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Originally Posted by cj2112
by no means am i trying to dissuade you from riding, I just want you to havea realistic picture. As far as maintenance goes, it really depends on the bike you buy. Shaft drive, chain drive, belt drive, tappet adjusted valves, tire changes tend to be more frequent and tires don't come cheap, they'll cost more than the tires on your civic (buy the best tires you can....it makes a huge difference in the way your bike handles), most of the stuff can be done by someone who has a fair mechanical aptitude.
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Agreed the more stuff you can do your self the easier a motorcycle is on your wallet. Oil changes, brake fluid, brake adjustment try to learn to do these by your self they are relatively easy and the dealer loves to mark up your simple maitenance issues.
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Originally Posted by cj2112
Helmets....I'm very happy to see you ask this question, buy a decent helmet, you will be more willing to wear it as it will be much more comfortable than a cheap helmet. epxpect to spend better than 200 dollars american and up to about 400 dollars american, you want one that is full face, well vented, designed so that the face shield doesn't fog up, and one that fits. Fit is very important, an ill fitting helmet can actually cause more problems if you are to need it's protection.
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Again good points. I have had a coupole of 200-250 dollar helmets made by HJC. While their protection for your head meets all the requirements the issues of fogging and fit are not one of this helmets brand's strengths. My next helmet is going to be in the 400-to 500 dollar range Arai or Shoei much better comfort and quality.
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Originally Posted by cj2112
Leathers....a good quality jacket designed for riding, is worth it's weight in gold, not only will it protect you in the event of an accident, but it will protect you from the wind, small sticks and stones thrown up by other vehicles tires, and other hazards. a leather jacket is a must.
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Yes definitely here. Don't get just any leather jacket get a motorcycle specfic jacket which is armored in crucial areas to protect you in the even of a fall. Leather is hot in the summer but the benefits outweigh textile type jackets in my opnion and are woth a little discomfort. Look for one with good ventiing and that should eleminate much of the heat problem. My next jacket I think is going to be an ICON brand it has zippered vents instead of perforated leather like my Hans Greicke.
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Originally Posted by cj2112
invest in two good quality (are you noticing a theme about quality here?) pairs of gloves, a coool weather pair, and a summer pair. I know you won't be riding in the cold weather, but trust me on this, there will come a morning that you will be very happy you bought the warmer pair of gloves. Do not ride w/o gloves on, your hands will thank you for this the first time you hit a bee with them.
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Definiely neccessay too you don't know how much you need some of this stuff till the worst happens so don't be without it. Rock, bugs, sliding down the street gloves can really save your hands aong with providing some releif from the inherent vibration in the bars.
I tell everyone that tells me about the risks of riding motorcycles that:
There are two types or riders, those that have had a wreck and those that are waiting.
If you ride protected and prerpared for the possible, some say eventual accident your chances of coming out okay are greatly increased. Take the entry level course, buy the right gear, try to insure your bike with same insurance company as your car (it is sometimes a little bit cheaper), ride aware and always, ALWAYS think that they people around you could do something stupid at anytime and you will have a good time.