Beginning To Ride Shortly

[Clint Love]

Also since you are new I'll tell you about what I call the Big 3. These are things that will add up to you getting killed.

I've spent a lot of time working in hospitals, morgues, mortuaries and Funeral Homes. I see what happens when you fuck up real bad and I've identified the three common factors that will permanently mess you up or get you killed.

1. No Helmet
2. Alcohol
3. Being Stupid (Riding above your skill level and/or doing stunts at high speed on the highway)

You can get away with doing one of the three and probably not die. you start combining those three in any way shape or form and your chance of being a vegetable with a brain or neck injury or being on a case report for one of my fellow morticians goes up exponentially.

My advice? Avoid all three.

 

[Tugboat]

Also since you are new I'll tell you about what I call the Big 3. These are things that will add up to you getting killed.

I've spent a lot of time working in hospitals, morgues, mortuaries and Funeral Homes. I see what happens when you fuck up real bad and I've identified the three common factors that will permanently mess you up or get you killed.

1. No Helmet
2. Alcohol
3. Being Stupid (Riding above your skill level and/or doing stunts at high speed on the highway)

You can get away with doing one of the three and probably not die. you start combining those three in any way shape or form and your chance of being a vegetable with a brain or neck injury or being on a case report for one of my fellow morticians goes up exponentially.

My advice? Avoid all three.

That is some of the best advice you could listen to. This will be my 2nd year riding and after getting a reckless driving ticket for doing 100+ mph over the posted limit I can only say that Clint is right. I got very lucky my first year. Multiple times I could have died if there was a car in the other lane. I crossed the center line by target fixating. Hell my first ride I went to turn left and wound up going straight into a ditch. Was going way too fast for railroad tracks and jumped them.. My R1 doesn't like going airborne.. and neither did my pants which were filled quite quickly with poop. It's really all about staying alive in this game.

 

[SighBored]

It's not mandatory to start on a 250. It would be nice if you could, but again, it's not the end of the world if you don't.

Start on any bike you wish, just make sure you respect the bike (and it's power), discipline yourself to not ride beyond your limits, train up your riding skills (either practice in quiet area, or going for classes/etc). Watch "Twist of the Wrist 2".

 

[Motorpsych]

A friend of mine recently got his motorcycle license. He's been driving manual cars since he was 12 or younger. He's a skilled driver. But on his first ride on a CBR 600 with his buddies he went into a ditch and flipped over the bars. Thankful he's fine.
I'm on my second year on my 250, I ride almost every day. No crashes or drops so far. A 250 is much more forgiving and confidence inspiring. IMHO.
I bought mine 2nd hand. I enjoy wrenching and learning how to do maintenance so that works for me. If you do t like wrenching or won't have the time, then a new bike might be better for you.

 

[MotoDynsty]

Buy a bike that best suits you and your "frame". Im a bigger guy so a 600 was the best choice for me to start on. I did a motovlog series on how I think is the best way to start riding. You can find it on my channel. Pretty much it boils down to:

1: Research, research, research and then research some more
2: Get Gear. Why because step 3
3: Take the MSF course! Dont skip this step, im so happy I took the course and learned a lot
4: Get on a bike and start riding. Be confident without being cocky and dont ride above your skill level.

 

[Mikecycle]

I had zero experience riding and never took the MSF course and started on a 600 with no issues. It may be intimidating at first but you get used to it. You will get bored with a 250. Just practice on neighborhood streets or an empty parking lot.

 

[RoadSprock]

Why start on a 600' that can output 120-160mph? I wouldn't start learning to drive in a Ferrari lol! Try a 400? That is if you wanted that power behind you.

I'd personally get a used bike first, as if you have any drops/scratches you won't be that gutted.

Used bikes at dealers normally come with a warranty, they'll be more £ compared to private but that's because there normally checked over. Plus you've got somewhere to go if it goes bad in a week.

Check out the VFR400/ZX4R

 

[JonJeoprdy]

First off read what PIG posted, then read it again! That is a very well written response to your question.

Second fun on a motorcycle has nothing to do with engine size. I've been riding for MANY years, and I still think hopping on a little 125cc grom or dirt bike is still great fun. Don't believe anyone who says "you'll get bored with a 250", if that's the case you're doing it wrong.

Lastly I always recommend starting with a dirt bike. I even did a video on the subject if you care to check it out. If you don't have any areas to ride, then I would suggest a dual sport or supermoto. Still many of the same concepts apply and you won't get bored!

 

[BKarol]

Definitely look at Kawasaki ER6 / Ninja 650, I had mine for almost 3 years and I've done 50,000 miles without any problems