[Poolboy]

During the fall of 2007 I took a basic riding course. I wanted to find out if I would like riding a motorcycle and if an old teen (age 61) could do it. I did pretty well in the course but there were some areas that I was weak in. Not a surprise for someone who had never been on a motor cycle before. So I took the course again 2 weeks later. I now am convinced that I want a bike.

The bike that they had us ride was a 250 Honda. I am thinking that maybe a used bike in the 500 to 750 category would make sense.

I am 6'0" 250 pounds, inseam 30"

Does this seem logical? Any suggestions? I have decided that I need to get a bike and mount up before April 27 so that I will still be 61 and not have really gotten old and moved to 62. lol. I live in northern Illinois and hopefully the snow, ice, and cold will be gone soon.


Also I need to get going as soon as possible so I can get a 1000 to 1500 miles loged on so I can move up to my second bike. When you start at 61 you do not have time to mess around.

 

[Poolboy]

Do you have places where you can ride off road? You might consider a dual purpose bike like the Suzuki DRZ400. They are easy to ride and excellent learners. A bit weak if you do a lot of Interstate. In that case a 650 dual purpose bike like a SR650 or a KLR650 is a good choice. Dirt practice will give you confidence in handling the bike without worrying about Joe 6pack in his cage.

Be sure to get all the gear... helmet, armored Jacket, pants and sturdy boots.

I had not thought of off the road riding, but I do have a place where I could do off the road riding. As for gear I knew about helmet, jacket, pants, and boots. One of the insturctors showed us his armored jacket--it was also water proof so would not have to lug along separate rain gear--. Liked the idea of the armored jacket it held up well for one of the instructors in his "not planned adventure with guard rail". He was sure and convinced me that he would have had a lot more serious injuries with out the protection of helmet and armored jacket& pants. Which fits into why I went to a school to learn how to ride instead of just picking up things from a friend.

Since I have been in the education field for 38 years I realize that sometimes those that are trained to teach and the training materials may have some valuable knowledge to pass along, especially to newbies. I also was hoping not to learn too many bad habits.:-D

 

[Poolboy]

The Dual Purpose bikes are a great start. You can buy very good models from the mid 90s and up and never have to go over the $3000 mark. Otherwise, a great selection for used mid-sized cruiser would be a Suzuki C50 or a Kawasaki VN800. They are about the size of a Harley Fatboy in dimension (you'll be comfortable for your size). They have execllent reliability and you can find good 2002 and up models for less than $4500. So- pick the style you'd like and you're off.

BTW- we are a bunch of wise cracker's here. Cynicism and sarcasm along with wit and humor are main stays in this place- Welcome to the jungle.
Kirk

You mean to say that when someone told me I should, as a beginner, look for a motorcycle with a pull rope starter that possibly he was pulling my leg. lol

 

[Poolboy]

I also appreciate the knuckle head.....which I know is a kind of engine besides being his way of thinkiing. As a person dealing with the public for 40 years I meet some knuckle heads and sorry to say they were not a kind of engine. My step dad had an Indian and it did not have 2 legs but had 2 wheels. Too bad he sold it long before I was around.

 

[Poolboy]

KLR 650 is a great learning tool that you may have to buy a new friend for instead of letting it go for the new friend. I sold mine when I upgraded and still wish I hadnt. Whats better than one bike? More bikes! If your tall enough, pick up a dual sport then decide if you want to sell it when its upgrade time. Most Dual sports survive being dropped with little to no damage (thats dropped, not crashed) and you can go almost anywhere, learning in less dangerous surroundings. They are great for the quick fishing / camping trip or just farting around town. The added height comes in handy in traffic and the wide bars and light front end make handling almost telepathic.

For gear start out with the Joe rocket stuff as its cheap and works quite well. If riding is definitely for you, buy a two piece Aerostich Roadcrafter and never look back.

When people complain about the price of good gear, I always tell them to price a skin graft. Puts things in perspective right there.

Riding gear can be very hot on hot days, but I would think not as "hot" as road rash can be.

 

[Poolboy]

riding before you buy

I can understand why they do not want to. But it is too bad that you can not get a chance, at least I do not think you can, but then again I am very new and have certainly not checked all the shops around me, to try different bikes and bike styles before you settle on buy one.

Like you can do with cars. Now I know the chances of dumping a car is (hopefully) not as big of a chance as with a bike but how are you to know how a style of bike rides and then how a particular bike rides.

I have only ridden the Honda 250 nighthawk and Honda 250 Rebel. So I can figure out how a bigger engine Honda might feel, but how am I know how a dirty bike for example or any of the other bikes mentioned in here feels and rides.

Even 3K is a lot for me to spend and then find out that I do not like or can not ride the bike.

Makes it difficult to get into the sport.

But then a few months ago I had no experiences at all so I am farther ahead than I was then.