[CBBaron]

The chart is a great reference and wouldn’t have noticed the mistake except I was interested in the WR250X. I can only imagine the difficulty in compiling these stats given the number of websites involved with different “specs” listed for each manufacture and sometimes different “specs” for each model.

The TU250X is basically the GZ250 except it is FI and a standard. Nice looking bike also.

Craig

[CBBaron]

The WR250F is an off-road machine. The WR250R is a dual-sport with FI in the US.
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelspecs/595/0/specs.aspx

The WR250X is a super-moto based on the WR250R and is also FI.
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelspecs/596/0/specs.aspx

Hope that helps.

Craig

[CBBaron]

The Yamaha WR250X/R bikes are fuel injected.

Also you may want to add the suzuki tu250x. A fuel-injected, 250cc, air-cooled standard. Should make an excellent beginner bike.

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/TU250X/2009/TU250X.aspx

Craig

[CBBaron]

Having ridden some ATV and ATCs I would say there are some transferable skills including clutch work, shifting and hand throttle. However the steering and body language is completely different so you will have plenty to learn. A 4×4 type ATV would have next to no transferable skills as the drive train is very different.

ABS is too expensive for entry level machines, though it would seem to be advantageous for any level of rider. 600 class bikes are not entry level machines. The 650 twins are much more manageable and a couple do have optional ABS. Usually 250cc and 500cc bikes are the entry level bikes.

Given your off-road background have you looked at the dual sport bikes? Some of these are very capable off road, and the 200-400cc bikes are good for beginners.

[CBBaron]

From riding bicycles, especially recumbents I know that the reason you countersteer has mostly to do with getting your bike to lean by moving the contact patch out from under the center of gravity. With a two wheel vehicle you lean into the turn. When you turn the handlebar the tires start to move in one direction but the COG stays moving in a straight line, so you start to fall. Once the bike is leaning you can complete the turn.
Same reason you accelerate out of a turn. In a turn you tires are following a path describing a circle with gravity and turning forces balancing your COG inside but above your tires. When you accelerate in a turn the turning forces increase, forcing your COG harder to the outside of the turn, bringing your bike back upright.
Sure gyroscopic procession makes the bike a little more stable but it is a minor player in the process.

Craig

[CBBaron]

roborabbit makes alot of good points, especially for a younger man without a lot of funds. Insurance on a big bike is going to cost you a fortune. Insurance for a small bike is going to be much more affordable. You should be able to get a used 250cc bike for under $2000. You can learn on the bike and not worry too much about dropping it. Then when you can afford a better bike and you feel you can handle it you can sell the 250 for about what you paid for it.

[CBBaron]

The website for the course says there are a limited number of loaner helmets available. However I would feel much better having my own helmet. Given that decent full face helmets appear to be available for under $100, I’ll probably pick one up.

Craig

[CBBaron]

I am thinking of taking the MSF course to get familiar with motorcycles and determine if I have any interest. Do I need to buy any gear besides a helmet to take the class? The description of required gear sounds like jeans, hiking boots and a long sleeve shirt or jacket. Is this sufficient for the class or should I spend some money on inexpensive cycling boots and jacket?

I probably will not be buying a bike right away as I want to take the class first and classes are booked into the fall, giving limited riding time before our long winters.

Thanks
Craig

[CBBaron]

I’m not sure on the rules when there are not sidewalks but in cases where there are the pedestrians crossing the street have right-a-way over vehicles making a turn. Ofcourse these were not pedestrians and there was no sidewalk however I think in the case of an accident the judgments would favor the kids. However the kids were being stupid and you probably did the right thing to avoid an incident.

If cyclist are following the rules of the road it is the responsibility of over taking traffic to miss “them”. However I understand the frustration at some cyclists. As a cyclist myself who follows all the rules of the road I am very disappointed to see many cyclist riding on the wrong side of the street or blowing through intersections. Those cyclist do “share the road” well and just make it more difficult for those of us who try to.

Craig

[Author]

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