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.

[Chuck 500]

You are asking some REALLY good questions and taking a great approach to this.  Far better than some three times your age.

I also took the MSF as a total beginner.  Hadn't sat on a bike for 35 years.  Never driven one.  One of the things I wanted to learn from the Basic Course was what kind of bike I wanted.  The course convinced me to start small.  My rider-coach recommended 450 to 650 cc, non-sport bike.  I found a pristine Suzuki GS500F to start with.  It is fared but the plastics are relatively inexpensive to replace (as five drops will attest).  The Suzuki GS500E or F has good, but mild performance, is robust enough to handle traffic.  The bars are slightly wider than the Ninja's.  Your taste and self image will have a lot to do with your choice.

BTW, since you are on this forum you already have a lot going for you.  I'm sure there are folks here who have forgotten more than I will ever know.  This is a great place to learn.

keep the shiny side up,

Chuck

[UHOH]

Would a Ninja 500 be pushing it as a starter?
I saw some of the other threads recommending it over the 250.

No, it's not pushing it.   In my book, a typical beginner street bike is a 250 - 650cc that is two cyclinder.  

The 1 -cyl bikes are fun and I had a  400 single like a lot of others, but they don't don't hold their performance value
or their abilities as you gain seat time.  So go twin cylinder, money being not an issue.

Here is a 1986-7 EX500 that was renamed the Ninja 500 about 1990.

Note the homemade ice chest hard-bags.  They work.
This young man hadn't even ridden a bike before he bought this one.
Took the MSF class later.

[UHOH]

The Suzuki SV650 (naked) gets my suggestion as the best all-around bike, even for newbe.  
Bullet proof reliable and do everything.  

Something a capable beginner can learn on and
an accomplished rider can later commute on or tour on or carve the twisties on.  No need to sell it.
This is not the more common SV650S version, which is a sportbike / racer style.


There is an aftermarket windscreen mounted here.  ABout 2003, SV650 went to fuel injection and the frame became more angular.  Either is great.
This was the first bike for the man here; he'd riden a dirt bike 3 or 5 times prior (limited experience).
He really liked it.  Ended up buying a second bike, a GSXR 750, but when he needed money
he sold the GSXR and kept the SV 'because it was more fun.'

[sfalexi]

Firstly, excellent attitude towards riding and bike purchases!  Wish I could talk to more people with your level of common sense.

I skimmed through the posts, but will put my thoughts (and if I repeat anything, then maybe it should be pondered that much more).

1) Budget for the bike, but allow budget for the gear!  Personally, I wear overpants, a jacket, helmet, gloves, and boots every time I ride.  My helmet has to be DOT standard, pants and jacket have CE armor in it, boots have to be ANZI certified, and the gloves I just make sure are durable and have good padding in the palm.

The gear COULD run almost 1k (if you get a bunch of the latest and greatest).  But gear is important, and you can use it for MANY years (my jacket and pants are on year four.  Replaced some zippers, but that's it.  Still going strong).  I would look at slightly used, or last year's models, or even just whatever's on sale for ANY reason.  I bought my $300 helmet at $100 because they were trying to lower their stock of the color "gray".  I'm fine with a gray helmet at 1/3 the price!  motorcyclegear.com tends to sell old "new" stock for less and might have some deals.  And stick with a well-known brand name.  Research it on this website.  I have firstgear, courtech, and joe rocket for the wifey.  And they all work well for us.

2) As far as bike, pick something similar to those rides.  The aforementioned japanese standard bikes sound like a great place to start.  Basically find something that has you sitting upright, with higher handlebars.  That is a similar riding position to what you are currently considering.  

3) As far as the financing.  Credit companies are VERY VERY cautious in this economy.  Getting a lender without a history of credit will be tough.  Especially for a "toy" (as motorcycles are often considered in the states - ticked me off when my insurance agent congratulated me on my new 'toy' I was insuring).  Save up the cash for a good used bike.  Although you may want to start on a ninja 500, the ninja 250 is VERY plentiful out there and ALWAYS sought after so you'll have more to choose from to find one that is in good shape, and you'll have more buyers looking for one when you're ready to sell it.  I'd stick with that for now.  And I'll go ahead and predict that after about 2 months you'll be yearning for a different bike.  But that 2 months, if carefully purchased and sold, will have netted you a bike to learn on and put miles on, and I bet you'll sell it within 200 dollars of what you paid for it if you bought smart.

In the meantime, apply for a major credit card.  And tell them you want a limit NO GREAT THAN ____ (maybe 1000, just something small so you won't be tempted to end up with $3000 worth of pizza and sode on it like ...ahem....someone I once knew....)   If you get denied two or three times, scrap up some cash, 500 bucks, a 1000, something, and go to a bank and ask for a secured credit card.  It's a credit card that they ALREADY have the money for, so they are at 0 risk for giving it to you.  If you give them 500 dollars, they give you a 500 dollar limit.  So even if you NEVER pay, they don't lose.  

Use that card ONLY to buy gas whenever you need to, and pay everything but about ten bucks when your monthly statement comes around.  This will slowly build credit and you'll actually HAVE a history.  Always tough starting out.  Your credit score greatly depends not on how much you spend, but that you are not late with payments, and it looks at a combination of how much percentage of credit you have available, and how much credit you have available.  
       Quick explanation:  You owe $10 on a $1000 credit card.  You are using 1% of available debt.  This shows you are not someone that spends every dime he has and you are a lower risk to lend to.  If you owe $999 on a $1000 card, you are looked at as someone that spends every dollar.  If you were to make a decision in the future to spend more money or to pay back the bank, they'd worry you wouldn't pay them back.  After all, you haven't paid back that $1000 credit card...   Also, if you have 17 open credit cards, you owe NOTHING on them, and each one has a limit of $1000, that's bad.  Cause you could potentially go out tomorrow and buy yourself a goldwing.  Now you have 17,000 to pay back to various people.  And a bank wants to make sure you can pay THEM back.  If you're splitting money 17 different ways, what's the likelyhood THEY won't be the ones you stiff if times get tough and you have to pick and choose who to pay.  If you're splitting money THREE ways, and they also have a motorcycle as collateral that they can repo, they'd feel much better.

Alexi

PS - If you're financing a bike, don't be surprised if a company will only finance a certain percentage of the value of the bike (which they'll probably check NADA to find out).  Like I said, it's considered a "toy" in the states.  And in a tough economy, if they HAVE to repo it, they want to be able to sell a "toy".  And less people are willing to spend money on "toys" in this market.  But this also helps you cause you can negotiate.  I spoke with a dealer last week who said his sales dropped from selling 5 bikes on a saturday alone, to being lucky if he sold 1 or 2 a week.  It's a buyer's market out there for motorcycles.  Be picky, and enjoy the ride.  And all the bikes you have mentioned so far sound great, except I'd stick with a ninja 250 for a learner bike purely because the market will be there when you want to sell it to get money back towards an upgrade bike.

[cbsnbiker]

Alexi gave you a bunch of good information.

He wrote about possibly buying used gear. This can be a very good way of saving money.

He did not suggest buying a used helmet, but he did mention helmets in the same paragraph in which he discussed buying other used gear.

I recommend that a helmet be purchased new. On sale is fine, closeout is good, NOS is fine if it's not too old, but definitely buy new.

I do recommend a full-face helmet.

[sfalexi]

Alexi gave you a bunch of good information.

He wrote about possibly buying used gear. This can be a very good way of saving money.

He did not suggest buying a used helmet, but he did mention helmets in the same paragraph in which he discussed buying other used gear.

I recommend that a helmet be purchased new. On sale is fine, closeout is good, NOS is fine if it's not too old, but definitely buy new.

I do recommend a full-face helmet.

Yup.  Helmet should be new.  My bad.  It was late, I was tired, and I write things in a confusing manner.  But Helmet should NOT be used.

[25knots]

It sounds like you are in the exact same position I was in one year ago.  I've only been riding for a half year, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

1) Everything positive that's been said about the MSF course is dead-on accurate.  If you're normally coordinated and attentive, they'll help you gain an excellent foundation to begin your motorcycle career.  They'll also be willing to give you first bike advice which, after they see how you ride, might be more accurate than what we can offer over the internet.

2) I say "begin your motorcycle career" because there are only so many skills you can learn in the confined area and  slow speeds of the MSF course.  For instance, I did not have much practice calculating my downshifts before entering a turn.  If you don't downshift low enough, your engine will start to lug and you won't have the power to pull through the turn smoothly.  But downshift too much while continuing at a higher speed and you will lock up your rear wheel.  I only had to do that once before I learned more caution (no accident, just some tightened bowels ).  Of course, that's just one example, but the overall point is to go slowly even once you've completed MSF.

3) Invest in quality safety gear and clothing.  You will ride more confidently, assertively and, I think, better knowing that you are protected if things should go wrong.  This doesn't mean you will be automatically be foolhardy once you've got leathers covering your body, although one is always free to act stupid (myself included).  Spend a little extra to get gear you think you look good in.  This isn't because you're vane, but because you will inevitably want to ride over to some girl's house and you don't want to have to choose between the commander tooldork dayglo green one-piece jumpsuit you bought on the cheap and impressing the lady.  Also, while you'll likely outgrow your first bike, your helmet, jacket and pants can last as long as you keep the shiny side up.

4) Find some friends to ride with.  MSF is a great way to meet other riders, but it also helps to have someone experienced you can tag along with.  I can't tell you how much better you'll ride, especially in the twisties, with someone skilled in front.  You get to watch their lines and entry speeds, which are tough for you to judge as a beginner.  Of course, don't try and keep up with someone more skilled than you who is riding faster than you're comfortable with, but learn from watching what they do and how they ride.

5) Bikes: I'll put in a plug for the Suzuki GS500E (the naked version).  You can get a perfectly good used one with less than 20,000 miles for under 2000.  Mine has almost that many miles on it and still runs great.  The insurance should also be relatively cheap (it would have been less than 100 for me, despite my lack of experience,  except that I had had some prior misunderstandings with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol regarding matters of velocity and acceleration   )  The GS500 is very reliable and parts are still widely available, even though I think Suzuki may have discontinued the line.  gstwin.com is the forum of choice for GS500 owners and they have an active classifieds section.  I get this feeling that prices in forum classifieds tend to be a bit cheaper than criagslist or ebay but that might be my imagination.  The other bikes people have mentioned also are great options, though I think I would have outgrown a 250 quite quickly.  

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

[shawn and gwyn]

lots of good info here. .. my son took the safety course and passed.  i had taken an old KLR250 and got it road worthy as his starter bike. he has been ridding that around town with me..  next a buddy and i found a Honda V45 sabre for his next bike.  he has ridden it once so far on the street and a day of parking lot time.  he loves it.   i think about the best option out there is an 80s UJM  in the 650 class.  naked not alot to damage when you drop it. very easy to work on. and CHEAP! to buy and repair. the bike junkyards are just full of parts.. an 82 or 83 Honda 650 nighthawk would be my first recommendation. easy to control. powerfull enough for the highway. easy to use around town.  can find a luggage rack . or add a trunk easy enough for school books.

Shawn

[greidel]

If you qualify for a credit union (either through your job or profession), join it. You will probably find credit easier to get through them, and at good rates. If you have saved up for a starter bike, it might be a good idea to hold the cash in savings and finance the bike through the credit union. Pay it down over a year out of the savings. That way you get the bike and the credit you'll need for the next one.

If there is a local credit union, go in a talk to them... ask them how you might qualify to join. I hear that, even though there are rules, just about everyone qualifies somewhere.