[samgoody]

Thanks for the advice. You’ve put my mind at ease. I guess I should take things at my own pace and not rush them through.

I guess I should clarify my “doing nothing during the week” statement. I won’t be able to get my license until I pass the test here, which requires lessons in my case to learn the basics of controlling a motorcycle that I will need. Not having a license means, by Saudi law, that I cannot purchase a bike. There is no such thing as a learner’s permit here; either you can legally ride or you can’t. Not having a bike during the week makes it more difficult to practice. … Well, actually I *could* purchase a bike, but I can’t register it and ride it on public roads without a license – not something I would prefer to do.

I don’t know how you can manage to ride in 38 Fahrenheit weather. Aren’t you afraid your nose will fall off? … Just kidding. I’ve lived in Cleveland, Ohio for six years, so I know what 38 Fahrenheit feels like, and I can’t imagine myself riding in that sort of temperature. Glad to hear that you’re enjoying your rides even in such harsh weather. May your rides always be joyful and safe.

[samgoody]

Hi megaspaz,

You’re almost right on the mark as far as the roads here. Most of Saudi Arabia is flat desert, so straight roads are the norm, but there are a few long sweepers here and there. In the south west of Saudi, there are some mountainous regions, but they are a very long way away from the area in which I currently live. I’ve been to that area, and there are some nice twisty roads there, not to mention some really beautiful scenery. They can be very trecherous, though, as it can get foggy and slippery there.

Motorcycles are generally rare in Saudi Arabia, althgouh the motorcycling contingent is steadily growing. Beginner motorcycles are an even rarer breed, partly because there’s a lot of disposable income and people with more money than common sense. I guess if someone has a lot of money and wanted to show off, they wouldn’t want to ride around on something that’s labeled a “beginner” bike.

As for motards, some of them are single-cylinder engines (e.g. KTM 690 Supermoto), but I’ve read advice somewhere that said to stay away from that type of engine as well. I’ve sat on a few, and I find them to be a bit too tall for me as I have a 32″ inseam.

[samgoody]

Thanks for the advice, megaspaz. Your answer makes things a lot clearer for me now. I will certainly take frame sliders into consideration. Would it be easy for me to fit them by myself?

[samgoody]

Hi Rab,

Thanks for the advice. I will consider the first course of action you mentioned in case I do get a bike with a fairing. I also realize that it’s not a given that I will drop the bike, but a naked bike does provide some more peace of mind (it doesn’t hurt that I am a fan of the naked look). As for taking the fairings off, how is the headlamp assmebly attached to the fairing? Wouldn’t it have to come off with it?

It seems that of the bikes that are labeled beginner-friendly, the only one I could find here is the GS500F (and possibly the Ninja 250). There are other bikes that are in the market here (or will be very soon) that are naked/semi-naked, but are ones which generate an endless amount of debate about whether they are suited for a complete beginner. There is the Kawasaki Versys (seems a bit too tall for me, as I have a 32″ inseam); the Ducati Monster 696 (don’t know whether they have arrived or not, and they are quite pricey); the Suzuki V-Storm 650 (again seems a little too tall for me); Harley 883 Sportster (way too heavy); and the BMW F800S (a couple of reviews label it a beginner-friendly bike in the Monster 696 mold; it’s way too expensive because the dealer imports it with every conveivable option installed, including heated grips). Physically I am around the 5’11”, 165lb mark. Of this bunch, I would lean more towards the Monster, especially considering its super-light dry weight. Could any of these bikes be handled by a complete beginner?

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