Okay, I'm 17 and I have a need for speed, but little money. And apparently fast motorcycles are about a tenth the price of a fast car. So I'm looking into buying one. The thing is though, I have no motorcycle riding experience or know anyone who does.
Do I need a special license or something? How do I go about getting that?
What's are some good choices for bikes? I want it to be really fast, yet I want it to be cheap and reasonably safe for a beginner.
Also, insurance? How much are we talking here?
Any other pros and cons of having a bike will help!
Seriously, post any info that would help someone who's never owned a motorcycle get a feel of what it's like and what you need to do. Any specific things about it that you really like, and any reasons it's a hassle.
Thanks! Oh, and a few more things...
how long will they last? (mileage)
gas mileage? (I know they'll all be way better than any car, but give me some numbers...)
and top speed? Slow your roll youngsta. Motorcycles, youth, and aggressive driving are a lethal mix. I'm a motorcycle driving instructor in the military and have the unfortunate job of seeing the end result when riders hop on for the wrong reasons. We lose too many good people due to the need for speed.
But I'm not gonna preach to you. I'll give you the info needed to keep you safe out there, because that's the most important thing when riding.
1. The procedures differ depending on the state you reside in, but all require a license. Here in California, we take the written test for the permit, then have two options.
a) Take the behind the wheel test or
b) Take a state approved safety course that will teach everything you need to know about motorcycles and how to ride, including safety procedures. Some provide the bike if you reserve it in advance. Passing this course satisfies the behind the wheel requirement for DMV so present your certificate to them and you'll get your license.
I would highly recommend option b) since you stated you have no prior experience on a motorcycle.
2. All bikes are fast to begin with for the simple fact of their power to weight ratio. Starting out with a 250cc bike is the wisest choice. Anything more powerful than that and you're likely to flip the bike out from underneath you and end up in an ambulance or worse. As you gain experience and a feel for throttle response, then consider upgrading to a bigger bike. As far as reliabilty goes, all the major manufacturers last pretty long if you take care of them.
3. Due to your age, your insurance is going to be through the roof. Even with just liability coverage, which I wouldn't recommend because bikes are easily and often stolen, you're probably looking at, at least $200-$300 per month, depending on your driving record and/or if your parents are willing to add you onto their policy.
4. The pro's of motorcyles are many but the most common are gas mileage, not having to sit in traffic(if lane splitting is legal in your state) and just the feel of riding in general. The con's are bad weather, small gas tanks that require filling every few days depending on much you ride, and probably the most important thing, other drivers. Either they aren't paying attention and don't see you or even worse, they do see you and try to run you off the road anyway.
Bottom line, riding a motorcycle is like flying a fighter jet. You have to be aware of all conditions at all times and one slip up, even at relatively low speeds, can put you in the hospital or God forbid, a funeral home. It's been scientifically proven that someone your age is still developing in cognition and motor skills. Motorcycle riding is flat out fatal if your skills are not fully developed in those areas.
Hope this helps in answering your questions. Some of it is probably not what you wanted to hear, but it's the truth and will save your life. If you decide to get one, remember that safety is the most important thing. Ok no lectures..just the facts.
Fact 1: Goto the site below
Fact 2: Blast your speakers loud
Fact 3: Click on the vid that says "What new riders should know and buy" and all the others if ya want.
Then click Yellow button that says Subscribe and get notified when new ones hit. As a 17 yr old kid with no experience, the last thing you need to be concerned with is speed.
Wait a few years until you've matured some before you think about a motorcycle. Whoa hold off Chuckie, 17 and a need for speed? that is a ticket straight to the grave.
First get yourself a car and learn a little about basic driving skills.
Then if you still want to ride enroll in a MSF course and get your license and then if you still want to ride get a Ninja 250.
You got a lot of thinking and growing up to do before you even consider getting a bike.
One thing is to sit at home and fantasize about riding and it is a whole other thing to ride responsibly.
Good Luck Better stick with the video game Bud
Just out run Cross and get some more money and brains before you try the real thing Fast and safe don't go together in the same sentence. It's that attitude that gets so many younger riders killed.
If you want to learn to ride, take the msf course. If you just want speed, go ride a roller coasetr. You do need a special endorsement on your lic. to ride.My best advice is to start small a 250 Honda Rebel is a very good starter bike.Check around for motorcycle safty course in your area they will take you through your lic.Good luck and good riding. Sorry, but you aren't ready for a bike like that. Most of riding a motorcycle safely is your attitude, the rest is skill.
Best advice:
Take a motorcycle safety foundation (MSF in the US) rider training course. They provide the bike and teach you the basics of riding one safely. If you pass, in most states, you will have your motorcycle license. You have to already have an automobile driver's license.
If you really want to ride fast, find a race track and do it there. They just wiped up a kid like you off the freeway here today. He was doing 110 in a 55 zone. He didn't survive. Luckily, he didn't kill anyone else. try to save enough for the funeral |
