Thinking about getting into motorcycles. Cost?

[fuzzybabybunny]

So I'll be a complete newbie at motorcycles and I'm wondering what kind of money I should be setting aside to get me into this. I'm perfectly fine with buying a used cycle, and I would like the "crotch rocket" type - I actually have no idea what else to call this type.

Anyway, I was thinking maybe $3000 for a motorcycle (what should I be looking for?) and maybe $1000 for miscellaneous other things (leathers, helmet, lessons, etc)?

I don't even know where to start.

 

[Supersonic64]

Cost? Your life when some idiot driver hits you.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

Cost? Your life when some idiot driver hits you.

I think this is pot calling kettle black

 

[Tristicus]

I think this is pot calling kettle black

Oh so much.

 

[ultimatebob]

You going for a new badass biker dude persona there, Fuzzy? Good luck with that!

 

[Capt Caveman]

You going for a new badass biker dude persona there, Fuzzy? Good luck with that!

I would think, this is more up his alley.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Bike: To start out on, I strongly recommend a 250cc bike. Ninja 250s in good shape routinely trade hands for $2,000 or less, so that should be well within your price range.

Gear: Helmet, gloves, boots, and jacket are the critical pieces. I always recommend a full-face helmet, and you can get good helmets that meet Snell standards for around $100-$150. Spending more than that gets you more comfort, better ventilation, or more convenience (e.g. removable lining that can be washed, etc), but does not necessarily give you more safety. I still recommend leather for a jacket because motorcycle-grade leather is still the most durable option, though modern ballistic textiles are getting better all the time. Boots should be over-the-ankle types and sturdy. Believe it or not, the most common motorcycle injury is to the ankle, so don't skimp on boots.

Classes: Definitely take the MSF class. In fact, I recommend that people take MSF before buying a bike. By taking the class first you have a chance to find out just how comfortable you really are on a motorcycle and you enable yourself to make a more educated decision about whether you really want to ride. It either confirms that you really do want to spend the money on a motorcycle, or it lets you realise that you don't before you've already sunk the cash.

ZV

 

[Greenman]

So I'll be a complete newbie at motorcycles and I'm wondering what kind of money I should be setting aside to get me into this. I'm perfectly fine with buying a used cycle, and I would like the "crotch rocket" type - I actually have no idea what else to call this type.

Anyway, I was thinking maybe $3000 for a motorcycle (what should I be looking for?) and maybe $1000 for miscellaneous other things (leathers, helmet, lessons, etc)?

I don't even know where to start.

I don't know much about sport bikes, so I can't really help you out. I do know that you should avoid liter bikes, more of those guy's die than any other riders.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Bike: To start out on, I strongly recommend a 250cc bike. Ninja 250s in good shape routinely trade hands for $2,000 or less, so that should be well within your price range.

Gear: Helmet, gloves, boots, and jacket are the critical pieces. I always recommend a full-face helmet, and you can get good helmets that meet Snell standards for around $100-$150. Spending more than that gets you more comfort, better ventilation, or more convenience (e.g. removable lining that can be washed, etc), but does not necessarily give you more safety. I still recommend leather for a jacket because motorcycle-grade leather is still the most durable option, though modern ballistic textiles are getting better all the time. Boots should be over-the-ankle types and sturdy. Believe it or not, the most common motorcycle injury is to the ankle, so don't skimp on boots.

Classes: Definitely take the MSF class. In fact, I recommend that people take MSF before buying a bike. By taking the class first you have a chance to find out just how comfortable you really are on a motorcycle and you enable yourself to make a more educated decision about whether you really want to ride. It either confirms that you really do want to spend the money on a motorcycle, or it lets you realise that you don't before you've already sunk the cash.

ZV

Thanks for the info! I've always wanted to get a motorcycle... I guess I always thought of it as sort of an edgy thing to do, but I want to invest some money in learning activities that I've always wanted to do now that I feel like coming out of my shell.

I'm sure I would be fine with a motorcycle since I've always loved bicycling and driving. I figure $4K would cover it then. Around here a newer 250 would be around $2500 so I will have some cash left for leathers and protective gear. BTW, would it be possible to ride this bike with a backpack containing SLR, laptop, and a collapsed tripod?

One of my main worries are the boots. I have wide feet that are stupidly hard to find regular shoes for... Not too sure what to do about motorcycling boots.

 

[SithSolo1]

I'm in the same boat and currently looking at '10 250r. The closest dealer around here wants $4700 out the door for a non-SE color(I'll keep looking). I figure a full set of gear will run $500-600 for some decent stuff and I think the local class is $250.

Full set = Helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, shoes.

I don't see why you couldn't use a backpack. I was planing to take my camera bag(single strap, risky?) on joy rides but I don't have a laptop or tripod in it.

 

[Kroze]

I'm in the same boat and currently looking at '10 250r. The closest dealer around here wants $4700 out the door for a non-SE color(I'll keep looking). I figure a full set of gear will run $500-600 for some decent stuff and I think the local class is $250.

Full set = Helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, shoes.

I don't see why you couldn't use a backpack. I was planing to take my camera bag(single strap, risky?) on joy rides but I don't have a laptop or tripod in it.

Be prepare to spend more money on gear. Here's mine:

$390 Icon Accelerant Leather Jacket
$140 Icon Field Armor Boots
$80 Gauntlet leather gloves
$150 Helmet
+7% sales tax

 

[SithSolo1]

Head
Chest
Legs
Feet
Hands

Anything sending up a red flag?

I'd say 99% of my riding will be in the city under 50mph. If I ever move up to a bigger bike I can get more gear for highway riding.

 

[TridenT]

Fuck it, WE'LL DO IT LIVE, FBB. GO FULL 1000C at THE LOWEST!

You'll get laid like crazy.

And seriously... wear a helmet without fuzzy bunny ears attached.

 

[compman25]

Are you going to test it's weatherproofness in your shower?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Head
Chest
Legs
Feet
Hands

Anything sending up a red flag?

I'd say 99% of my riding will be in the city under 50mph. If I ever move up to a bigger bike I can get more gear for highway riding.

I recommend gauntlet style gloves like this:

Shorty gloves are better for dirt or off-road but if you go down and you're sliding across pavement a gauntlet glove keeps the sleeve of your jacket covered making it less likely to come apart and ride up exposing the skin on your wrists and forearm.

I have this exact glove and after nearly 12,000 miles of riding they are well broken in but honestly, these gloves fit me better than any other right out of the box.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Thanks for the info! I've always wanted to get a motorcycle... I guess I always thought of it as sort of an edgy thing to do, but I want to invest some money in learning activities that I've always wanted to do now that I feel like coming out of my shell.

I'm sure I would be fine with a motorcycle since I've always loved bicycling and driving. I figure $4K would cover it then. Around here a newer 250 would be around $2500 so I will have some cash left for leathers and protective gear. BTW, would it be possible to ride this bike with a backpack containing SLR, laptop, and a collapsed tripod?

One of my main worries are the boots. I have wide feet that are stupidly hard to find regular shoes for... Not too sure what to do about motorcycling boots.

I second what ZV said. Take the MSF BEFORE you buy a bike or gear. All you'll need to take the MSF is a jacket (doesn't have to be a motorcycle jacket), gloves, and boots that cover your ankles. A helmet is also a good idea but they usually have some lids you can use if you don't have a helmet yet.

Also, motorcycling is a sport that requires a fair amount of commitment. You will not be comfortable at first, your body will hurt (I still get mildly sore after a full day of riding), you will sweat when it's hot, you will freeze when it's cold, bugs and rocks hit your body when you ride. That said, I get such a thrill out of riding out in the canyons and local mountains, it is so much more fun than driving a car.

Oh, and cycling translates to motorcycling about as much as driving a Honda Civic translates to piloting a Formula One car. You can ride a bicycle, good, that's the first requirement really, and the only thing that assures you is that you won't be that person in the MSF course who needs to be taught the basic principles of riding a vehicle with only two wheels.

As for boots, go to some motorcycle stores and try on a few pairs of boots. Cycle Gear has a pretty good selection and they have stores all over California.

Definitely start out on the Ninja 250. It will give you sport bike looks and ergos but it is lightweight and not too powerful yet still plenty capable for a beginner like yourself.

Edit-Here is the link for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. This is a good place to go for information. http://www.msf-usa.org/

 

[SViper]

I took the MSF course about 3 weeks ago to get my motorcycle endorsement on my license, so I can answer any specific questions you have about that process (for Texas anyway).

The MSF course is probably the best investment you can make at this point. As ZV said, if you have never rode a motorcycle before, you'll learn very quickly in the MSF course if you would enjoy it or not. That, and you'll learn critical skills required for riding a vehicle on 2 wheels. Also depending on your state, the MSF course waives the driving portion of the license exam.

Also as ZV said, starting out on a 250cc bike is your best bet. As he mentioned in another thread, a used 250cc bike will hardly depreciate in value (if any), which would be useful if you decide to continue riding and get a bigger bike, or sell it because you don't like riding. As a matter of fact, in the MSF course, we rode 125-250cc motorcycles provided by the instructors.

Expect to spend at least $600 on gear. You don't have to get an expensive helmet to get a good one. I have a Scorpion EXO-700 that's both DOT and Snell certified for $200. I got a textile mesh jacket because of the hot days in Texas, so I didn't spend as much on it ($200). Expect to spend more if you get leather. Same with gloves and pants.

I would advise looking online to get some ideas for gear, then going to a local dealer to try it on. Nothing is worse than having ill-fitting gear (especially the helmet). If you try on a brand in the store and find it cheaper online, then you'll at least know what size that will fit you when you order. I bought all of my gear locally because the prices were comparable to online.

You can bike in a backpack, but because of your sitting position on a sport bike (crotch rocket), you can become easily fatigued starting out if it weighs a lot. Essentially, you will hold yourself up on your bike with your core muscles (abs and back); NOT your arms!!

 

[Fenixgoon]

1) Take the MSF course - this will give you a feel, and let you know whether you really want to get into bikes or not.

2) if you are looking at new bikes, the smallest ones run $3-4k IIRC. I would check out the 250cc-500cc classes, but definitely not larger. add in gear - i think I spent $600 or so - helmet (preferably full face), jacket, pants, boots, gloves.

3) insurance for a young male is not negligible either. granted my bike is 600cc, but it was $1100/year for me.

4) spend lots of time learning your bike - don't take to the streets right away. learn the shifting, learn your braking limits (when do the front/rears lock up? especially important, see below)

That said, motorcycle is very fun, but requires absolute attention. The margin for error is extremely small - I almost died the other day because I wasn't paying full attention and had to break hard. I locked by rear brakes and let off, sending my bike into a wobble, but I was able to recover. If I had been going faster and braking harder, I could have thrown myself off the bike. While on a bridge.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

BTW, is there any specific reason why I *wouldn't* like to ride a bike?

 

[RiDE]

BTW, is there any specific reason why I *wouldn't* like to ride a bike?

There's the cagers whose passiveness behind the wheel exponentially increases with the size of their vehicles. D:

That said, if you like photography I think you would very much enjoy the 'freedom' riding a bike gives you. :awe:

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Since you are really short - you are going to need to get the bike lowered

1) Find a bike owned by a woman who had the bike lowered.

2) Hyosung 250's are not a bad choice.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Since you are really short - you are going to need to get the bike lowered

1) Find a bike owned by a woman who had the bike lowered.

2) Hyosung 250's are not a bad choice.

Ooooooo... Is 5'5" considered too short for a ninja 250R?

 

[Fenixgoon]

Ooooooo... Is 5'5" considered too short for a ninja 250R?

if there's a dealership nearby, sit on one and find out. but still take the MSF course first - we used suzuki GZ250's when I took it.

 

[StageLeft]

BTW, would it be possible to ride this bike with a backpack containing SLR, laptop, and a collapsed tripod?

Seriously? You've never seen anybody on a motorbike with a backpack?

One of my main worries are the boots. I have wide feet that are stupidly hard to find regular shoes for... Not too sure what to do about motorcycling boots.

Not laws, not safety, or the bike, but your boots is your biggest concern? Typical FBB.

 

[JulesMaximus]

BTW, is there any specific reason why I *wouldn't* like to ride a bike?

You will not be comfortable at first, your body will hurt (I still get mildly sore after a full day of riding), you will sweat when it's hot, you will freeze when it's cold, and bugs and rocks hit your body when you ride.

You cannot carry much with you nor can you go terribly far between fuel stops so they aren't very practical.

The wind being pushed out of the way of big trucks on the freeway will have a much more drastic effect on your direction of travel than in even the smallest of cars. The smaller your bike, the worse this effect is.

Bad weather makes riding miserable, grip level decreases drastically and visibility is much worse. It rarely rains here though fortunately so the only things I have to deal with are oppressive heat and chilly mornings and evenings during the winter months.

Then, of course, there are the idiots in cars not paying attention that you have to worry about. And you do have to worry about them because if you don't you're dead.

The number one cause of motorcycle deaths in multi vehicle accidents are cars violating the motorcyclist's right of way (meaning some dipthong in an SUV going the opposite direction made a left turn in front of you because he was too busy texting his mommy and "just didn't see you"). When I see a vehicle coming the other way with their left turn signal on I instinctively cover my brake, roll off the throttle and look for escape routes.

BTW-Ever ride a motorcycle through a swarm of bees?