Beginner Motorcycle

bikerjoe · 10-03-2011, 04:58 AM

Bikerjoe is thinking of becoming Joe the Biker. I've been doing some research now that I'm at the point in my life where I can afford a bike (in addition to my truck) and I saw somewhere that it listed the Suzuki GZ250 as one of the top ten beginner's bikes. It's in my price range but should I wait and save for something else?

dinosaur · 10-03-2011, 08:00 AM

If you're buying a dirt bike, a 250 is fine. But if you want a road bike, a 400 twin is a better choice. It's still light enough for a beginner to manhandle and has enough torque to get you out of certain troubles.

How do you plan on learning to ride? Make certain you develop your skills before you take it on the road.

IndianaHiker · 10-03-2011, 09:58 AM

Great advise from Dino. Would have to agree with him about the 250. IF you want to ride on highways that 250 will be working very hard to run at highway speeds and will not be a lot of fun. Get the 400 if you get a dual sport. If you want just a street bike that are many good options as well.

bikerjoe · 10-04-2011, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinosaur

How do you plan on learning to ride? Make certain you develop your skills before you take it on the road.

I have no idea. I don't suppose I could just ask for tips here and at the store? Do they have training courses? Do I need another license?
Thanks for your answers and thank you in advance for more.

dinosaur · 10-05-2011, 06:04 AM

Some motorcycle clinics are run by states, municipalities, and clubs. Look it up on the internet. Even Hell's Angels may help you learn how to ride.

Your driver's license should have a motorcycle qualification. It's called a dual class license.

IndianaHiker · 10-05-2011, 11:38 AM

Look for an ABATE Course or a MSF ( Motorcycle Safety Foundation) Course in your area. Will teach you the right way to ride and also help get the endorsement on your license. Most of the time they will also supply the bike and gear for the course.

bikerjoe · 10-07-2011, 06:38 AM

Thanks to all! Do I have to get dual licensing? I'm not sure how much I'll be on the road-I don't want a ticket but it seems like a lot of trouble.

Grandpa · 10-07-2011, 10:18 AM

Motorcyles license in Idaho is just an additional endorsement on the regular license, earned by taking a written test. And, of course, the additional fee.

beemerphill · 10-17-2011, 06:39 AM

To legally ride on any road you must have a M endorsement on you drivers license. Check with the dealers, Abate, or the MSF for class locations and times. I took my first ERC (experienced rider course) when I had way over 100,000 mile of experience, and was shocked by just how stupid my bike was. The beginner course will teach you the safe way to start with, and you will not have to unlearn bad habits later on.
Go with a 400, the 250 is much to small to be practical on our highway system. If you buy a 250, you will take a loss trading it for a 400 next year.
Ride safe.

msdoolittle · 10-17-2011, 10:56 AM

Joe, where are you located?

Do a search for a local MSF course (Motorcycle Safety Course). These are mostly geared toward road riders, but is really great if you've never ridden a motorcycle before. It will give you the basics you need before you hop on and ride. Depending on the state, passing that course will give you the "M" endorcement to put on your license and make you legal to ride on the street by yourself.

Dual Sporting, in my opinion, is the way to go. And a 250 is a perfect bike to learn on. I learned on a DR350 that was kick start only and too tall for me (it was a dirt bike that was licensed and title which is really easy to do in CO). The magic start button is awesome for a beginner, though. I would have done things better if I knew then what I know now.

The WR250R is a great bike to learn on. It's also fuel injected, which has its benefits. I know a few people that have used this bike on highways without ringing its neck.

Another good bike is a KTM 400 XC-W or 250 XCF-W. I think the 250 you would need to dual sport (ie. get it up to code to title and license), but in CO, it's pretty much a snap.

I still have my DR350, but it has engine issues and needs to be fixed and sold. I'm thinking my next dirt bike will be a KTM250 XCF-W.

I also have a BMW F650GS that is my main dual sport. Great for dirt roads, and nothing real technical. I've had it up to 90mph on the highway.