Strangeblue on 16/2/2006 at 02:19

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Hi, there Goblin.

I ride a 250 at the moment, too, and I've been on this bike for a year. I'm about to step up to a 500. I commute to work on the freeway on it and around town, so it is possible, though the bike is certainly not fast (top speed is 75 under normal conditions, but can drop to 65 in a headwind--the bike is light.)

Ignoring the doom-sayers who don't own or ride motocycles, do think about what your intend to do with the bike and how often and under what conditions you'll be riding. Talk to your insurance company about what they will cover and what it will cost. Then look at your budget.

A decent used bike will probably be a better choice than a new one, since that will net you a bike that's already been broken in and has mostly known problems, if any. And a lot of people get out of their 250cc as soon as they can, so you'll have a lot of choices if you're not impatient. And you'll need good gear. Don't scrimp on the helmet or jacket or boots. And if you will be riding in the wet, get a properly-fitting rain suit, or you'll be miserable.

Wait to buy your bike until you have finished your course. You'll know more about what you want and how to evaluate one after you are done with that. Knowing what bikes your insurance will cover and which they won't will also help--most insurance companies really hate "sport bikes" and big-displacement engines. So you're good there, since you're not looking at either.

Now, on the Which Bike, front.... If you like the standard and cruiser styles, you can pick up an older Honda Nighthawk 250 (standard) or a later one (cruiser) or a Rebel 250 (Harley-esque) inexpensively. They aren't even very pricey new, if you can find one. The new Hyosung/Alpha Sport 250 is a very comfortable "standard" that looks a bit sporty, but certainly isn't a crotch rocket. I also recommend the new Honda VTR 250--I own a 1990 of the old style and it kicks ass, the new one is even nicer and has great response through the turns and terrific fuel economy (about 60 mpg.)

I don't have anything against the Ninja 250, but it's a sporty bike. It is not, in fact, underpowered for a 250, but you won't be getting a road rocket out of any 250.

Most places do not license 2-strokes anymore because of the environmental issues, but if you can find one, they are really nice. Most require more maintenance and most require you to mix oil with gas in the tank, yourself, rather than using an oil injector system like the racing 2-strokes. So, consider the amount of work you want to put into riding the bike.

Motorcycles are not as safe as cars. Car drivers don't see you, but you can compensate for that a lot by being a smart rider. Take what your instructor tells you to heart and don't be an ass. Buy a bike you really feel comfortable with. Wear your gear every time. Keep the bike in good condition. You'll be fine.

Scots Taffer on 16/2/2006 at 02:37

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Heheh, entirely true... however given my history with vehicles of any sort*, I think I'm justified in giving it a miss.

Plus the fact that one of my Uncles was in a bad bike smash when he was young and that always freaked me out.

* broken an arm on a bicycle, been hit by a car and broken both arms, flipped a quadbike the week before my wedding and came out bearing scars LIKE A MAN

Ulukai on 18/2/2006 at 15:26

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I don't ride, but as a motorist and a bystander, my 2c:

Don't weave in and out of traffic like a madman or ride in my blind spot. My eyesight is good but I'm not psychic or possessing sixth sense in terms of predicting what you're about to do.

I say this as unsanctimoniously as possible: Get some leathers and a helmet. And the reason I say this stems from being on holiday several years ago, walking up a mountain road. Bike comes past; there's a lot of gravel about; she's wearing but shorts & t-shirt; she misjudges the corner; she falls off the bike; she slides through the gravel lacerating just about everything and hits a stone crash barrier; Nothing broken but she was no longer a pretty girl and I couldn't stop her bleeding. Gross, I don't need to be seeing that shit again :eww:

Komag on 18/2/2006 at 17:16

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Wow, good video (not good what happened, of course). I would say that's about how most motorcycle accidents are - you try to stop, you crash somewhat, get scraped up a bit, damage the bike some or a lot, but you are usually okay.

Certainly there is some danger, and many of use would like to think if it was us we could have avoided her wreck, but it's always hard to say until you've been there. But keeping an eye out on all the cars, always anticipating where they might go and how they might not see you and stuff, you'll be a lot better off and can avoid most incidents.

I never came close to any wrecks when I had a bike for about a year (3 years ago)(mostly town but some highway driving), but I did drop it once when I was stupid enough to try to ride to school on a quite snowy day! (broke the right rear turn light, had to replace it). I look forward very much to getting another bike hopefully this summer

Printer's Devil on 19/2/2006 at 02:23

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Well, since we're throwing around names, why don't you help make the world a little bit safer by putting down your cellphone and coffee while you drive, cager.