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WinterHaze
For those of you that know how to use em or already have them....

Okay I really want one but have no experience with them except for being passenger.

so what tips can ya give me on getting started.

Such as when taking lessons what to remember?
What is this the best starting out bike to get?
How much money am I looking at spending for all the gear?
How fast is too fast to go around sharp turns?
Should I be expecting to get messed up pretty bad a lot?

Any other useful info...
insanekiwi
dont start learning in winter or summer. too cold or too hot to drive. as beginner i'd prefer autumn, cuz in fall it's all wet and leafs are dangerous on the streets.

a good starter bike would be a 500ccm suzuki bandit for example, it'ssomewhat around $5,000 new. you'll learn al lthe rest in your theory lessons.
i'd also suggest to get some decent security gear
see:
http://www.is-pimp.com/insanekiwi/ducati/vanucci%20002.jpg
i needed about 15 lessons in total to get my license, pround owner of 4 ducatis by now.
funky pics at: http://www.is-pimp.com/insanekiwi/ducati/

also the "sharp turns" speed depends on the bike and the tires.
Fragmaster
A Bandit would be a great starter bike but I am not sure how it works in the US.

In the UK if you take your test, you can only ride upto a 125cc I think, if you are over 21 you can take a test called "Direct Access" and it lets you ride a higher CC bike.

Might want to check that out for the Bandit. Though if you are commuting around town and very small distances, I would recommend a Honda CG125. Very reliable and amazing fuel economy.
badnewz


http://www.pashnit.com/bikes/hayabusa.htm



One of the most interesting things I ever read about the Hayabusa is instead of pulling wheelies when you grab a fistful of throttle, instead the bike will rocket forward and slowly pull the front tire off the ground. When you sit upon this bike, it has a wondrous feel that occurs when your hands contact the handlebars. It's a tingle that flows through your wrists, arms, shoulders and causes a sensation of warmth to flow across your chest.

Torque is a wonderful thing.

Horsepower,
is a very wonderful thing.


i think this motorcycle at the bonneville salt flats clocked 246 MPH.
Chillbo
Start small! I wouldn't go for anything more than 400cc. At least then you can get a feel for the bike and how it should ride, perhaps then look at something a little more powerful (e.g. GSX1300R).

In my opinion, the Duke Monster and the Suzuki Bandit are a little too agressive for a first time rider.

Chillbo
WinterHaze
QUOTE(insanekiwi @ Dec 14 2004, 03:00)
dont start learning in winter or summer. too cold or too hot to drive. as beginner i'd prefer autumn, cuz in fall it's all wet and leafs are dangerous on the streets.

a good starter bike would be a 500ccm suzuki bandit for example, it'ssomewhat around $5,000 new. you'll learn al lthe rest in your theory lessons.
i'd also suggest to get some decent security gear
see:
http://www.is-pimp.com/insanekiwi/ducati/vanucci%20002.jpg
i needed about 15 lessons in total to get my license, pround owner of 4 ducatis by now.
funky pics at: http://www.is-pimp.com/insanekiwi/ducati/

also the "sharp turns" speed depends on the bike and the tires.
[right][snapback]585098152[/snapback][/right]

Well I live in cali and planned on taking the lessons in January. Our weather then isn't too bad. Still a bad idea? Since i'll be new at it shouldn't I get it used though.. or when I have the lessons will I not be falling really, so it wouldn't matter?


QUOTE(Fragmaster @ Dec 14 2004, 03:04)
A Bandit would be a great starter bike but I am not sure how it works in the US.

In the UK if you take your test, you can only ride upto a 125cc I think, if you are over 21 you can take a test called "Direct Access" and it lets you ride a higher CC bike.

Might want to check that out for the Bandit. Though if you are commuting around town and very small distances, I would recommend a Honda CG125. Very reliable and amazing fuel economy.
[right][snapback]585098175[/snapback][/right]

How much do those run for?

QUOTE(badnewz @ Dec 14 2004, 03:05)
http://www.pashnit.com/bikes/hayabusa.htm
One of the most interesting things I ever read about the Hayabusa is instead of pulling wheelies when you grab a fistful of throttle, instead the bike will rocket forward and slowly pull the front tire off the ground. When you sit upon this bike, it has a wondrous feel that occurs when your hands contact the handlebars.  It's a tingle that flows through your wrists, arms, shoulders and causes a sensation of warmth to flow across your chest.

Torque is a wonderful thing.

Horsepower,
is a very wonderful thing.
i think this motorcycle at the bonneville salt flats clocked 246 MPH.
[right][snapback]585098178[/snapback][/right]

Sounds fast. Is it good to have for a starter bike?
WinterHaze
QUOTE(Chillbo @ Dec 14 2004, 03:17)
Start small! I wouldn't go for anything more than 400cc. At least then you can get a feel for the bike and how it should ride, perhaps then look at something a little more powerful (e.g. GSX1300R).

In my opinion, the Duke Monster and the Suzuki Bandit are a little too agressive for a first time rider.

Chillbo
[right][snapback]585098216[/snapback][/right]


How do u know when you can handle something faster if all your use to is slow ones?
Chillbo
QUOTE(WinterHaze @ Dec 14 2004, 12:18)
Sounds fast.  Is it good to have for a starter bike?
[right][snapback]585098220[/snapback][/right]


It is. No (you will hurt yourself!)
pimpshiznid
QUOTE(badnewz @ Dec 14 2004, 06:05)
http://www.pashnit.com/bikes/hayabusa.htm
One of the most interesting things I ever read about the Hayabusa is instead of pulling wheelies when you grab a fistful of throttle, instead the bike will rocket forward and slowly pull the front tire off the ground. When you sit upon this bike, it has a wondrous feel that occurs when your hands contact the handlebars.  It's a tingle that flows through your wrists, arms, shoulders and causes a sensation of warmth to flow across your chest.

Torque is a wonderful thing.

Horsepower,
is a very wonderful thing.
i think this motorcycle at the bonneville salt flats clocked 246 MPH.
[right][snapback]585098178[/snapback][/right]


The Hayabusa would be too much for her. No one in their right mind should start out with a liter bike. Too much power.

On that note, I'd recommend a Yamaha R6. Runs about $6k new, though a decent 2-3 year old R6 would run around $2-$3k

I started out with a R6, and it was by far the easiest bike to ride amongst all. I did ride a Hayabusa too, one of my first times. Heavy, and too much power for a beginner. The R6 has the perfect amount of balance, while still having an awesome amount of power.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/uniti...aha_yzf-r6.aspx
WinterHaze
Did I mention that i'm short and in so would need something very small.
insanekiwi
then i'd go for a cruiser/chopper.
lotus22
It depends on what your riding. I'm guessing your riding on the street.

I would buy something cheap so if you mess it up then you won't have wasted your money.
Hypoxiaicon
Yeh, dont get some get something really powerful or your likly to use too much power and realy hurt yourself.

Get a small CC bike, Get a lot of riding experiance behind you where you KNOW what to do in the bend and such like and how to handle the bike easily.

After you can do all that, then maybe consider getting a bigger CC and more powerfull bike.
xploit1030
Do you have any experience riding a motor bike? If none at I would suggest getting a dirt bike first. They are cheaper and you don't need a license for one.

But if you already have a handle on balance, shifting, and braking then go with a used bike under 600cc. You will know when you are ready to move up.

Your biggest problem will be other vehicles (as long as you don't drive like an idiot). That and road hazards (gravel, water, etc.)

Don't skimp out and buy the cheapest gear. You get what you pay for and *when* you do lay down your bike you'll be glad you didn't.
insanekiwi
dirtbikes are very easy to handle yet theyre way too light compared to other real motorbikes which are about double weight.
JeT
Buy a dirt bike to learn on. Buy one out of the paper for a few hundred bucks. Go out to a paddock or something to learn. Or if you want to go straight onto the road, get a trail bike. Easy to ride. I suggest you stick to something small like a 125cc or 250cc.
WinterHaze
QUOTE(lotus22 @ Dec 14 2004, 04:44)
It depends on what your riding.  I'm guessing your riding on the street. 

I would buy something cheap so if you mess it up then you won't have wasted your money.
[right][snapback]585098502[/snapback][/right]

ya that's what I plan on.

QUOTE(hypoxiaicon @ Dec 14 2004, 04:51)
Yeh, dont get some get something really powerful or your likly to use too much power and realy hurt yourself.

Get a small CC bike, Get a lot of riding experiance behind you where you KNOW what to do in the bend and such like and how to handle the bike easily.

After you can do all that, then maybe consider getting a bigger CC and more powerfull bike.
[right][snapback]585098531[/snapback][/right]


I hope I can Handle that after the lesons. Do you think lessons will be enough to learn from it?

QUOTE(xploit1030 @ Dec 14 2004, 04:54)
Do you have any experience riding a motor bike? If none at I would suggest getting a dirt bike first. They are cheaper and you don't need a license for one.

But if you already have a handle on balance, shifting, and braking then go with a used bike under 600cc. You will know when you are ready to move up.

Your biggest problem will be other vehicles (as long as you don't drive like an idiot). That and road hazards (gravel, water, etc.)
I've never drove any bike but i 've heard u don't need a license here, as long as u don't drive after 9pm.


Don't skimp out and buy the cheapest gear. You get what you pay for and *when* you do lay down your bike you'll be glad you didn't.
[right][snapback]585098547[/snapback][/right]

what should i get?

QUOTE(insanekiwi @ Dec 14 2004, 05:00)
dirtbikes are very easy to handle yet theyre way too light compared to other real motorbikes which are about double weight.
[right][snapback]585098574[/snapback][/right]

What should I get than?

QUOTE(JeT @ Dec 14 2004, 05:11)
Buy a dirt bike to learn on. Buy one out of the paper for a few hundred bucks. Go out to a paddock or something to learn. Or if you want to go straight onto the road, get a trail bike. Easy to ride. I suggest you stick to something small like a 125cc or 250cc.
[right][snapback]585098644[/snapback][/right]

What gear should I use for that?
xploit1030
QUOTE(insanekiwi @ Dec 14 2004, 09:00)
dirtbikes are very easy to handle yet theyre way too light compared to other real motorbikes which are about double weight.
[right][snapback]585098574[/snapback][/right]


But going from not riding to a street bike is like going from crawling to a sprint. I think a dirt bike will at least teach you how to walk.
insanekiwi
well a dirtbike is good for getting started. to get used to the shifting, the horsepowers and the acceleration and the handling. i just wouldn't stay very long with those small poketbikes. a suzuki bandit is the ideal mixture of naked streetbike, easy handling and enough horsepowers.
JeT
QUOTE(WinterHaze @ Dec 14 2004, 23:22)
What gear should I use for that?
[right][snapback]585098698[/snapback][/right]


What do you mean, as in safety gear? Well when riding, you should always wear a helmet! Other items that will keep you alive are:

Footwear: MX boots or something
Gloves: Leather is the best but any will do
Leather jacket and pants
If you dont get a full face helmet, make sure you get goggles!

insanekiwi
leather or goretex clothes. and protectors.
Hypoxiaicon
Yeh, Lessons will give you the basics.

Its all about experiance really and knowing what to do in given situation without having to panic or think.
Inertia
QUOTE(insanekiwi @ Dec 14 2004, 11:00)
a good starter bike would be a 500ccm suzuki bandit for example, it'ssomewhat around $5,000 new. you'll learn al lthe rest in your theory lessons.




A personal opinion, I think a small 125cc road bike like a honda NSR or yamaha TZR is better to start with if you have never ridden before, more than enough power for a beginner, then as you get more confident upgrade the bike to a more powerfull one.
Nelsinho
QUOTE(JeT @ Dec 14 2004, 10:11)
Buy a dirt bike to learn on. Buy one out of the paper for a few hundred bucks. Go out to a paddock or something to learn. Or if you want to go straight onto the road, get a trail bike. Easy to ride. I suggest you stick to something small like a 125cc or 250cc.
[right][snapback]585098644[/snapback][/right]

yep, I agree yes.gif principally if you don't have a good experiencie with it, one small 125cc is ideal IMO, and keep caution a lot I know because I have head broken two times near to die serious, my left leg is minor than right leg in 2cm, I have cicatrice in all body, however I love bikes for ever anyway I think that bikes mean freedom, one state of mind where I make one microcosmos and enjoy with it, but very caution, bike's don't forgive any error or mistake; I don't want discourage you only alert your risks, go bike's is amazing thumbs_up.gif yes.gif
Rockwell
I started off riding quads (Raptor and Banshees) then I moved into a stock Ninja. Seeing as your in LA and I've riden there and and around Cali quite a bit, I would say a Bandit or Ninja would suit you well. A key thing to remember while riding in traffic is that most car/truck drivers will ignore that you exist on the road. Always look out for the SUV's and large trucks due to their bigger blind spots.
Dallas
with a bike you need to get gear, helmets, a good jacked, gloves, boots.

Yamaha R6s are relizble, probably a good bike to start out with. even a CBR600RR, but don't get anything larger then that
Armada
Suzuki GIXXER 750R go get it u`ll like it!
nsane128x
I do a website for a local stunt team here so believe me I've seen some crashes first hand...

Anyways...
Start off with a Honda CBR600F2 or CBR600F3 which are available used then progress to maybe a Honda CBR600F4i then follow with your choice of Yamaha R6, Suzuki GSX-R600, or Kawasaki Ninja 6R.

You really won't use all the power available once you've got the hang even after years but if you must then at max I would upgrade to Yamaha R1. Hands down despite being the worlds fastest production bike the hayabusa would not be able to take a yamaha r1 in a race quater-mile and if you ever get into stunting I'd recomend a crash cage and frame sliders.

As for gear go with SpeedRag... http://www.spedrag.com's Stunter X jacket and Stunter X gloves as for a helmet never settle for least go with top of the line type brand but if you have to a HJC helmet is decent cost and decent performance. As for leather suites you don't want to look like a motogp faggott so I would highly recommend sticking to jackets, gloves, helmet, and simply regular jeans and if you feel you want special boots then go with the icon super duty which are work boots type of look but saftey enhanced features.
Kerm
Insanekiwi absolute drool at your Ducat's.
The 998 = w00t.gif w00t.gif w00t.gif

Unbelievably jealous.
WinterHaze
Thank you people

I'll take all the info into consideration.
nsane128x
No problem... Thought you might want to see some stunting pictures but no they aren't of my lcoal stunt team but some other ones.

user posted image

user posted image

More on UpOnOne.com.

WinterHaze
how do they not fall with it tipped so much blink.gif
Hypoxiaicon
QUOTE(WinterHaze @ Dec 15 2004, 11:22)
how do they not fall with it tipped so much  blink.gif
[right][snapback]585104388[/snapback][/right]

Critial Point of centre of gravity/Balance smile.gif
Nelsinho
is only practice and sensibility smile.gif that say my bones LOL laugh.gif
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