Comments on: How to Buy Your First Motorcycle

By: jim dorey

jim dorey — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:32:23 +0000

as johnvg mentioned waaaay up there, learning to use front brake in an emergency is very important, personally, i learned that on bike. started on the old coaster brake and banana seat things, learned quickly that depending on the rear brake would be silly, so, multispeed biking should be a bit of required practice.

By: Josh

Josh — Tue, 18 May 2010 05:16:45 +0000

@ Mac

A lot of it is mental. Most think the smaller the bike, the more in control you can be and more maneuverability you can have. This gives one a greater sense of confidence and makes one more relaxed. I myself feel this. I started off on an EX500 about 15 years ago. I recently started riding a 900. I was probably in control of the 900 just as much as I was the 500 but it didnt feel like it for awhile. All is well now. But its like anything, you have to crawl before you walk. Smaller bikes can help build confidence and experience.

Btw, I have dropped my bike a time or 2. And it was the small one both times. Which probably adds more credence to what you’re saying.

By: Mac

Mac — Mon, 17 May 2010 21:15:32 +0000

I don’t agree with any of these postings stating you should start off on a smaller bike. As long as you attend the course and you can put both feet flat on the ground you will be fine. Also, you must not panic on the bike. If a large bike causes you concern then get a smaller one. I started off on a HD Super Glide that weighed 650 pounds. Never dropped any bike. Have fun!!!

By: Matt Welsh

Matt Welsh — Sat, 08 May 2010 00:09:06 +0000

To the person who asked about thinking that everyone is trying to kill you and whether it stresses you out – for me, not so much, but you do have to pay constant attention unlike a car. I’ve been riding for exactly 30 years this year on street bikes, and what I always tell new riders is that having a motorcycle is like having a pet tiger: Sure, they can bring you lots of joy, happiness and adventure, but you should never, ever forget what it is, and what can happen if you stop paying attention for a second.

By: Bernt

Bernt — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 00:49:37 +0000

When I bought my first motorcycle, I talked to a family friend who’s been riding for about 25 years. He helped me through the process and actually ultimately sold me his old bike which has served me very well since. So if you know someone who knows bikes, talk to them! Worst case scenario is you get some great advice…

Also a couple other posters said this too, but I think it worth saying again. TAKE THE MSF CLASS! It will save you tons of headaches and the instructors will be able to tell you things that you need to know or do that would probably never even think of on your own. Just take the class.