To motorcycle riders: I'm thinking of getting a bike license and a kawasaki ninja. Would get training, etc. But, how different is it to ride a bike than drive a car? How do you handle rough roads? Any advice? Should I stick with 4 wheels or move to 2?

Comments

• Thanks for your input. The part I fear most is bumpy roads. As for the ninja, read my comment on the other answer. It may be ugly but it's cheap. I may not be keeping it forever so I don't want to dish out a huge chunk of change. I am not hellbent on getting a ninja. It's just one I found. How much did your bike cost? (Please tell me the currency too :P)

  • Report
  

  by geek860 on May 10th, 2007

• My bike almost cost $8000 but with financing and everything it came out to more than $10,000. You should be fine around bumpy roads. It just takes practice to get used it. The first month its scary but once the fear is gone your going to love riding. Trust me its a nice feeling going at 160mph hahaha...

  • Report
  

  by R6what on May 11th, 2007

• lmao. I will admit I'd like to open er' up but I'm not suicidal. I'll drive normally, but my main reason for wanting to ride is the fuel savings. Parking is a plus too. Question: How do you secure a bike? I know with a car there's locks, a club, immobilizer, etc. but what do you do with a bike? Just a key?

  • Report
  

  by geek860 on May 11th, 2007

• Fuel economy? depends on how much your going to be riding. When I first bought it I was riding all the time and was filling up the gas tank almost every day so yea its expensive. You have to be carefull where you park your bike because it can get stolen right away thats what sux too. Or 2 guys can pick it up and put it on a truck and drive away. The best you can do is buy a tracking device so if it gets stolen you can track it where it is.

  • Report
  

  by R6what on May 11th, 2007

• Well yes you fill it up a lot but that's because it's a small tank. I think if you were driving a normal sedan it would've cost you more. I'd like to put a little 'device' on mine that gives 3rd degree burns to anyone who tries to steal it :) Tracking device is a good idea too though...

  • Report
  

  by geek860 on May 11th, 2007

Comments

• I'm all for the safety course and wouldn't start riding without it. I was just under the impression that I had to use my own bike during the course. Hence, I'd need to choose and buy one. Do they provide bikes for me to use? I may end up taking the same course as your step-brother, but I at least want to know how to ride. If, for some reason, I have no choice but to ride a bike, I want to know how to do it properly.
  
  Thanks for your input.

  • Report
  

  by geek860 on May 21st, 2007

• The one my step-brother took provided bikes, they were a smaller bike, not sure what kind. I would really try to find one that provides bikes for you to use so that you don't spend money on a bike that you may not enjoy riding. Another thing I would suggest is although sport bikes look really cool, and are fast they have the disadvandage of being bent over the bike therefore making it harder to be aware of what is going on around you... just a thought. You may want to consider getting something where you sit more upright as a first bike untill you get used to riding on busy streets.

  • Report
  

  by tutushaker on May 21st, 2007

Comments

• That's the thing. I don't want a chopper. I want a nice, steady sport bike (that leaned forward layout). I found a ninja for $4000 (canadian $$!) and it's only a year old. That's like $5000 cheaper than even lower powered bikes. Hence my question. Thanks though - I suspected there was a reason it was cheap but didn't know of that reputation.

  • Report
  

  by geek860 on May 10th, 2007

•   That is cheap.  $4,000 Canadian, that's like, what 75¢ American?  Anyway, you might want to find out what happened to the previous owner.  More important, you might want to make sure you know how to avoid having the same happen to you.

  • Report
  

  by Anonymous on May 10th, 2007

• lmao...the times have changed a bit bob. We're nearing your dollar now. Well, I've never driven a bike. I've ridden on the back of one and it was fun, but never actually driven one. Was thinking of taking lessons but I think you need to have your own ride. I don't know if it will be something I'll keep doing (I want to at least know how to ride a bike should the need arise) so I don't want to spend a huge amount of money on a bike. Tough situation. Maybe I should call around to motorcycle training places and see if they have bikes to use.

  • Report
  

  by geek860 on May 10th, 2007

• My recollection is that there are currently 3 different Ninja models: a 250cc, a 600cc, and a 750cc or 900cc (I forget which).
  
  The 250cc is comparatively slow, but gets excellent fuel economy and still handles like the more powerful Ninjas (it's also cheap).
  The 600 and 750/900cc bikes have considerably more performance.
  
  The $4000 (Canadian) bike is likely a 250cc.
  
  Also, most of the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) courses in the US include provided motorcycles (usually 250cc or less) and helmets. I can't vouch for Canadian practice but it would seem logical for it to be much the same.

  • Report
  

  by Old School on June 12th, 2007

Comments

Comments

Comments

Comments

• I saw that on TV when it happened. Made me wince. I'd be wearing all the gear of course so that would lead to a bruise at most. He had no helmet, no leather. I had doubts about driving too and now I do it fine. So, I have to say I don't follow your logic on that. I want to know how to do it at least. Plus, with gas climbing as it is, a bike is much cheaper to run (and park!)

  • Report
  

  by geek860 on May 10th, 2007