Question here... - Page 2

naz · #11 (**permalink**) 02-09-2006, 01:51 PM

yup, lil 500 hondas

RICEFED · #12 (**permalink**) 02-09-2006, 02:08 PM

I started right off withan R1. The hardest part was the first take off an learning to trust the balance. Within a couple weeks it was wheelie city.

naz · #13 (**permalink**) 02-09-2006, 02:09 PM

pow,pow power wheelies....... J/P

yeah and first gettin on a bike and understanding counter steering

#14 (**permalink**) 02-09-2006, 03:16 PM

im personally starting off on a dirtbike........

the MSF class is a MUST as far as all the advice i've gotten... From what i understand (correct me if im wrong guys)

theres a cple diff options for the class:
either cple wknds with in DEPTH instruction on the bike and how to work it plus you get to learn how to ride it and shift thru the gears etc ..
there's also a single wknd class just goin over basics but its recommended for riders with a little experience riding .. dirtbike riding is sufficient (more of a jumpstart for people who have actually seen a bike before and know a LITTLE bit more than the standard noob) .. however for this one i believe you have to byob bring your own bike :smt025 (this way you can get experience on the bike you're going to be riding and not on teh used n abused bike supplied by the class)

hope this helps a bit ryan

oo heres a link to some mi locations for the MSF in michigan
http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx?state=MI

Ta Jay · #15 (**permalink**) 02-09-2006, 03:46 PM

when it comes to a "starter" bike i have mixed opinions. i mean i can say get a used one, but i got a brand new one. i go bak and forth. a 600 is a 600. if a new one goes down it will cost you $. if an old one goes down, umm it will cost you $. so either way you are paying to refix a new one or old one. with a new bike u can upgrade or replace where an old bike you wouldnt want to put a dime into the dam thing PERIOD. but once you ride with a few guys, u immediately have an itch to get a rocket if you havent yet or a newer bike if per se' you got an old one. once nik rode with 4 brand new bikes he had the itch to get a new one but stuk out the season on his old one. "the bus"

naz · #16 (**permalink**) 02-09-2006, 03:57 PM

lets see. my 1st was a 01 gixx 6, rode it for a year, new id be in the sport for life, upgraded to a new 04 gixx 750. feels damn good buyin a new bike. but still glad i went used for my first

White Phoenix · #17 (**permalink**) 02-09-2006, 05:15 PM

dirt bikes are a good idea and all but if your plannin to ride a sport bike then there is a big difference.

The dirt bike sits very high so the center of gravity is high, unlike a sport bike where it is going to be lower. Acceleration on a dirt bike is forgiving because its easy to spin the tires on the dirt... acceleration on a sport bike is grip and go... on a dirt bike you are not hunched over like on a sport bike so turning is very different... next thing is down shifting. I notice i down shift alot on sport bikes because the traction i have. Down shifting on dirt bikes isnt as easy as the rear tire just breaks loose of traction....

learning the shifting and clutching is good on dirt bikes but to learn the general riding of sport bikes you need to pick up a 500 or an older 600 F3 or F4 or somethin like that.... its like stepping into a Geo Metro to learn how to drive a Ferrari...

the gill · #18 (**permalink**) 02-09-2006, 05:54 PM

I personally think a dirt bike is the best bike to start with, if you have never rode before. It'll tach you how to balance clutch and everything like jerry said, but without havin to worry about cars and pavement. I rode a 125 dirtbike for 2 hrs before I hopped on my 98 f3. Just take time and get used to it.

As far as buyin an old bike to begin with. I also agree. Personally it taught me how to maintain, inspect, and keep the thing runnin. So when you get the shiny new one you kno how to maintain it. Jay knows how much shit I had to do to my old bike "the bus" But honestly it was fun doin it beasue I car is alot different then a bike to work on.

WishIHadACamaro · #19 (**permalink**) 02-09-2006, 07:49 PM

thats what i was thinking about the enduro. so i could learn the clutch and shifting better.

I was on a dirtbike once for an hour. It wouldnt shift out of 1st so i really dont know anything outside of first gear and definitely nothing at a higher speed.

I agree that your spending money on it either way especially if you dump it. It would make sense that a newer used model would be ideal.

Thanks for the link andrea, lots of reading to do.

Whats the dilly with the endorsements though? hows that work?

White Phoenix · #20 (**permalink**) 02-09-2006, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WishIHadACamaro

Whats the dilly with the endorsements though? hows that work?

look at your license right now its says "endorsements NONE"... when you get your motorcycle license you will get a new license and it will have a M instead of NONE

now to get this you have a written and a riding test. Just like for a car.

Now you have a choice to do the MSF course which is like drivers ed... teaches you everything and they have bikes for you to ride. If you pass the MSF course you will get the endorsment.

if you dont take the MSF then good luck with the states test because if you have no experience then you will fail... take the MSF course... teaches you everything...

CLIFFNOTES: take MSF course... go to SS and get new license... go out and ride....