Should M-J.com attempt to discourage new riders from overpowered bikes?

[robertc729]

I voted newbies should be informed on a first bike purchase, but as it has been already stated some people think they know all and can handle anything.

[Bowtie18]

Originally Posted by intimid8er

Here's my recommendation for Noobs....speaking of the Boss (and not Bruce Springsteen either....)

OMG, where did you find/make that! That is crazy!

On the topic, I have a hard time with the question. If it is the policy of the board to be a safety first board, and you practice what you preach, so be it! I can admit to being a bit turned out at times by it, but I can respect it if you are sincere, consistent, and at least attempt to be polite about it!

I guess I'm not a big sport bike fan as it is, but I just know I would get myself in trouble on one. I'm glad I waited until a bit later to start to ride, 37 YO, and have a bit more mature way of looking at it.

A very small amount of Sportbike riders make ALL motorcycle riders look bad, so if you can influence some, do it! It is you board to run as you wish, and if just a few follow your advice, maybe all riders will have a better name.

And it's not just sport bike riders that give bike a bad name, the cruiser riders that just go from bar to bar posing don't help either, but they don't come on here and talk about that!

[palanon]

Things have changed over the years. My motto " Ride what you can, where you can, when you can " stems from my younger years. Before the Internet you had to buy motorcycles out of the local paper and pick what you could pay for.

My first street legal bike ( after years of dirt bikes ) was a "Husky 360 enduro". When I first took that beast for a ride I learned toot sweet you didn't treat it like an RM 125. I think when I bought the bike I had a choice of three that I could buy. Sometimes the only thing you may be able to afford might be a CBR 600. Just because a new rider ends up with a sceamer doesn't mean their going to ride it like an idiot. Like with me, I think most level headed people who end up with a bike with to much power will twist that throttle once and say " I'm not doing that again !! "

I think it would be great if every new rider could find and have the money for a 250cc bike to ride for the first year or two. But, that's not going to happen.

I honnestly believe that a normal, level headed person, with good training, good gear, advise from experienced riders and a GOOD dose of common sense can learn to be a good rider on a more powerful bike.

Throttles don't kill people. People......

Just some basic rant from your good buddy the Wog.

[tlwisner]

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

LOL. Sign me up. I want a Boss Hoss.

You know the BossHoss is actually quite a good bike for a beginner. It's low center of gravity and the mild way it delivers 700+ HP (you're getting the 502ci with NOS, right? Or maybe you're just a little sissy...) is confidence inspiring for new riders. If it wasn't for beginners, why does it have an automatic tranny? You'll look good on it going from bar to bar.
<please insert $40 for further BS>

[palanon]

GOD... saw one of those monsters at a dealership durring my "great hunt". I wish the engine in my Z28 was tricked out that well

Come on ..... GIT' YA' SOME BABY !!! YEHAH !!!

[Clint]

Tim, stop making me laugh. The baby's sleeping!

[GIXXER-Mike]

If they ask, inform 'em as best as possible. No need to force the issue!

Otherwise, any interested newbie will seek & easily find tons of information on suggested first bikes on this site.

I also, sorta lean toward the rider. I wholeheartedly believe that there are many interested newbies out there that can handle a 600 as a first bike ...did I just say that! Of course that depends on a lot of factors...maturity included.

[RampageRider]

I get 5 or 6 newbies a day looking to get their first bike at work, it's hard to tell a new buyer that he is crazy to want a GSXR750 or GSXR1000 for his first bike. It's hard to lay hints before them and stear towards a better first ride.

A lot of the young guy's have a need for speed!

[Dwayne Hicks]

Originally Posted by tlwisner

<please insert $40 for further BS>

LOL

I voted for the second option - let them know if they ask. I feel that if they have to ask, then they are uncertain in what they want to buy. If they have not asked, then they are sure they can handle a V8 crotch rocket.

Hell, I am still riding my beginner bike! Probably the member here with the smallest cc's!

[robertc729]

Originally Posted by Dwayne Hicks

LOL

If they have not asked, then they are sure they can handle a V8 crotch rocket.

They may be sure they can handle it, until it handles them.

[BlaznBlu]

Originally Posted by Bowtie18

A very small amount of Sportbike riders make ALL motorcycle riders look bad, so if you can influence some, do it! It is you board to run as you wish, and if just a few follow your advice, maybe all riders will have a better name.

And it's not just sport bike riders that give bike a bad name, the cruiser riders that just go from bar to bar posing don't help either, but they don't come on here and talk about that!

I also agree we should be providing our advice, but I admit to being turned off at times to the tone of some responses to those who are asking for advice. If a person is being responsible enough to read, join, then post to this forum, they should be given feedback that is appropriate. I think at times the newby questions get repetitive, and some of the responses can come across as mean-spirited. I'm sorry, but anonymous internet posters are not going to change the mind of someone who has been caught up in the look/style/reputation of a certain bike, even if it isn't the best choice for them.

I've referred a number of friends who ride to this site, but they said they didn't like the mood of the forum. I have been reading it for the past few months myself, and at times, I agreed that things appeared too preachy, but I do feel that we should try to help those who are truly asking for a more experienced opinion.

What about an area that is dedicated to the newby? Threads could probably be initiated from old posts about proper training, proper gear, an appropriate starter bike, insurance, etc. Oftentimes, I see questions posted on topics that have been discussed in detail elsewhere, but if a newby doesn't know how to search correctly, they will ask the same question over and over (trying the patience of other members). This may have been the initial intent of the "FAQ's" section, but it now is going deeper into other areas. Any thoughts?

[tlwisner]

Originally Posted by Dwayne Hicks

Hell, I am still riding my beginner bike! Probably the member here with the smallest cc's!

Some people think that buying a bigger bike somehow makes them cool. Some people are just cool enough already.

[bajaraider]

There is nothing wrong with information. Making someone aware of their risks will never hurt. If they are willing to listen, then they will. If they do not want to listen then they will not. As fellow inhabitants of this planet much less a part of the motorcycling group, I think we should take on the duty to at least inform. This type of attitude could help the overall image of motorcycling.

I also am so very glad I found this forum. It seems to e the most safety oriented group ever. I have read other posts describing how other forums they have visited talk about nothing but wheelies and going as fast as possible. I feel that we should stick with what we (all of us) have built.

[Insaneman1731]

New riders should be informed whether they ask or not. definally. Some people just don't know what they are getting themselves into. And they need to.

[bajaraider]

Hey I have been riding for a few months, should I upgrade to a Dodge Tomahawk???

But seriously could be sweet competition to the Boss Hoss! Sweet looking bike, or quad.

[Trapper]

This deserves a bump. Read this thread! http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/fo...6&page=1&pp=40

[robertc729]

I guess that answers the question of this thread.

[BlaznBlu]

Originally Posted by BlaznBlu50

I'm sorry, but anonymous internet posters are not going to change the mind of someone who has been caught up in the look/style/reputation of a certain bike, even if it isn't the best choice for them.

FmanForps3: I applaud your wise decision to head the advice from here. I have found this site to be very useful as I researched my bike, caught ZDI, am seeking treatment (admitting it is the first step), and continue to learn more every day.

You are one of the first people who seems to listen to what is recommended. I am happy to state that I was wrong, and hope that many others continue to learn from this site.

Best of luck, and ride safe.

[Mavman]

yes....newbies should be informed even if they don't ask. BUT in a decent appreciatable tone, NOT a condesending-"your an idiot!" if ya go big first manner.

[tlwisner]

Originally Posted by palanon

I think it would be great if every new rider could find and have the money for a 250cc bike to ride for the first year or two. But, that's not going to happen.

I have to disagree, I don't understand how somebody can afford a large bike but can't afford a small one. Anybody can buy a nice little used starter type bike for $1500 - $2000, ride it for a year and then sell it for just about the same amount of money they paid for it.

It's not the money, it's the ego.