First motorcycle

[CHIPY55]

So I was at Hollywood motors today, about to buy a used BMW 1100rt. I have always wanted to own one of these (btw, I was going to paint it dodgers blue). I took my uncle and cousin with me, and they stoped me from purchasing it, even though I had an awesome deal. My motor training class date is on April 10. I must own my motor by then. My family wont let me ride unless I start off with something under 350cc. I'm looking at a Yamaha Virago 250 and a Honda Rebel.

Besides those two rookie motors, can anyone recommend me a good first motorcycle. Thanks.

[Reader]

This one looks nice......:biggrin:

http://www.johnnypag.com/motorcycles/spyder300/index.php

Even looks like you could put in a bigger motor when you outgrow the 300.

[CHPwannaBE]

Just in case you don't get the mag- they had a write up on 50 ways to save your life...

1 Assume you're invisible Because to a lot of drivers you are. Never make a move based on the assumption that another driver sees you, even if you've just made eye contact. Bikes don't always register in the four-wheel mind
2. Be Considerate The consequence of strafing the jerk du jour or cutting him off start out bad and get worse. Pretend it was your grandma and think again.
3. Dress for the crash, not the pool or prom Sure, Joaquin's Fish Tacos is a 5-minute trip, but nobody plans to eat pavement. Modern mesh gear means 100-degree heat is no excuse for a T-shirt and board shorts.
4. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Assume that a car across the intersection will turn across your bow when the light goes green, with or without a turn signal.
5. Leave your ego at home The only people who really care if you were faster on the freeway will be the officer and the judge.
6. Pay attention Yes, there is a half naked girl on the billboard. That shock does feel squishy. Meanwhile, you could be drifting toward big trouble. Focus
7. Mirrors only show you part of the picture Never change direction without turning your head to make sure the coast is really clear.
8. Always take another second or three before you pull out to pass Ride away from a curb or into freeway traffic from an on-ramp. It's what you don't see that gets you. That extra look could save your life.
9.Watch your closing speed Passing cars at twice their speed or changing lanes to shoot past a row of stopped cars is just asking for trouble.
10. Beware the verge and merge A lot of nasty surprises end up on the side of the road: empty McDonald's bags, nails, TV antennas, ladders, you name it. Watch for potential debris on the sides of the road.
11. Left-turning Car remain a leading killer of motorcyclist. Don't assume someone will wait for you to dart through the intersection. They're trying to beat the light, too
12. Beware of cars running traffic lights The first few seconds after a light changes are the most perilous. Look both ways before barging into a intersection.
13. Check your mirrors Do it every time you change lanes, slow down or stop. Be ready to move if another vehicle is about to occupy the space you'd planned to use.
14.Mind the gap Remember driver's ED? One seconds worth of distance per 10 MPH is the best rule of thumb. Better still, scan the next 12 seconds ahead for potential trouble.
15. Beware the tuner car They're quick and their drivers tend to be aggressive. Don't assume you've beaten one away from a light or out spaced it in traffic and change lanes without looking. You could end up as a Nissan hood ornament.
16. Excessive entrance speed hurts It's the leading cause of single bike accidents on twisty roads and racetracks. In slow, out fast is the adage, and it still works. Dialing up corner speed is safer than scrubbing it off.
17. Don't trust that deer whistle Ungulates and other feral beast prowl at dawn and dusk, so heed those big yellow signs. If you're ridding in a target-rich environment, slow down and watch the shoulders.
18. Learn to use both brakes The front does most of your stopping, but a little rear brake on a corner entry can calm a nervous chassis
19. Keep the front brake covered-alwaysSave a second of reaction time at 60 mph and you can stop 88 feet shorter. Think about that.
20. Look where you want to go Use the miracle of target fixation to your advantage. The motorcycle goes where you look, so focus on the solution instead of the problem.
21. Keep your eyes moving Traffic is always shifting, so keep scanning for potential trouble. Don't lock your eyes on any one thing for too long unless you're actually dealing with trouble.
22. Think before you act Careful whipping around that Camry going 7 mph in a 25 mph zone or you could end up with your head in the driver's side door when he turns into the driveway right in front of you.
23. Raise your gaze It's too late to do anything about the 20 feet immediately in front of your fender, so scan the road far enough ahead to see trouble and change trajectory.
24. Get your mind right in the driveway Most accidents happen during the first 15 minutes of a ride, below 40 mph, near an intersection or driveway. Yes, that could be your driveway.
25. Come to a full stop at the next stop signPut a foot down. Look again. Anything less forces a snap decision with no time to spot potential trouble.
26. Never drive into a gap in stalled traffic Cars may have stopped for a reason, and you may not be able to see why until it's too late to do anything about it.
27. Don't saddle up more than you can handle If you weigh 95 pounds, avoid that 795-pound cruiser. If you're 5-foot-5, forget those towering adventure-tourers.
28. Watch for car doors opening in traffic And smacking a car that is swerving around some goof-balls open door is just as painful.
29. Don't get in a intersection rut Watch for a two-way stop after a string of four-way intersection's if you expect crossing traffic to stop, there could be a painful surprise when it doesn't.
30. Stay in your comfort zone when you're in a group. Riding over your head is a good way to end up in a ditch. Any bunch worth riding with will have a rendezvous point where you'll be able to link up again.
31. Give your eyes some time to adjust. A minute or two of low light heading from a well lighted garage onto dark streets is a good thing. Otherwise you're essentially flying blind for the first mile or so.
32. Master the slow U-turn Practice. Park your butt on the outside edge of the seat and lean the bike into the turn as a counter weight as you pivot around the rear wheel.
33. Who put a stop sign at the top of this hill? Don't panic. Use the rear brake to keep from rolling back down. Use Mr. Throttle and Mr. Clutch normally-and smoothly-to pull away.
34. If it looks slippery assume it is.A patch of suspicious pavement could be just about anything. Butter flavor Crisco? Gravel? Mobil 1? Or maybe it's nothing. Better to slow down for nothing than go on your head.
35. Bang! A blowout! Now what? No sudden moves. The motorcycle isn't happy, so prepare to apply a little calming muscle to maintain course. Ease back the the throttle, brake gingerly with the good wheel and pull over to the shoulder. Big sigh
36. Drops on the face shield It's raining. Lightly misted pavement can be slipperier than when it's rinsed by a down-pour, and you never know how much grip there is. Apply maximum-level concentration, caution and smoothness.
37. Emotions in check?To paraphrase Mr; Ice Cube, chickity-check yo self. Emotions are as powerful as any drug, so take inventory every time you saddle up. If you're mad, sad, exhausted or anxious, stay put
38. Wear good gear.Wear stuff that fits you and the weather. If you're too hot or too cold or fighting with a jacket that binds across the shoulders you're dangerous. It's that simple.
39. Leave the IPOD at homeYou wont hear that cement truck in time with Spinal Tap cranked to 11, but they might like your headphones in intensive care.
40. Learn to swerve. Be able to do tight turns in quick succession. Flick left around the bag of briquettes then right back to your original line of trajectory the bike will follow your eyes so look at the way around, not the briquettes. Now practice till it's a reflex
41. Be smooth at low speeds. Take some angst out, especially of slow speed maneuvers, with a bit of rear brake. It adds a welcome bit of stability by minimizing unwelcome weight transfer and potentially bothersome drive line lash.
42. Flashing is good for you. Turn signals get attention by flashing, right?So a few easy taps on the pedal or lever before stopping makes your brake light more eye-catching to trailing traffic.
43. Intersections are scary, so hedge your bets. Put another vehicle between your bike and the possibility of someone running the stop sign/red light on your right and you cut your chances of getting nailed in half.
44.Tune your peripheral vision Pick a point of that wall over there. Now scan as far as you can by moving your attention , not your gaze. The more you can see with out turning your head, the sooner you can react to trouble.
45. All alone at a light that wont turn green? Put as much motorcycle as possible directly above the sensor wire-Usually buried in the pavement beneath you and locate by a round or a square pattern behind the limit line. If the light still wont change, try putting your kickstand down. You should be on your way in seconds.
46. Everything is harder to see after dusk Adjust your headlights. Carry a clear face shield and have your game all the way on after dark, especially during commuting hours.
47. Don't troll next to-right behind- Mr. Peter-built. If one of those 18-retreads blows up- Which they do with some regularity- it de-treads, and that can be ugly. Unless you like dodging huge chunks of flying rubber keep your distance.
48. Take the panic out of panic stops.Develop a intimate relationship with your front brake. Seek out some safe, open pavement. Starting slowly, find that fine line between maximum braking and locked wheel, and then do it again, and again.
49. Make sure your tires right. None of this stuff matters unless your skins are right. Don't take'em for granted. Make sure pressure is spot-on every time you ride. Check for cuts, nails and other junk they might have picked up, as well as general wear.
50. Take a deep breath Count to 10. Visualize whirled peas. Forgetting some clown's 80-mph interscretion beats running the risk of ruining your life, or ending it.

[CHPwannaBE]

Also do you know your states riding laws?

California state motorcycle laws

Safety HelmetRequired by law

State Funded Rider EdAvailable for all eligible applicants - required under age 21

Eye ProtectionNot Required

Daytime Use of Headlight

Required by law-modulating headlight permitted, required for vehicles manufactured during or after 1978

Passenger SeatRequired if carrying a passenger

Passenger FootrestRequired if carrying a passenger

Passenger Age RestrictionNone

Helmet SpeakersSingle earphone only

Periodic Safety InspectionRequired by law - random

Mirror Left(L) Right(R)One required by law

Radar DetectorNo Restriction

Turn SignalsRequired by law

MufflerMuffler required. No muffler or exhaust system shall be equipped with a cutout, bypass or similar device (27150. Adequate Muffler Required).

Maximum Sound LevelMaximum allowable A-weighted sound levels based on measurements taken at a distance of 50 ft from center lane of travel:1)Pre-1970..92dba; 2) After 1969, and before 1973...88dba; 3) After 1972, and before 1975...86dba; 4) After 1974, and before 1986...83dba; 5) After 1985...80dba (27201-27202. Motorcycle Limits).

State Insurance RequirementsCompulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(15/30/5) - Financial responsibility requried. A driver involved in an accident who fails to prove existence of financial responsibility at time of accident shall have driver's license suspended for 1 year.

Handlebar HeightA person shall not drive a two-wheel motorcycle that is equipped with handlebars so positioned that the hands of the driver, when upon the grips, are more than six inches above his or her shoulder height when sitting astride the seat.

EarplugsNo Restriction.

Rider-Education WaiverSkill Test

Accept Motorcycle Endorsement From Other StatesYes

Accept RiderEd Completion Card From Other StatesNo

Motorcycles operating two abreast in same laneNot referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes

Lane SplittingNot referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes

Lemon Law CoverageYes; California Civil Code 1793.22(9)(e)(2) (http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate?WAISdocID=32519021775+0+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve)Off Road
Safety HelmetRequired by law for ATV's only - Not enforced for Off-Road motorcycles unless riding on State or Federal Land - (each agency has the flexibility to enforce or not enforce the helmet law on their land.

Eye ProtectionNot Required

Minimum Operator AgeOperator must be able to reach all controls. Safety Certificate required under age 18 for ATV's only.

Rider Education CertificationRequired for ATV riders under age 16.

Operator LicenseNot Required

HeadlightRequired after sunset

TaillightRequired after sunset

MufflerRequired by law

Maximum Sound Level96dba

Spark ArrestorRequired by law

RegistrationRequired by law

Vehicle TitleNot Required

Trails ProgramAvailable

[BT]

under 350cc.. Depends on your riding style.. The rebel 250 is a great learner bike. My gf rides one and loves it. Another option that is a good handler is the kawasaki ninja 250.

both can be had for very reasonable prices.

let us know what you end up with!

[SB 405]

Didn't someone post here awhile back about a bad buying experience they had dealing with Hollywood Motors?

[CHIPY55]

Didn't someone post here awhile back about a bad buying experience they had dealing with Hollywood Motors?

Yes, thumbs up to clutchnthrottle for the advise. Plus my explorer advsors told me to be extra careful with small shops like these. The guy did look kinda suspecious. I asked him if he sold salvaged bikes and his eye brows hit the ceiling. The only way I agreed to buy from him was if I was able to do a carfax on the bike, and he were to register the bike with me.

[gabriel]

Not to hijack, but I just got my DL389 and I have my permit (I learned with a rebel 250 btw - awesome class), when I go to the DMV do I need to pay anything?


Oh and CHPWannaBe, I'm weary of #19 up there.. having your hand covering that front break can lead to a nasty surprise when you hit a bump and end up flying over the front end.

[Jasondt2001]

Not to hijack, but I just got my DL389 and I have my permit (I learned with a rebel 250 btw - awesome class), when I go to the DMV do I need to pay anything?


Oh and CHPWannaBe, I'm weary of #19 up there.. having your hand covering that front break can lead to a nasty surprise when you hit a bump and end up flying over the front end.

You use your torso and waist for proper balance, not your handle bars. If you put undue weight on the bars the bike will handle weird and your shoulders and hands will KILL you on long rides.
Also, when you cover the front brake, you only use a finger or two on the brake lever and the rest wrapped around the hand hold like you normally would.
When I took the MSF class, I thought the same thing as you about the covering the front brake. Once you do it for a few hours; it just becomes second nature (ESPECIALLY in traffic).

[CHIPY55]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I ended up buying a 2000 yamaha virago 250. And no, I did not buy it from HOLLYWOOD MOTORS :doh:

[Fire1]

Also, when you cover the front brake, you only use a finger or two on the brake lever and the rest wrapped around the hand hold like you normally would.
.

Don't do this if you ever plan on going to motor school. It is a hard habit to break and they will ding you for it.

[FDandH]

Sounds like you made a good choice. Have fun riding, keep your eyes up, and post pictures of your stead.

[gabriel]

Not to hijack, but I just got my DL389 and I have my permit (I learned with a rebel 250 btw - awesome class), when I go to the DMV do I need to pay anything?


Anyone?

[FDandH]

Anyone?


That would probably be a question you need to post on dmvforums.com...:wink:

[Jasondt2001]

Don't do this if you ever plan on going to motor school. It is a hard habit to break and they will ding you for it.
Great tip!! Thank you - I had no idea... I thought the way I had been shown was the correct way.

[gabriel]

That would probably be a question you need to post on dmvforums.com...:wink:

oh. I guess I'll have to go stand and line to find out. I'm a member in enough forums already.

[Cadet CTC II-09]

under 350cc.. Depends on your riding style.. The rebel 250 is a great learner bike. My gf rides one and loves it. Another option that is a good handler is the kawasaki ninja 250.

both can be had for very reasonable prices.

let us know what you end up with!

I started on A ninja 500. Great starting platform. But you still have to know control. I'd get a light bike for starting. Learning to control the weight can sometimes be hard. The ninja 250 is a sweet bike. I've put a lot of miles on a new 250 and its amazing! Great bike, great handling and fun to ride. But they are hard to get a hold of as they are popular. Get one a few years older off craigslist. You can find GOOD bikes for cheap.

Good luck.

Just saw you post about what you got. 250 is good. Have fun and be safe!

[Dodger Fan]

Not to hijack, but I just got my DL389 and I have my permit (I learned with a rebel 250 btw - awesome class), when I go to the DMV do I need to pay anything?


Oh and CHPWannaBe, I'm weary of #19 up there.. having your hand covering that front break can lead to a nasty surprise when you hit a bump and end up flying over the front end.

I don't work for the DMV but I did get my M1 about 3 years ago. If the DL389 is the certificate of completion that you receive from taking a safety class, then you just take it to the DMV and they hand you an interim (paper) license. You receive your new license in the mail a few weeks later. No fees. You already paid the fees when you applied for your M1 and took the written.

[AyatollahGondola]

I've been away from bikes so long I haven't a clue about what's a good model or even company these days. However, age old wisdom encourages something you can buy parts for reasonably. Find out what wears out first, and what maintannence parts cost generally. Also, it depends on what type of riding you're going to do mostly. short hops or long tours? Americans tend to like big engines, but as I remember the small CC bikes cost less, run cheaper, and generally get you there as well as a big hog.
My first bike was a harley 165cc two stroke. the biggest bike I ever owned was a Honda 350. I rode the hell out those two, and every one in between while several of my friends scraped the bottom of their pockets every week to keep their 750, 900, and 1000's on the road.

[CHIPY55]

Get one a few years older off craigslist. You can find GOOD bikes for cheap.

Good luck.

Just saw you post about what you got. 250 is good. Have fun and be safe!

Yup.
That is exactly what I did.
I got a 2000 Yamaha Virago xv250 with 4,000 miles for $1500. Cant beat that. I can easily turn around 10,000 miles from now, and sell it for more than what I paid for. Then, when i'm ready, i'll get my (dodgers)blue BMW r1100rt.

By the way (to two posts' above me), it's good to know that i'm not the only dodgers die hard fan here :cool:!

[Cadet CTC II-09]

Yup.
That is exactly what I did.
I got a 2000 Yamaha Virago xv250 with 4,000 miles for $1500. Cant beat that. I can easily turn around 10,000 miles from now, and sell it for more than what I paid for. Then, when i'm ready, i'll get my (dodgers)blue BMW r1100rt.

I bought a ninja 500 for $500 bucks, with 3K miles on. But just under 10k on it and sold it for $1300. All I did was put a new rear tire on it. The thing was an awesome bike! I loved it.

To make the story even more sad, I sold it to a 19 year old and it was his first bike and I told him all the caution of riding, he took his MSF and all that. In under 48 hours I got a call that he totaled the bike and needed me to come get it out of impound cause I was still the registered owner of the bike. I was sad that he ruined my bike, but oh well.

[steve10]

oh. I guess I'll have to go stand and line to find out. I'm a member in enough forums already.
When I went and got my M1 I believe the only thing I had to pay was for a new licence and picture. I want to say it was around 15 to 20 dollars. However, that was a few years ago. Not sure if it has changed much. Hope this helps a little.

[30Mary3]

I know this is a llittle ate but DO NOT I repeat DO NOT buy from Hollywood Motors.The owner Steve he buys cars and bikes that are salvaged he fixes them up make 2 or even 3 bikes in to 1. If you reay know what your looking for and know your stuff you may get a good bike from him. I work for a esscort company in San Diego and my boss went up there and was like a kid in a candy store and bought eight old kz 1000 that bearly ran we had to pice them together to make them run. Then the two bmw rt1150 one 2004 and one was a 2002 they both needed work after we ran them for maybe two weeks. Steve sees a sucker a mile away and my boss was that guy that day paying $6500 per kz and $8500 for the bmws. Oh and here we are a yeah later the kzs are dead and one of the two bmw iss running safely. Thats my 2 cents on Hollywood Motors

[FDandH]

Yup.
That is exactly what I did.
I got a 2000 Yamaha Virago xv250 with 4,000 miles for $1500. Cant beat that. I can easily turn around 10,000 miles from now, and sell it for more than what I paid for. Then, when i'm ready, i'll get my (dodgers)blue BMW r1100rt.

By the way (to two posts' above me), it's good to know that i'm not the only dodgers die hard fan here :cool:!

I've never heard good things about BMW MC's reliability, regular maintance can be $$ too.

For those of you who don't know what BMW stands for it's: Bavarian Manure Wagon...

[gabriel]

I don't work for the DMV but I did get my M1 about 3 years ago. If the DL389 is the certificate of completion that you receive from taking a safety class, then you just take it to the DMV and they hand you an interim (paper) license. You receive your new license in the mail a few weeks later. No fees. You already paid the fees when you applied for your M1 and took the written.

When I went and got my M1 I believe the only thing I had to pay was for a new licence and picture. I want to say it was around 15 to 20 dollars. However, that was a few years ago. Not sure if it has changed much. Hope this helps a little.

Thank you gents for the kind replies. I'll update later on, I'll be going today to get this done.

[gabriel]

Thank you gents for the kind replies. I'll update later on, I'll be going today to get this done.

For future reference, if you take the written and saved your receipt all you need to do is take the DL389 with the receipt and they'll give you a paper license with the M1 endorsement. Weeks later your license should arrive.