Motorcycle

[Nightbird]

I'm seriously thinking of getting my Motorcycle license (I can't spell) anyhow I have a good idea about the legal stuff here in Canada what I don't know is the technical side.
Whats an easy bike to ride etc..?

 

[Mazuri]

I'm interested in this as well. My hubby has a phobia of driving a car due to being in an accident (not as the driver) when he was 14 in which a child playing "chicken" was struck by the car he was in. He's never felt "in control" since then and gets physically ill just starting one up.

However, he thinks he can handle a motorcycle and I'd love to know one that'd be good for him that won't cost me an arm and a leg as I have two cars that may need transmission work in the future (mine and daughter's).

 

[Nightbird]

Mazuri thats the kind of info I want to know too.

 

[yoshimitsu]

I'm interested in this as well. My hubby has a phobia of driving a car due to being in an accident (not as the driver) when he was 14 in which a child playing "chicken" was struck by the car he was in. He's never felt "in control" since then and gets physically ill just starting one up.

However, he thinks he can handle a motorcycle and I'd love to know one that'd be good for him that won't cost me an arm and a leg as I have two cars that may need transmission work in the future (mine and daughter's).

Does he know how much more dangerous motorcycles are than cars?

 

[M's girl]

Does he know how much more dangerous motorcycles are than cars?

Probably as well as you and I do. Doesn't work like that Yoshimitsu... when you've been in a serious accident.

But it's true..... Mazuri.... wouldn't it be something to consider to spend the bike-money on some kind of therapy/treatment for him to get rid of his fears? It is do-able you know?

 

[Starbuck69]

The kind of motorcycle that you get depends on several things, how good of a rider are you and what kind of riding you are planning on doing. I personaly like the Honda Goldwing because I like the comfert as Im cruising around.

For a new rider or some one who is afraid of cars, then first rent a dirt bike to ride around in the hills or in a large field, then try a larger bike on the street just make sure that the streets are out of town and not very busy.

I started riding motorcycles when I was about 9 and Im 42 now so to say the least it has been awhile. People that do not rides bike do not always see the people on the motorcycles (this is a fact) so they are more dangerous, the rider must always be riding like they have a large red target on them.

 

[Ezzy]

Depending on what you want to do you will get different answers to the question.

Are you looking for something to ride to work, to play in the dirt, take shopping for a months supplies, or to cross the country from coast to coast?

Each desire to ride will bring different bikes that are suitable.

For an efficient ride to work, an across the frame four in a capacity above 450 cc (so a 4 cylinder engine). I would look at "sit up" riding style or cruiser style and I would think of 650 - 750 for ecconomy with the ability to cruise at freeway speeds without fear of overworking the engine.

If you are the speed merchant of the house, and a bit of a boy racer, then look at the pocket rocket rice burners, if you like twisting your self into a pretzle thismight be for you, they aren't bad if you can keep them ticking over fast enough to take some of the weight off your wrists. But remember pocket rockets have only the smallest of pillion perches so think of this too.

If you want to do some off roading, a dirt bike or street legal moto cross style bike might be for you, (if you also want to take a trip into town in the evening, get it street legal from the word "go"!),. I like single cylinder engines in this sort of bike, something above 350 cc, in older styles I would have recommended the Yamaha XT 500 or 650, they used to be great one lungers (single cylinder) bikes in the 1970's and 80's.

If you want to do a months shoping in one go, or travel from sea to shining sea, look at BMW K series, or Honda Pan European or Pan Pacific style, the BMW bricks are an inline 4, I think the Hondas are too, but I can't remember for certain, and I'm too lazy to search.

They come with hard luggage attached and with a little packing skill, (and a tank bag), you can cruise the freeways in comfort, on their ergonomically designed riding positions, for a month at a time.

So read all you can about bikes, check out the local stores to see what you like the look of, consider that what you want to use it for is more important really than just how damn good you look on it. Don't buy the first thing the salesman shows you. The other thing I would also recommend, is whenever you see someone parked on a bike, ask them why they chose it over all the other ones that they could have bought, and see what they say!

 

[Nightbird]

I want a bike to ride to work, something with a small engine and is easy for a beginner. I just need it to get to 80 kilometers an hour approx. 50 miles (I think)

I don't want a crotch rocket as they are just too uncomfortable. Money is very tight so I am probably going to be buying used.

I was thinking something in the low rider cruise style, or a street legal drit bike type thing as the dirt bikes are cheaper price wise than the regular motor cycles.

I've never ridden before and am planning to take a course to learn.

 

[Evil Kirk]

Motorcycles make me crazy. If you get one, please stay in lane, and don't zip around traffic just because you can fit between cars.

 

[Ezzy]

Then take a look at just about any Japanese manufactured bike that is 10 - 15 years old, 450 cc and above, twin or 4 cylinder. If you want easier maintenance think about shaft drive, which will most likely take you up to a 600 or a 650 cc.

 

[yoshimitsu]

Then take a look at just about any Japanese manufactured bike that is 10 - 15 years old, 450 cc and above, twin or 4 cylinder. If you want easier maintenance think about shaft drive, which will most likely take you up to a 600 or a 650 cc.

Why do you say easier maintenance?
You mean less frequent?
I know shaft drives don't require maintenance as often but if something did need work I would rather it be a chain drive.
Belt drives on the other hand can be a PITA.

 

[Ezzy]

Lets take a look at the things you don't have to worry as much about.

1) You never need to adjust the chain with a shaft drive.

2) You then don't need to change tensioners for brakes etc. as the wheel stays in the one place.

3) Chains needs to be lubricated on a regular basis if you want them to last.

4) Chains are noisier and less smooth than a shaft drive.

Drive belts
A drive belt is the oldest method for powering a bike. Belts have a very good track record. In the old days belts were made of leather but now they are made og high quality rubber. A belt will last longer than a chain, has hardly any stretch, rides very smooth and has very low maintenance.

motorcycle gearbox Replace every 4500 miles / 8000 km. Inspect the quality of the the belt (play of ½ inch / 1,5cm play on the top strand. After replacement adjust the belt after its first few hundred miles / km’s. Check that the sprocket is smooth and not slowly busting up your drive belt. That’s all.

motorcycle drive shaft Drive shafts
A drive shaft is the same principal as on a car however the shaft is enclosed on a motorcycle. A drive shaft on a motorcycle is heavy and expensive but is low maintenance and gives a smooth ride. Extra disadvantage is that the turning of the shaft influences the riding aspects of the motorcycle.

motorcycle drive chain Drive Chains
Chains have become the major form of powering bikes world wide and for a reason. A chain will only loose 1% of it’s power when transferring from the engine to the wheel, they are cheap and durable is extreme conditions. Having this said chains are noisy, not super smooth in ride and need good maintenance to be effective. Also see my section on chains!

 

[intruder52]

Well as a long time rider of many motorcycles I would first suggest that you take a motorcycle rider training course. This will allow you to evaluate your true desire to ride and whether you have the physical capabilty to ride safely.Additionally you will meet other interested newbies, see many types of motorcycle, be trained to get your license. This will allow you to visit dealers and try many different type of bikes out before you buy one.

Take a look at one of these links.
http://www.ridertraining.org/whatyouwilllearn.shtml
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-training/

Good luck, motorcycles are great.

 

[coolr]

if you're just looking for something to get to work and back and maybe just cruise around on once in a while, i'd suggest, as said earlier, any of the japanese cruiser style bikes that have a bit of age to them, i have my sport bike for my agressive riding moments and a 1981 XS 400, still can get up to right around 70 mph.

 

[Nightbird]

Thank you all very much for the information.

Here in Canada where I live they offer Motorcycle rider training courses at a couple of Colleges not far from me. They are accredited and would allow me to get my M1 licence when I am finished the course. I fully intend to take it.

I don't need anything with a big engine..I'm thinking very small.. Nothing smaller than 125 though.

 

[Mazuri]

My hubby is military, he will be required to take a motorcycle safety course and they also offer a training course as well (they have bikes there you can ride). He will be using it for work/back, about a 20 minute one way trip up the interstate. Unless he just fall madly in love with the thing, I don't see him riding it any other time.

I don't want anything too old that is going to constantly be in the shop. It has to be new enough to be reliable. We already have two cars that are grumbling, I don't need to add another money sink to the budget

Thanks for the advice, and letting me share the thread

 

[Ezzy]

Thank you all very much for the information.

Here in Canada where I live they offer Motorcycle rider training courses at a couple of Colleges not far from me. They are accredited and would allow me to get my M1 licence when I am finished the course. I fully intend to take it.

I don't need anything with a big engine..I'm thinking very small.. Nothing smaller than 125 though.

Then if you want that small look for a japanese commuter bike 250 - 350 cc, some of the older Kawasakis like the 305 cc are odd sized engines, but are pretty good as a little run about, I personally wouldn't want to do more than 20 - 30 miles on one at a time, but if that suits your needs take a look.

 

[sutherngent985]

Another thing or 2

As someone who grew up on bikes, let me throw a couple of things out to you.

PLEASE PLEASE invest in a good full face helmet. Wear it all the time, no matter how hot it is...it could mean the difference between a short hospital stay and a long long stay in the cemetery. And dont get one of those little brain buckets that so many riders wear cause they cant stand helmets...cause they wont work in a crash. Get one thats Snell certified...if it passes that, it will more than likely protect you in a crash.

Wear good clothes when you ride...no shorts, sandals or tank tops. Jeans and a good shirt wont prevent you from losing some skin in a get off, but it will certainly lessen what you might lose.

Read the cycle mags...they have lots of useful info on what to get, plus good riding tips. Cycle World, Sport Rider (tons of good riding tips)...there are others that dont come right to mind.

The number one thing to remember is ride safe, and stay within your limits. Remember, there are old riders, and bold riders, but very few old, bold riders.

 

[Nightbird]

Ok I totally goofed in my last message. I didn't mean to say 125 I meant to say 250.. BUT now after having read some of these messages I'm thinking I may have to go a little bigger just for wear and tear purposes.

I have a 45 minute drive to work one way at 80 Kilometers an hour.. Thats a lot of wear and tear.

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR THE GREAT ADVICE. Please keep the ideas and advice coming I am learning A LOT!!!!

Sutherngent here in Canada those brain bucket helmets are illegal and the advice you gave is very good. Thank you.

 

[Nightbird]

Can anyone think of any other ideas to add?