[IBA270]

Motorcycles depreciate very quickly! You will be unbelieveably upside from go, which means you’ll own it for a long time before you get out from under the payments.

Understand what you’re getting into…

[IBA270]

Cars are quicker…they’ve got more rubber and theres no danger of a high side! Generally, depending on the track, cars are faster…

The king of stopping distances right now (could be different on any day with any bike in different conditions) is the Triumph speed tripple…104 feet.

Here are some comparisons from an old R&T:

Corvette does 60-0 in 113 feet.
Porsche 911 60-0 119 feet.
Toyota minivan 60-0 135 feet
Dodge minivan 60-0 131 feet.
Harley 883 sportser 60-0 133 feet.
Ford F-350 60-0 170 feet.
Mazda Miata 60-0 113 feet.

Any idiot can replicate these distances in a car…but only the most skilled can replicate the bike numbers. I’m not sure if I could or not. It’s pretty tough to brake RIGHT AT the threshold!

[IBA270]

But why would you do that?

[IBA270]

It is incrediable, isn’t it? Do you know that a Honda Goldwing, long considered the old, fat guys bike, does 0-60 in 4.1 seconds? It completes the quarter mile in 13 flat. A good comparison car? Corvette with 430 HP…almost identicle numbers, and it’s a world class sports car!

FWIW, almost ANY motorcycle can out accelerate and out brake almost ANY street legal automobile. Mix sportbikes in and it’s not even close.

[IBA270]

Your retailer will have a cross reference, but generally, they will fit any bike. The width and thickness of the brake rotors for most popular bikes are very similar.

Having said that, please let me offer a couple of tips; 1) A disk lock is similar to a lock on your car door; it keeps honest people honest. It will not likely prevent a theft. 2) Cables through the frame and wheels and preferably around an immovable object with a cover over all of it is most preferable. 3) If you’re thinking that you’ll use it when you’re riding at meal stops, etc., I wouldn’t bother. The chances are unbelievably slim your bike will get snagged while you’re munching on a Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity.

[IBA270]

Pick up a “snap” kit at a REAL HARDWARE store. You might find one at a big box, but you’ll definately find one at an ACE or the like…

[IBA270]

The Honda four bangers were great motorcycles! There are a lot of parts out there, and they DO require some care and feeding. You should understand if the bike has been rebuilt (and how many times) the condition of the charging system, etc. What kills mechanical things is lack of use….and obviously what wears them out is…use.

Gary is right on the money with suspension and brakes. Still, I LOVE the classics! What’s NOT to love?

[IBA270]

+1…you’re not going to contact on your arse…you’re more than likely to hit forearm/wrist and palm of your hand first (which means broken collar bone) then shoulder (about the same time as your hip) and split second later, your head.

Of course that’s just one scenaro of a 100’s, but that seems the most common in single bike crashes. In car v. bike, its’ usually the front of your into the cockpit of your bike and then the offending car…

Sooooo…

I wouldn’t worry too much about tush armor.

[IBA270]

the generally inflamatory and uneducated posts found on other DB’s OFF of this site? I fail to see how those opinions are of any help to readers of this board or serve the basic purpose of the board which is to help inform new riders on important topics.

Excuse my rather direct and unprofessional method of communicating my feelings on this, but this kind of shit stirring needs to stay off of this DB.

[IBA270]

Generally, states don’t recognize another states’ MSF completion certificate. You might have to make a call to your state’s motorcycle licensing coordinator. Now, if you’re only taking it for the experience (which I recommend at the very least) then have at it!

Also, and you’ll want to check on this, many states REQUIRE the class before you can get a motorcycle endorsement. That makes total sense…why would they let ANYONE ride before they know how?

[IBA270]

Lot’s and lot’s of stuff on that here. 600 Supersports are generally too much bike for a beginner. Not just horsepower range, but brakes and handling as well.

Besides, they make power at such at high RPM range that they just aren’t that much ride. They can be pretty boring under about 10K-12K RPM. Some of the other bikes suggested here, especially the twins are much better suited to beginners, plus they are downright fun to ride regardless of skill level.

I can’t think of any situation where a CBR ZX YZF GSXR makes any sense for any novice rider.

[IBA270]

…that has their own motorcycle course in lieu of the MSF cirricullum. It’s supposed to be very good, but should all the elements of the MSF course presented in a slightly different way or format.

Just come prepared to listen, learn and have fun. It’s not a competitive environment, so don’t worry about comparing yourself to the other riders. Watch the demo’s by the instructors closely and do what THEY do, not what the other students. They are learning just like you are!

And just to make sure it’s emphasized….HAVE FUN!!!! It’s supposed to be fun, and you’re going to learn something. Let us know how you do.

[IBA270]

There’s a board with nails sticking out of it…it’s right under the 600!!

WOW!!! Tradegy avoided I hope…

[IBA270]

where you’re licensed, and which class they accept for licensing. In Texas for example, the BRC is the only class accepted for licensing, and I BELIEVE that the ARC is the required class for the military. The ARC is not a state approved class, meaning if you want a license AND want to ride on base…you gotta take both.

[IBA270]

Yea, that’s a sad deal. I had hoped that cash infusion for MV, plus some technical pieces from them would have made a difference for both parties. Dammit.

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