The Very Beginning

[xNEM3S1Sx]

I'm really looking to get into riding, but since winter is on its way, I may well wait till spring before any purchases occur. In that time, I would like to learn as much as I can, and be as prepared as possible to ride. I've read all of the pinned topics on the beginner forums, which were great starting material. I've been having trouble, however, locating specific information on obtaining a license and/or permit, (for New Jersey) for which any help would be appreciated. I'm also not privy to anything in the ways of insurance for motorcycles, so please share your experiences with that.

I want to start with a small bike, I trust my ability to learn, but I will be starting from nothing, and as one of the pinned articles argued, I have no issue with delaying getting the exact bike that I want in order to reduce the risk involved with the learning process. The bike I've been looking to end up on is either a BMW F800ST or a Suzuki V-Strom 650, and I would prefer to start on as similar a bike to it as possible to learn on. (no frills, practical, but usable for long distance travel) I don't have any taste for true sport bikes, and only really have a liking for sport-tourers. I want a practice ride, with storage space, good mileage, and reliability. What starting bikes would you recommend? (I would not be opposed however, to learning on something like a Ninja 250)

I'm trying to consume as much information on bikes as I can, and would also appreciate anything that you could share with me on getting started, good places to learn, documentaries, or articles on anything relevant to a beginner.

I also don't have much knowledge in terms of gear, any tips would be welcome.
Lastly, I can save the money for a used Ninja 250 or something similar, however, financing would be necessary for any future bike purchase. What is it like to obtain financing for a bike? I'm only twenty, which in and of itself is an obstacle, but I also have no past credit history.  Very worst case, I can save up for a while, though it may be a year or two before I would be able to afford anything other than the starting bike and gear.

[kevin_stevens]

The MSF BRC is the standard beginner course, although I don't know its licensing implications for New Jersey (here in CA it can be substituted for the riding license test).  Availability often backs up in the spring/summer, so it's a good thing to do over the winter.

Considering I spend a good chunk of time on the sportbike forums encouraging beginner riders not to start with liter sport bikes, either of your choices seem refreshingly sane to me.    Neither have the extreme dynamics of a sports bike, and either would seem suitable to me as a beginning bike EXCEPT that you are almost certain to drop your first bike once (or several) times, just from footwork inexperience.  So it's best if the first bike isn't one you'll be profoundly damaged (emotionally or financially) from seeing lying on its side.

If you want to start with something smaller, that's fine too.  I would add to the Ninjette, if you prefer, one of the smaller super-moto bikes: the Yamaha 250 or the Suzuki 400.  They are tons of fun to ride, especially in urban areas, durable, and drop "well".

KeS

[xNEM3S1Sx]

For my first bike, I'm really just looking for something cheap. As you stated, I very much expect to drop my it. Is the Ninja 250 typically the cheapest option? I do plan to ride to and from school, (about 20 minutes all below 55) almost every day of the week, and I don't need a whole lot in the ways of extras, for the time being, as a backpack will hold everything I need. (Assuming there aren't any major issues with riding with a backpack)

[kevin_stevens]

For my first bike, I'm really just looking for something cheap. As you stated, I very much expect to drop my it. Is the Ninja 250 typically the cheapest option? I do plan to ride to and from school, (about 20 minutes all below 55) almost every day of the week, and I don't need a whole lot in the ways of extras, for the time being, as a backpack will hold everything I need. (Assuming there aren't any major issues with riding with a backpack)

The Ninja 250 is a very common and inexpensive option; there are others, the Honda 250 Rebel/Shadow/Nighthawk/whatever they're calling it these days, which is a cruiser styled bike.  Most of these can be sold for very nearly the buying price in local classifieds.  To me, buying one new is missing the point, as you inherit all the depreciation.

The other thing about buying a bike is that it is very seasonal.  If you wait until the flowers bloom in spring, the prices will strive for the sun accordingly.  If you are looking that far ahead, buying a bike in the first quarter (on/before tax day is a good target) can save you quite a bit.  The only problem with it is that people aren't necessarily advertising them then, either.  

Riding with a backpack is fine as long as you don't crash and land on it.   They make really crappy back protectors.

KeS

[UHOH]

welcome, a lot of us started riding at your age.

Lastly, I can save the money for a used Ninja 250 or something similar...

You're right, this is your first step.  Don't just say you can do it, save; save money to buy the bike.

1 - individual sales of used beginner bikes are cash only, so you'll have to have the cash already saved.
2 - from this cash amount you may need to pay for the MSF class, which is worth it.  In my state I believe it's $250, no idea anywhere else.
Maybe you could request that MSF class as a Christmas present?  An early present even?  (Here there are no classes in the winter.)
3 - Once you start saving, you'll find that 500s, like a Ninja 500, will start catching your eye.
Last winter, my son found a daily rider 1988 Ninja 500 for $900 from 'neighbor' a mile away for his first bike,
needing only oil change and new fr tire, so cheap beginner bike can be found with luck.

 If you look at Craigslist, Searchtempest.com makes it easier.

4 - try to develop an acquaintance with a rider or two.  someone you can later call on to look at a bike for sale.
If you're shopping by yourself it'll be easy to be swept off your feet at the thought of owning any motorcycle, and
 you may end up with one needing repairs beyond your budget.

again welcome

[Orson]

One point about the ninja is that the narrow sportbike handlebars don't provide much leverage. You may want to consider a dual purpose bike, as their wider handlebars provide more leverage for steering inputs. A Yamaha XT225 would be an example.

Another advantage of an XT225 would be that you can hone your riding skills on dirt. Learning how to react on limited traction will greatly improve your bike handling skills on pavement.

[xNEM3S1Sx]

I like the idea of getting to know some other riders, as my neighbor is a rider, and we were good friends when we were younger, so I might reconnect with him to help me learn. I certainly like the idea of learning some level of off-road control because knowing how to control in poor conditions can always come in handy. (My days doing unintentional 360's at 60mph in the rain in a PT Cruiser ended up saving my life later, even though the car was trying to kill me at the time)

Would a Ninja 500 be pushing it as a starter? I saw some of the other threads recommending in over the 250. What are the advantages? (Just speed? And if so, is it really necessary?) And what's the price difference? I saw a couple 500's at around 2-2.5k. Is that reasonable?

[northernrider]

Suzuki TU 250.

[bogfro]

If I had to do it all over again, I would have started with a dual sport.  Either a KLR 650, a Yamaha 225/250, DR 650, or something like that.  They're not too powerful to learn on, but you can still use them for dual sport riding and commuting after you gain more experience.  A ninja 250 really isn't good for much of anything, after you get bored with it.  I started on a Ninja 250, and I was wanting something else after less than 1000 miles.

[bogfro]

Oh, and I most highly suggest reading Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough.

[cbsnbiker]

I'm really looking to get into riding, but since winter is on its way, I may well wait till spring before any purchases occur. In that time, I would like to learn as much as I can, and be as prepared as possible to ride. I've read all of the pinned topics on the beginner forums, which were great starting material. I've been having trouble, however, locating specific information on obtaining a license and/or permit, (for New Jersey) for which any help would be appreciated. I'm also not privy to anything in the ways of insurance for motorcycles, so please share your experiences with that.

I want to start with a small bike, I trust my ability to learn, but I will be starting from nothing, and as one of the pinned articles argued, I have no issue with delaying getting the exact bike that I want in order to reduce the risk involved with the learning process. The bike I've been looking to end up on is either a BMW F800ST or a Suzuki V-Strom 650, and I would prefer to start on as similar a bike to it as possible to learn on. (no frills, practical, but usable for long distance travel) I don't have any taste for true sport bikes, and only really have a liking for sport-tourers. I want a practice ride, with storage space, good mileage, and reliability. What starting bikes would you recommend? (I would not be opposed however, to learning on something like a Ninja 250)

I'm trying to consume as much information on bikes as I can, and would also appreciate anything that you could share with me on getting started, good places to learn, documentaries, or articles on anything relevant to a beginner.

I also don't have much knowledge in terms of gear, any tips would be welcome.
Lastly, I can save the money for a used Ninja 250 or something similar, however, financing would be necessary for any future bike purchase. What is it like to obtain financing for a bike? I'm only twenty, which in and of itself is an obstacle, but I also have no past credit history.  Very worst case, I can save up for a while, though it may be a year or two before I would be able to afford anything other than the starting bike and gear.

Here's the results of fifteen seconds of Googling: http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/Licenses/Motorcycle.htm

How to get a motorcycle permit

    You must be at least 17 years old
    Complete a motorcycle permit application from an MVC Agency
    Pass the 6 Point ID Verification
    Pay $5 permit fee. For your convenience, MVC Agencies accept American Express® card, MasterCard® card, Visa® card, checks, money orders and cash
    Pass the knowledge and vision tests to validate your permit. Study by reading the Driver Manual and Motorcycle Manual [524k pdf]

and

How to get a motorcycle license

    Go to the Driver Testing Center at the scheduled date and time with a registered, insured motorcycle to take the road test
    If you pass the road test, you can take your permit, ride slip and score sheet to an MVC Agency to receive your license
    Pay $24 license fee

To qualify for a motorcycle license without taking the road test you may:

    Take an approved Motorcycle Safety Education Program and provide the Driver Testing Center with proof that you successfully completed the course

After successful completion of one of these courses, provide the Driver Testing Center with:

    6 Point ID Verification
    MOST Waiver Certification Form
    Your stamped permit
    Motorcycle Safety Foundation Completion Card

I do recommend that you take the MSF course, and do so before you purchase a motorcycle. Why? Because you may take the course, then realize that what you just purchased is wrong for you. You may not know this until you've taken the course, and thereby have a better idea of what you're shopping for.

I also strongly recommend that you investigate insurance before you make a purchase. At your age, you will find insurance to be quite expensive. Certain bikes may be far more expensive than others. I can't tell you which is which, since I don't know much about insurance in NJ. Ways to reduce your insurance burden include getting liability-only, and therefore also getting a motorcycle that isn't very valuable; keeping a clean record; and possibly taking the MSF course.

I do feel that starting on a smaller bike such as a Ninja 250 or CBR250 is a good idea. Insurance will probably be cheaper, the bike is cheaper, gas will be cheaper, and it's manageable.

I do not advocate purchasing a depreciating asset, such as a motorcycle, on credit.

[xNEM3S1Sx]

Thanks for the DMV info. I searched and managed to fail at that somehow... Didn't think to even check the DMV site. I do think I'll do the course, as I have no experience what-so-ever riding, and would like as thorough an education on it as possible. As for insurance, I've already taken a look at some quotes, and my stepdad is a speaker at insurance conferences on the east coast, so I'm not as worried about the prices, just if anyone had any tips on what actually ends up being important. (under-insured coverage, property damage etc.)

[lionlady]

For a BRC near you: http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx?state=NJ

P

[Justin]

Suzuki TU 250.

+1

Learn on a universal Japanese standard. No plastics to break when you drop it. Lower point of gravity. Wider bars. More upright position. Better overall starter bike, and cheaper too.

[Prozac]

All of these are great answers to your question.  I would personally suggest that you take the course prior to purchasing a motorcycle just because you may simply find that you don't like it.  When I went through the course years ago we had two people that bragged about these new bikes that they had just purchased.  Within three months both of them realized that riding wasn't for them and had their bikes up on the chopping block.  Even if you find out you don't like it, you've acquired a new skill.

John

[ChrisZRX]

You may want to consider a dual purpose bike, as their wider handlebars provide more leverage for steering inputs. A Yamaha XT225 would be an example.

Another advantage of an XT225 would be that you can hone your riding skills on dirt. Learning how to react on limited traction will greatly improve your bike handling skills on pavement.

 

The very best road racers tend to come up from the dirt, motocross and/or flat track.  Getting some dirt experience probably won't make you the next Valentino Rossi, but it will make you a better rider than you would be otherwise.

[cbsnbiker]

If dirt riding holds any interest for anyone, there are dirt courses out there for beginners. The MSF has offerings, as do others.

[Grainbelt]

I'm partial to the Suzuki GS500E as a first bike. It was mine, and I found it competent enough to do some reasonably fast highway riding before I moved on.

They are available all the time from 1-2k. A bit less power than a Ninja 500 but air cooled and fantastically simple. I think the 500s are good choices, as are the 250s. I should have kept the GS500 as a spare beater/ city commuter / loan to friends bike, but stupidly sold it.

[xNEM3S1Sx]

I'm leaning towards a Ninja 250 as of late, though it will be a while before I can purchase anything. The prices for used ones in my area seem to be pretty good, (1600-2200) and despite my lack of interest in sports bikes, I do like it. I haven't seen any major faults while reading about the Ninja, but is there anything I should be wary of?

[cbsnbiker]

Have you signed up for the MSF course yet? Or do you plan to wait until next year?

If you're not so much into sportbikes, take a look at the TU250 (which several people have already mentioned). I haven't been on one yet, but have heard good things about them. There are probably a couple other upright standards out there.

I am not a cruiser person, but if you like cruisers, the GZ250 is a possibility, as is the Virago 250 (or whatever it's called today) or a few others.

Re your earlier question about 250 vs 500cc: there's no guaranteed one answer to that. My recommendation: take the course, and see how it goes. If you find managing a 125 or 250cc bike challenging, then a 500cc bike would be even more challenging, at least in the short term. OTOH, if you find that the course goes really well on the trainer bike, then starting on a 500cc might be a valid choice for you.

Think of your first bike as being the one you make your boo-boos (that's a technical term) on. For example, you come to a stop, your foot slips, and the bike tips over and falls to the ground. With some bikes, that one action could cause literally thousands of dollars of damage to the bike. With other bikes, it will cause just a few scratches.

Maybe it'll be your permanent bike, or maybe you'll upgrade in a few months or years to a different bike.

Sounds like your father can help you with the insurance issues. I don't know about insurance in NJ. Uninsured, underinsured, health, tow -- all should be investigated.

Keep up with the questions.