I‘m just getting starting and I was told I shouldn‘t go above an 250cc as an beginner is this true? And what type of gear besides an full face helm and leather gloves should I wear. Also any tips for a beginner on turning, braking, etc.?
the most important thing the dealer does at the 600 mile service is check the valves and adjust them if needed. that is not something you can do if you are not a trained mechanic.
EVERY MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURER HAS A LIST OF THINGS THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE AT THE RECOMMEND MILEAGE. ITS MORE THAN JUST CHANGING THE OIL.
It depends - my own rule of thumb is no more than 50 hp. I started on a 500 cc Honda CX500, and that was about the right size for me but may be too large for some beginners. I'll second (or third or fourth) the recommendation to take professional lessons like the MSF. You'll get plenty of good tips from veteran riders there. I'd also recommend getting a copy of David Hough's book Profficient Motorcycling - it's loaded with tips, but some will only make sense after you start riding. I wear all the gear, from head to toe, myself - boots, riding pants, motorcycle jacket, gloves, and helmet. I'd be scared to ride in less the way traffic is on my morning commute!
Here in PA they offer free motorcycle safety course and provide motorcycles for the course, They are 250's and most of them are Honda Shadows. Motorcycle safety course will go over all the essentials for you to get your license including rider training.These are good training cycles and are not very expensive. However, if this will be your first bike buy used and pay cash, get the experience of riding before moving up to bigger and more expensive bikes. I have had friends who bought big bikes like Goldwings and rode only a few times then selling them at a loss because they weren't ready for a big bike. Nothing wrong with starting small and working up to bigger later on. In fact the smaller bike will normally sell quicker when you are ready to move up, then use the money for your next bike. As for Gear : Leather is better, but heavier jeans and a Jean Jacket will provide protection also. Source(s): 25 years motorcycling, owner of Goldwing and Harley Sportster, member of HOG and Christian Motorcyclist Association.
Depends on your size. I was 6'4 and 200 pounds when I got my first bike, which was a Honda CB650 Custom, and it was the perfect size for me. 250-cc bikes are good beginner bikes for women and smaller men. If you're an average-sized guy, aim for the 400-500cc range. In addition to a helmet and leather gloves, your body should be covered by something tough enough to protect you in the event that (Heaven forbid) you have to dump your bike. Leathers used to be the way to go, but now motorcycle shops sell entire suits made out of composites that are just as tough as leather but breathe, so you don't get so hot. I'm from the old school, so I still wear a leather jacket, jeans, and leather boots that go well over my ankles, and I would advise you to cover your entire body in something at least as durable as denim when riding. By the way, full-face helmets have a nasty tendency to fog up, so you may want to consider an open-faced helmet that you can snap a clear plastic face shield onto. If you're a beginner, the best thing you can do is take a motorcycle safety course. They can be pricey, but they teach you how to brake, how to take turns (and they really work on you for sharp turns), and they also teach you the safest way to pick your bike up in the event you have to lay it down. Besides, some states require beginners to take a motorcycle safety course before they will issue you a permit or a license.
