantastic ergonomics (important in middle age), great alternator output to power auxiliary lighting to make me more visible, incredible brakes, and a high riding position that not only makes me more visible, but allows me to see over much of the traffic around me. That said, this is not a starter/returning rider bike.
I'm not a big fan of the cruiser type, regardless of the brand. The forward footpegs and the weak brakes for their size and weight have no appeal for me. And the low slung, all black thing in a world of distracted drivers is asking for trouble. YMMV.
There have been a lot of recommendations for good, dependable bikes in this thread, but so very few of them IMO would meet your immediate needs as a returning rider. I'd put the KLR 650 right up there at the top of the suitable list. Light and nimble enough for you to get back into it, enough power to keep up with traffic or put distance between you and trouble, easy to pick back up at gas station drops, and not overly expensive if you low side. I'd get something in that displacement used, keep it a year, then revisit your needs.
When your comfort and confidence have returned, and that returning rider bravado (most experience this) has dimmed a bit, I'd look for a forever bike putting ergonomics and safety at the top of the list. For me, that short list would include: Triumph Tiger 1050, Suzuki V-Strom or Wee-Strom, Kawasaki Verslys, and other bikes of that ilk. Whatever you get, be sure it fits.
Pete
Loud pipes lose rights.
It's not like it used to be. When I was a younger rider there were threats on four wheels, but back then folks got behind the wheel to get somewhere. Today you have cell phones, texting drivers, sound systems so loud you can hear them a hundred yards away, and IMO roads full of people who feel driving is all about their rights and who have forgotten all about the responsibilities of being behind the wheel.
I ride a BMW R1200GS primarily for the fantastic ergonomics (important in middle age), great alternator output to power auxiliary lighting to make me more visible, incredible brakes, and a high riding position that not only makes me more visible, but allows me to see over much of the traffic around me. That said, this is not a starter/returning rider bike.
I'm not a big fan of the cruiser type, regardless of the brand. The forward footpegs and the weak brakes for their size and weight have no appeal for me. And the low slung, all black thing in a world of distracted drivers is asking for trouble. YMMV.
There have been a lot of recommendations for good, dependable bikes in this thread, but so very few of them IMO would meet your immediate needs as a returning rider. I'd put the KLR 650 right up there at the top of the suitable list. Light and nimble enough for you to get back into it, enough power to keep up with traffic or put distance between you and trouble, easy to pick back up at gas station drops, and not overly expensive if you low side. I'd get something in that displacement used, keep it a year, then revisit your needs.
When your comfort and confidence have returned, and that returning rider bravado (most experience this) has dimmed a bit, I'd look for a forever bike putting ergonomics and safety at the top of the list. For me, that short list would include: Triumph Tiger 1050, Suzuki V-Strom or Wee-Strom, Kawasaki Verslys, and other bikes of that ilk. Whatever you get, be sure it fits.
Pete
Loud pipes lose rights.
