Now, that said.
There are many flavors of good beginner bikes. None of them are ridden by Mr. DiSalvo.
GS500E, F2s, F3s, Katanas, the list goes on.
When it comes down to it, every argument for starting on a new super sport bike is retarded, learn to ride, then enjoy it.
Don’t forget to budget, there are several things you don’t think about when you walk off with a shiney new bike.
- Insurance. If you buy a new/newer bike, ESP. one that is financed, then you will NEED full coverage insurance. Nothing is worse than totalling your new bike because someone ran a red light or having it stolen, and then having to continue to make payments on it because you were too cheap (and stupid) to get insurance.
This also helps when you get a starter bike. You can afford to only have liability, because more than likely it won’t be brand new, and you won’t want to stab out your eye after it falls over.
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Gear - I can’t stress this enough. Generally it only tkaes once for any rider to learn and follow the prophecy of gear. I would expect you to spend at LEAST $500 to get a Helmet, gloves, and a leather or good textile jacket. You’ll also want good foot wear. Personally, I wouldn’t want to walk away with much less than $1000. Afterall, this is the pricetag you are putting on your own body, skin, and wellbeing. You are just as likely to get knocked over the first day (actually probably more likely) as you are a month later when you save up for the gear. Buy the gear first.
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The MSF course. This is invaluable. Not only does it make getting your lisc. a breeze. But you also get a 10% insurance discount and get to learn on someone elses bike, that you can crash as much as you want. This is a no brainer people. It will also help you become a good rider, and avoid many of the bad habbits that are very easy for new riders to pick up, and hard as heck to get rid of.
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Maintainence - if you can’t afford to fix it, you can’t afford to ride it. It’s that simple. Generally, aside from crashing, you shouldn’t have very man big expenses in this department, aside from tires and oil changes.
There will always be people that won’t listen, and to that effect, it’s your money, do with it as you want. One way or another, you’ll learn that all those people that have been riding so long, weren’t just telling you to start wisely out of jealousy, but rather concern for your well being, and the sport.
I love riding, and love it when people want to join. I’ve never experienced the type of atmosphere I expereience between riders of all types. Every time I’ve been on the side of the road on my bike, someone has stopped, and more than once I’ve been saved a long ass ride home.
I hope to see more check out my new bike posts as the spring goes on, but just remember that you are out there to have fun, and stay safe.
Keep the rubber side down.
I’m stepping off my old man soap box now for a beer.
I love riding, I do it all the time. However I beg of you to take it seriously, the only person I’ve ever known and been close to that has died, died on a motorcycle (yes I know I’m lucky). He also happened to be one of the most enthusiastic and by the book rides I’ve known.