Any motorcyclists out there?
Am considering purchasing a motorcycle this Summer and welcome any general advice from experienced members.
Though a novice, I am thinking of getting a bike suitable for day-long cruises of a couple hundred miles or so.
There are so many bike brands (Harley, BMW, Triumph, Ducati, etc.) and uses (Sport, Cruising, Urban) , I am pretty uncertain as to where to start.
Motorcycles
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Guest
Well that wasn't a very helpful answer.
I know several people of "high profession"--doctors, lawyers, and businessmen who own Harleys and enjoy them quite well. It's a popular thing in America to go riding together on the weekends. Granted, there are ruffnecks who do the same, but, to the poster: I don't think it was a bad idea to ask for advice here. After all, some of the bikes you mentioned are not cheap!!
I wish I knew more and could help you out--it is but a distant dream of mine to own a hog one day.
--kirsch
I know several people of "high profession"--doctors, lawyers, and businessmen who own Harleys and enjoy them quite well. It's a popular thing in America to go riding together on the weekends. Granted, there are ruffnecks who do the same, but, to the poster: I don't think it was a bad idea to ask for advice here. After all, some of the bikes you mentioned are not cheap!!
I wish I knew more and could help you out--it is but a distant dream of mine to own a hog one day.
--kirsch
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Guest
It's very difficult to give advice as your question is so broad. Any bike can be suitable for day long cruising, depending on how fast you like to cruise and what sort of roads you are on.
If for you, cruising means gentle speed on those long straight roads you have so many of in the states, then one of the traditional "retro cruisers" such as Harley, the Triumph cruisers or one from the Japanese manufacturers could be suitable. But be aware, if the road surfaces are not so good, because of the "sit up and beg" riding position on these, shocks tend to be transmitted straight up your spine, which can be very uncomfortable after a long day.
If you will be travelling more on curvy roads (the whole point of motorcycling in my view) then perhaps sport tourer, such as the Triumph Sprint, Honda VFR or just about any BMW would be good. Alternatively one of the "giant trailies", mock off road bikes, such as the BMW GS, Triumph Tiger or Honda Vandero. These are good on all roads and as they tend to have softer suspension are usually very comfortable as well, but, they are not for shorties. You need long legs to comfortably reach the ground on these.
For something a bit different, Triumph (again) make a range of 60's retro bikes, based on the Bonneville. These are easy to ride, not too powerful and great fun and as such may be better suited for a novice.
As you are a novice, I would avoid really sporty bikes, but apart from that, the world is your oyster. What you really need to do is decide what attracts you and go for that. In the end it has to be fun and no-one else can say what will be fun for you.
One last thing. Allow a good budget for protective clothing.
Rob Heys
If for you, cruising means gentle speed on those long straight roads you have so many of in the states, then one of the traditional "retro cruisers" such as Harley, the Triumph cruisers or one from the Japanese manufacturers could be suitable. But be aware, if the road surfaces are not so good, because of the "sit up and beg" riding position on these, shocks tend to be transmitted straight up your spine, which can be very uncomfortable after a long day.
If you will be travelling more on curvy roads (the whole point of motorcycling in my view) then perhaps sport tourer, such as the Triumph Sprint, Honda VFR or just about any BMW would be good. Alternatively one of the "giant trailies", mock off road bikes, such as the BMW GS, Triumph Tiger or Honda Vandero. These are good on all roads and as they tend to have softer suspension are usually very comfortable as well, but, they are not for shorties. You need long legs to comfortably reach the ground on these.
For something a bit different, Triumph (again) make a range of 60's retro bikes, based on the Bonneville. These are easy to ride, not too powerful and great fun and as such may be better suited for a novice.
As you are a novice, I would avoid really sporty bikes, but apart from that, the world is your oyster. What you really need to do is decide what attracts you and go for that. In the end it has to be fun and no-one else can say what will be fun for you.
One last thing. Allow a good budget for protective clothing.
Rob Heys
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Guest
It's very difficult to give advice as your question is so broad. Any bike can be suitable for day long cruising, depending on how fast you like to cruise and what sort of roads you are on.
If for you, cruising means gentle speed on those long straight roads you have so many of in the states, then one of the traditional "retro cruisers" such as Harley, the Triumph cruisers or one from the Japanese manufacturers could be suitable. But be aware, if the road surfaces are not so good, because of the "sit up and beg" riding position on these, shocks tend to be transmitted straight up your spine, which can be very uncomfortable after a long day.
If you will be travelling more on curvy roads (the whole point of motorcycling in my view) then perhaps sport tourer, such as the Triumph Sprint, Honda VFR or just about any BMW would be good. Alternatively one of the "giant trailies", mock off road bikes, such as the BMW GS, Triumph Tiger or Honda Vandero. These are good on all roads and as they tend to have softer suspension are usually very comfortable as well, but, they are not for shorties. You need long legs to comfortably reach the ground on these.
For something a bit different, Triumph (again) make a range of 60's retro bikes, based on the Bonneville. These are easy to ride, not too powerful and great fun and as such may be better suited for a novice.
As you are a novice, I would avoid really sporty bikes, but apart from that, the world is your oyster. What you really need to do is decide what attracts you and go for that. In the end it has to be fun and no-one else can say what will be fun for you.
One last thing. Allow a good budget for protective clothing.
Rob Heys
If for you, cruising means gentle speed on those long straight roads you have so many of in the states, then one of the traditional "retro cruisers" such as Harley, the Triumph cruisers or one from the Japanese manufacturers could be suitable. But be aware, if the road surfaces are not so good, because of the "sit up and beg" riding position on these, shocks tend to be transmitted straight up your spine, which can be very uncomfortable after a long day.
If you will be travelling more on curvy roads (the whole point of motorcycling in my view) then perhaps sport tourer, such as the Triumph Sprint, Honda VFR or just about any BMW would be good. Alternatively one of the "giant trailies", mock off road bikes, such as the BMW GS, Triumph Tiger or Honda Vandero. These are good on all roads and as they tend to have softer suspension are usually very comfortable as well, but, they are not for shorties. You need long legs to comfortably reach the ground on these.
For something a bit different, Triumph (again) make a range of 60's retro bikes, based on the Bonneville. These are easy to ride, not too powerful and great fun and as such may be better suited for a novice.
As you are a novice, I would avoid really sporty bikes, but apart from that, the world is your oyster. What you really need to do is decide what attracts you and go for that. In the end it has to be fun and no-one else can say what will be fun for you.
One last thing. Allow a good budget for protective clothing.
Rob Heys
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Guest
As you are both a novice and LL reader, well, you are probably interested in the bike's style and probably would not be doing more than day-long cruises and then back to home in the evenings.
That is a nice comfortable way to start in with biking and you should buy a suitable bike accordingly. No racers. No dirt bikes. No extra long distance sport tourers. No ungainly, heavy cruisers.
Maybe you want to do a little show boating with a tricked out Harley; unlimited possibilities to customize it and alot of professional types are into this bike and its community of riders. Nothing wrong with an American made Harley. But they are a bit heavy, a bit technically behind, a bit uncomfortable and a bit over the top and pricey, though loads of fun with generally a nice community. Probably the equivalent of a nice RTW Oxxford Clothes if we want to project the clothing analogy, as it's the only, last good American clothes manufacturer that I can think of.
If you are more into Italian styling, think Ducati. They make some nice cafe racers, not only the monster, naked sport bikes, but stylish, medium sized bikes suitable for day trips. Wear Brioni?
Ofcourse, the British Triumph with tradition and retro style and a bit dated technology and not much handwork.....well, all rather reminiscent of Savile Row itself. How appropriate.
You see, everything , even your choice of motorcycles, can derive from your clothing style which in turn really reflects your intellectual and cultural bent. Perhaps a suspect argument, but intriguing thought, nonethless.
Here is a site for Ducati's Sport Classic line: the nice little Sport 1000 Monoposto cafe racer, in red, for the curious Italian in you:
http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2007/M ... 1000MON-07
That is a nice comfortable way to start in with biking and you should buy a suitable bike accordingly. No racers. No dirt bikes. No extra long distance sport tourers. No ungainly, heavy cruisers.
Maybe you want to do a little show boating with a tricked out Harley; unlimited possibilities to customize it and alot of professional types are into this bike and its community of riders. Nothing wrong with an American made Harley. But they are a bit heavy, a bit technically behind, a bit uncomfortable and a bit over the top and pricey, though loads of fun with generally a nice community. Probably the equivalent of a nice RTW Oxxford Clothes if we want to project the clothing analogy, as it's the only, last good American clothes manufacturer that I can think of.
If you are more into Italian styling, think Ducati. They make some nice cafe racers, not only the monster, naked sport bikes, but stylish, medium sized bikes suitable for day trips. Wear Brioni?
Ofcourse, the British Triumph with tradition and retro style and a bit dated technology and not much handwork.....well, all rather reminiscent of Savile Row itself. How appropriate.
You see, everything , even your choice of motorcycles, can derive from your clothing style which in turn really reflects your intellectual and cultural bent. Perhaps a suspect argument, but intriguing thought, nonethless.
Here is a site for Ducati's Sport Classic line: the nice little Sport 1000 Monoposto cafe racer, in red, for the curious Italian in you:
http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2007/M ... 1000MON-07
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Guest
Being a member of LL I would imagine that you would prefer something particular.....in no particular order , may I suggest....
Vincent Black Shadow Series C or a bespoke Egli framed Shadow.
Rudge Superior with Steib sidecar
BMW R69s
MV Agusta 750 Sport America
Ducati 750ss
Harley Electraglide (especially in blue)...
Real motorcycles from the classic era.
bluscuro
Vincent Black Shadow Series C or a bespoke Egli framed Shadow.
Rudge Superior with Steib sidecar
BMW R69s
MV Agusta 750 Sport America
Ducati 750ss
Harley Electraglide (especially in blue)...
Real motorcycles from the classic era.
bluscuro
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Guest
I've been riding a BMW f650 gs for about 5 years in Boston and Washington, DC.
It's been a great bike. I tend to use it for daily commutes, but I've taken it for a few long day trips, such as Boston to Toronto and Boston to Washington, DC.
The f650 is an onroad/offroad bike, but mostly intended for the street. It's very beautiful, very reliable, and very safe. Two of my favorite features are the fuel injection--which allows quick starts in cold weather (Boston winters), and anti-lock breaks--which prevents falls.
There can be a fair amount of animosity between American and Japanese bike riders. European bikes tend to be respected by both of these larger camps.
The BMW f650 is a great starter bike. The older models, like the one I have, are on sale now as they phase in the new 650s. I think the styling is better on the older ones. I tend to prefer the look of classic bikes.
Parking and fuel efficiency (90 highway/60 city for the f650) are the biggest practical advantages of a motorcycle. The danger of a crash and exposure to the elements are the disadvantages, especially when it's your only mode of transportation, rain or shine, as it was for me for a few years.
Make sure you take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course at your local community college or elsewhere. It will drastically reduce your statistical chances of crashing and give you a lifetime discount on insurance.
Mark
It's been a great bike. I tend to use it for daily commutes, but I've taken it for a few long day trips, such as Boston to Toronto and Boston to Washington, DC.
The f650 is an onroad/offroad bike, but mostly intended for the street. It's very beautiful, very reliable, and very safe. Two of my favorite features are the fuel injection--which allows quick starts in cold weather (Boston winters), and anti-lock breaks--which prevents falls.
There can be a fair amount of animosity between American and Japanese bike riders. European bikes tend to be respected by both of these larger camps.
The BMW f650 is a great starter bike. The older models, like the one I have, are on sale now as they phase in the new 650s. I think the styling is better on the older ones. I tend to prefer the look of classic bikes.
Parking and fuel efficiency (90 highway/60 city for the f650) are the biggest practical advantages of a motorcycle. The danger of a crash and exposure to the elements are the disadvantages, especially when it's your only mode of transportation, rain or shine, as it was for me for a few years.
Make sure you take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course at your local community college or elsewhere. It will drastically reduce your statistical chances of crashing and give you a lifetime discount on insurance.
Mark
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Guest
"Make sure you take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course at your local community college or elsewhere. It will drastically reduce your statistical chances of crashing and give you a lifetime discount on insurance.
Mark"
Statistically speaking, the next man to die on a road bike in my home town will be riding a 650 or 750 sport bike and it will be his first year riding.
I raced bikes as a young man, and gave up on riding on the road after one friend died and another was left crippled in crashes caused by car drivers oblivious to the fact there are bikes on the road. I was intentionally run off the road by a young boy trying to impress his 15 year old girl friend in a Camaro on a road that followed a river.
It was almost as close to a death situation as I have ever come.
I have not been a bike in 25 years, but I believe that Mark's advice should be given some very serious consideration!
Good luck.
Mark"
Statistically speaking, the next man to die on a road bike in my home town will be riding a 650 or 750 sport bike and it will be his first year riding.
I raced bikes as a young man, and gave up on riding on the road after one friend died and another was left crippled in crashes caused by car drivers oblivious to the fact there are bikes on the road. I was intentionally run off the road by a young boy trying to impress his 15 year old girl friend in a Camaro on a road that followed a river.
It was almost as close to a death situation as I have ever come.
I have not been a bike in 25 years, but I believe that Mark's advice should be given some very serious consideration!
Good luck.
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Guest
Is bike riding so dangerous?
What are the causes of the accidents?
Is it really stupid to start thinking about riding?
What are the causes of the accidents?
Is it really stupid to start thinking about riding?
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Guest
It's not the riding that's dangerous, its the falling off!Anonymous wrote:Is bike riding so dangerous?
What are the causes of the accidents?
Is it really stupid to start thinking about riding?
Flippancy aside, if a motorcyclist is involved in an accident, he is more likely to be injured because the protective cage which is built into every car to protect the occupants, is absent.
The main causes of accidents are twofold. Firstly excess speed (for the road/traffic conditions) on the side of the motorcyclists and secondly sheer carelessness on the side of other drivers. You can mitigate both these risks yourself in that you drive wisely (note, I do not say slowly) and beware of other road users. Never assume someone else has seen you or will give way to you. Do assume they are idiots and will cut you up, turn right in front of you etc. (which incidentally a US army Dodge did this morning to me, in Frankfurt, grrrr!).
Having said all that, most motorcyclists don't crash and don't get injured.
My personal approach is to ride as best I can, but assume that someday something will happen and I will end up sliding down the tarmac, so I dress accordingly with the best protective clothing I can find.
Are you stupid to consider riding? No! absolutely not! But you would be stupid to ignore the risks.
Rob
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Guest
More good advice,Anonymous wrote:.............Are you stupid to consider riding?Anonymous wrote:Is bike riding so dangerous?
What are the causes of the accidents?
Is it really stupid to start thinking about riding?
No! absolutely not! But you would be stupid to ignore the risks.
Rob
bikes are different mind set, one split second of a wandering mind is all it can take.
The pot hole that at very worse may spill your coffee in a car, can spill your brains on the curb.
The punk kid who stopped to relieve himself in the middle of the night and then spun his tires pulling away from the gravel shoulder has increased your risk. Some cities (and coutries) are blessed with drivers that are more aware of biikes on the road than others. I am not blessed to live in such a city.
The state of alertness is far higher on a bike,
but so is the thrill of driving!!
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Guest
Safety and clothes
On safety:
A friend who started riding before me said he always rides scared, and he credits this with saving his life. It keeps him aware and prevents him from getting cocky.
The temptation to cockiness or even to show off is very high on a motorcycle. Sometimes I catch myself checking to see if people I just passed (on the sidewalk mostly) have turned to watch me go by. Cars will want to race you, kids will ask you to pop a wheelie. Motorcyclists will compare how worn the outsides of their tires are to indicate how low they lean on turns. They'll want to split lanes to get to the front of a traffic stop (legal in CA, but nowhere else, I believe.), or to ride down a designated bicycle lane.
Giving in to these temptations are what cause accidents, in my opinion. So some level of "riding scared" is good, I think. On the other hand, you can be so scared that you're tense and too timid. This can cause accidents. I think the right balance of being aware, scared, and relaxed, is what martial artists, and maybe others, call "diffused awareness." This is what I try to cultivate, both to guard against my own negative temptations and to guard against other drivers, since as Rob and maybe others wrote above, other drivers often cause accidents. I agree. (Some people don't see motorcyclists. Some think motorcycles are so maneuverable they're impossible to hit. Some use their car like a bully, moving right into a motorcycle's path, thinking a motorcyclist will always get out of their way. The worst are the one's, described above, who want to impress their girlfriends.)
However, a motorcyclist can't do much about these people, but s/he can do a lot to prepare and respond to them. The diffused awareness makes me focus on the road ahead while also being conscious of the entire environment: not just the car ahead of me but the three cars ahead, the ones on the sides, behind, approaching on cross streets, parked cars, pedestrians, dogs, etc.
On Clothes (and safety):
"My personal approach is to ride as best I can, but assume that someday something will happen and I will end up sliding down the tarmac, so I dress accordingly with the best protective clothing I can find" (Rob).
This is smart.
I always wear a motorcycle jacket, full-faced helmet, gloves, tough pants, and sturdy shoes. I know you should wear boots, but I don't if it's really warm. If I'm riding on the highway for extended trips I also wear shin/knee protectors and a padded girdle under my pants.
I have a question about wearing formal/semi-formal/business clothes while riding a bike.
What do people do to balance formal/fine clothes with safety and weather gear?
I always wear my helmet, jacket and gloves w/ any kind of clothing. Then cover nice pants with waterproof pants if it's raining, cold, or the roads are wet. My biggest concern is shoes. Sometimes I wear Frye campus boots, but they don't go w/ a suit. It can be a pain to carry around boots all day or even to change them (I'm often late). Shifting is hard on dress shoes. My ankles get cold or wet and are unprotected w/o boots.
Do people wear Chelsea boots? I was thinking of getting a pair of RM Williams. Any experience w/ them or any other suggestions?
Mark
On safety:
A friend who started riding before me said he always rides scared, and he credits this with saving his life. It keeps him aware and prevents him from getting cocky.
The temptation to cockiness or even to show off is very high on a motorcycle. Sometimes I catch myself checking to see if people I just passed (on the sidewalk mostly) have turned to watch me go by. Cars will want to race you, kids will ask you to pop a wheelie. Motorcyclists will compare how worn the outsides of their tires are to indicate how low they lean on turns. They'll want to split lanes to get to the front of a traffic stop (legal in CA, but nowhere else, I believe.), or to ride down a designated bicycle lane.
Giving in to these temptations are what cause accidents, in my opinion. So some level of "riding scared" is good, I think. On the other hand, you can be so scared that you're tense and too timid. This can cause accidents. I think the right balance of being aware, scared, and relaxed, is what martial artists, and maybe others, call "diffused awareness." This is what I try to cultivate, both to guard against my own negative temptations and to guard against other drivers, since as Rob and maybe others wrote above, other drivers often cause accidents. I agree. (Some people don't see motorcyclists. Some think motorcycles are so maneuverable they're impossible to hit. Some use their car like a bully, moving right into a motorcycle's path, thinking a motorcyclist will always get out of their way. The worst are the one's, described above, who want to impress their girlfriends.)
However, a motorcyclist can't do much about these people, but s/he can do a lot to prepare and respond to them. The diffused awareness makes me focus on the road ahead while also being conscious of the entire environment: not just the car ahead of me but the three cars ahead, the ones on the sides, behind, approaching on cross streets, parked cars, pedestrians, dogs, etc.
On Clothes (and safety):
"My personal approach is to ride as best I can, but assume that someday something will happen and I will end up sliding down the tarmac, so I dress accordingly with the best protective clothing I can find" (Rob).
This is smart.
I always wear a motorcycle jacket, full-faced helmet, gloves, tough pants, and sturdy shoes. I know you should wear boots, but I don't if it's really warm. If I'm riding on the highway for extended trips I also wear shin/knee protectors and a padded girdle under my pants.
I have a question about wearing formal/semi-formal/business clothes while riding a bike.
What do people do to balance formal/fine clothes with safety and weather gear?
I always wear my helmet, jacket and gloves w/ any kind of clothing. Then cover nice pants with waterproof pants if it's raining, cold, or the roads are wet. My biggest concern is shoes. Sometimes I wear Frye campus boots, but they don't go w/ a suit. It can be a pain to carry around boots all day or even to change them (I'm often late). Shifting is hard on dress shoes. My ankles get cold or wet and are unprotected w/o boots.
Do people wear Chelsea boots? I was thinking of getting a pair of RM Williams. Any experience w/ them or any other suggestions?
Mark
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Guest
There's an exhilarating feeling of freedom. As I mentioned above, there's the ability to park anywhere, which is great when you're often late, as I am. You go door to door and don't need to spend time finding a space. There's the fuel efficiency--better for the wallet and the environment. You can zip through traffic. A common thought is that because it forces the rider to focus on the road it can be a way to forget other concerns and thus a way of relaxing. It's generally cheaper to purchase, insure, and repair than a car. There are multiple benefits to one's image. As my sister would say, Chicks dig it. Children do too. Guys think you're more manly.
I emphasized the negative aspects, because the benefits tend to be more obvious than the downsides, and because I think a person getting into it should do so with full awareness of problems.
mark
I emphasized the negative aspects, because the benefits tend to be more obvious than the downsides, and because I think a person getting into it should do so with full awareness of problems.
mark
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