First Bike?

First Bike?

by Val Chaney
(Redding, CA Shasta County)

I am a beginner rider and I want to buy a bike, but I don't want to get a bike that I will get tired of. What should my first bike be? What do I look for?

Comments for
First Bike?

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Apr 03, 2009

First Bike
by: Old Guy

I believe your first bike should be inexpensive and used for dropping practice. Nearly everyone drops their bike while learning. Shop the classifieds or Craig's list for a bike that fits you and feels right. Learn on it, sell it and get the one you fell in love with while hanging out with bike people. Always keep safety foremost. Motorcycling is great, but there are risks. Be aware of them and avoid them. Happy riding.

Feb 01, 2009

Don't Over Estimate
by: Jenny

I can understand what the previous person said, but at the same time, don't over estimate yourself. I bought myself a 535cc Virago because it was a good height for me and because I absolutely adore that bike. Well, it was too much for me to handle at the beginning. I couldn't control the size (it was too heavy for me to really learn how to negotiate it). I ended up having to go out and buy a second bike (a 250cc Suzuki GZ). I have the Virago (my husband's bike needed repairs, so he used it while I used the Suzuki).

I'm almost ready to graduate back to my "real" bike, but I could have saved myself some money and time (and repairs - $150 in repairs after my first spill because I wasn't comfortable with the larger bike and spilled it). I wish that I'd bought the small bike then sold it to buy the bigger bike. I wasted months scared and uncomfortable on my larger bike. I could have been riding and gaining confidence on the smaller bike (it took me only a week or two of the smaller bike before I was out on my own on the roads - in a month I put on over 1,000 miles!

I listened to a lot of people who told me that the 535cc Virago wasn't too big (it's only 100 pounds heavier and an inch or two taller than the 250cc GZ). I wish I hadn't.

Jan 31, 2009

First as Last
by: jerzgirlrider

I would say, know your capabilities but do not underestimate yourself, it could cost you in the long run. Riding a motorcycle is something that you will catch onto quickly, so do not buy a bike that is too small for you. In addition don't put too much into your first bike that you will not re-coup in the long run. My first bike was a 1200 Sportster and I put a few too many thousand dollars in upgrades and chrome that I didn't get back on a trade in. I have now upgraded to a bigger bike and have to start over with the goodies. So if you think you can handle the bigger bike, test ride it or rent it for a day and you will save in the long run. Find a dealer who is fair and honest and stick with them, a good customer is a valued thing and you will get better treatment staying in one place.

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