Motorcycles

[JerseyLawyer]

Watch out on the roads of New Jersey. I took the MSF basic rider course this weekend and got my motorcycle license (well, endorsement... but same thing).

Now to get a bike. Though that may have to wait until I get out of public service and into a job that has something resembling a real paycheck.

[12stones]

Congrats. That course has saved my life many times on the roads of Houston, so it's well worth the money. What kind of bike are you looking at?

[JerseyLawyer]

A cruiser in the 600cc range. A little bigger than what they usually recommend for total beginners, but the instructor suggested a slightly larger bike to match my slightly larger (hehehe!) stature.

I'd like to go used (and inexpensive, in the likely event I drop it), so I'll have to check out what's out there, but I like the looks of the Yamaha VStar Classic 650.

And the course was great, and very helpful. Even though I passed the skills test and they therefore waived the road test, though, I know that personally, I'm going to need a lot of practice before I do more than ride around the neighborhood.

[Jock Scot]

What tartan are the "leathers" going to be?

[JerseyLawyer]

What tartan are the "leathers" going to be?

I don't think they make those in my size. Maybe I'll go with a duster, breeches, goggles, and gauntlets, like it's 1920.

[12stones]

I know that they recommend a smaller bike, but personally I say don't waste your money. I would look at the 11-1200 range (maybe a Sportster or a VStar Classic 1100). I know it might feel like that's too much bike for you, but it's not. I started with my 1200C right after the class and I'd not owned a bike before that. The 650 won't give you the performance you need and you'll be unsatisfied; especially if you're a bigger guy.

[KGCTJ]

Congratulations another kilted Biker Riding with a Kilt Can be fun!!!

I have a Yamaha FJ1200 Cruiser and an Honda Interceptor the Interceptor never sees the Kilt but the Cruiser can be ridden no problem.
I have been riding for 33 years and I have taken all the MSF classes at one time or another...They are valuable fortunatly I don't have to pay for them as, I was and my wife is now, military. I suggest you also go to a racing School (after the job and paycheck) that will give you a skill set that most riders never get.

and unless you 350 pounds a 600cc new bike is too big but a 600/700cc twenty year old bike is fine. The newer bike are two to three times the horsepower and 100 to 150 pounds lighter... I suggest a 500 interceptor they are so inexpensive as a starting out bike. My son is on a 2007 NinJa 250that what my son is on now he is 6'2" and 250...the bike weighgs under 300 pounds my FJ1200 is 550 pounds and 130 HP

riding fast and taking chances within your skill set is better than hitting the breaks I allways say GET TRAINED MSF is great at Slow speed but a racing school will teach you how to get around a high speed
http://www.sportrider.com/ride/146_r...ons/index.html

[McMurdo]

As someone who took the course over 20 years ago firstly let me congratulate you it is the right way to go. As for Leathers yes they do make them in your size have no fear of that, a better protection is hard to find. On to the motorcycle itself there really are two schools of thought and it all depends to which you subscribe, from my own experience I dropped my first bike many times more than all the rest combined, for someone of your stature I would suggest going up to a 750cc model it will give you the size you need to be comfortable and will also give you enough power so as not to get tired of it in a few months. Congratulations again.

[12stones]

I know that they recommend a smaller bike, but personally I say don't waste your money. I would look at the 11-1200 range (maybe a Sportster or a VStar Classic 1100). I know it might feel like that's too much bike for you, but it's not. I started with my 1200C right after the class and I'd not owned a bike before that. The 650 won't give you the performance you need and you'll be unsatisfied; especially if you're a bigger guy.

Let me amend this by saying this recommendation is given with the thought of a cruiser in mind, not a crotch rocket.

[mbhandy]

Come on join my crowd of Goldwing riders.

Congratulations,
MrBill