surferlove007

I turned 20 a few weeks ago, and over the past couple months I've been contemplating getting a bike. I've been reading over the website:http://www.calsci.com/motorcycleinfo...cleIntroA.html
After researching several of their bikes I think I'll be going after a Buell Blast. I want one thats 250cc. I'm going to be working this summer and plan to save up to get one. My dad has ridden motorcycles for around 30 years however has made it well known he doesn't want his daughters riding motorcycles. I would prefer to have his help when learning to ride. I'm planning to pay for the insurance (liability) buy the bike, buy the equipment etc. I've also read these bikes get 70 plus MPG however they only have 4 gallon tanks.
I'm 5'7 about 135 lbs. Do you guys think this bike would be a good fit? I've done a good bit of reading but still want some other opinions.

cadre

Just a couple questions and then I'll get to my advice.
Have you ever ridden a motorcycle before?
Do you have your motorcycle endorsement?

I would suggest taking an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course before buying a bike. They'll teach you to ride and give you a good foundation as well as administer the license test. If you take the course through a Harley Dealership they teach you on Blasts.

I own a Buell Blast currently, and by the way it's 500cc but a single cylinder so it's not touchy like four cylinders and v twins can be. It's not my first bike but it was my first street bike when I bought it a year ago. It's a fun bike, and it's very confidence inspiring for any rider. Pretty comfy too. I was happy to have found a bike low enough for me to put my feet on the ground.

Be sure to buy good boots, pants and a jacket in addition to a helmet. People tend to forget that your head is not the only vulnerable part of your body. Don't experience road rash if you don't have to.

Edit: I'm 5'3" and 110 just for the info. My Blast has the low profile seat which is more than low enough, you could probably handle the high profile one.

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Shauk

not to thread jack but, I've always had a very distant admiration of motorcycles, but I felt like the smaller Japanese "ninja" type bikes would always and forever be "not my kind of bike"

I'm 6'6" and they look like they're made for 5 foot tall people.

I'm not into the "biker" type of bikes (sorry I don't know what else to call them)

Anyways, yeah, I'll probably never own one just because I wouldn't want to risk my life on a bike that isn't the right frame for MY frame.

cadre

Yeah, bikes aren't really designed for really tall people very often. But hey, Michael Jordan does just fine on sport bikes. It seems to be the case that there aren't too many real sport bikes designed for short people either but after a while you get used to it. Cruisers tend to fit all types pretty well though.

/threadjack

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cj2112

A few recommendations, more about equipment than specific bikes.God quality gear will mike riding much more enjoyable. It really does make all the difference in the world. A good helmet is expensive, but the fit, and function of a good quality helmet is is way better than a cheap one. Wear gloves...trust me on this, your hands will thank you. Leather is your friend, if you ever go down (and I have) you will learn this quickly.

Take the MSF class, then get some seat time, then find a local intermediate class.

surferlove007

Thanks for the info Cadre!

I have never ridden a true motorcycle but I have ridden an old 73' moped that went about 25mph (the kind you had to pedal to start), I remember it being so much fun. I can only imagine a real bike being better.
I was planning to take the MSF class for sure. I've been reading up on the sport and I should have mentioned that in my OP.
Endorsement, I'm a bit lost at what you mean. My dad road motorcycles for 20 years and gave them up when he had kids.
I thought the buell was 250cc, this website recommended a smaller engined bike for new people.
It's good to hear you enjoy yours.
I was reading up about the Kawasaki Ninja 250, any experience on those?

cadre

I'm not sure where you're located but in the US you have to have a motorcycle endorsement on your license to ride legally on the streets. The DMV usually has a written test and a road test you have to pass, but in most MSF courses they will administer the test so you don't have to take it at the DMV.

The Blast is a 500cc and is considered to be a great starter bike. The engine's not all that big or powerful. Ninjas are great bikes too, we sell a lot of those (I work at a dealership by the way). I always felt like the Ninja 250 and 500 were really ugly but that's just my preference (they've been redesigned in a good way for 2008 though). The engine is solid and the 250 will take you just as far as the Blast's 500. The Ninja is taller and has a higher center of gravity but if you feel comfortable on it it's a great option too. It's important that you feel comfortable on what you get, and that you like it so get what you want.

As far as your experience goes, I wouldn't necessarily count a moped as being anything similar to a bike. That's okay though, it just means you should definitely take an MSF course and then when you get a bike go to a big parking lot an practice what they teach you in MSF. The people who teach MSF courses often like new riders better because then they don't have to fix bad habits you may have picked up. It's not hard though, you'll get plenty of good instruction and good advice.

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Plan9

Honda Shadow (750cc) is a great starter bike.

http://powersports.honda.com/motorcy...elId=VT750DCA7

Don't buy a 250cc. It's a toy. Buy a vehicle you can enjoy on the highway.

I'd recommend the 750cc as a minimum.

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dirtyrascal7

Riding a motorcycle has definitely made me a better driver, by the way. My awareness of other cars has gone up and now I seem to notice every little bump and pothole on the road, whether I'm riding or not. It's definitely a worthwhile experience if you're smart about things.

I've been riding for almost 3 years now. I thought about buying a small-engine bike to start, but then I figured I might as well just buy something that I will use for a long time... so I settled on a new Yamaha FZ6. Well... I laid it down (lightly) less than 3 weeks after I bought it. A part of me wishes I'd have bought a lesser bike or at least a used bike, but I fixed it up and I still have it to this day. It isn't too much for me to handle, but I really don't see the need to upgrade to anything faster.

I think riding a motorcycle is all about the skill and intelligence of the rider... someone who is wreckless/fearless is going to be wreckless/fearless regardless of the size of the engine they have. Personally, I would buy something between 500cc-750cc, and preferably used. Just take it slow and get used to it gradually, and that bike should last you a good 3-5 years before you truly outgrow it. Buying a lesser bike, especially a brand new one, just seems like a waste to me... you'll either outgrow it really quick, lay it down and have to repair it, or both.

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surferlove007

Oh of course, I was blanking when you asked me that. I'm in College Station now, so I'd assume we have a law where you have to legally pass a course before being allowed to ride a motorcycle on the streets.
I'm actually kind of leaning away from the Buell and more toward the Ninja. I just don't want an engine thats going to scare me since I'm a new rider. How much do these courses run anyway?

Martian

I'll second Crompsin's Shadow recommendation. You can get them with a smaller engine if the 750 seems like a lot to you, although I don't think there's a Honda Shadow out there that doesn't handle smoothly. I don't know that I'd call a Ninja a beginner's bike, but then I don't like sport bikes in general. The short rake and smaller wheelbase makes the steering a bit twitchier, and personally I just think they're less comfortable.

I can offer no useful advice on licensing, since I'm almost entirely certain that our system is completely different from yours.

__________________
I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said

- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

cj2112

The Buell and Ninja have roughly equal HP ratings, however the Buell has much more torque. Parts for the Ninja are likely to be much cheaper, and probably more readily available. You WILL outgrow either bike very quickly, and soon will want something more powerful. I would suggest a used bike, as these bikes are considered beginner bikes and lose their value quickly.

I will also caution you that motorcycles require much more maintenance than cars, and parts are EXPENSIVE. Go into this with your eyes open, and be fanatical about maintaining your bike, and it will serve you well.

samcol

Go with the buell. I LOVE my lightning and it was my first bike Buells are so unique.

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cadre

Crompsin and Martian, I don't know why you would recommend any bike over 500ccs for a starter. Even a cruiser. I hope no one listens to you (and I mean that in the nicest way possible).

And Ghoastgirl, I don't think the Ninja is at all a bad choice, in fact it's a good one but really, almost all beginners can handle the Blast. It may sound like it's more but the engine build is different. It has more low end torque but it's not touchy like the newer super sports at all. You'd be fine with it and I'd say that you may get bored of it less quickly than a Ninja 250.

And yes, eventually you will get bored with either bike, that's just how it is. But that doesn't justify starting on a bigger bike considering how much you put at stake when you ride.

Maintenance isn't really any worse than a car, but with a car you can get away with not doing it for longer. The Blast has to be serviced at Harley so that will cost you more but you can do things like the oil change yourself and then it's not as bad. Parts are a bit higher for the Blast also.

Another difference is that the Blast weighs more than the Ninja so when you dump it, and you probably will, you may have an easier time picking up the Ninja 250. (Though as I said it has a higher center of gravity so you will have to lift it farther)

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samcol

I really wouldn't take a buell to harley for service. It's suprising how many harley guys dont know a damn thing about buells even thoug they are supposed to. Plus they are expensive as hell. Just find a 5 star service shop somewhere is what I do.

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surferlove007

I read that on the website as well Cadre, they suggested not starting higher than 500cc, since you work with in the business I'll trust your opinion. I like hearing it echoed throughout my reading, makes me feel more confident about it all. I'm excited but also a tad apprehensive about starting the process, I'm well aware of buying a used beginner bike because they tend to hold their value for resale and more and more people nowadays are beginning to ride bikes.
A guy in my geography class mentioned that the Buell was not a highway bike and that it could barely break 65MPH? Is that true? If so, then would the Ninja be the better all-around bike for highway and around town?

Plan9

No offense taken. Preferences are preferences and there is no "wrong" answer to somebody learning to ride. Motorcycles offer freedom.

(part of me had wanted to say, "Stop being such a girl!")

Here's my point (again):

As with firearm users... don't buy a dinky .22 pistol to learn how to use a firearm if you're going to be carrying a concealed weapon for self defense or becoming a law enforcement officer. You'll get little out of it. Learn on what you'll use. Go out and buy the Glock or Sig and train on it. You'll suck at first, but the learning curve is much sharper and you didn't waste money on that initial step.

Safety measures are the same regardless of the size of the bike... whether it's a Huffy, a Vespa, a Honda Shadow, or a Valkyrie Rune. Point: Don't do dumb shit. Safety measures remain the same: proper maintenance, proper safety equipment, proper attitude, and proper riding location.

Motorcycle Safety Statistics: http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-Safety/crash.htm

A motorcycle (even preowned) represents a significant investment of money for a young person. Buy something you won't grow out of quickly to save the heartache and walletache of upgrading in a year.

You wouldn't recommend somebody learn how to drive a car by using a riding lawn mower... so why would you essentially do the same thing with a motorcycle?

In my opinion, a bike with less than 500ccs is a toy and is not something I'd trust anybody with on a highway. No balls. A underpowered motorcycle is like a dull knife... it's lack of decisive performance gets people injured. Acceleration is a useful tool on something that has half the wheels of a cager (person who drives a car) and requires the operator's feet to stay upright at a stop.

...

I'd never ridden a motorcycle before March '07 and the first bike I purchased was a 1100cc Honda Shadow Sabre. I was extremely careful with it, took the rider safety class, stalled it around the neighborhood a zillion times, and now I take it on weekend trips from Maryland to Virginia to Pennsylvania to West Virginia.

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samcol

Very well put. I've known tons of people who have started on bike over 500cc and have had no problems. The thing about acceleration is very true. Smaller bikes are like riding a kite on the highways at times.

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Plan9

I feel reasonable engine "oomph!" + reasonable weight is safer for new riders.

__________________
Whatever you can carry.

"You should not drink... and bake."

dirtyrascal7

Crompsin, you've definitely made some good points, but you're comparing apples with oranges. A 750cc Honda Shadow V-Twin has a 0-60 time of 7.24 seconds and 40hp. The Buell Blast on the other hand, only has 500cc, but has 34hp and a 0-60 time of 7.1 seconds.

Now compare those with the Ninja 500R... 498cc, 52hp, and 0-60 in 3.76 seconds. Biiiiiig difference in performance, and in no way is it a "toy".

__________________
"Tie yourself to your limitless potential, rather than your limiting past."

"Every man I meet is my superior in some way. In that, I learn of him."

Plan9

Sorry... Disclaimer: I only do cruisers.

Crotch rockets are for space cadets.

500cc crotch rocket weighs 260ish pounds.

1100cc cruiser weighs 580ish pounds.

A little math to contemplate.

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Whatever you can carry.

"You should not drink... and bake."

cadre

Stick to the cruisers then and talk of what you know. Clearly you don't know about sport bikes. Also, if you've only been riding a year you are by no means an expert. (Again, no offense, just speaking frankly)

Learning on a big bike is not at all the same as learning to shoot a big gun. The chances of you getting killed because you're learning on a high caliber gun are much lower than the chance of being killed on a bike that's too powerful. By far, most riders are killed in their first six months of riding, it's best not to make things worse by adding in a powerful machine. You make a couple of good points but I don't think that it's worth the risk for a new rider. And like dirtyrascal said, it's apples and oranges.

Oh and by the way, this is not my opinion as a woman. It's the opinion of many seasoned riders I know and my own experience as I was raised around bikes.

But back to the real topic here:
Ghoastgirl, the guy in your class is correct.. kind of. The Blast will top out at about 90 but it's not the most enjoyable ride at that speed. It's more of a city bike than a highway bike. You'll love it for riding around on surface streets and all that but you'll find that when you're riding at higher speeds there will be a lack of power. A Ninja would give you more even power both on the highway and on surface streets.

That said, I ride my Blast up and down altitude and all around the state without a problem, riding with cruisers I have no problem keeping up and with sport riders there will always be someone slower than you.

Oh yeah and samcol is correct, I mispoke, must've been the dealership speaking. You probably shouldn't take your bike to a Harley dealer for service unless you have to (ie warranty work). That said, I wouldn't suggest tinkering around with these bikes unless you have a decent understanding of what you're doing and I wouldn't trust just anyone with the job either. At least a dealership has to fix any problems they cause (and for the most part, they will..if they give you any trouble, contact the company they're dealing for).

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surferlove007

I thought about going to the Harley Dealership we have in town and trying a few bikes out for size and fit. What should I be looking for in a proper fit for a bike? Since y'all have mentioned that the Ninja would probably be better for both highway and around town then maybe I'll change my desire for a Buell to a ninja.
I just don't want a bike that's going to be too powerful me, scares me, and make me too afraid to get back on. I plan to practice in the local park extensively before actually taking the bike out.
Also, since I'm a girl I don't want to be told something different by the people at the dealership. My dad never buys from the dealership and has always been convinced they'll try to screw you out of money any way they can. So growing up with that attitude I'm very skeptical of buying from a dealer. Like I mentioned before, I'm hoping to get lucky on Craigslist or eBay this summer.
I've gone to auto mechanics about things on my car and they have preached me pure bull shit and I have called them on it before so now that I'm getting into something newer I want to be just as aware of what I'm doing.

cadre

You should sit on the bikes and find which one is most comfortable for you. Go with the one you feel like you could move around and be comfortable at stoplights on.

Going to a dealership is a good way to get a chance to sit on bikes, just don't take anything they say as fact. Some of them tell the truth, don't get me wrong but many will change the facts to get the desired response. I work a fairly responsible dealership and I even find my sales guys doing this. It is their job after all.

It sounds like you have a good understanding of the dangers and you will be plenty cautious so don't worry about the Blast having a bigger engine. I've only ever heard of one person who had a Blast get away from him but he probably shouldn't be on two wheels anyways.

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surferlove007

So Cadre now that you know more info about my situation, would you recommend a Buell or a Ninja?
I'll update after trying some bikes out tomorrow.

samcol

Let see, there's a million ninjas on the road...GO WITH BUELL :P Be more unique and totally awesome at the same time.

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cj2112

There are a million ninjas on the road...meaning that parts and knowledgeable mechanics are not only more readily available, but likely to be cheaper. Having said that, I like the looks of the Buell better, but I think I would go sit on both bikes and see what is more comfortable. What is the price difference?

cadre

I would say go and sit on both, and then you decide which one you want. There's really nothing wrong with getting one or the other. They're both great bikes but they feel a little different when you're sitting on them so the one that feels best to you would probably be best.

As far as the price goes you can probably find both in good condition for as little as 2,300. It may be easier to find a Ninja but in the same regards it may be harder to sell one down the road since there are a lot out there.

Oh, I can't believe I forgot to mention this but if you go with the Blast, make sure it's 2003 or newer! The originals had some issues with the engines. You can still find one for cheap, in fact, I bought my '04 for 2,300 since it had been down. And there's no reason you can't buy a bike that has a few scratches, they're beginner bikes so chances are they've been dropped a few times. As long as it's all minor, take a bike expert with you when you're looking at the used bikes so you don't get screwed over (private sellers will lie just as much as dealerships).

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surferlove007

Gonna have to wait till the weekend. My excitement for getting into the motorcycle stuff has clouded my upcoming deadlines for projects.
Although 1 out of 2 are done, after tomorrow I can focus more seriously.

dirtyrascal7

The only other advice I have is this --

Once you figure out what you want, be patient and search around before buying. When I decided to get a bike, I just went out and got one... and probably screwed myself out of a few hundred dollars. It's really tempting to buy something and start riding, but it's best to take it slow, both before and after buying your first bike.

__________________
"Tie yourself to your limitless potential, rather than your limiting past."

"Every man I meet is my superior in some way. In that, I learn of him."

catback

Good to see another new rider catch the bug, you've got your head on straight and good advice here so hope to see you on two wheels

JStrider

OMG!!!! your insane and gonna get yourself splattered on the highway!

haha just kidding.

But I am not riding in your sidecar!

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Jimellow

I just got my motorcycle learner's permit today. Was going to start a new thread, but this one seems to be going along quite well...

Pennsylvania offers a free beginner's course. It's 15 hours, and they provide the bike and helmet. I don't own a bike, but suspect it might be a good idea to take the course before buying one.

That being said, I'm curious if anyone is familiar with the layout of the course? It's a 15 hour course, and upon completion, students are awarded a M class license. Does anyone that is familiar with motorcycles and related training programs know, or have ideas as to, how many days the course would run?

The course seems like a great way to learn to ride a bike without investing in one, while also allowing one to get an idea of the kind of bike they would like to pursue buying when they do make that decision.

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catback

The basic rider courses typically run 3 days, the bikes they use are indeed beginner bikes so you really don't get to feel what kind of bike you want but you do learn about the different bikes and how comfortable you are riding the beginner bike they teach you on.

If your thinking of getting into a course I'd start looking to get in ASAP because riding season is here and there are alot of potential new riders who will be looking to fill the classroom seats.

cadre

Yep, both of you get into an MSF course as soon as possible. They fill up fast.

Edit: Ghoastgirl I was talking to one of my sales guys the other day so I asked him what you should expect as differences between the Blast and the Ninja 250 as highway speeds (as I've never taken one out). Basically, he confirmed my suspicion, you won't have more power with the Ninja at high speeds but you also won't get the vibration that the Blast's engine puts out. Personally, I like vibration...but maybe that's just me.

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surferlove007

Haha! You just brightened my day. Stayed up till 6AM working on this damn paper. Still working on it now after a few hours of rest. I'm going to wait till I'm home in Fort Worth for the summer before I sign up for one, gotta finish my stuff here first. So that top speed for the Ninja and Buell is roughly around 80 max? That same guy said he wouldn't feel comfortable taking either out onto the highway...is that true?

Martian

I try not to get too invested in engine size. It's an important factor in how the bike handles, but it's not the only one.

Like Crompsin, I'm really a cruiser guy and don't know a whole lot about sport bikes. I've been out on one, didn't like it, that was that.

Still, a little 250cc Ninja can make you just as dead as a 600cc Shadow can. I wouldn't want someone having a false sense of security, thinking that there's some sort of indefinable safety factor to a smaller bike that isn't really there.

Safe riding practices > engine size.

__________________
I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept
I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept
I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head
I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said

- Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame

cadre

It's not that smaller bikes 100% safe it's that they get out of control much less easily. Out of the 3 of my close friends who are dead from motorcycle accidents, 2 of them died because they started on a bike with too much power.

While I'll admit that it's not as big of a factor for cruisers, a couple hundred ccs and a different engine configuration can easily make a difference.

Also, a new rider should be concentrating on all the other things on the road rather than keeping an engine under control.

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surferlove007

Cadre, in these classes...are people going to give me a bunch of crap because I'm a girl? I'd prefer to be prepared for it instead of blindsided. Oh and how much do these courses run money-wise? I'm expecting several hundred.

Willravel

I dunno about this one. GG isn't 170 lbs. and she's not been IN THE FUCKING DESERT, so it may be better for her to start out on something that's not going to get away from her if she over-revs. Not to mention, heavier bikes are harder to keep up if you become imbalanced when stopped. I even have trouble with larger bikes and I'm a big strong handsome man.

Try the Honda Rebel
It's about the most forgiving bike I've ever come across, though I'm not an expert.