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

[techgesture]

I am to-be new rider myself. I am starting out with the MSF class on June 15th. I have found much of the input on this forum very informative, and exciting.

There is so much "not" to know. Without the support from this forum... I would of been making my decisions blind... and I want to enjoy riding... not being nervous about my decisions.

Thank you all for contribution to such a great resource. I hope to continue to contribute to this forum for years to come myself.

[Clint]

Glad to have you, bud, and you're welcome.

[blackie1491]

This forum proves it's value time after time.
Some people do pay attention.

The Mods should pat themselves on the back.



( Just keep Kevin away from the water cooler)

[mike-s]

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.

Then again i've heard of newbies (or even second bike buyers after spending minimal time on their 1st bike) that wanted the newest shiniest cbzxf1000gsxrr on the market, took one sit on it, or a test ride and then said to hell with this and then and got something infinitely more practical. The biggest thing is it comes down the the individual, can they cope with someone poopooing an idea they had their heart set on/can they handle the fact that maybe their hot idea was moreso slightly tepid?

Originally Posted by BlaznBlu50

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.

Those that ask will find answers here or eslewhere along the same line, "yeah go for it" or "you've got to be f*in kidding!", a lot of forums are self moderating whereby an idiot poster will have sh*t hung on him for making a stupid suggestion to someone who takes things more literally than the experienced rider.

Originally Posted by BlaznBlu50

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?

YES, i have seen it run on another forum and it works very well. The basic rules there are, no flaming the original poster, but if you say something in response that is about as intelligent as suggesting wearing fishnet wet weather gear then its a free for all for any stupid ideas to be self moderated.

[Apertureguy]

Yes, I think they should be told too.

Because, if they knew, they wouldn't be asking what they're asking.

Many of these folks just got through (the smart ones) their MSF course & have heard about the Road King the instructor rides...and or the various bikes that the other classmates have recently purchased....and there's a bunch of chest beating and measuring of how high someone can urinate going on...and they just know they were meant to be HD riders or Sport Bikers...and they've already bought the clothes...so they gotta get the bike.

I've seen it...it's a vicious circle...jerk.

All of it is really just very pridefull wishing ( I made that word up).

They do sometimes need to be told what the salesman (eyeing his commission) will not tell them. They need to see first hand the carnage which can be wrought by not being prepared, not having safety gear, not adhearing to the law....or ya know...what the costs are for being a Squid.

I wish every rider started out with something small and then as their experience grew...so did their bikes.

It's scary going on a ride with someone that claims to have years of experience...but still overshoots turns, can't u-turn without a foot down, shift poorly, etc.

I wish these forums were manditory, maybe as some homework task from the MSF course.

[mike-s]

Originally Posted by Apertureguy

It's scary going on a ride with someone that claims to have years of experience...but still overshoots turns, can't u-turn without a foot down, shift poorly, etc.

I wish these forums were manditory, maybe as some homework task from the MSF course.

ive been riding about 3-4 yrs, and i hate overshooting/misjudging corners like that, makes me feel like a right idiot. still gettin used to the clutch on my bike, very on/off compared to other clutches i've had.

[Apertureguy]

Originally Posted by mike-s

ive been riding about 3-4 yrs, and i hate overshooting/misjudging corners like that, makes me feel like a right idiot. still gettin used to the clutch on my bike, very on/off compared to other clutches i've had.

The guy I was talking about had a close call with an oncoming car each time he overshot the turn. He didn't have a problem getting used to the clutch..he never even tried to shift...he was just hanging on while going through the turns, hoping his lean would get him through.

[gratefulchet]

I inherited my bike and had never rode before. It was very intimidating to learn on it. It scared me frequently. Fortunately, I was lucky, and still ride my Intruder.

[Davecm203]

Originally Posted by tlwisner

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

You nailed that one. I have spoken with people with no experience wanting motorcycles. They want an R6, GSXR1000, Busa,.. I tell them they should buy a starter bike and really learn to ride and they get offended. They want to own a bike they can bench race with. One they think they can impress people with. I have had them tell me that they don't want to waste money on a bike they are only going to have to get rid of.

I also tell them to take an MSF course. Usually the response in offense. They say, "I can just learn on my own."

It was refreshing yesterday when a guy I work with asked me about my motorcycle and he actually listened to me and seemingly took to heart my advice.

[frostbitevinnie]

Originally Posted by tlwisner

I'm starting my new website: www.busas4newbs.com For the small $40 membership fee, I will tell you whatever you want to hear about your foolish bike choice.

Greatest hits such as:
"It's only a 600..."
"Just be smart, the R1 is docile"
"The SV is a girls bike - get the Gixxer 1000 dude!"
"Get a helmet that matches your flip-flops, safety is important."
"Just don't get insurance, it costs too much."

That's why I voted for No Bike is too powerful.

Do you take monopoly money??