What's up guys. As you know I'm trying to sell the cobra in favor of finding an SUV. My reasons for this are i just don't want to have to deal with the bullshit of winter and want something that'll haul all my shit around, detailing supplies or whatever else i need.

Now, given this thought, I plan on having the cobra gone and being in an SUV no later than october. I'll still be bartending and hopefully with have a 2nd job that I interviewed for today, or my IT externship to bring in some extra money.

So, given this prospect, I'm considering finally going and getting my motorcycle license and getting a bike. My dad had a couple bikes in his day and has told me he'd rather me not get a bike, but that's just because he worries about me. I know if he sees that I'm serious about it and will be safe he'll be alright (dont give me shit about pleasing my father, my family is everything to me).


He has said that if i had to get a bike hed rather I get a cruiser type (which I would pursue a pro-street or chopper in that case) rather than a streetbike because he thinks it'd be a bit safer, which I have to agree somewhat, considering power to weight and riding position, they're fast and one wrong move through a turn and you're done.

That being said, what do you guys think of that assessment of the relative safety of the respective types of bike? I know its more about the rider and whatnot, that's obvious. But i'm just looking for some insight.

Also, I know a good starter bike would be a 600 or 750 streetbike wise, and I've always been a fan of the suzukis. Anybody have suggestions for other good starter bikes? Keep in mind I'm 6'2" and 200lbs. Chopper guys chime in as well, I'm a fan of Ironhorses, big dogs things like that. I'd prefer a prostreet style chopper over a raked out full custom but i'd be open to input on both.



It's tough for me because I really like both styles. Streetbikes are cheaper but I've always loved the loud and nasty choppers.

you can always buy my bike...its a great beginner bike

haha thanks D. I gotta sell the slow-bra and get an SUV first though. If it's around in the spring i probably will consider it

the most important thing about being safe on a bike is YOUR ability to avoid both real and potential hazards. Cruisers are generally slow, heavy, and physically CANT manuever quickly in an emergency situation. However, if you cant physically ride the motorcycle to its manuevering potential having one that handles sharper and accel's and decel's quicker isnt going to be of any benefit and this is the case where too much can hurt you.

wow good point spence, i never thought of that. BUMP anyone else? Kady, CJ, Nelson, Brandon anything you guys can add? I just want to get my head straight so i can plan for what i am trying to do.

First off, take the MSF class before you even start looking to buy anything. Make sure you're ok with riding before you plunk down the money.

Second, set money aside for gear. At minimum, helmet, jacket, and gloves. Sturdy boots are a good idea, and I would highly recommend riding pants, or at least armored jeans.

About cruisers, most of them weigh up over 600lbs. They have a relaxed riding position that isn't geared toward manuverability, since most cruisier guys are just going in a straight line. But you need to be able to swerve is someone pulls out in front of you or cuts you off.

I would recommend some sort of standard/sportbike. I go on and on about Suzuki SV650's, but of course I'm biased. I started on a Suzuki Bandit 600 and would recommend that to anyone (it's a Katana without the plastic) Basically any sportbike with handlebars (not clip-ons) would be a great starter bike, and I would stay under 600cc's to save on insurance. You can have plenty of fun on the smaller bikes. Plus standards are very flickable, comfortable, and have good visibility.

Finally, just because you ride in a safe manner doesn't mean you're safe at all. There is NOTHING safe about motorcycling. Cars ignore you, and if they bump you you're most likely going down. Should there be a car riding up your ass (happens ALL the time) you'll then get run over and game over, you're dead. People blow redlights. People merge without looking. Lots of stuff can happen that's beyond your control. I've had a large number of near-misses this year alone.

Do some reserearch, study the bikes, then make the call.

I rode dirt ikes as a kid.....they are nothing like a street bike. I learned how to ride a street bike on my own on the ZX7. Carbeurated, heavy and a sport bike. I honestly loved it. It also drew me to the bigger boys, like the Busa and the ZX14. Seriously I know everyone sayd to learn on a 600, I can say you can learn on whatever you like. A bike is only as fast as your wrist. I have a fast ass bike but self control keeps me from doing shit that may kill me.

I have ridden a Harley aka cruiser and was not impressed. Yes the seating position is upright but like Jim said it's not a bike built for handling and IMO can be more dangerous if a high speed maneuver needs to be made.

If you want comfort and a sport bike, go for something like the Honda Interceptor, the ZX14, the Busa, etc....sport bikes that are also considered super cruisers. Weight means nothing if you can be in control. CJ has ridden the 14 and in watching her I could tell she was just as in control on it as she is on her 600RR, BUT she admitted that it's a LOT more comfortable of a bike.

great points nelly. I youtube'd the interceptor because i didn't know anything about it, saw one with a dual devil carbon exhaust, sounded nasty!

As long as i can sell/trade the cobra for an SUV fairly soon, I will be starting to save toward a bike in the spring. I have plenty of relatives that rode, and I know once I do get a bike i'll have you guys to ride with now and then, so i know i'll get good use out of it. I consider myself to be pretty responsible, the reason I haven't yet almost killed myself in the cobra (yes i know there's a huge difference, i'm just saying willpower and self control wise), and as long as i'm watching my own ass I think i'd be alright on a bike.

Thanks again for the input guys. If anyone has anything else to add please do!

anything pro street , is not a good beginners bike, also anything raked will not turn to save your life, spence had a good point on cruisers being haevy and not as ''nimble'' as a sportbike!

Www.irishchoppers.com

yeah, i've seen IC's stuff, its pretty sick but too raked for my tastes.


And when i said prostreet i didnt mean as in a drag type prostreet, more like this:

Big Dog mastiff:



Big Dog Pitbull:



^^ My uncle had a candy apple red pitbull and I fell in love with it. I rode it, it was heavy but more maneuverable than the road king my father had at the time.

i know what you ment by pro street we have one were building in the shop right now,check out the honda inteceptor,there is the vtx in 13 or 1800 theres some decent bikes out there cheap money to if you got it

these folks all have valid info for ya. my first street bike was a gs550e. small, not a wheelie bike, easy to maneuver. my cruisers, the virago and intruder were heavier and didn't stop as fast and weren't as responsive as the sport bike. only tips i can think of is to try to take the safety course, ride with ESP (extra sensory perception), always look for an out (where would I go if something beyond my control were to happen), give yourself that cushion (margin for error) like don't tailgate cuz cars drive over things that you can't adjust for if you can't react to it in time, you can't stop as fast as a car can due to physics (they have more rubber contact with the road). road hazard awareness, puddles, sand, gravel...all stuff waiting to happen. cruisers aren't really safer. my cousin has a plate in his head from a harley accident. drive ahead of you, never overdrive your line of sight curves can be nasty. never overdrive your skill level. god sakes don't drink and drive on a bike...you will think you are superman until gravity or inertia take over. watch peoples heads, they indicate sometimes what they are going to do. just cuz they look at you don't mean they see you. especially those on the phone or older. bikes are fast, people have trouble judging how much room to give you when they pull out. ride at least a couple of seasons before you start pushing your skills...have fun!

*predominantly sportbike forum here

I've ridden A LOT of different bikes. I have no problem with maneuverability on cruisers (Harley or metric). The only bike I would not recommend are the raked out choppers with big cube motors (at least not to start), those tend to be more of a chore to ride. Sport bikes do handle better and brake better but I disagree with the comments of a sportbike being easier to get out of a "Situation" with.... bottom line, as mentioned, is all bikes are dangerous. Get what you're comfortable on! Be comfortable, wear gear no matter what bike you choose and ride safe. And as mentioned—take the MSF class!

I think us more experienced riders wouldn't have much trouble wrestling a cruiser out of a pinch, but if given a choice, I'd certainly rather be on a sportbike!

But comfort is a big deal too. If you're riding and uncomfortable, you're distracted and that's never good.

LOL didnt you just overhaul ur bike!!!??? why are u sellin cracka?

I'm actually considering gettin rid of the RC51 in favor of a Chopper!

All this is very good advice i have read so far. all i can add is pick a bike 'you' want after all its your money! stick to less crowded roads until u get to know the bike how it turns and handles.
as for me i ride like everyone on the road wants me dead. I keep a very safe distance when following behind a bike/automobile. i slow down when it looks like a person might shoot out infront of me even though they usually dont . basically be 1 step ahead of everyone else.

After a 1-2 hr ride im usally very tired not as in physically but mentally. im constanly looking everywhere making sure the path ahead is safe. mind u im not even talking about wildlife/road hazzards. You should enjoy the ride and i know the way i ride is a bit extreme to most but it has served me good for 10years now . best of luck on your bike choice and ride safe!

ya on your bike you have to look ahead just to keep the front tire on the ground!!! stretch that bitch out and lets see what she can really do???


i know you want to!! ha ha just busting your chops buddy!!

im game just give me your credit card ### and ill be good to go

because i need a big boy bike...my little 600 cant keep up...its a great beginner bike and looks good

With my own personal experience I would have to suggest skipping the 600cc completely and going for a 750cc or 1000cc to begin with. I'm around your size (5'11'' 215lbs) and I already find myself out growing the 600 and wishing I had gotten something bigger to begin with. Especially if you plan on having a girl on the back of it from time to time. 600's are just horrible to ride with passengers in my opinion, they are weighed down way too much. I am so cramped on mine, the back of my knees start cramping up... it just sucks. I plan on trading mine in during the winter probably for a 1000 or a Hayabusa so I can ride more comfortably for longer distances and not feel so damn sluggish when I take the wife out for rides. The problem is now I need to come up with $2,000 just so I don't end up upside down on the next bike loan. I wish I would have gone bigger in the first place.