Suggestions for a New Rider

[qmanning]

I know you guys get this all the time. My apologies, and feel free to point me to another thread. I won't be offended at all.

I live in Texas, where it rarely rains. Our family is growing to the size that we need another vehicle (we only have one) and frankly, considering that the only reason I need a vehicle of my own is due to my commute back and forth to work - about 12 miles each way. Though, I do realize that once I start riding a bike, I probably will be doing it a lot more than just to and from work

Purchasing a car seems ridiculous, particularly considering the additional fuel costs that adds to the family budget. I've had the desire to get a motorcycle for awhile, and think the time has finally come.

So I'm looking between a few models - between a V-Star 950, a V-Star 250 or Boulevard C50t.

I'm a stocky guy - 5'8", 240lbs, and while the V-Star 250 gets ridiculously great gas mileage, I'm frankly worried that I'm going to look like a complete moron on the thing. Like a bear riding a bicycle. Though, honestly, the price point of the 250 is very attractive at around $5k compared to $8k for the other two bikes.

My worry with the 950 or the C50t, however, is that they may be too much power for me, as a beginner. Any thoughts or help you guys could give, I would greatly appreciate it.

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[Tuftim]

Hi there and welcome from New Zealand. Not sure about learner rider regulations in your location but you may wish to check what size bike you are legally allowed to ride(learners are restricted to 250 cc max here)
The other things to consider would be some lessons at a reputable school as they will be invaluable.
When you are doing your budget make sure you price in some good quality gear. A minimum(in my opinion) is a helmet, boots, gloves, jacket and pants(kevlar lined jeans are good).
Also the old motto of "be safe be seen" is important so a visibility vest over your jacket is good. Sorry for my ignorance but assuming it gets pretty warm in Texas then you may also want to consider a kevlar undershirt and when really warm you can ditch your jacket for something lighter. Keep in mind that most good quality jackets will have elbow and back armour for extra protection.
Other than that you need to remember that when you get hooked on riding it never leaves you. I had a 31 year break but am back on a bike and loving it more than ever.
Good luck and I am sure there will be others to pass on further advice.

[qmanning]

Thanks Tuftim!

Yes, I absolutely plan on taking the

MSB-8 Approved Safety Course. One, to teach me. Two, to bring down insurance cost. Three, because it's the law in Texas

Since I'm 35, there isn't a size limitation from what the TXDPS requirements state. Thanks for the suggestions.

Any idea on the bike sizes?

[QZephyr]

Go with the 800. As long as you're taking the course, you'll be able to quickly adjust for the mid bike. Don't buy new. If you were planning on spending $5000 on a new 250, you'll get a great used 800 for that or less. If you do decide to buy small, buy used because when you want the bigger bike within a few months, you won't have a lot tied up in the small bike.

[dantheman]

I second that....

Gas mileage on a mid-size bike is still excellent if you aren't heavy on the throttle. I can get 50mpg out of my M50 when going 65-70 on the highway. But, I can rarely control myself that well...soooo...at around 80-85...ish...I still get about 40-45mpg.

The V-Star 250 is a great little bike, but it will leave you disappointed if you plan on doing the random day trip on the weekends. The lack of power will eventually frustrate the hell out of you. Just find a used 600-950cc range bike, it will fit the bill a bit better while still saving you money and being some good fun.

[Easy Rider]

Any idea on the bike sizes?

Ultimately YOU have to decide what fits you the best.
Take the course FIRST. That usually gives people a MUCH better idea what to look for.

Then, search is your friend. This has been discussed about a hunderd times here already.
Please see those theads and come back with specific questions.

General recommendation is: First bike should be used and small.

P.S. Plan ahead too. What happens if the weather turns bad.....120 F....or a dust storm.....or a spring rain.....and you need the only car to go to work. Is that going to be a problem ??

[Water Warrior]

Go smaller and used. Develop your riding skills on a less intimidating and lighter bike. Your 1st bike is a learning tool. The next one might be the one you keep for more than one season.

[ehuffman]

Ultimately YOU have to decide what fits you the best.
Take the course FIRST. That usually gives people a MUCH better idea what to look for.

Then, search is your friend. This has been discussed about a hunderd times here already.
Please see those theads and come back with specific questions.

General recommendation is: First bike should be used and small.

P.S. Plan ahead too. What happens if the weather turns bad.....120 F....or a dust storm.....or a spring rain.....and you need the only car to go to work. Is that going to be a problem ??

Couldnt agree more. I took the course before i even looked at bikes. The course will put you on a 250 and you'll see if that will give you what you are looking for powe rand handling wise from that size engine. After mine, i ended up on a M50 and while sometimes i wish i had more power, 800cc's is more then enough for what I do.

[inspiron]

I've mentioned it here before, but it's buried in the archives.

In Switzerland, the law is written such that there are two motorcycle licenses.

If you are 25 or younger, you first apply for the "limited A" motorcycle license. This allows you to ride a bike that is limited to 25 kW (35 horsepower). Many manufacturers sell kits for their "entry-level" bikes that limit the engine power to this range. After holding a "limited A" license for 2 years with a "clean" driving record, you can upgrade to an unlimited "A" license, which doesn't have any power restrictions.

If you are over 25, there is the option of the "direct entry" to the unlimited "A" license.

If you don't already have a car driver's license, you need to take a theoretical test, attend a first-aid training and take an eye test. You then apply for a learner's permit for the motorcycle license. This is valid for 4 months, during which time you must take a 16-hour basic rider's training course. As soon as you've taken the course, the learner's permit is automatically extended for 1 year. Within that year's time, you should practice riding as much as possible, and take some private riding lessons from a driving instructor. As soon as you feel that you are ready, you apply to take the practical tests.

In Basel (where I took my test), there are two tests - first you have to pass the maneuver test, then you are invited to take the road test. Other Cantons (Swiss states) combine the road- and maneuver tests into a single test.

The maneuver test covers the basic "parking lot" riding skills - stopping and starting on a hill, slalom, circles, figure-8, slow-lane and emergency stops. The road test is taken with the inspector riding as a passenger - out on public roads (including both city and country roads) - for about 20 minutes.

I started riding about 18 years ago on a 50ccm Vespa, which I could ride with my car driver's license. Around 10 years ago (before the law was changed), I bought a 125 ccm motorcycle and took the tests to get an "A1" license. Shortly thereafter, the laws were changed (limiting the entry-level to 34 horsepower instead of 125 ccm). After 2 years with the 125, I sold it and bought my 1400. I applied for the unlimited "A" license and repeated the whole testing procedure again.

I've had the 1400 since 2004 ... and wish I had more time to ride it. I don't think I've even put 1000 kms on it this summer - I've been too busy with the construction of the new house and getting settled in the new job. I hope that I'll have more time next year, as the new house is really at the "foot" of the Black Forest, so I'm less than 10 minutes from some of the best twisties you could imagine...

[dburbach]

If you buy a new 250, it'll just make your next bike $5000 more expensive. At 240, you'll probably be wishing for more power within a month....

[Easy Rider]

If you buy a new 250, it'll just make your next bike $5000 more expensive.
At 240, you'll probably be wishing for more power within a month....

I'd like to see that math. $2000 more maybe but not 5, unless you total it or give it away.

And just because you wish for something doesn't necessarily mean that you SHOULD have it !!

[dburbach]

Fine, you're right I wasn't accounting for reselling it, my point was that he should get a bike that he will be comfortable with for at least a few years or else it's kind of a waste of money. And no, I don't think someone of his experience level should be buying a liter bike just because he wants one. There's a happy medium here, that's all I'm sayin

[Easy Rider]

my point was that he should get a bike that he will be comfortable with for at least a few years or else it's kind of a waste of money.

True IF you buy new.
That's why the "standard" recommendation is to buy small and USED, where the loss will be little if any.
If money is no object, then you don't care about the depreciation.

And while some get bored quickly with a small bike, some don't either.
My first 15 years of riding was at 350ccs and below; mostly below.

Of course when I started there weren't many interstates either !!

[BlackM50]

Stay far far away from the 250 if ure 240lbs and commute 12 miles each way on a daily basis. For daily commute on a motorcycle comfort is a MUST. For new riders, Even a comfy bike can wear you out with daily riding, until your body gets use to the routine. I think your choice of the c50 or 950 is actually ideal. Which bike between those two will depend on how they fit you. The yamaha is air cooled, keep that in mind if u see extremely high temperatures where u live. You should add the Vulcan 900 to that list as another excellent alternative at the same price point.

I also have never understood the concept that a 600-900cc bike is somehow to big to start on. My friends and I all learned on a 1200cc sportster and had first bikes 800cc and higher, and at no point in time did I feel like the bike was too much for me to handle. It felt just right since day one. I really think buying a 250 to "learn riding" is more of a sales pitch/gimmick to waste your money, because they know you will be back in 2 months to buy a bigger bike.

[Easy Rider]

I also have never understood the concept that a 600-900cc bike is somehow to big to start on.

Just because you don't understand a concept doesn't mean that it isn't valid.

The other concept that you don't understand, apparently, is that EVERYBODY is not like YOU.
Seems like a lot of riders have that problem though.

Many new riders find even a medium class bike intimidating and a 1200 Sporty downright scary.