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Honda Grom: Beginner Bike Profile + Owner Reviews
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JackTradeParticipant
Do the others ride sportbikes? I think I’d prefer that myself.
JackTradeParticipant650s twins are considered right on the upper edge of being appropriate novice bikes; general rule-of-thumb is that they’re acceptable with a few caveats.
Basically, if you pass the BRC, and honestly feel confident with the skills (only you can really know that), then you’ll likely be fine with a V-Strom. It’s the same 650 engine that’s on the SV650, and I know there’s a few people here that started out on those with no problems (Hopefully, WeaponZero will be along any time now…)
So see how the MSF course goes…if you pass+feel good, then go for it! Also take a look at the Kawasaki Versys…same type of bike.
JackTradeParticipantReally, a sticker?! Wow…I’d have thought given the overall quality of the SV, it would have something a little more substantial like a lithograph on the face. Any pics before and after?
JackTradeParticipanthas the “low” seat on it, which is 25.5 inches. Just something of which to be aware..if you’re tall, you’ll find the bike somewhat cramped.
JackTradeParticipantIs to, in your bill of sale, offer an immediate-only (like 1 day) money back guarantee. That way, you both sign the papers, you get the money and the buyer has bought your bike.
He can now test ride it, you’re legally not responsible for him (it’s not your bike), and if there’s a problem, you’ve both agreed that you’ll give him his money back.
Gives the buyer more confidence that you’re not selling him a POS, and gives the seller cover if there’s a problem during the test ride.
JackTradeParticipantI’d choose dirt bike myself, but trials definitely has an appeal (due to watching Malcolm Smith in On Any Sunday, or listening to TrialsRider here).
I want to go to flat track school, but unfortunately, there’s nothing even remotely near me.
JackTradeParticipantEsp. if you’re not an accomplished mechanic. As a new rider (I’m assuming you are, but correct me if I’m wrong), your main goal is to get as much riding experience as possible. That’s going to be harder if your bike is always in the shop or you’re worried about it breaking down.
July 20, 2010 at 10:17 pm in reply to: To windshield or not to windshield – that’s the question. #27633JackTradeParticipant…who remove windshields and are happier, mostly due to wind buffeting issues you cite.
I can’t imagine riding a bike with a big windscreen myself, but then again, I’m not touring on mine. Still, I’ve done some 100+ mile trips, and didn’t feel unduly fatigued afterward, and only a few bug stains on me…
JackTradeParticipant…that *really* shifting my weight to the outside peg (as in moving my entire body over to the outside of the seat) helps with my confidence when doing a u-turn. That way, it doesn’t feel as much like the bike is tipping over in the turn. May look like overkill, but it works for me.
JackTradeParticipantGlad it worked out…there’s nothing more frustrating than bureaucracy keeping you from your goal, right at the end.
When I bought my first bike used, I had to make 2 trips to the DMV to get it titled and registered, as the documents that their own website told me I needed were in fact not enough.
Me after 1 hour in line: “but the website said this was all I needed!” DMV minion: “Oh, it’s wrong.” Sigh.
JackTradeParticipantAside from more time wasted at the DMV (sorry). They’ll have kept your original completion certificate, the transaction should have been recorded by them as “motorcycle endorsement” (so they’ll realize what happened hopefully), and in worst case scenario, the place where you took the MSF will be able to supply you with a copy of the certificate noting that you’ve passed the riding test if they’ve totally lost it.
Best of luck with the GS500F though!
JackTradeParticipantWhen I took my MSF completion certificate to the DMV, I got a new license right then, same as the old one but with the “M” endorsement.
JackTradeParticipantI’m assuming you’re looking at a “standard” style bike.
As everyone here will tell you, best way to proceed is to 1) take the MSF course…not only to learn how to ride, but also to get some seat time, and 2) stop by a dealer and sit on different types of bikes to see what feels good.
But just based on your criteria, I’d say a good first bike for you would be an older Suzuki GS500. They’re non-faired (so they don’t have the sportbike look of the current model), quite beginner-friendly, have a neutral riding position, and have decent power for everyday use. They’re pretty common, and pretty reasonably priced.
JackTradeParticipantOn the street, there are too many variables over which we have no control (mostly other drivers)…so you have to compromise your total attention from a 100% pure technique focus to a combination of technique and safety margin.
I think that for some people, that compromise detracts from the experience, and they’d rather limit their riding environment/opportunities rather than their pursuit of total technique. So they ride on tracks or dirt only. I get it. It’s not me, but I do understand it.
When I used to do track days in my car, at first, it’s really scary riding some guy’s bumper at 80 mph while surrounded a pack of cars. But after awhile, you realize that it’s probably no less safe than driving normally on a public expressway.
On the track, predictability rules….you’re all (in theory) braking at exactly the same places, accelerating at the same points, etc. At any given moment, you know how the guys in front and in back of you are going to behave and you can plan accordingly. Notice how on a racetrack, there’s usually one line that everyone takes through the course….driver’s don’t usually go to the inside of a turn when everyone else is going outside.
In the real world, you never know when some wingnut is going to pull out right in front of you, or grandma’s going to decide to hit the brakes.
JackTradeParticipantOn the pants, one thing to be aware of: they’re quite baggy and loose.
I used to wear a similar sort (Cortec’s riding jeans), but stopped because they were too loose for my taste. I kept wondereding if the armor and inner protection (the Shift pants have Kevlar, my Cortecs had perforated leather paneling) would stay put in an accident.
I’ve since gone to overpants that I wear over jeans…sure they look a little more obviously motorcycle, but you can just take them off when not on the bike.
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