OT: Question about motorcycles and scooters
Never owned a motorcycle or scooter. I'm moving to Florida in the next year and plan on getting one or the other but am hesitant because of my inexperience. I'm not looking to spend a ton of money and am definitely looking to buy something that's easy to drive. I have never had a speeding ticket in my life. I am not interested in going fast or doing tricks, etc. Just looking for something to get around town now and again.
Thus far I've looked at the Sym motorcycles and the SSR Rowdy scooter.
Any suggestions on what to look for or what to buy? Looking for something simple and relatively inexpensive.
it's like a motor assisted bicycle, and no more difficult to control.
Thumbs up for the GROM! I bought two last year (one for me and one for my wife), but those max out in the 55-60 mph range. For a starter bike I would recommend something like a Honda Shadow 600 for a cruiser, or a Ninja 250 for a sport bike.
Scooters are higher profile while street bikes are a lot lower. May not seem like a big deal, but the lower center of gravity on a motorcycle makes for a more comfortable ride as well as easier balance and manueverability. 2 cents.
Definately get a Hayabusa. you will never regret getting it as long as you live.
That name brings back memories...
Those cut scenes were epic back in 1989.
I agree with most of what's been said. A cruiser style bike is usually more comfortable and has a lower seat height than similar size sport or sport standards. Unless you are a very large person, don't listen to people saying that you can't be comfortable on anything under X engine size. My wife and I put over 60K miles on a 600 sport standard riding in all kinds of road conditions. As someone who hates caring for chains, I would recommend a shaft drive bike but that's just my preference.
If you are mainly running around town, a scooter is the way to go. Better mpg and most are automatic. Don't get anything under a 150cc if you want to go over about 45-50 mph. My dad has a Stella 150 that will cruise at about 55 to 60 but that's with an aftermarket exhaust system and it's 2 stroke.
I really hope that you take a safety course, even if it isn't required wherever you end up getting licensed. It will give you skills and confidence you need to enjoy your riding experience. I still follow the advice my dad gave me 25 years ago when I started riding. Expect every car you see to pull out in front of you!! I hope you enjoy whatever bike you choose.
Agree. I'd say the 300-500cc engine family would be good for starter bikes. You're looking for something that doesn't have too much power and get an inexperienced rider in trouble. Also you'll want something lighter that a new rider won't have too much difficulty physically handling. You won't be able to travel long distances comfortably on smaller bikes but they would be good for shorter commutes or navigating urban environments.
Honda has the CB lineup in both the 300cc and 500cc engine size and are fairly inexpensive and easy to ride bikes.
Have you priced 1970s CBs lately? Apparently they are very popular with the hipsters and their prices have gone through the roof.
I believe that but I was mainly referring to the new CB's that can be had for $4,000(ish) or under.
I wouldn't recommend older bikes to newer riders unless you were mechanically inclined. Older bikes can be cool but if you need someone else to wrench it can be hard to find someone. A lot of service departments won't touch the older stuff.
I forgot about the new CBs. I get what you're saying about older bikes too. My daily rider is an '83 and I keep asking myself why I don't get something new.
Vespas for charm, and are pretty much bullet proof, really well-made machines. We have one that we bought when we moved to Tallahassee, and it has really provided my family with some fun--my daughter is a teenager now, but still loves to get on the back and go for Sunday drives with me. The 125 is great (it gets 105 miles to the gallon); the Stella and the Kick both have classic lines, like old and more recent Italian models. There is now also a 170 that I have flirted with, but the 125 goes 60 miles an hour and can get you out of trouble if need be (my advice--do not get an underpowered machine):
http://www.genuinescooters.com/buddy170i.html
Completely agree with others who say that Florida drivers are all over the map--angry poor people, dumb students, and elderly people who drive at a snail's pace. I only ride in my neighborhood and in nearby downtown, and never during peak traffic. Taking a class helped me be a better rider, and is recommended.
The ones I've owned (and it's been a ling time) were fast and reliable.
Pretty sure she comes with the bike if you pay cash.
so Ohio. There'd be a guaranteed one person with jorts if this were Fla.
and that guy looks like my neighbor..........all of my neighbors.
Quirky, wish I still had it.
Looks like a motorcycle, operates like a scooter:
She had a knee replacement so I got her a Can-Am Spyder... The reverse feature is huge for her.
This one is mine. It's a Harley Night Rod Special & just an awsome machine.
Got the Can-Am & the Harley used with low miles (around 4,000 miles on each) & saved big $.
Awesome bike. The Night Rod is somewhat of an unconventional Harley, but I think they pulled it off brilliantly. I just got my second bike, a 2017 Low Rider S
and get a can-am spyder
That doesn't really fit the "not wanting to spend a lot of money" requirement. The stickers on those "bikes" are ridiculous. Might as well just buy a nice used convertible. Sorry, rant over.
you can find decent low mile ones in the $6,000 - $10,000 range.
But yea, more expensive than a $2,500 Honda 650 cc
the Can-ams and trikes, but I say if it lets a 70-year-old biker stay on the road, why the hell not? This is my plan in 20 years or so. :)
Take a motorcycle class. I think they are free/ cheap from the State (depends on the state, obviously). When I took my class, we used 250cc bikes as starters. You could always get one of those.
In terms of the actual motorcycle, anything that is under 750cc (not a crotch rocket) and is comfortable to you, should be fine.
I bought my first bike last year and decided on a 1992 Honda Nighthawk 750. I love it. It's built like a tank. It's easy to ride. It has all the power you need but not too much. It's a great bike.
Take a class and get your endorsement. Always wear your gear. Eveytime I ride my bike someone almost hits me. Be hype raware and the risk is worth the reward.
Shouldn't this be in the "Motorcycle Monday" thread?
Stick only to name brands. There are scooter shops all over the place down here that sell no name chinese crap at tempting prices, don't do it, a part will break and you'll be pushing that crap home. Stick to honda suzuki yamaha etc. a Yamaha Zuma would be a good example or a Honda ruckus, a bit odd looking but I think they're cool.
As an alternative here they have the drunk driver special, an electric scooter, since no motor and can't go very fast no license is required so anyone can drive without a license.
Eventually you and a car will collide. Regardless of who's at fault, basic physics guarantees that you will come out on the losing end of that meeting.
I've been riding for 9 years (since I graduated from Michigan, an NX650 was my graduation present to myself), and used bikes to commute in the Bay Area and Atlanta.
#1 suggestion no one has mentioned yet: take the MSF's Basic Rider Course. I took one at WCC for like $25, but they've got courses all over the country. This a cheap, excellent way to be introduced to motorcycles. You can work the kinks out without worrying about dropping your brand new bike. It will also absolutely let you know if you actually want a bike, or if maybe you'd prefer an automatic scooter, or maybe none of the above. Fair warning - there's a chance it hooks you bad and you buy a bike the next day :)
#2 suggestion is to consider dual sport motorcycles like the KLR650 or DL650, especially if you're a tall guy. They have a much more comfortable riding position than a sport bike, and some of the standard cruisers can be small for a big guy just from a space standpoint.
#3, some people have said things like 'oh, nothing bigger than a 1200cc'. A bike's performance depends on a lot more than displacement, but unless you weigh 300+ pounds that is a BIG bike. 800 cc can be a BIG bike. My first bike was a 650cc single cylinder. When my wife started, she started on a 500cc twin. Buying some giant 800cc + bike could not only be dangerous, it could be harder to learn (big, heavy thing to throw around).
#4, be careful about riding with others. Even if they have the best intentions, it's easy to get swept up in trying to keep up with someone. Most of the accidents I've seen have been on group rides. 'Ride your own ride'.
Agree with just about everything here.
+1 on the dual sport mention. I've owned a KLR 650 in the past and currently have a Honda XR650 in my stable. Good bikes plus you can drive off the beaten path, literally.
I agree with those that note urban areas in Florida are a particularly hazardous area to learn to ride. Older and distracted drivers often will not see a motorcyle, so defensive driving skills are essential.
Also, consider that sudden tropical rain storms are a common occurrence in Florida. Riding a motorcycle or scooter in the rain or wet roads is very hazardous particularly for a new rider due to the reduced traction and visibility.
Let's try to quantify some of the risks of a new rider on a motorcycle.
http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2012/04/17/243879.htm
For motorcycle riders, their first 30 days are about four times more risky than their entire second year, said Matthew Moore, vice president of the Highway Loss Data Institute. “It’s most likely inexperience. Operating a motorcycle is a fairly complex task.” For example, he said, pulling out on a hill requires a half-dozen actions: balancing on one foot, braking to keep the bike from rolling back, shifting gear, feathering the throttle, watching for traffic and releasing the clutch.
An institute study showed 22 percent of nearly 57,000 collision claims from 2003 to 2007 occurred in the first 30 days after an insurance policy took effect. The claim rate dropped one-third in the second month and almost two-thirds after six months.
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Riders learning at middle age may be at greater risk.
https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/10/a-new-risk-of-middle-age-dyin…
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I have encountered most of the dangerous situations in the linked article below. A motorcycle training course is helpful for the basics, but does not usually adequately prepare a rider to react properly in emergency situations.
https://rideapart.com/articles/10-common-motorcycle-accidents-and-how-t…
the organ donors. They ride aggressively and there is too much traffic, I have seen one guy sprawled out on US19, a pretty disturbing sight. I have also seen them riding wheelies and racing across bridges between counties where no police are.
some questions before you commit to a bike. Depending on the area big city or smaller one. Don't do a scooter, you'll want to see the country side as there are great roads (yea they exists) that can take you a day or a week to travel. You will in no time kiss the pavement with a scooter and limit your traveling. Suggest you get down here and spend some time talking to the locals who own and travel with them. I'm in St Pete and Ferg's has a Alumni club that meets there for ball games. No way in hell if your heading to the east coast get a bike, a Hummer will do fine.
I live in a dense neighborhood in San Diego. There arguably couldn't be a more idyllic area in the continental US to take a bike out on the open road, but living in a dense neighborhood, I don't want to disturb every neighbor and ruin everyone's outdoor lunch because I, one person, want to ride a bike. I'm assuming there are, but I somehow never see or hear them.
but the noise alerts oher vehicles to your presence where they may not see you, like in a blind spot, better they hear you coming.
Triumph, BMW, Honda, Yamaha, etc. Even many unmodified Harley's are relatively quiet. It's the modified ones that are annoying compensators. For example, a new Iron 883 is not loud at all, but a new Iron 883 with Vance & Hynes can be pretty loud.
Are there quiet motorcycles? Absolutely. I'd say that a majority of stock motorcycles are not loud. Like mentioned, a lot of people buy aftermarket exhausts that increase the noise. Some buy for legitimate performance gains but a lot just think it sounds cool.
Also, I don't think there is scientific data to suggest that "Loud pipes save lives". I've owned a number of bikes and do all the maintenance/mods/wrenching myself. I personally do not like annoyingly loud bikes.
I think it was about 5 years ago maybe in Clinton Township, a guy was cruising along at maybe 45 mph, when some smart ass pulled up next to him & gunned it with his aftermarket exhaust. The original rider, just minding his own business, got startled & ditched his bike right there & died at the scene.
To be fair, it was not the exhaust that killed someone in this story, it was both the actions of the douchebag owner of the exhaust and the poor awareness and reflexes of the person who died.
I bought a motorcycle for much the same reason - primarily to get around Ann Arbor. It was great for that. Parking was awesome. I never had an accident (2 year period), but I imagine had I ridden it longer it would have eventually occurred. Respect the bike, DO NOT take other driver's behaviors for granted. Question and confirm their every move. And definitely take a class (was required in Michigan). Unlike other posters, I am in favor of a larger engine - around 800cc - if, of course, you follow the other rules. Often you need lots of get up to get out of a hairy situation. For that same reason, I would not get a scooter, though I am not you, and I have never ridden one. I just know that I like some gusto.
They are lots of fun, good luck.
I bought a brand new Indian Scout for $11,000 1,000CC. Sits low and handles amazing. Even has the old vintage look to it as well, which I dig.
A 250 or 300 is a good starter bike - fast enough to keep up with traffic (they can go up to 80 mph and you don't need to go faster than that) but light enough to put your foot down and keep it from tipping over on you. A new Honda Rebel or Yamaha 250 starts around $4,300. So a used one will be a lot less.
Definitely take the new rider safety class. It usually goes Sat and Sunday at a local community college. You gain a lot of knowledge quickly from the experienced teachers. The class usually uses 250s and you spend a lot of time on the bike.
Always wear your helmet.
Never, ever drink and ride.
Have fun and be safe.
1. Take a motorcycle safety course before your start.
2. If you're not interested in speeding, you don't need anything bigger than a 600 cc. Even a 250 cc is fun in the beginning. Most riders work their way up when they find they don't have enough top speed or acceleration. My 650R has a top speed of 130 mph and gets to 80 faster than most sports cars. Way more than I need.
3. If you have a lot stop signs or traffic lights, a scooter is a lot easier on your wrists. Motorcycles are ideal on open winding roads with no stop signs.
I decided to do that too about 2 years ago, I decided to start using a motorcycle as my car was giving me trouble and to me it didn't make sense to keep fixing the car when usually I was by myself in it and I had a lot of trouble finding parking spaces for my constant errands downtown. I never had a motorcycle and I remembered feeling really insecure when I had the chance to ride a 400 CC chopper bike that belonged to a friend as I'm not that big either at 5'9 and 150 lbs so I decided to buy something smaller. I bought a Bajaj Pulsar 220, As it's smallish, I have been riding the thing since then, sometimes I use the car for grocery shopping and carpooling but as for everything else I use the bike and it's been real fun. First thing I did when I got on it was crashing against the wall inside the garage as I wasn't too familiar with turning and hitting the gas at the same time, but after a week or so I started to feel real comfortable and now it comes as second nature. I still use the car to go out of town though as the 220 CC motor isn't enough to make me feel safe if I have to get on the highway.