About Cars,Trucks and Motorcyles

[BFloFoxRider.]

So im finally going to take the class to get my drivers permit.. I'd like to get my motorcycle license also, just to have it...
I was just curious what one would reccomend for a first vehicle.. I like the Tacoma's and Rangers, but i was thinking a GSX-r or WR250X or something of that nature would be more cost friendly, and i could borrow my grandparents truck when i needed to ride.
Any input? Does anyone ride a streetbike and have a truck?
I was hoping only to spend around 6k or so when i decide to purchase in 6 months to a year or so

[coldbrews]

Not sure that a street bike should be your first ride?

[BFloFoxRider.]

Originally Posted by coldbrews

Not sure that a street bike should be your first ride?

Me either, but i figured with gas prices and whatnot.. i mean i could always use the extra vehicle, but id like to have my own means in case there is a bind and i need to get somewhere.
Honestly, i think i could get by being on a motorcycle, i would just have to be observant, which i am...
i was just throwing ideas around

[coldbrews]

Beside it being dangerous for a first vehicle, how would you carry your bicycle around?

[BFloFoxRider.]

Originally Posted by coldbrews

Beside it being dangerous for a first vehicle, how would you carry your bicycle around?

on my back

No, for biking i would use the truck or expedition, since my grandparents only use either or on any given day.. but if for some reason they go somewhere seperate and there were no vehicles and i needed to get to work or soemthing, id like to have a truck or motorcycle cuz of gas prices soaring

[2wheel_lee]

You may be surprised to hear that many motorcycles and freeway-legal scooters really don't get as great of gas mileage as you'd think. Additionally, street bikes generally require more maintenance and tires more frequently.

Brandon, I work for a company that produces motorcycles. I often see motorcycle accidents on the freeway. I've also lost immediate coworkers, other employees in the company, and friends to some of these accidents. And because motorcyclists usually don't come out well in accidents, I'd strongly advise that you don't commute on a motorcycle.

Perhaps the new law in July that makes holding a cell phone to your ear unlawful will help, there are just too many damned people who either don't pay attention or who are too righteous to respect motorcycle riders.

Stick with a car or a truck.

[kevinator]

I ride a streetbike (Aprilia Falco, liter twin) and have a Dakota pickup that I use for mtb. I'll eventually get a ramp. From what you described I would go with a dual sport. Pavement or dirt, lightweight, sips gas and is a hoot to ride.
Do the safety training class for your M endorsement and try to use their bikes. Typically 250cc or smaller and they handle the cones/stops better than a larger street bike at the DMV. However if you drop it in class, you're history. Taking that class made a huge difference when I started riding 10 years ago. I can't stress that enough. Doesn't make your environment less hazardous but sure makes you more aware when riding.

[Blue Rat]

Check out this link: http://www.leaseguide.com/Articles/cars-for-teens.htm

[FyrFytrRyn]

i currently own 3 vehicles, a '90 dyna, a 89 elite 80, and my ranger. i have my m1 and class B licence/ ambulance cert. (thinking about a class A) you will have to take the safety course, especially if your under 21 to get your m1. you can get an m2 on a scooter w/o the course (i think). i didnt take it because i took my test when i turned 21, and consider myself a skilled rider and driver, not only in the performance/racing aspect, but in the commuting and street driving aswell. ive been riding the harley almost everyday all over so. cal. riding a bike on the street is a blast, i love it. but you also have to think about how dangerous it is, its not usually the rider thats at fault, its the person that hits them. i def. wouldnt suggest a GSXR as a first bike. if anything get one of those ninja 250cc, or a scoot. ive had a few friends that went right into 1000 cc bikes, and 2 have been hospitalized. heres my 1989 elite 80cc. with the pipe, intake, jetting, and rollers/variators, it will pull 55mph on the flats with me (200 lbs) on it. thkn about it brandon, these scooters are ILL, and they pull chicks!

[Rockinthecasbah]

I ride a Sv1000 around on occasion but would never want to have that as my only choice. When im on a street bike I need to be super alert and aware of my surroundings I would never want to roll out of bed and hop onto traffic on a bike, get a old toy pickup or something like that decent mileage and pratical

[bikerider]

I've got a ducati monster. I do commute on it 2-3 days a week and ride the bicycle at least once a week (50 mile round trip commute). I do have a car and wouldn't recommend a motorcycle as your primary transportation. Winter sucks and riding in the rain is worse, so get a car.

Having said that gas mileage is good (50 mpg) but the costs to maintain, tires, insurance and etc, don't make it cost effective. When you have disposable income get the motorcycle. And don't get a GSX-R, go for a ninja 250, 75 mpg! When gas hits $8 a gallon, then the motorcycle will be totally cost effective.

[HUGH]

Originally Posted by BFloFoxRider.

So im finally going to take the class to get my drivers permit.. I'd like to get my motorcycle license also, just to have it...
I was just curious what one would reccomend for a first vehicle.. I like the Tacoma's and Rangers, but i was thinking a GSX-r or WR250X or something of that nature would be more cost friendly, and i could borrow my grandparents truck when i needed to ride.
Any input? Does anyone ride a streetbike and have a truck?
I was hoping only to spend around 6k or so when i decide to purchase in 6 months to a year or so

OK.... Here we go!!!
A little about me first. I have been on a motorcycle since I was 6. My first street motorcycle was at 16 (yamaha FJ1200). Been through 15 bikes since then(mostly GSXRs). I'm an instructor for race bikes on the track. My mom rides a Honda crzr and my sister Rides a Honda F4i. I have over 200,000 miles on the street(not much). I could go on but you get the picture.
I wish I could tell you Motorcycles are safe. I have lost many friends to motorcycles. I have seen the life leave a few riders with my own eyes! I have friends with many injuries from motorcycles. They are not the safest thing.
I LOVE RIDING MOTORCYCLES!!! I commute on mine as much as possible. Long trips with my bicycle on back is the best! Riding with my mom and sister down PCH, words can't describe. If I'm having a bad day at work and I open my blinds in my office and look out and see my bike.....



The day just seems to get better and my face starts to hurt from my huge smile!
So I say If you want a bike, get it!!! But please be careful. Know that you have to ride with the mentality that everyone is out to hit you (including family members). Be very aware of your surroundings at all times. Also, when you are done with the motorcycle class you are NOT a motorcycle rider! You have a certificate that you can ride in a parking lot in 1st and 2nd gear! There is so much more to riding a motorcycle!



HUGH

[Justin]

Think about an entry level cruiser if you want to get a motorcycle. And DEFINITELY take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. They are subsidized by major motorcycle manufacturers, so they are fairly cheap (less than 250?). They will provide the helmet, gloves, and bike. All you need is a long sleeve, jeans, and boots that cover your ankles.

I LOVE my motorcycle, but it is very dangerous, and you definitely shouldn't get a super fast bike for your first one.

[Zippy]

My sole mode of transportation for a year and a half was a 1000cc motorcycle. Commuting on it and doing all of your errands and such on it is possible, just not easy. DeeZee is right that maintenanace is much higher on a bike: chains wear out, tires wear out, oil changes ain't cheap. and z-rated street bike tires are EXPENSIVE.

Don't get me wrong, I love riding and I miss it a lot. I'm just saying it's more of a "fun thing to have" than a necessity.

As for the danger factor: every single one of my riding buddies has gone down. Every....single....one. Injuries range from bruised pride to femur fractures. Nobody sees you. Period.

My advice? Get a cheap-a$$ Toyota pick up and drive the wheels off it. You have plenty of time to ride a motorcycle.

BTW, both of my bikes ('97 CBR 900RR and an '03 RC51) were stolen from college (Mt SAC). DO NOT EVER leave your bike where you can't see it.

[FyrFytrRyn]

mmm, rc51....

[Zippy]

Originally Posted by FyrFytrRyn

mmm, rc51....

I loved that bike. I was very close to tears when it got stolen.

[2wheel_lee]

Off subject, but it does pertain to the RC51. We just had an employee charity sale at my work, and lost of brand new RC51 and CGR600RR stuff went for fractions of a penny on the dollar. It was sickening. An example, complete wheels were $5 each. Plastic was equally cheap.

I remember my last few rides on my old CBR600. I remember specifically thinking about specific situations where if I were paying only slightly less attention, I would have been a statistic.

As Hugh was saying, it's great riding a motorcycle when all is good, and that really is the case most of the time. But it's the one time when things go wrong that can drastically change your life.

[Au575]

Originally Posted by FyrFytrRyn

mmm, rc51....

Me likey, too (nearly bought one a few years ago, but ended up with a sweet deal on a Multistrada).



On the moto versus car as primary transport issue: listen to the experienced riders above. I did the moto-only thng for while in college and ended up hating it. About the only real advantage was the easier parking on campus. The gas/maintenance cost differential wasn't so great as to make up for the lack of trunk or roof.

I love my current moto, and plan on keeping it as part of the stable - including the weekly Friday commute (unless there are plans for a happy hour) - but I'm not into one-vehicle relationships.

AND I'll take the preachy tone: For crap sake, don't buy a Gixxer or other sportbike as your first motorcycle. No $$$ savings and a huge increase in the likelihood that you'll stuff it.

A sweet Vespa with a coffee cup holder on the handlebars - yes. A plastic rocket - no.