Calling all motorcyclists! I want one, need advice...

[BlaRo]

So I've been bitten by the motorcycle bug and I really want one now. Mostly for a few reasons: they're efficient, they're cheap, they're light, they might kill me, I'm sick of missing the bus 4 times in the morning when I really gotta get to class (my dorm is a mile from the campus ), and chicks dig 'em. I've been looking at used standard/naked or sport bikes at around the $2500 or less range, and I've found:

1. Kawasaki Ninja 250, $2500
2. Honda CB250 Nighthawk $1500

The Nighthawk, from what I've heard, is a great beginner's bike, but only 20hp doesn't seem a lot considering that the Ninja has twice that. Plus, and this is subjective, the Ninja looks way cooler, and as an easily amused college student that's big in my book. That leads me to a few questions:

1. Would a Ninja 250 make a good beginner's bike as compared to the Nighthawk?
2. Do I need a NY State Driver's License in order to have a Motorcycle License? EDIT: Never mind, I got my NY State License already. Don't have to worry about that anymore. 8)
3. Is insurance mandatory like for cars?
4. Is it possible to ride a bike in the rain? How about on a freeway in the rain?
5. Can I use headphones and an iPod in my helmet while riding? Is this illegal?
6. Anything about maintenance? How many miles before I have to check belts, chains, change oil, etc?

Sorry about the stupid questions, but I just want to know as much as possible.







Honda CB250 Nighthawk



Kawasaki Ninja 250



Any other information will be appreciated. There's gotta be some bikers here, help me out!

[burnsy]

2. Do I need a NY State Driver's License in order to have a Motorcycle License?

you do in Indiana, as i have one, but don't know about NY

3. Is insurance mandatory like for cars?

i think so, but you might have to find out for your state.

4. Is it possible to ride a bike in the rain? How about on a freeway in the rain?

yes, but one very small patch of tread doesn't necessarily keep you on upright

5. Can I use headphones and an iPod in my helmet while riding? Is this illegal?

don't see why not, but i would find that dangerous as you might not hear something important.

6. Anything about maintenance? How many miles before I have to check belts, chains, change oil, etc?

this info would be in the user manual, and probably is dependent on the bike. belts usually last longer than chains, and chains need tightening over time.

i learned to ride from Abate of Indiana. there's a riders course designed to teach you basic skills. there's an Abate of NY: http://www.abateny.org/
it does cost you something to take it, but i think it would be beneficial as you get to bypass the riding test at the BMV as they test you at Abate, and give you a card.

[KaJuN]

Hey I hear you with the long walk to campus. Happened to me two years in a row.

From what I hear, a 250 starts feeling like a moped pretty darn fast. It might be worth it to check out some used bikes around the 500cc range. Heck I'm learning on a 650 and it doesn't scare me, but to each his own. As far as the other questions go, here's what it's like in Ohio anyway:
You are allowed to listen to music on a bike. Actually, a lot of the jackets now come with pockets for iPods.
Insurance is the same deal you get with cars; you need it.
Rain is doable on a bike, just watch out for any paint markings and oil on the road.
It'd be a good idea to get a repair manual to help with maintenance. A lot of the stuff is real easy to do.

[Ultra_Kool_Dude]

Hooray! Another Biker!

From my understanding, both of your bikes should be excellent beginner bikes. What I would do is get a Ninja with a few scratches on the fairing (if you don't mind that much). This should save you at least a few hundred dollars, and you won't mind if/when you drop it.

You probably will need a motorcycle license/permit - which is pretty easy to get (in Ontario at least). You also will need insurance, which should be cheap for a smallish bike.

Biking in the rain is absolutely fine (and sort of fun) - even on the highway. The exception to this is if it is cold and raining. The one thing to look out for is oil and water, which can be slick.

Headphones/ipod is common for bikers - no problem. There are article floating around on how to do it. It's not any more illegal than listening to your radio in your car.

Maintenance on a Jap bike in good condition is minimal. Oil your chain once or twice a season. I changed my oil every 3 thousand kms, but a smaller bike should be way less.

Edit: KaJuN might be right about a 500cc bike being more fun. It's a tradeoff between performance and price.

[bone]

Originally Posted by BlaRo

they're cheap

they are NOT!
tires, petrol, gears and chain, insurance

that all costs a lot of money

[KaJuN]

Originally Posted by bone

they are NOT!
tires, petrol, gears and chain, insurance

that all costs a lot of money

You can eliminate the gears and chain if you can find a bike with shaft drive. It gives you less maintenance and a smoother ride. My old Yamaha's got one.

[Jon]

Originally Posted by bone

they are NOT!
tires, petrol, gears and chain, insurance

that all costs a lot of money

But no where near as much as a car..

I'm thinking of getting a bike too, CBR600 ..properly kill myself straight from the get-go.

[avanti]

Get a bigger bike, 250 is like a moped.

The perfect beginners bike is the Honda CBR600, it is sporty and comfortable, perfect for every occasion, and since it is a honda, they last forever, I don't know how much you would have to pay for one where you are but it is definately worth it. Plus, chicks don't dig bikes below 500cc...

Here in europe there are different licenses depending on the size of the bike, one for 125cc, one for bikes with up to 34hp and then there is the unlimited one. If you are old enough get the last one.

And regarding size, you can kill yourself just as easy on a 250 nighthawk as on a Hayabusa, it all depends on the pilot..

I have a Suzuki GSX-R750, the ultimate hooligan tool, it was my first bike, I have never had a accident or any problems handling that bike. If you have respect for the power and know your own limitations you'll be fine.

[BlitzR]

Chicks go for the size of your bike. Thats a new one.

[gtrietsc]

I had a Ninja 500 for a few years. A lot of fun, and I did my research before buying it, as it was my first bike. Here is what I learned:

0) TAKE THE MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course FIRST! You will get proper training for riding, and a chance to see if it is really for you. Its fun, about $100, and they provide the bike (usually a 250cc) and helmet. Plus after you complete it, you get an insurance discount, and it may be easier to get your motorcycle license - at least is does in Texas.

1) If its a first bike, check insurance FIRST on anything you want to get. Sport bikes cost the most. Anything 500cc or greater takes a HUGE leap in cost to insure. This is where the Ninja 500 shines - its engine size is actually 499cc!

2) Look for reliability. You dont want to have to be fixing stuff all the time. Again, I bought a Ninja 500 because it has proven reliability, and the design has barely changed over the years, so parts are relatively cheap compared to some other bikes.

3) Never skimp on proper riding protection. If its only a mile to class, you will think, "Oh, I dont need to wear my riding jacket, its so hot today anyway..." Dont do that! Thankfully, I didnt have to find that one out the hard way.

[bone]

Originally Posted by gtrietsc

2) Look for reliability. You dont want to have to be fixing stuff all the time. Again, I bought a Ninja 500 because it has proven reliability, and the design has barely changed over the years, so parts are relatively cheap compared to some other bikes.

so ducati is out

[teletubby-warrior]

Don't buy a bike...just throw yourself off of a truck at cruising speed. Same experience for less money!

[mautzel]

Originally Posted by avanti

The perfect beginners bike is the Honda CBR600

...but only if you've been driving something motorised on two wheels before for some time - I don't think that there are any restrictions on hp in the States, so setting off on a (very good) sports bike with min. 100hp might get you in huge trouble if you aren't extremely carefully.

Don't know about insurance and running costs in the U.S., but if you want to do little more than driving the stretch to your campus, I'd recommend something in the 500cc range.

Driving a bike in bad weather hugely depends in what you find yourself comfortable with. It's obviously extremely difficult on icy roads, but good clothing will be able to keep temperatures on a comfortable level even in -5°, and good rain suits will be able to keep you completely dry even in heavy rain.

And now for something completely different: have you ever been riding a motorbike before or is cycling the most you've done on two wheels so far?

[BlaRo]

Thanks for the advice guys!

Originally Posted by avanti

And regarding size, you can kill yourself just as easy on a 250 nighthawk as on a Hayabusa, it all depends on the pilot..

True dat. But you wouldn't give a TVR Sagaris to a 16-year old who just got his learner's permit, would you?

mautzel: I haven't done any motorcycle riding before, just bicycles. I rode my friend's 70's Puch moped once...

...which is why I should draw the limit at anything over 550cc. I'm really leaning toward the Ninja 250 because it looks cool (hopefully the chicks won't notice that it's a 250) and there's a lot of them being sold around my home for about $2000. They're all relatively new, as well, all 03s to 05s.

But what about older bikes, like from the 80's? I found a 1980 Honda CM 400 that's going for $900. Unfortunately, the online ad doesn't say anything, but would something older like that be a good choice?


Once again, thanks. I should probably be concentrating on getting my license first. Thanks for the ABATE link burnsy!

[Jon]

Originally Posted by avanti

The perfect beginners bike is the Honda CBR600.

What did i say.. 8)

[bone]

yamaha rd350 with powervalves

only 350cc, 59 hp, but at the lights, you smoke an R1 8)
(and it's 2 stroke )

and it looks so mad if you ask me

[avanti]

Originally Posted by bone

yamaha rd350 with powervalves

only 350cc, 59 hp, but at the lights, you smoke an R1 8)
(and it's 2 stroke )

and it looks so mad if you ask me

Are you crazy,
the rd doesn't even come close!

[bone]

no? hmm, that's the reputation it has over here

every biker has like that little extra respect for the rd, the monster from their young days

and of course once in 3rd gear, the R1 will be long gone, but those rd's seem to be insane on powerpickup and takeoff

never driven one though (a friend bought one a while ago, but took the engine right out to put under his banshee)

[mautzel]

Originally Posted by BlaRo

mautzel: I haven't done any motorcycle riding before, just bicycles. I rode my friend's 70's Puch moped once...

...which is why I should draw the limit at anything over 550cc.

That's the right thing to do in this case!