 Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740
Adjunct
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740 |
So I just took my eldest son(almost 18) to his first day of the MSF beginner rider course. He has never ridden a motorcycle before,he has been riding a scooter for the last year or so, i am hoping that will give him a clue.  I am now on the hunt for a beginner bike for him. Thinking 250-500 cc? Thoughts?
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,186 Likes: 55 |
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740 |
Quote:
Get him a SM or BA.
mmmmkay.....He needs his first bike to be light,with low HP and cheap to repair when he drops it(and he will,everyone does)also his budget is $2500.
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 244
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 244 |
Do, or do not...There is no try.'- Master Yoda
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146
Oil Expert
|
|
Oil Expert
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,146 |
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
C'mon, Dad, throw in a grand and get him a 2002 Bonneville America...
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Get him a SM or BA.
+10000000
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
Quote:
Quote:
Get him a SM or BA.
mmmmkay.....He needs his first bike to be light,with low HP and cheap to repair when he drops it(and he will,everyone does)also his budget is $2500.
What he needs is a super cool bike, that is easy to ride, he wont outgrow and will last him a really really long time.
Soooo....
Quote:
Get him a SM or BA.
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,464 Likes: 1
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,464 Likes: 1 |
What cc scooter has he been riding?
50cc is not much more than a bicycle. Larger cc scooters may have given him some real world experience.
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740 |
Quote:
C'mon, Dad, throw in a grand and get him a 2002 Bonneville America...
let me guess....you have one in mind?
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740 |
Quote:
What cc scooter has he been riding?
50cc is not much more than a bicycle. Larger cc scooters may have given him some real world experience.
He has been riding a 84 honda 50cc scooter.....its a science experiment ,I cant believe that thing still runs,its beyond a rat.
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Get him a SM or BA.
mmmmkay.....He needs his first bike to be light,with low HP and cheap to repair when he drops it(and he will,everyone does)also his budget is $2500.
What he needs is a super cool bike, that is easy to ride, he wont outgrow and will last him a really really long time.
Soooo....
Quote:
Get him a SM or BA.
I disagree,what he needs is something affordable to learn on,fall off and get some real world riding experience(and to make sure he likes it). I have owned 15+ motorcycles over 25 years of riding and would not describe our bikes as suitable for a first bike .
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,464 Likes: 1
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,464 Likes: 1 |
I note that you say "his" budget. Sounds like he'll have a financial investment in the deal. If he's only interested in a street bike, I'd look for a Honda 250 Rebel. Reliable and he can resell it in a year for exactly what he's got into it when/if he's ready to move up. That's assuming that he'll fit on it. They're making kids a lot bigger now than in my day. If he's tall, then you may have to go bigger just so he'll fit.
A shame that Honda doesn't still make the CB350.
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Quote:
C'mon, Dad, throw in a grand and get him a 2002 Bonneville America...
let me guess....you have one in mind?
No, but they're out there. 
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,883 |
I'm for the CL or CB 350's. Old but lots of parts and easy to work on.
~Brent
-----
"Nothing you can be is more terrible than what I am." ~ 2007 Black Speedmaster!!
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2
Fe Butt
|
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 20,096 Likes: 2 |
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 490 |
Look at used Suzuki S50's they are only about 440 lbs, easy to control and prety much trouble free.
Ride like you mean it.
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
|
|
New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
I'd be looking for a used Bonnie. They are easier to ride and more forgiving than our bikes. Better yet, maybe you need a new America! Besides what son wouldn't want the old man's bike. 
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,681 Likes: 1 |
Go for the TBA. My son was a little older, 19 when he took the MSFC last Oct. and I'd thought maybe we should have gone with a smaller bike. After all I started with a 350 Yamaha when I was his age.  But I'm glad we went with the Triumph. He made a long trip with me this summer and we had a blast. Other then a small spill in CO. he has done great with the size. If we had gotten him a 350 or 500cc bike I'm not sure he could have kept up on the trip. Now now he is talking about wanting a T-Bird Storm.  ps: don't show him this one. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-triu...=item336b195414
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,464 Likes: 1
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,464 Likes: 1 |
What the heck, you know him better than we do - his strengths, weaknesses and level of maturity. Get him what you both think is best and relish that he'll enjoy doing something with his old man.
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,482 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,482 Likes: 5 |
My first bike was a Honda XL 250 S, I out grew it in about a month! I kept it for ~20 years as a back-up bike, it was a blast to throw it around. Where ever I went, that throttle was twisted, good thing my father knew most of the cops in town. 
'04' Black America
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Hey Bill, I think a great first bike for this place would be one of the 250cc dual sports that any of the major manufacturers offer.
Light weight, reliable, easy to maintain, and easy on gas.
They have plenty of power for street riding and short freeway stints and can handle the ubiquitous road construction hazards that occur around here.
Check some reviews for performance (especially braking on pavement) and then check prices and buy accordingly.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 538
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 538 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Get him a SM or BA.
mmmmkay.....He needs his first bike to be light,with low HP and cheap to repair when he drops it(and he will,everyone does)also his budget is $2500.
What he needs is a super cool bike, that is easy to ride, he wont outgrow and will last him a really really long time.
Soooo....
Quote:
Get him a SM or BA.
I disagree,what he needs is something affordable to learn on,fall off and get some real world riding experience(and to make sure he likes it). I have owned 15+ motorcycles over 25 years of riding and would not describe our bikes as suitable for a first bike .
So out of 15+ bike over 25 years you don't have another one just hanging out ?? How about a Honda Shadow? Honda VLX ? I am sure he could always find an old HD Sportster!! 
http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/mcy/2533344572.html
Last edited by ToughLuck55; 08/27/2011 1:41 PM.
Are we there YET? I gotta go pee!!
08 SpeedMASTER, Black and Red!
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740 |
Thanks everyone for the feedback.
I guess I should have made my question clearer. What I am looking for is feedback on "beginner bikes"(250-500cc),good or bad. Personal experiences on cost,reliability,parts availability,etc.
FYI my son Liam is 6'0 and about 180lbs.
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,847 |
motorcyclist Magazine called our bikes 'beginner bikes' ;-(
Warren
04 Caspian Blue and Silver America
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,202 Likes: 11
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,202 Likes: 11 |
I think a CB400 is a great little motorcycle to learn on.
I also have a friend (girl) who enjoys her Kawa older Ninja 500cc (EX500 or GPZ500). It's light and agile without being twitchy. It's her first bike and she loves it. It looks sporty.
Being young, he probably doesn't want to be on a cruiser, but if he does and look cool riding with his dad, a Virago 400 is a nice starter too.
Lastly, an Enduro style 400cc is great for threading into traffic and a fun go-everywhere kind of bike.
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 499 Likes: 5
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 499 Likes: 5 |
A used honda nighthawk is about the perfect starter for his size, age, and budget. Standard "up" bike configuration - the majority of the used market are 650s. These things are workhorses that just go and go. There are a few on the vegas craigslist pages. $800-$2000. That'd be my recommendation for something, fun, reliable, droppable, learnable that he won't outgrow in a week.
...you're gonna feel a little pressure....
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 17
Complete Newb
|
|
Complete Newb
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 17 |
Kawasaki 500 LT is an excellent first bike...,lightweight at 450 lbs, very nimble, able to leave any cruiser behind at the light if he wants to (same engine as the Ninja 500 - parallel twin with a six speed transmission) and easily keeps up with the bigger bikes (I rode mine in company with a Vulcan 900, a Honda 1300 and a Speedy). There are lots of low mileage ones around because people buy them to learn on and then move on to bigger bikes. Only drawback I found was that in the cold weather if you rode for a while and then stopped for a 40 minute coffee, you'd still have to choke it on startup and let it warm up again for a minute because it's not fuel injected. On the plus side, it's water cooled. If he drops it, it's easy to pick up and parts are readily available at a sensible price. Oh, and despite it's light weight, it held the road really well in crosswinds and when passing big trucks.
Another good choice would be a Suzuki S40. A 650 single cylinder, less go than the Kawi 500, but a decent bike to learn on and lots available.
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740 |
Quote:
Kawasaki 500 LT is an excellent first bike...,lightweight at 450 lbs, very nimble, able to leave any cruiser behind at the light if he wants to (same engine as the Ninja 500 - parallel twin with a six speed transmission) and easily keeps up with the bigger bikes (I rode mine in company with a Vulcan 900, a Honda 1300 and a Speedy). There are lots of low mileage ones around because people buy them to learn on and then move on to bigger bikes. Only drawback I found was that in the cold weather if you rode for a while and then stopped for a 40 minute coffee, you'd still have to choke it on startup and let it warm up again for a minute because it's not fuel injected. On the plus side, it's water cooled. If he drops it, it's easy to pick up and parts are readily available at a sensible price. Oh, and despite it's light weight, it held the road really well in crosswinds and when passing big trucks.
Another good choice would be a Suzuki S40. A 650 single cylinder, less go than the Kawi 500, but a decent bike to learn on and lots available.
Liam passed his class today. 
I was looking at the Kawi 500. Thanks for the recommendation.
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,425
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,425 |
I have a buddy who was close to the 300Lb mark at the time he came across a clean 500LT. He road that thing all over Pamona / LA. It is a good tough bike. He still has it as a back up. He has a Victory now.
Mal: "Y'all see the man hanging out of the spaceship with the really big gun?{ref, Jayne} Man's lookin' to kill some folk. So really, it's his will y'all should worry about thwarting."
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740 |
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8
New Tires
|
|
New Tires
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,028 Likes: 8 |
I bet he is, very nice bike!
Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.
H. L. Mencken
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
|
|
"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
At least it's BRITISH green...  
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
|
|
Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Alright! Those are quite nice bikes, I've known a couple of people who have had them. I think the oil filter is a PITA though.
Let me know when we're going for a ride.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740 |
Quote:
At least it's BRITISH green...
Agreed,its a nice colour combo.....oh i see what you did there,your clever
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740 |
Quote:
Let me know when we're going for a ride.
Will do big guy. Without the boy until he gets his training wheels off.
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740 |
Quote:
I'd be looking for a used Bonnie. They are easier to ride and more forgiving than our bikes.
Better yet, maybe you need a new America! Besides what son wouldn't want the old man's bike.
Its funny you say that. After graduating his MSF class I let him sit on my Speedy and he got this dreamy lustful look on his face.......I got the hosepipe on him right away. He skulked away and took a long shower.......clean is good right?
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740 |
Last edited by FriarJohn; 09/03/2011 10:09 AM.
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
|
|
|
Re: Signed my eldest up
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740
Adjunct
|
|
OP
Adjunct
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 740 |
Its crazy for me to have an 18yo on the road on a bike(i am only 41). Liam has grown up around bikes his whole life and me riding and being a club member,(a long time ago). I guess I didn't think it would soak in,maybe he was paying attention after all. I stand by him and his choices. I am hoping that Bikes will provide the bridge for fathers and sons to relate. I love my son enough to cast the dice(its a Vegas thing) and watch them fall,good or bad.I know "I'll drink to that".
Bill.
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered."
-George Best
|
|
|
|
|
