Prospective 1st-time rider needing advice.

*I apologize if this gets lengthy, but I'm passionate about this idea and from the threads I've seen so far, there seem to be some helpful posters out there.*

So, I'm in Iraq with the Marines(Semper Fi), and had planned to buy a truck when I get home. All was good to go until my fiance sprung the idea of getting a bike instead. I'm a police officer back home, so I have an off-duty car when the weather gets nasty, and she has a car that will be at my disposal when she's not at work(because I'm the man, and I'm in charge.....just kidding, dear.) So why not get a bike? I've been considering it for a few years now, and my only qualms result from the sights I've seen in the aftermath of a car vs bike accident. Luckily for me, I don't intend to mimic a college kid trying to impress a drunk cheerleader on a crotch rocket, so that should at least slightly increase my odds for safety.

My experience is limited to a 150cc scooter when I was 15, and I'm pretty sure her dad has been on two wheels since he could walk(he has the belly length beard to prove it) so she knows how to help out 2 up but doesn't have much, if any, experience in the front. We're both in our early twenties and weigh comfortably under 300 pounds together, and money isn't really an issue. I don't wanna break the bank as my career choice doesn't exactly scream millionaire, but I realize this isn't just a cheap hobby and am willing to put the money in gear wise and for upkeep(while I don't have any children and still own my wallet). So where do I start?

How do I know if owning a bike is even right for me? Where is the best place to look for online knowledge and safety information? Obviously a used bike is the right option(I think) so where should I start my search and what qualities or hidden issues should I look for? Is there really a beginner bike when it comes to cruisers or is the all but exiled term "growing into it" a real possibility? I realize this isn't a sportbike I'm looking for, so having too much power and weight isn't AS big of a concern, but I want something that her 100 pound frame can handle confidently, although I don't see her riding it much more than to the store for butter or milk.


Last but certainly not least, what about comfort? Obviously there's endless accessories to help out in that department, but with that in mind should my choice compliment an easy ride first, last, or in the middle? I should make it home before the Indiana weather warms up, and my plan is to practice and become confident enough to take day or two trips on the interstate and back country roads by the end of summer and into the fall when it gets really pretty and makes owning a bike that much more worth it.

I appreciate any and all feedback and if nothing else, thanks for reading my little book. I've just recently started to take this idea seriously and wanna make sure that if I'm gonna do this, I do it right.

Regards,

Steve Thompson  

There are several good reasons for starting out on a 250cc cruiser. Primarily though, the best aspect of a small bike is that when you mess up, you can muscle the bike around without hurting yourself. That will happen a lot in the first few weeks. Unfortunately, such bikes are no good at all for carrying passengers or spending much time on the interstate.

Two cylinder cruisers are 'user friendly' for new riders, because of their low performance engines. A 1,000cc V-twin cruiser won't get you in trouble nearly as fast as a 250cc sport bike will.

The biggest problem with cruisers is the long front end. This makes them more stable for straight line riding on the highway, but also makes them harder to get used to maneuvering at slower speeds. Unlike standard bike or sport bike front ends, the cruiser tends to push the handlebars all the way to the side if you turn them just a little too far at slow speeds. This requires additional practice at matching the handlebar angle against the bike's lean angle. Some of the midsized cruisers have almost a standard bike front end on them, making them much easier to handle as a "first bike". The less trail to the front end, the easier it is to steer at low speeds. The Kawasaki VN800 classic is a prime example of a midsized cruiser that steers easily at low speeds.

Enthusiasm is both your best friend and worst enemy, during that first 6 months on the bike. While your enthusiasm for the new toy will carry you over the steep learning curve, even middle aged folk find themselves routinely riding beyond their skill levels and depending on luck to keep them alive during that first 5,000 miles. Older and less enthusiastic new riders can start out on a big powerful bike and grow into it, but most new riders in their 20's will hurt themselves trying that.

Finally, get formal training. Then, find a large paved area near home, where you can practice for ten minutes at the start of every ride. That is how you get good at the stuff you learned in the formal training and a simple 'warm up' practice will go a long ways towards getting you ready for whatever happens on the road. After the first 5,000 miles, get more formal training. The MSF BRC is great for beginner riders, but there are a lot of skill combinations that are not taught in that course, so it's a great place to start, but once you get used to the bike and riding you will benefit greatly from more training.

regards,
Joe  

I was in a similar situation last year. My wife's family has ridden for years and she grew up riding with her father and brother on the back of their bikes. After eventually talking me into actively considering buying a motorcycle, I signed up for the MSF Basic Riders course. My experience with motorcycles was limited to dirt bikes during my early teens when I was dumb and bulletproof. After completing the course I began to shop around for bikes. Several buddies advised me to buy what I want and grow into it. I was fearful of my learning curve doing damage to both myself and an expensive motorcycle, however, I didn't want to spend money on something too small for the two of us to enjoy together.

I eventually settled on a Suzuki Boulevard C50T. It was a reasonable size for 2-up riding (800 cc) and had some features (saddlebags, floorboards, windshield, etc.) that came standard from the dealer. Personally, I found the C50T to be an excellent bike for me starting out. I was very comfortable with the size, and while it had a reasonably amount of torque, it was not overpowering on the bottom end as some other bikes I tested (1600 cc and up).

After 8 months and 3000 miles, we felt the need to upgrade to something larger and more comfortable for the two of us. We found the choices for customizing the Suzuki to be lacking in comparison to other makes. I now ride a 2009 HD StreetGlide and am perfectly satisfied. I could have started there and grew into the bike, but would have seriously beat myself up if my inexperience caused me to mangle a $20,000 dollar bike. So, I don't regret the extra money spent on the little Suzuki.

That's my story...you should find yours.

I agree with Joe wholeheartedly. Take the MSF Basic Riders class. It's a great starting point developing your skills. After that, make sure you choose a bike that you're comfortable with, both physically and mentally. Test ride everything.

In my 2 years I've find 2 things that will definitely bite you when riding, and both center on your confidence level. Too much confidence will have you driving over your head, and too little will have you riding to timid. Like Joe mentioned, practice, practice, practice. Little things become a lot easier on the street with traffic when you've done them hundreds of times in an empty lot.  

You are in the Marines. Tell them you want to learn to ride a motorcycle. I understand that the Marines have a course that you MUST take to ride. Marine buddy tells me it had something to do with 3 marines focusing on a blond/brunette/redhead, and all getting killed on 3 bikes (at the same time). Possibly, an embellished story,but...
That gets you on a bike, not a scooter, and it's free.

Your sense of sportbike being wrong is good. My niece rides one, and occasionally she has let her boyfriend ride, and she's on the back. She says you are just a backpack for the rider.  

Steve, first, as an Army veteran myself, THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your service! (If you think your post was long, you ain't seen nuthin'!)

I was in your place July 2008. First thing to do is take a rider safety course. If you're still in the Corps when you get stateside, I believe the Marines require that you take their safety course before you can buy a bike and ride on base. Part of this requirement is because, last year...and this is a fact...more Marines were killed stateside in motorcycle accidents than were killed in action in Iraq! An astoundingly sad statistic!

You seem to be taking a very logical approach to getting into this most wonderful lifestyle, and who-ra for that! But a safety course has to be your first task. Then, as others have said, practice and lots of it. After I took my Motorcycle Safety Course, I spent about the next month practicing in a nearby school parking lots at night and on weekends building my skills and confidence, then moved on to little-used streets.

I bought a V Star 1100 and sort of grew into it (from a skill level, it is a perfect size bike for me--6'1", 250ish). It's a good mid-size cruiser that probably honestly is almost too much for a first bike, but I got a great deal on it and my financial situation was not one where I could afford sell it and buy bigger bike 6 months after buying it (plus, it was too good a deal and sounds and looks too badass!).

To find the bike that's right for you, go to lots of dealers and sit on lots of bikes, test ride what you can to see what feels and sits right for you. If you get a chance to go to the International Motorcycle Show when you home (Google that for a location maybe near you...depending on when you get back, shows are in Michigan, Chicago and Ohio, maybe one's good for you), you'll have a great opportunity to see and touch almost everything. And talk to lots of riders for lots of perspectives (like you're doing here).

Then, get and use the right safety equipment, the most important being your head. Keep a level head and never drink and ride, and ride to your skill level. I still remember when 20 and 30 mph seemed like I was flying. Let your skills, confidence and experience grow together.

You seem to have a level head on your shoulders...keep it that way, good luck in making your choice of bike, and most important, come home safe and sound...Semper Fi...  

Congrats on joining the riding community. I live in Chicago. I love riding around Lake Michigan. It can be done in 1 day but it much easier as a 2 day/weekend trip. I plot some of my routes in the area on Allstate Insurance Route Map. Feel free to ride some of mine and add your own. I am an affiliate of allstate and thus the title of the site. Have fun with it. Also, I ride a Suzuki GS500E 2002, it is a great beginners bike because you don't need to upgrade once you get good.

David Lipsky  

My experience-I got fed up with gas prices. I had ridden on the back (yes I'm female) maybe 20yrs ago a few times. So-I decided to ride a MC to work like it or not. I bought a new 2008 250ccRebel-lasted one month. Too buzzy over 50mph and too small (I'm 5'6"-there is a pix of me on the vtwinmama.com website under sizing. I am definitely cramped. I had only been riding a few days and I look pretty funny. I got a 2007 HD Sportster, then  2008 HD Sportster about 6 months later. Both had low mileage. The 2008 had different frame geometry and also saddlebags, windshield better pipes and even lower mileage. I had that for about 11 months. They both were great. My husband rides a Honda VTX 1300C.
They use 120cc-250cc bikes at the MSF classes. Go to one of those first-THEN check out the bike you want. You'll have the experience to get the feel a least a little. Looking back it would have been cheaper to get the bike I wanted to begin with. I now have a 2009 HD Heritage Softail.I don't plan on buying another. It cruises well, has a balanced engine. If you want louder pipes-you can get them. The stock seat is very comfortable for long hauls and is like riding around on a sofa. The pillion seat is also very comfortable. It is fuel injected, 6 gears, gas gauge, 5 gal tank, low fuel warning and countdown among other "niceties". If you want to learn faster, take the MSF class-try getting a smaller bike but know you will buy another bike,  then once you feel confident get a larger more "permanent" bike. OR learn a little slower-Take the MSF class but the bike you want ans expect a longer (not that much) learning curve. BUT-it is cheaper in the long run DO NOT underestimate what your fiance can ride. I know women on Hyabusa's, Road Kings, Softails, VTX 1300's, Goldwings, Ultraglides (police HD MC's)BMW boxers-you name it, women ride it. OH-gas mieage on the Heritage is about 42-48mpg  

First let me thank you for your service to our country.  Fortunetly the Marine Corps requires a rider safety course and the wearing of a helmet, if you want to ride on base.  One factor no one has yet mentioned is the cost of maintenance after the purchase.  I ride a 2003 Kawasaki Nomad.  Fuel injection, liquid cooled and shaft drive are highly recommended as they will keep maintenance costs to a minimum.  Your dilema is a small bike is easy to learn on, but you will outgrow it.  There are a ton of used bikes out there with very low mileage.  In my area of the country (Minnesota), there are lots of new 2008 and 2009 bikes on the dealer's floor that are very reasonable.  Shop around.  Most importantly, test ride whenever possible as comfort is the most important factor, if you are not comfortable you won't enjoy the bike.

Semper Fi
Richard
Major, USMC (Ret)  

Steve...when do you rotate back?

Since posting back in November, I've read some other similar posts and one that struck me was someone suggested to another person a similar situation to buy as much bike as they could afford and learn on that. The drawback is, unfortunately, when learning we often have a habit of dropping our bikes once or twice. There's a saying: there are two kinds of bikers, those who've dropped their bikes and those who will. It's hard to think about dropping a shiny new bike.

I re-read your original post and something else to think about is, what if you don't like motorcycling (I can't imagine that, but anything's possible). If you start with a used bike to learn on and upgrade later, you won't blow a wad of cash only to find riding ain't for you, and if you do drop it, you're damaging a less-expensive ride.

Just other factors for you to consider.

Stay safe, come home so we can welcome you as the hero you are! If yo come back through Dallas-Fort Worth International, maybe we can meet, I often do meet-and-greets out there. I'll likely be wearing my motorcycle vest with the name "Bacon" on it.

Semper Fi  

I've dropped my bike, and I didn't get the absolution papers. I tend to believe there's only 1 type of rider. With that in mind, I try to make sure that day is later, rather than sooner.
But, yes, I would buy used. It's an inexpensive way to start out.
I didn't, but, the bike I wanted was a $25,000 Indian Chief. What I bought was a $6,500 Kawasaki Drifter 800. I rode it for 7 years, and 37,000 miles. So, my new was cheaper than buying the bike I wanted used.
My second bike, I bought used. I found 1 with 18,000 miles on it, and about 5 years old. It was half the price of buying it new.  

Thanks for your service. Start with a beginners safety and riding course. You will need something around 1100 cc for two up. A Honda Shadow comes to mind, ( since I own one, 1995 ). I didn't start riding until I was 69 years old and began with a Harley Ultra Classic Electra Glide. Too much bike for a beginner although I got thru it. Practice, pratice, pratice and don't EVER get over confident. Always assume no other vehicle is aware you are in the world. Constantly check 360 degrees for that idiot who dosen't see you. Good luck.
An old Marine