[dcJohn]

Hi folks. I’m planning to take the plunge on buying a bike in the next two or three weeks, and I could use some advice and help.

The Background…
I’m registered to take the MSF/Rider’s Edge course the week of October 15th (soonest I could find an open class). Although it wasn’t required, I’ve already taken and passed my learner’s permit exam. This weekend I went out and, after trying lots of gear at different shops, bought a helmet (Arai RX7) and jacket (Spidi step-in road).
Now, I know the common wisdom is to wait till completing the MSF course before getting a bike, but I’d like to start tinkering and learning in the meantime, while there’s still some riding season to enjoy. I also think I might get more from the course if I already have the very basics of riding down. And finally, I’ve learned that finding new beginner-friendly/low CC bikes is tough, and I’d like to be able to jump on the opportunity if one shows up at a dealership.
This will be my first motorcycle. I’m plenty comfortable on two wheels (avid cyclist and spent my younger years racing BMX bikes). I’ve also done autocross racing, and I noticed that my autocross training covered many of the same things I read in Flick of the Wrist and Proficient Cycling regarding lines in curves, traction and suspension, and target fixation. I’m 5’8″, 160lb, 37, college prof.

Questions…
1. My first choice is a Ninja 250, Boulevard S40, or Vulcan 500–but none of the local dealerships have them in stock and don’t predict getting them anytime soon. That raises the possibility of bikes that I was first considering for second bikes, but that might be beginner-do-able: Versys and FZ6. Do you have any other bikes to suggest in this category: 500-650cc machines, with an upright-ish riding position, fun to take on the curves but also capable of occasionally tackling my 30-minute highway commute.

2. I’m hesitant to go for a used bike, because I don’t want to do what I can to limit time mechanically trouble-shooting a bike (it’s the riding, not the mechanics I’m drawn to). Am I over-estimating just how risky buying used can be versus the work and maintenance on a new machine?

3. Unfortunate reality is that I’m going to be parking my bike on the street–uburban neighborhood, no driveway or garage with our house sitting on a big old hill. Obviously, I’ll need to get a good cover for the bike. Any other ideas for handling the less-than-ideal parking situation? (Yes, the two or so months where we sometimes see snow here in the DC area is going to be messy.)

4. If you happen to be in the DC/MD/NoVA area, any particular dealerships to recommend?

Thanks for any and all ideas and suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Hi,

re buying used bikes. Bikes you are looking into have good reliability record. Chances are, if the bike looks nice and well taken care of, it probably is. Certainly, take it to the mechanic to get a good check up. It is often suggested for the novices to go used routes – if/when you drop the bike, it isn’t going to hurt that much, and once you overgrow it, you can replace it without taking big financial hit. The fact that you’ll be parking it on the street just adds to that wisdom – used should be viable option.

Now, from my experience. I bought new, almost new that is. Simply got deal on the 2 moths old bike that was too good to pass. Besides, there’s a price adjustment wave going on in Canada now, so that it doesn’t make too much sense to go used. Worked for me – I didn’t drop it. Now, I’m not saying that it won’t happen in the future, but it won’t happen because I’m a newbie – it might happen for plethora of other reasons.

BTW, I’m also avid mountain biker, and truth to be told, these two things don’t have too much in common . On the bicycle, because your mass is so much more than bike’s, one gets the feeling that it is possible to lean, throw, make sudden moves e.t.c. – effectively to control the bicycle with your body. Not so much with even light motorcycle. On the MC, it’s all pure physics – bike get’s its own balance, its own lean angle e.t.c. What you can control is acceleration/deceleration and turn radius. So, the goal is to learn to control what you can and to know how that affect bike while it’s doing its own thing.

K

[Anonymous]

BTW, forgot to mention – you might want to consider Ninja 500. IT has the same engine like Vulcan 500, but the ergonomics of Ninja 250. It is considered very nice first bike, which is also reliable to own.

K

[mike_s]

Look in your local ads and craigslist. You’ll find some great deals on bikes that are in really good condition and with low miles.
I bought a used 05 Suzuki GS500F. It’s a great bike with plenty of power and great for commuting. The Ninja 500r is also a good and popular choice. Kawasaki also makes the Ninja 650, which a lot of people rave about.
Good Luck

[dcJohn]

Thanks for the advice! I sat on a Ninja 650 and wasn’t crazy about the riding position–more weight leaning forward than I’d like. My understanding is that the Ninja 250 has a more neutral (more like a standard) riding position than the 650, is that right? And if there is a difference, is the riding position of the 500 more like the 650 or the 250?

[Andrew]

The 07 Ninja 250 and older years had a more neutral riding position. I have not sat on one but that changed with the ’08 to some degree.

[Author]

Posts