Motorcycle advice

[Krawler00]

Jerm, just don't go into another payment. 

[FishWagon]

Ok, some advice from someone who has been riding for 39 years.....

I would buy a used bike first. Regardless of how well you did in school (which I applaud) being on the road is an entirely different animal. It's very hard to learn how to ride a bike in traffic when you are a new rider, on a new powerful bike.

My very strong advice, is to get a used bike. If you dump it (when you dump it most people will say) it won't hurt your pockebook. Plus, its very hard to get in trouble on an older bike that does not have the power of the newer bikes.

I would not worry about power now. Power WILL get you in trouble. It makes you hit turns too fast, bigger bikes carry too much momentum into turns, and are harder to stop. And when you panic, you will get into more trouble much quicker when there is massive power only a 1/4 turn of the throttle away.

As for power, remember, it's only been recent that we have the power we have now. YOU ARE MUCH BETTER SERVED by having an underpowered bike for your first year on the road.

Once you get experience in dealing with the day to day issues that encompass motorcycle riding, you will then have the tools, knowledge, experience, and whatnot to decide what bike is really for you.

Oh, and I would not even DREAM of going two-up until you have experience riding.

I am not trying to pop your bubble, or put down the idea of getting a shiny new bike. I've just seen my share of new riders get hurt, for having too much bike with too little experience.

[BigJerm]

NO bubble pop here  ;D

My bike will be used esp given the budget of below $5k. And I know I will lay it down, hell probably coming out of my own driveway the first time since its steep down hill to a flat street with a gutter. I have been getting a lot of the same advice you gave and a lot of people said look at the KLR650 or V-strom (650cc dual sport bikes). They are made to take a beating, can be had in the $4k area and can be upgraded to handle a lot of work and seem to fit the taller riders. They also got a pretty good re-sale value.

Double up wont happen for awhile. I know motorcycles can be dangerous and even more so for first timers. No way I would put my wife at risk until I have put some serious miles down.

[FishWagon]

Very good attitude......good to see...

Those bikes are awesome. A lot of people that have ridden for a while, think the KLR is the perfect commuter bike.

Check out the SV650 also, this bike is a favorite among a lot of people in the "this is my first bike" crowd.

The Ninja 250 is also an excellent starter bike, but that's too small for you as you are big like I am.

On another note.....one rule you MUST follow all the time...... ATGATT......which stands for ALL THE GEAR ALL THE TIME.

Remember, 9 out of 10 people prefer a hot room to a belt sander across their forearms.

Don't be a squid.....gear will save your life. (SQUID is a derogatory term in the biker world for people who pull wheelies in traffic, who ride like idiots, and of course, those in t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers riding a Busa at 100mph on I85)

They make jeans called "slider jeans" which are made with Kevlar, so that is a warm weather alternative. Myself, I have full gear, and I'm only hot in traffic. Once you move, it's fine.

Anyway, as I am an Italian NY'er, I'm long winded. Feel free to contact me to go riding, to ask tips, or anything else about riding I can help you with. Nothing better than introducing people to the sport.

And I'll make a prediction. Within 3 years of you riding two-up with your wife, she'll be getting her license and wanting her own bike.  ;D ;D ;D

[FishWagon]

Oh, and just in case, I'd stay away from Suzuki Bandits of any CC, they are "wheelie happy". GREAT bikes, just not very good for beginner.

I'm a Ducati fan, and if you are interested in a Monster or something, let me know. My buddy owns a Ducati dealership in Watkinsville, and will treat you perfect. He won't even sell you a bike he doesn't think you can handle. He has used bikes also, and most of all, will let you test drive one for a full day if you want and is literally the most customer oriented dealer I have ever dealt with.