newbie questions

[ducky]

hi ive read alot about bikes and im really interested in them, and i think i am going to get one. my dad has had 1 when he was earlier, but did not ride so much but he gave me the go ahead to get one.

i am planing to take the msf course as soon as it gets warm, im in nyc, bit chillly as of late.

i am wondering is is like riding a bicycles? cuz i like bicycles =]

and well from the forums on this site and others ive read that a 500cc bike like the gs500 would be good to start out on, or maybe even a bandit. i dont have much money as im only 18, so im going to get one used.

it would be greatly appreciated if anyone would give me sum good advice in looking for a used bike like the gs500 for maybe under 3000, like maybe which years are good.

and also, should i get all that leather, it seems a bit expensive and id rather put it into the bike.

thx =]

[Louis]

Hi ducky, welcome.

The common recommendation is to start on a low HP bike, the GS500 being a great choice barely breaking the 50HP. The Bandit is much more powerful but still better than many other choice. Shop around but stand clear of bikes that have been damaged.

I congratulate you on wanting to take the MSF, I believe it is a must. Take the course first.

As for comparing a motorcycle to a bike... both have two wheels . A motorcycle is more exciting but also implies greater responsabilities because of the much greater speed (unless you can pedal at 60mph which I doubt ).

Good clothing is the only protection you'll have in case of a mishap. I wouldn't skimp on this. Leather offers the best protection but there are good textile clothing as well.

Ride safe, and let us know how it goes.

[Clint]

Don't try to ride a motorcycle as if it were a bicycle. There's a fundamental difference, which I discovered for myself only after riding my first mc for a while then getting back on my bicycle: You control a bicycle largely with body movement, and you control a motocycle with its controls. If you try to force a lean on a motorcycle, or try to use your foot to help balance in a turn, you'll likely have problems. The significant mass of a motor bicycle requires the use of throttle, brakes, and steering to keep it upright. But that comes with a little practice. Just be aware of the difference.

[ducky]

thx alot guys

i have a few more questions:

would going to a dealer be a good choice for maybe a later model gs500?

because i tried looking online for used bikes and most in my price range are damaged, and gs500's are few and far between online, most bikes are 600cc and up.

plus how do i know for certain if it is a drop or it was crashed? and i hear that i should look for signs that is has been raced? how do i determine that?

and should i take a mc repair and maintence class at the msf course? or is it pretty strait foward and learnable by myself using a manual?

thx again cheers

[Clint]

You might put up a signature indicating that you're looking for a GS. If you visit several forums you'd cover a lot of ground.

As far as maintenance, most people buy a Clymer or factory manual, and the rest you can get from the forums. Take a course only if you're interested enough to enjoy it.

[ChibbMD]

Ducky,

I was also looking seriously at the GS500 for a first bike. Most experienced riders I know confirmed that it was a good choice for a first. I just wanted to chime in that the key to finding the bike you are looking for in your price range is patience. I recently saw a 98 GS500 with only 4K miles on it, and the guy was only asking $2300 for it. I probably could have landed it for 2 G's and it was in immaculate condition. My point, you just have to do your homework and learn what the market is for a particular bike and what you would pay for one. Be sure to check out cycletrader.com and definitely post to a few forums. Some might advise against buying from a dealership, but I figure as long as you are willing to stand firm on what you have to spend, you might just land the deal you are looking for. It worked for me and I couldn't be happier. Never forget that there are a TON of people out there that bought a bike on an impulse and then woke up one day a year later and realized they really didn't ride it that much, and they are more than happy to part with it for half of what they paid for it originally. Keep you're eyes open. Patience Ducky-san. That's the key.

Adam C.

[ducky]

thx alot for ur input

still searching, if i cant find 1 by summer im going to the dealership to get the gs500f model

hopefully my dad will help me wit it