Educate me on motorcycles.

[Jesda]

Sounds like a fun way to enjoy rural roads and highways in fair weather while consuming less fuel.

What's a good starter bike? Something under 600cc?

[Kompresshun]

I'd like to learn a little more too. I used to say absolutely not to them, but it seems like a sensible one isn't such a bad idea since i've gotten older. I've been just considering getting even something like a Honda CBR250R myself for commuting. It has good looks, gets 77 mpg, costs less than $5k brand new, and isn't overpowered since that is my biggest fear - the stupid showoff inside of me coming out if there's too much power on tap.



Considering that used most cars that get half that fuel economy cost that much, or more - I really can't see how you could go wrong other than having to worry about the other idiots on the road trying to hit you. I make a 32mi round trip commute 5 days a week, so it would definitely make a difference.

[IanS]

The CBR250 and Ninja 250 make great starter bikes. They are easy to ride and cheap to aquire, especially if you find one that has already been tipped.

That being said, they leave alot to be asked for on the power front.

Jesda, for you I would look at something a little more on the touring front. Either an enduro, or an adventure. The 250s are light, and great on smooth asphault, but get super gittery on cracked and rough roads. They are also very small, which will make them uncomfortable for somone of your stature. Also the seating position leaves a lot to be desired when you want to sight see.

I suggest looking at maybe a Suzuki V-strom 650. They use a 649cc 90 degree V twin. The riding position is very upright, and designed for touring while also being very fun to ride around corners. They have a large fuel tank allowing for long stints between stops. There are lots of bag and windshield options, and endless accesories. There is also lots of community support, tons of info out there. Guys are putting 100,000+ miles on stock motors, which is outstanding for a motorcycle. I have an SV650, which uses the same motor. Its no race bike, but it has a nice broad torque curve that makes it easy to ride slow and fast. The reasonably low displacement also means that vibration is hardly an issue. Check out http://www.stromtrooper.com/ for more info. This is a great option for long rides, or weekend cruises in the country. I commute 35-40 miles a day on my SV.

There are similar offerings in the sport turing class from Yamaha, Honda, and Kawi, I just know the most about the Vstroms.

Another noteable bike to consider would be the Honda VFR 800. Great sport tourer. The VFR may very well be my next bike, although I am keen on the 1200cc model......

Adventure bikes are similar, but turned up to 11. Personally I would love a KTM 990 Adventure, Dakar. If you want a bike that will go anywhere, in any turrain, in any weather, that is the bike to have. There are many other adventure bikes out there most noteably BMWs offerings. BMW makes a bunch of really sweet touring, sport touring, and adventure bikes. The price point is a bit high though.

It really comes down to what you want to do with it.

[PoorManQ45]

Ninja 500 or SV650.

[MinisterofDOOM]

What kind of bike are you looking for?

Sport bikes/crotch rockets are agile and quick but not particularly comfortable or relaxing to ride. If you're looking for a laid-back cruise, I'd avoid them. But if you want to tear up some corners, that's the way to go.

Cruisers offer a very comfortable seating position, but obviously aren't very agile. The big ones require some skill to wrangle, but little cruisers like the Shadow or Rebel are about as easy to ride as a bike can get--so easy that they're often used for MSF safety courses. If you're looking for a bike that'll be comfortable over longer distances, entry-level cruisers are a good bet.

Then there are dual-sport bikes, like the popular BMW flat-twins that the highway patrol is starting to adopt. More comfortable than a sport bike but more agile than a cruiser. They're probably one of the more ideal options, especially if you're planning on riding over poorly maintained roads. Many of them are perfectly capable on dirt while still having good manners on the highway (depending on tire choice, of course).

And of course there are the touring bikes like the Goldwing, Valkyrie, or Royal Star. Those are the big, tall DeVilles of the Motorcycle world. Great long-distance riders, but not very agile and very heavy. The Goldwing has a flat six. That's how big these things are. Some big tourers have automatic or continuously variable transmissions, which to me is about as appealing as being stabbed in the eye.

I think for relaxed enjoyment of rural roads, I'd go with a Honda Shadow or a Rebel and call it good. Small, cheap, easy to ride, and comfortable. Rebel is 250cc and Shadows can be had from 500cc to 1100cc.

[OriginalWheelman]

I feel like I should hate this but somehow I don't.

Back on track, a smaller engine bike is a great way to start. I'm heavy, and a 250 moves me around fine. Once you get used to riding, get a more powerful bike.

[Jesda]

What about parking? This sounds like a silly question, but what's to stop someone from carrying it away? Do you chain it up like a bicycle?

[Bubba1]

What about parking? This sounds like a silly question, but what's to stop someone from carrying it away? Do you chain it up like a bicycle?

Depends on where you plan to park it. just realize that you have to bring the chains/lock with you. As far as what size bike to get, that also depends on how you plan to use it. If it's mostly local fun trips and don't venture on the highway for long distances, there's no reason to buy a big bike. A 400 is plenty for mixed driving. If it's strictly around town, heck, buy a Vespa (scooter).
I had motorcycle for awhile as a teen, an old Honda S90. Big frame, tiny engine. Kinda like the Honda Insight of motorcycles. Since I didn;t care about blinding acceleration and I never took it on the highway, the gas mileage was incredible. And the bike was fun to ride around on. (Kinda wish I still had it, it's collectible now)

[Jesda]

I wouldn't ride one around town unless it was a quiet afternoon or weekend. Sounds like a death wish with all the people talking on their phones and poking at their nav screens. Friend of mine got hit by a drunk girl one night who drove off and probably didnt even realize she knocked him over.

This would be for 2-4 hour summer/fall rides around Missouri wine country and such. Rolling hills, small towns, local exploration -- stuff I already do in the Saab but with a more connected feeling to the road. Heck, maybe even a multi-state trip if its comfy.

I'm kind of digging the look of the Hondas, but the S90 looks like it might struggle to reach and maintain 65mph. Seems like I'd need a little bit more power to carry myself around [220lbs].

[Jesda]

Seems like I should sign up for a safety course and determine if it scares the piss out of me.

[Bubba1]

I wouldn't ride one around town unless it was a quiet afternoon or weekend. Sounds like a death wish with all the people talking on their phones and poking at their nav screens. Friend of mine got hit by a drunk girl one night who drove off and probably didnt even realize she knocked him over.

This would be for 2-4 hour summer/fall rides around Missouri wine country and such. Rolling hills, small towns, local exploration -- stuff I already do in the Saab but with a more connected feeling to the road. Heck, maybe even a multi-state trip if its comfy.

I'm kind of digging the look of the Hondas, but the S90 looks like it might struggle to reach and maintain 65mph. Seems like I'd need a little bit more power to carry myself around [220lbs].

Very true, it was scary over 50mph, but for a kid, it was fine. That S90 is built in the 1960's. I always loved the old traditional look (not into crotch rockets). the family friend that sold me the S90, replaced it with a Honda 350, which I thought was the perfect size bike for a 2-4 hour jaunt. Classic shape/style, well made, simple, and could handle highway speeds without much fuss.

If I were to buy another bike now, I'd consider an old Honda 750-4, called the original superbike. My brother in law had one til he started having kids. I was envious. Gorgeous bike, reliable, smooth, fast (with a distinct sound from the stock quad pipes) and it'll appreciate.

[PoorManQ45]

Seems like I should sign up for a safety course and determine if it scares the piss out of me.

Yes, take the MSF course.

When I went through it there was a guy that had not idea what a ratcheting shifter was. He came out of there riding very safe and confidently.

[PoorManQ45]

Buy one of my current lust bikes:

Aprilia RS250



It's just a little 250

[frapjap]

I know theres plenty of folks who ride every day, but IMO, not worth it- even if you weren't doing anything incorrectly your chances of surviving an accident are significantly less than a car.

Also, doesn't have to be another vehicle- in the rural setting you intend to drive it you could nail some dudes dog, cat, a coyote, deer, raccoon, possum, aardvark, Kelly Clarkson, kangaroo, pothole, frost heave, sand, salt, etc and have some major lasting life complications.

[IanS]

I know theres plenty of folks who ride every day, but IMO, not worth it- even if you weren't doing anything incorrectly your chances of surviving an accident are significantly less than a car.

Also, doesn't have to be another vehicle- in the rural setting you intend to drive it you could nail some dudes dog, cat, a coyote, deer, raccoon, possum, aardvark, Kelly Clarkson, kangaroo, pothole, frost heave, sand, salt, etc and have some major lasting life complications.

True, but I have encountered nearly all of those during normal riding. I have even killed a rabbit and bounced a few birds off my brain bucket. If you ride responsibly, and wear the propper gear, your chances of surviving a crash are significant. Things like potholes, and frost heaves are an every day occurance and pose little to no danger to an aware rider. Salt and sand can get you, but if you ride respectably, and with your eyes forward, you can avoid or negate it in almost every situation. Sand can just as easily send a car careening off a corner.

There are also lots of things that help with crash avoidance. First and formost, I am invisible. As soon as I release the clutch, I cannot be seen by any person driving a car. Having this mindset makes sure I am concentrating. Every soccer mom piloting her living room on wheels is out to get me, whether she can see me or not. If you dont give people the chance, they are far less likely to hit you.

This does not cover many extreme random crashes, but those are just as dangerous to you cagers as they are to us.

I enjoy my ride to and from work, something I could have never said when I was driving a car.

You could die from a stroke, freak heart attack, or Kelly Clarkson encounter at any given moment. Whether you are rocking 2 wheels, or walking accross your kitchen makes little difference. Nobody lives forever, Except Chuck Norris.

[PapaSmurf2k3]

I've been debating the purchase of a Sachs Mad a** for a little while now.

Projector headlights, 80+ MPG, and with my weight/size, 65mph in a tuck isn't out of the question. I wouldn't take it on the highway, but backroad travel would be pleasant. Significantly cheaper than full blown bike too (new vs new)

[bcar240]

I tried to commute on a bike a few years back, it didn't work out. Really, they are quite scary to drive in packed traffic with crazy and frantic drivers. The weather issue doesn't help (wet roads, cold, etc.) You should really be wearing all the gear as well, which can get a little uncomfortable in summer temps if you have to stop a lot. I ended up driving more times than I rode. I still have one for rural trips and nothing compares, but you can't ever let your guard down.

[zacmil]

I'm kind of digging the look of the Hondas, but the S90 looks like it might struggle to reach and maintain 65mph. Seems like I'd need a little bit more power to carry myself around [220lbs].

If you think the S90 looks cool, you should try and find an old dream.



They weren't huge, the largest engine option was a 305, but they sure looked good.

Personally, I'm into older bikes. I find most modern crotch rockets uncomfortable and most cruisers obnoxious.