Posted: 7/16/2005 7:33:01 PM EDT
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I've flirted with the idea of getting a motorcyle and was just curious about what would be a good idea to go for in terms fo bike, education, laws, insurance, etc. If I were to get a bike it'd be something relatively inexpensive, while being sporty but not being so crotch-rocket-esque that I become a likely organ donor or have to pay my ass out for insurance. I'm just pondering and seeking information at the moment.....  ETA: I've ridden my 45MPH scooter around plenty and have a basic grasp of getting around on 2 wheels. 
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| If you do it get an old ass cb400 from the 80's for the first year or two, cheap, low insurance, and alot harder to get in trouble on than anything made today, Also damned near rides itself. Put a set of crash bars on it if it doesn't have them already and really learn to ride. Then buy the bike you want. You will thank me for it in the long run, Even if the "biker" crowd wont accept you and the "crotch rocket crowd" shuns you , Its better to ride alone or with 1 or 2 guys when starting out anyway. |
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My suggestion is to take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation class before you buy a bike.(if they offer classes in your area) The class will give you a good idea if you will like to ride...it will give you a good solid foundation of safety and handling...and it will most likely give you your license. It is usually good for a discount on insurance. Good luck, have fun, but be safe! 
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ETA: I've ridden my 45MPH scooter around plenty and have a basic grasp of getting around on 2 wheels. Not being a smart ass but no you dont! There are a ton of places that offer beginning rider classes. Take one! Wear the right gear, if its to hot to wear it its to hot to ride. Good geginner bike? My vote would be a 450 or 650 KLR you can do almost anything on them. As stgar15 was saying he is one of the many you will have to watch out for while ridding. Good luck, just remember there is no turning back 
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Well when I said basic I meant the barest of understanding  .The only place I'd really be riding it is around town here. No highways where I live (I'm on an island for goodness sakes ). Two-lane roads that are a tad narrow and winding (so good handling would be necessary).I have no idea how good of a bike it is but I liked the look of a Green Kawasaki Ninja  So a KLR would be a good choice? Looks like it could even be a dirtbike at the same time 
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+1 on the MSF course. If you decide that you REALLY like riding a motorcycle watch out for tailgating MF'ers like sgtar15 (just because you are not going as fast as he wants you to go). |
I can tell you one thing for sure the insurance on a KLR would be less then the Ninja. Chicks might not dig it as much but think B.O.M.C  It is amazing how much crap you can pack on those bikes.ETA: When you ride a motercycle it is entirly different level that you need to be at. Situational awareness is a key, always leave youself an out and so on. |
What's the general pricing range for insurance on a motorcycle for a 20-year-old? I know my age alone with make it skyrocket and that it depends on the bike but is it as much as a car? more? |
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+2 on MSF course. The MSF course is great, but also pick up Keith Code's " A Twist of the Wrist" and "The Soft Science of Road Racing". They will help you to better understand riding, and Keith has some great defensive skills to share. At your age, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2000 a yr to $5000 a yr for full coverage. This of couse will vary by where you live, size of bike, your driving record. DaddyDett |
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Sorry, hate to be a killjoy, I just see too many injured bikers. Granted, many are drunk and or stoned, but many are not..........they get hurt by people who don't look or are impaired themselves. Be careful out there. And like Sarge said, fill out one of these first....... 
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Get an older, used bike under 500cc, You -will- drop it, we all do. But if you're not acting crazy, they will most likely be minor falls. I fell in rain when a dog ran in front of me at 35mph, hit flower pedals in a turn at 25, forced into gravel on a off ramp at 25, it happens. Once you've learned by making mistakes on an older bike, then buy a new one. Have fun! |