New rider... sorta

[Thundurburd]

I've run across State motorcycle manuals occasionally and they seem similar. Here's the Wisconsin manual if you don't find anything better. I have seen better though but don't remember where.

[MOTOHOLIC!]

to the board!!

[Porcelina Goddess]

Thanks for all the welcomes!

[SNAFU]

Hi!

[Porcelina Goddess]

Hi SNAFU!

[vtbme]

I took MSF at the community college here in Charlotte and was so nervous about them not having a helmet that I bought one even though I had no plans to buy a bike...had just always wanted to take the course - life list sort of thing, and then when I survived cancer...well, here ya go. Husband was not thrilled about that (wound up with a Shoei)...not the cheapest brand on the shelf.

Anyway, obviously it was more fun than I had even imagined. BTW the site I took from had about 15 helmets and there wound up only being 6 of us in the class.

Next thing I know, I'm poking around on Craigslist, Ebay, Cycle Trader and Charlotte.com just wondering what small used bikes are going for. Went to a few dealerships...just to see what they'd say about size and educate myself. None of them recommended the 250 size. Well, I wound up with a my '99 Virago 250 (today's Yamaha Vstar 250) and have loved it! I'm 5'5.5", 160, with about a 30" inseam. This bike is right at 300 lbs and a breeze to handle. I've had it for almost two years and while I am currently looking to move up to something else in the next 6 months or so, I am SO GLAD I DID NOT LISTEN TO DEALERS. I realize everyone's different, but I've read plenty of stories about people overbuying and quiting the sport out of fear and frustration.

Take your time and look around. Suzuki has some low seat heights in their S line. Or if you're not in a rush maybe we could work something out.

Definitely need to do the MSF. It made me so aware of all the different variables of things going on. In fact, it's about time for me to take another class. Most people recommend some sort of ongoing training every 2 years.

Welcome and enjoy!

Oh - where abouts upstate SC?

[Porcelina Goddess]

Wow, vtbme! Congrats on the cancer survival. That's absolutely great!

I actually am apprehensive about motorcycles -- not necessarily scared per se, but well aware of the dangers it poses to the rider. In fact, my first driving class (car), the instructor showed the "blood-n-gore" video and what I saw was a decapitated rider with his bike between two trees. Great incentive to say no to bikes then!

There's a part of me that *loves* to toe the line, and I have with many other things, but I must say it's taking a lot of courage in me to toe this "bike" line. I have always loved to ride %%%%%, and admired the person I sat behind for his courage. With that said, I would never have listened to a dealer who told me to go anything above 250cc when I hadn't even gotten on a motorcycle yet. At the Intl. Bike show just recently in Greenville, a guy there told me to go a little higher b/c a 250cc can be unstable and dangerous. A good point, but something I will check out for myself. I'm definitely doing the course, but the timing and funds aren't matching up at the moment. Plus, I need to go and get the permit first before doing the class. That'll cost a few dollars as well, so I'm waiting for things to line up here.

What do you mean "we could work something out"? My boyfriend rides a Virago 250, so that'll be interesting to match! lol... He's actually part of the reason that I'm getting into it. It'll be a challenge for me, and I love challenges.

I'm not upstate quite so much. I'm actually in North Charleston. Still, the state is tiny and it takes 3 hours to 4 to cross it.

[sra4031]

Originally Posted by vtbme

Most people recommend some sort of ongoing training every 2 years.

Training should be ongoing whether it is a class, studying, or just practicing the basics

[vtbme]

Originally Posted by sra4031

Training should be ongoing

Indeed - I was just in a parking lot practicing slow turns and sudden stops a few weeks ago.

Goddess - All of that is good to hear. The Vulcan 500 probably wouldn't be a bad start and should last you longer than a 250 perhaps; just depends on what kind of riding you're planning for. Mine as been mostly commuting (only about 10 mi round trip), errands, and the occasional ride about the outskirts of Charlotte...Waxhaw, Locust, etc. Mostly recently I took my first trip (also happened to be solo) to the Intl Bike Show in Gville.

I will concur that a 250 at only 300 lbs can get blown around a bit, but those bikes should not be on the interstate IMO. Personally not comfortable doing more than 50 on mine, but I don't really have an interest in speed either. Can't imagine I'll do much more than that on a bigger bike. I can say when I demo'd the 950 and 900 they definitely felt more solid and I couldn't believe how effortlessly and comfortably they reached 50.

As "working something out" I was merely suggesting that my bike will be up for sale (hopefully) in the next 6 mos or so if you were interested. I'm saving up to pay cash for the next one, so once I'm pretty close, I'll put my little putt-putt out there.

Best of luck and listen to your gut!

Oh regarding gear for the class: I wore jeans, hiking boots, windbreaker, helmet of course, and lightly insulated gloves I had in the closet. None of the clothing was bike specific.

[Porcelina Goddess]

Well, I will keep an eye out for ye! And hopefully, when that time comes for you, that you and I will be on the same page and it will be a mutual help.

Thanks for the luck! I'll take every ounce of it.

[Davecm203]

Originally Posted by Porcelina Goddess

At the Intl. Bike show just recently in Greenville, a guy there told me to go a little higher b/c a 250cc can be unstable and dangerous.

That guy has no idea of what he is talking about. There is nothing unstable or unsafe about a 250. The only down side to them is the small amount of power (if you consider it so). I have been ridding for well over 20 years and have ridden all sorts of bikes. My first motorcycle was a Honda Rebel 250 I purchased as a teenager. I kept that motorcycle after I was 3 years into the Marines. I kept it although I had larger, faster bikes. I actually preferred to ride it when I was just running around base or around town as it was so light and agile. It was more fun to ride at slow speeds. I finally sold it on a whim. (A guy was looking for one for his wife and was having trouble finding a nice clean one as Honda had already stopped selling them in the US.) Anyway, the point of my story is that there is nothing wrong with a 250. They handle well and are the perfect first bike. Especially if you are short. They would make the 250s stable and easy to ride as they are intended to be a bike for beginners.