[Crux]

Hi all

Great website.

I’m thinking about getting a bike.

BTW I live in Vegas, rain and cold aren’t much of an issue, heat is definitely a factor. I’ll probably take the bike offroad a little because there are so many places to do it around here, but I’m basing my choices on street uses only.

No experience at all on any kind of motorcycle. Haven’t yet signed up for a class.

However I can drive stick, I’m 29 and a CDL (in other words a tractor trailer) driver so I think I have a bit more experience with dealing with traffic than your typical teenager.

I am thinking an ’08 Ninja is my top pick at this point. I’m sold on your arguments for 250cc, and I have no ego issues with the cc, I really like the looks, but I also like the looks of cafe racers or streetfighters. BTW, my motorcycle related vocabulary is really basic at this point.

If anyone wants to post a thread or an article, some remaining questions:

Motorcycle lifespan. I’m a little worried as I understand 60K miles is typical, for a used bike around $3-4K that seems kinda low compared to a used car I can get for the same price and expect twice as many miles from.

Daily driver: I may sell my car within the year. Recommended models/mods?
I’d rather not get a maxiscooter or givi type storage, but apparently the storage is a big plus if it’s your only vehicle. If practical I’d prefer racks on the bike and just carry bags to bungee onto the racks when driving.

Budget issues. Due to marital issues (as in I expect the marriage to disintegrate soon) I’m extremely interested in keeping costs down. Are there any models/years I should look for?

Engine types: single cylinder, v twin, straight twin, etc. I understand mechanically what they are, I’m lost as to the pros and cons.

Gear: At this point I’m planning to get leather overpants, gloves, jacket, and helmet when I take the class. Any recommendations on choices, or other gear needed?

Engine overheating: I’ve read a couple mentions that bikes tend to overheat kinda easy, due to 120 degree summer highs and I want to use this to commute on highways I’m a bit worried, are there any models or modifications I should look into?

Tires: I understand this can be one of your most important modifications, what are the effects of increasing or decreasing size and width, different designs, etc.

Break in: At least some bikes have recommended break in procedures like <4000 RPMs for 500 miles for the ninjette. How much does it matter when buying used where seller may not have followed the procedure?

Reliability: I’m fairly handy. Are there some bikes that need less maintenance/repairs from a shop?

[Clay Dowling]

First about traffic awareness: you’re used to a gigantic vehicle that everybody notices (even if they do stupid things about it when they notice it). You’ll be on a vehicle that is a lot less visible. That will take a little getting used to. Also, in the semi if you screw up you aren’t usually the one who gets hurt. On the bike, you’re the one who loses.

Overheating: avoid anything that is air-cooled. Air cooled engines are notorious for failing in Nevada-type heat.

Finances: you’d best consult with a lawyer here. It would suck for the motorcycle to become your wife’s property. And don’t think that an angry person in a divorce wouldn’t go for something like that. She doesn’t have to want to ride it, just want to hurt you. And it sounds like she’s already there.

[zeppelinfromled]

For gear, look into some boots. Any over-the-ankle boots are better than sneakers, but I prefer riding boots. Mine have a leather pad on the top of the left foot to resist wear from the shifter, and (more importantly) have ankle bone protectors to protect my ankle bones in case of an impact. My budget for gear was $1000. Used gear is fine, except I wouldn’t trust used helmets – you might not be able to detect damage that will significantly decrease the helmet’s efficacy.

As for the break-in, how a used bike (or car, for that matter) has been treated is a matter of luck. The specifics of the break-in period aren’t all that important. Actually keeping it under 4,000 rpms on some bikes is very difficult. In my non-professional opinion, it’s more a matter of not pushing the bike to its limits, not keeping it at redline, etc.

If you can drive stick and ride a bicycle, the mechanics of the bike shouldn’t be too hard. But as was mentioned above, an 18-wheeler is very very hard to miss on the road. It’s unlikely that people pull out in front of you all that often. On a motorcycle, you have to assume that every person who can pull out in front of you will do it. Being comfortable with traffic is certainly a plus, but riding a motorcycle takes a different mindset than driving a truck (or so I would imagine).

I own a Ninja (650r), and it’s definitely not an off road bike (I should have a disclaimer that I haven’t had this bike for very long). I would take it slowly down a dirt or gravel road if I had to get somewhere. But I wouldn’t take it off road for fun, only for necessity.

[Author]

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