View Full Version : Looking into getting a Motorcycle, Where do I start?
Other than playing around on Dirtbikes some as a kid, I have absolutely zero experience with Motorcycles.
I'm looking into getting one as a third vehicle, to be used 99% of the time for commuting to/from work.
What is involved in getting a License? (Do you have to buy the bike, then get the license, or do you get the license first... how exactly does that work?)
Do local Dealerships have Drivers Ed type courses for new Motorcycle Riders?
How expensive is Insurance?
For a basic, basic used bike, How much would one realistically expect to spend? I'm not looking to impress anyone or pick up chicks, Just looking for something to get me from point A to B.
I may end up going with a compact car or something instead, but I'd like to figure out what I'm looking at w/ a Motorcycle first in terms of cost/expense and difficulty.
I looked online for my area on how to go about getting a motorcycle license, and it seems pretty easy. The local community college offered a course that would get you your license, but you had to provide your own bike. The Harley dealership also offered a course, and they provide little Beulls to train on for their course. The Harley class was $300 and that included the cost of getting your license from the DMV. The community college cost was three hours at $86/hour.
I'd call my insurance agent to find out about insurance since you'd probably get a discount through them if you have your home and car insured through the same place.
As for used bikes I've been checking Craigslist every few days and dreaming. In my area I would be able to get a bike that would do my four mile commute pretty easily for under $2000. If I didn't mind doing some maintance on the bike it would be under $1000.
start here: http://home.earthlink.net/~ncmotorcyclesafety/NCMSEP%20WEB/NC%20Motorcycle%20Safety%20Home.htm (http://home.earthlink.net/%7Encmotorcyclesafety/NCMSEP%20WEB/NC%20Motorcycle%20Safety%20Home.htm)
Upon successful completion of the course:
Successful completion of the BRC will earn you a skills waiver card for the NCDMV. This means the DMV will not require you to take their motorcycle riding test. You will still be required to visit your local DMV office and take their written exam before being issued a motorcycle endorsement.
just be very grateful that those people are non teaching Web development.
One other thing, where do you plan on riding? If you're just going to be in town you can get away with a smaller cheaper bike. If you're going to be out on the highway or have an extended commute get a bigger bike.
One other thing, where do you plan on riding? If you're just going to be in town you can get away with a smaller cheaper bike. If you're going to be out on the highway or have an extended commute get a bigger bike.
Its maybe a 10 minute commute. I can take the Highway or surface streets to get there.
SincroFashad
06-30-08, 09:53 AM
I bought my first motorcycle when I was stationed in Hawaii. As I recall, all I needed to actually purchase the thing was a temp motorcycle permit, and the obligatory mandatory insurance. For me, I had never ridden a motorcycle or powered dirtbike until the day I bought mine. The dealership gave me a few pointers on how to actually start the thing, and do enough gear shifting to get myself home. Which, as you might imagine, was awfully interesting. :P
The base required a course, taught by the motorcycle safety foundation, in order to ride on base. I cannot recommend enough that you take a course either offered by them, or of a similar caliber. It was a fairly intense 4-day (8 hours a day evenly divided between classroom instruction and riding) which brought me well past the skill level needed to pass the ridden portion of the Hawaii motorcycle license test. If you already know how to drive a stick-shift car, you are a slight step ahead of everyone else. The big difference being your left foot shifts the gears, and your left hand does the clutch. Right hand is front-wheel brake + throttle, right foot is rear-wheel brake. The right hand brake/throttle combination is designed in such a way to make it nearly impossible to maintain or increase throttle accidently when trying to brake.
Different states will have different rules. Some will require a license before purchase, others will allow a temp permit. Some will require that you pass your ridden test on your own bike, others will require that you pass the ridden test on their bike.
As for the bike itself, there are three basic types: race-type bikes (also called crotch rockets or rice-burners), cruisers (which virtually any bike made by Harley will qualify as), and combo bikes, which are built a lot like cruisers, but higher revving and usually a *lot* lighter then the average cruiser. Race bikes are the cheapest, lightest and fastest, and absolutely the hardest to learn from scratch, because their center of gravity is extremely high off the ground. On the plus side, a 95 lb woman could probably pick one up if it fell over. Cruisers range from fairly small (my first one was a HD Sportster 883 which weighed about 550 lbs), to monstrous (HD Touring models all weigh over 800 lbs). Cruisers cost more then race bikes, although the cruisers offered by Yamaha and Honda are significantly cheaper then the ones made by HD or Indian. Combo bikes have the cruisers' lower center of gravity, tend to cost less then cruisers, with the detriment being (in my opinion) that they tend to be very cheaply made.
Your best bet, as much as it kills me to say it, is probably to try and find a 3-4 year old Honda or Yamaha cruiser. A quick KBB price search for my area listed a 2004 Honda Magna at $5080, a 2004 Yamaha V Star for $3895, and a 2004 HD Sportster 883 for $5100. Any of those would be a decent starter bike, in my opinion. Not so old that they'll have a zillion problems, and not so new as to cost you an arm and a leg. Any of them will probably get about 40+ mpg, too.
The biggest problem with becoming a motorcyclist is: We tend to go totally berserk over our bikes. I went, in 3 years time, from a very modest Sportster 883, to a completely tricked out Softail Nightrain which ended up running me, after all modifications, over 30k. :P Damn, but it looks bloody sweet, tho.
One last thing. Gear. No matter what anyone else tells you about how dumb it looks, pick up and wear an DOT-approved helmet + a good pair of leather gloves + a decent leather riding jacket. Any high-top work-type boot you might already own I also recommend you wear when riding. I personally wear my leathers even if it's 105 degrees out. Count on spending 100 bucks for a helmet, and another 1-200 for a good jacket + gloves.
I hope you decide to become a rider. :) It's a lot of fun and it saves gas.
My 2 cents. If you're trying to save money on your commute a small used economy car is a much better bet. In my experience, the economy car will cost less in insurance, about the same for initial purchase, and get close to the same milage.
On top of that, a motorcycle in not an everyday commuter. If you have any of the below then your motorcycle is sitting in the garage while you drive the gas guzzler to work:
1) Bad Weather.
2) A meeting (you aren't going to wear a suit, or even buttondown, slacks and dress shoes).
3) Anything larger than backpack you need to take to or from work.
On top of that, an economy car can be useful for more than one person if you need to run errands without the entire clan.
Lastly, odds of surviving a two vehicle accident go up dramatically when your vehicle isn't a motorcycle.
(For reference, I started riding when I was 10, bought my first street bike at 16. I sold my most recent bike 2 years ago after yet another near miss on the freeway. I came to realize that no matter how good a rider I am, I can't control everyone I'm sharing the road with and risk in commuter traffic is just to great. I still think bikes are a great way to relax and may even get another one, but not as a commuter.)
My dad 64 yrs young just got the motorcycle fever.
He took a 2 day class at the local community college where you actully walk out with a liscense (if you pass the test). He said it was great, he finally got a used BMW bike the other day. Happy motoring and please stay safe.
Lastly, odds of surviving a two vehicle accident go up dramatically when your vehicle isn't a motorcycle.
(For reference, I started riding when I was 10, bought my first street bike at 16. I sold my most recent bike 2 years ago after yet another near miss on the freeway. I came to realize that no matter how good a rider I am, I can't control everyone I'm sharing the road with and risk in commuter traffic is just to great. I still think bikes are a great way to relax and may even get another one, but not as a commuter.)
This. I forget where you're from Meddik, but drivers in most metro areas are terrible. Most people are distracted by cell phones, changing the CD, putting on makeup, smacking their kids around, etc.
You might also see if someone at work wants to carpool.
Vizzionnn
06-30-08, 04:01 PM
as a experienced motorcycle rider , found insurence to be cheaper on a bike than a car being in West Virginia . Yes a motorcycle is a little more dangerous to ride , i had a truck pull out in front of me one time i had the choice of hitting the truck or take a 40 foot enbankment i chose the enbankment and only sufferd a cracked rib and a messed up left knee . Gas wise a bike is cheeper per mile than a car is imho , best bet is to figure what type of bike you want make , model , engine size ect ect . Word of advice tho a crotch rocket will be more money on insurence tho verses a cruiser , from there just shop around for prices on insurence and and get your license . The only downfall to riding a bike alot is if it rains altho you can still ride a bike when it rains or during the winter time depending where you live .
Biggwin
06-30-08, 06:04 PM
http://www.enertiabike.com/
If its only 10 miles to work, you could get something like a Vespa.
I'm with you meddik and I'm getting an itch for one too.
weird thing about Alabama if your at least 28 right now then your grandfathered for a motorcycle liscense (check your liscense that's how I found out).
Right now I'm looking for a Honda shadow.(rogue black of course)
Hit up like progressive or geico I think they'll give you a general free quote
I think mine was going to run about $40/mo
Deltar Battlewall
06-30-08, 09:11 PM
If its only 10 miles to work, you could get something like a Vespa.
That's nice of you to suggest but I hardly think erectile dysfunction medicine will help his commuting situation.
...
Wait, what?
Lenilya
06-30-08, 10:13 PM
Gah, I've also had the motorcycle bug since about March. Only thing preventing me from getting one is lack of funds :(
I'd really rather have a yellow vespa. :thumb
Well, based on input from my wife, I think I may be looking at a compact car rather than a Motorcycle as a dedicated commute vehicle.
(In other words, it wasn't just a "No", It was more of a "Hell No!"
Tell her it'll increase your bad boy image. Girls like dating the bad boys right?
Loreleli
07-01-08, 08:15 AM
ugh. I agree. We had a fatality a year+ on GA 400 exit 13. It took hours to clear it up. Biker had an argument with a truck, guess who won?
Even if you are the most careful biker ever, all you need is 1 person on the phone, touching up make up, changing a channel and you are splat! not worth it imo.
http://clarkhoward.com/liveweb/shownotes/2008/06/27/13714/
Without further ado, here are the 10 cheapest cars to own and operate:
1. Chevy Aveo
2. Hyundai Accent
3. Honda Fit
4. Toyota Yaris
5. Honda Civic
6. Nissan Versa
7. Kia Rio
8. Mazda 3
9. Toyota Corolla
10. Honda Civic Hybrid
As you can see, these are all smaller cars. They all get around 30 mpg (composite) for average fuel economy. But their true cost is so much cheaper than most of the hybrids.
Out of this list, several cars also come highly recommended by Consumer Reports. They include the Fit, the Mazda 3, the Versa and the Honda Civic/Honda Civic Hybrid.
I have a Toyota Celica GTS with 6 speed stick shift - year 2000 ( which is a converted Corolla engine)
synthetic oil - cleaner engine
put car in neutral at lights
I fill up at between $25.00 - $30.00. But, I have to use premium because of the engine. If you can handle a stick- get one, better mileage and (imo) more fun to drive.
I think it was rated 33 city/36 hwy. It just hit 70,000 miles and it's still a sweet ride. Not the pick up like a Mustang because it's a 4 cyclinder engine, not 6. Hyundai Accent is probably cheapest and after they re-did their car a few years back, should have a nice warranty if new.
If you can, listen to Clark's show. He covered this yesterday and should, be posted online soon. Basically, he cautions against getting a new car unless you need it, because in the big picture - the extra insurance and cost of the car note will not equal gas savings. Anyway, good luck!
Ragnerokk
07-01-08, 08:18 AM
I like the idea of a car.
Keep in mind when riding a motorcycle its not a question of IF but WHEN you get hurt. You got to many kids to worry about raising right now.
Ragnerokk
More has an Accent. She gets around 32-33 mpg in it on CA gas, so in the rest of the country I'd expect at least 35 :)
nekoken
07-01-08, 01:45 PM
My 2 cents. If you're trying to save money on your commute a small used economy car is a much better bet. In my experience, the economy car will cost less in insurance, about the same for initial purchase, and get close to the same milage.
On top of that, a motorcycle in not an everyday commuter. If you have any of the below then your motorcycle is sitting in the garage while you drive the gas guzzler to work:
1) Bad Weather.
2) A meeting (you aren't going to wear a suit, or even buttondown, slacks and dress shoes).
3) Anything larger than backpack you need to take to or from work.
On top of that, an economy car can be useful for more than one person if you need to run errands without the entire clan.
Lastly, odds of surviving a two vehicle accident go up dramatically when your vehicle isn't a motorcycle.
(For reference, I started riding when I was 10, bought my first street bike at 16. I sold my most recent bike 2 years ago after yet another near miss on the freeway. I came to realize that no matter how good a rider I am, I can't control everyone I'm sharing the road with and risk in commuter traffic is just to great. I still think bikes are a great way to relax and may even get another one, but not as a commuter.)
What reality are you living in? Wherever it is I'm sure glad I'm not there. My bike insurance is $280 a year. My bike cost $600. In 4 years I've spent maybe $300 in maintenance on it. I get 40mpg city driving and 55mpg highway. There's no way a compact car is more cost effective than that.
I ride in rain, sun, and occasional sleet or snow. Clothes for work go in the backpack, and I wear full leathers (except when it is nice and sunny.) Most bikes have room for panniers and a tank bag. Heck, my buddy packs his bicycle on the back of his motorcycle.
I think the danger aspect is the only really valid point you are making. You definitely have to be willing to increase the odds of not surviving an accident if you are going to ride a motorcycle.
Seanie Connerie
07-01-08, 06:51 PM
I love riding, but deciding to ride or not is a very personal decision. Best of luck finding a car!
<3 my versa, for $13,500 I got power windows, keyless entry, power door locks, and the 4 speed auto.
It's a great utilitarian car, as well as cheap at the pump (Only $50 to fill it :beatup)
If you want to spend a bit more, you can get it with every bell and whistle nissan has to offer... compared to the Aveo, and the Yaris, it's got far more options standard, which justifies the price difference.
Keep in mind even though the nissan is considered a "small car", it's got a smaller wheel base than some other compacts... just because of the amount of interior room. Not sure how much need you'll have to cart around fairly large objects if it's just a commuter car, but I fit a full sized lay-z-boy in the back of it.
Ehh, it all depends on how much fuel economy you're gonna save going with a 32-34mpg car over your current vehicle.
Brelkor
07-02-08, 03:39 PM
10 miles is easily doable on a commuter bicycle. You can buy a decent one for 400 bucks plus 40 for a good helmet. No insurance. No gas. Can mount racks for decent storage. Until you get into shape, you might want to practice the hand towel shower technique or carry a change of clothes.
Just a quick question, have you done the math on how long you will have to drive a compact car to recoup your loss?
I'm assuming you drive a truck, and for arguments sake lets say it gets 10mpg, and the car you buy gets 30mpg. So at 10 miles round trip everyday you're going to use five gallons of gas per week with you truck, and 1.6 gallons per week in the car. For a difference of 3.4 gallons saved per week. At $4/gallon for a savings of only $13.60 per week. How many weeks at that savings is it going to take you to break even on the compact car?
Just a quick question, have you done the math on how long you will have to drive a compact car to recoup your loss?
I'm assuming you drive a truck, and for arguments sake lets say it gets 10mpg, and the car you buy gets 30mpg. So at 10 miles round trip everyday you're going to use five gallons of gas per week with you truck, and 1.6 gallons per week in the car. For a difference of 3.4 gallons saved per week. At $4/gallon for a savings of only $13.60 per week. How many weeks at that savings is it going to take you to break even on the compact car?
This.
Just a quick question, have you done the math on how long you will have to drive a compact car to recoup your loss?
I'm assuming you drive a truck, and for arguments sake lets say it gets 10mpg, and the car you buy gets 30mpg. So at 10 miles round trip everyday you're going to use five gallons of gas per week with you truck, and 1.6 gallons per week in the car. For a difference of 3.4 gallons saved per week. At $4/gallon for a savings of only $13.60 per week. How many weeks at that savings is it going to take you to break even on the compact car?
Thats why I'd be looking at something much, much older. (Unless we got rid of the truck altogether... But even at that, I'd still probably be getting something older/cheaper.)
Try this:
http://www.edmunds.com/calculators/gas-guzzler.html
That is a fantastic tool. It quickly and easily puts things into perspective.
Going from a 2005 Ford F150 to a 2008 Prius, driving 400 miles a week at 4.75 a gallon
Amount Saved on Gas (per month): $344.96 Number of months to breakeven and begin saving money on gas: 40
ragweed
07-05-08, 09:08 PM
http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/9245/mvc001l38480x346fa1.jpg
That's a 2-stroke. There are 4-stroke models also. Some states don't require license or insurance and you can ride them anywhere a bike is allowed. 50cc max speed of about 20MPH and gets around 120 MPG.
There are also electric motor kits available. Some people have even rigged solar chargers for them.
Morvran
07-06-08, 06:20 PM
It took all of one month in Rome for my wife and I to realize we needed to ride scooters if we were going to get anywhere on time. She bought a new Vespa and I bought a 'classic' one, and we rode as often as possible (actually she rode daily to and from work, in all weather).
We've been back in the State for three months now and I've been dying without my scoot, so I finally picked one up a couple weeks ago, a Vespa GTS 250. I'm having so much fun again.
-70mpg
-top speed around 80mph
-plenty of storage space under seat and in the top case
I'm also an ATGATT person (all the gear, all the time) so I do all I can to stay safe. It's too true though that it's usually the other people on the road I worry about. It sounds like your wife made the decision for you, but if you change your mind check out your local scooter shop too for a different take on the norm.
Looking into getting a Motorcycle, Where do I start?
The hospital.
Seriously, I'd by a used Geo Metro/Prism (the 3 cylinder model that gets 50mpg) before I'd buy a motorcycle. Insurance on a motorcycle is outrageously expensive (location dependent - buddy in Chicago easily paid 50% for his motorcycle ins then for his Mustang), and if you get even just one traffic infraction most Insurance companies wont insure you anymore.
Couple that with the high mortality rate in accidents and it's a wonder they still sell.
The hospital.
Seriously, I'd by a used Geo Metro/Prism (the 3 cylinder model that gets 50mpg) before I'd buy a motorcycle. Insurance on a motorcycle is outrageously expensive (location dependent - buddy in Chicago easily paid 50% for his motorcycle ins then for his Mustang), and if you get even just one traffic infraction most Insurance companies wont insure you anymore.
Couple that with the high mortality rate in accidents and it's a wonder they still sell.
Definitely location dependent I guess. Motorcycle insurance is cheap as hell here in Texas.
I'm talking like 200 to 300 bucks a year, assuming you have a decent driving record and are over 25. This is for like a 8 or 9k dollar bike.
Vizzionnn
07-08-08, 05:29 PM
Insurence is really cheap here in West Virginia that includes a harley davidson down to a sport bike. I took a 40 foot dive off a enbankment on a motorcycle once only got a cracked rib and a hurt knee that fully recovered , now if i did that in a car i prolly wouldve suffered more damage , but everything has its pros and cons in some ways cars are safer than motorcycles .
ragweed
07-09-08, 11:35 AM
I predict we'll see Meddik uploading similar videos soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klteYv1Uv9A&eurl
Morvran
07-11-08, 06:57 PM
The hospital.
Seriously, I'd by a used Geo Metro/Prism (the 3 cylinder model that gets 50mpg) before I'd buy a motorcycle. Insurance on a motorcycle is outrageously expensive (location dependent - buddy in Chicago easily paid 50% for his motorcycle ins then for his Mustang), and if you get even just one traffic infraction most Insurance companies wont insure you anymore.
Couple that with the high mortality rate in accidents and it's a wonder they still sell.
Costs me about $140 a year, and that's not the minimum coverage.
And they sell because they're fun. Driven responsibly it's a fantastic way to get around.
Schmuck
07-12-08, 03:46 PM
What is involved in getting a License? (Do you have to buy the bike, then get the license, or do you get the license first... how exactly does that work?)
You take a written test to get the permit, which youll probably need to buy the bike. Look into an MSF course to get the basics down. I learnt by myself, but unless you know someone who can drive it off the lot you might wanna take the course first. Its like 300 dollars.
How expensive is Insurance?
I have a 2007 Honda Shadow and am 20 years old smoker. Insurance is 238 USD. Per Year.
For a basic, basic used bike, How much would one realistically expect to spend? I'm not looking to impress anyone or pick up chicks, Just looking for something to get me from point A to B.
Try craigslist, I wouldnt use ebay because you have no idea of the actual bike's condition. Bring someone who experienced to test for stuff, like the quality of the engine's sound or oil coming out th exhaust when you rev it. Make sure you see the bike and ride it first if possible. For a real simple bike that is interstate-capable (ie 90 mph) I'd hazard a guess of 4-5 grand. Motorcycles are sweet I get 50 mpg and I dont try to save gas (I drive hard). Make sure you get a full-face helmet for interstate driving, you can get ear damage from wind noise at speeds over 60. Its so awesome to pull up after some guy at a gas station where they just paid $80 for gas, and then spend 8.50 to fill up.
As far as driving the actual bike, its really easy, and it builds self awareness, because if you aren't paying attention all the time, you will probably die. No seatbelt to save you. Wear a helmet whenever possible. That said, I could never go back to a car, motorcycles are waaaaaay more interesting and maneuverable in traffic. Just be careful of big cars....big throttle helps to make others aware of you. Remove those baffles! Its free and sounds waaay better.
Morvran
07-12-08, 08:19 PM
[QUOTE=Schmuck;446750]
You take a written test to get the permit, which youll probably need to buy the bike. Look into an MSF course to get the basics down. I learnt by myself, but unless you know someone who can drive it off the lot you might wanna take the course first. Its like 300 dollars.
That depends state to state. In Ohio the MSF course is $25. Pretty cool eh?