New to riding!

[axelccmabe]

Hello all!

I'm getting my first motorcycle this summer and I saw this forum on google while looking at reviews of a dealership. I'm 19 years old and I'm from Springfield MA. Anybody have any tips on jackets, helmets, good riding routes, etc? For my first bike, I'm looking at an Ninja EX500 (Anyone suggest something else?) Any information you guys can throw at a newbie would be much appreciated!

I look forward to seeing you guys out on the road!

[G21forme]

That's a good first bike, as far as far goes you get what you pay for for the most part. You already sound smarter than most first bikers for getting geared up. Welcome to the show and keep an eye on the rides forum, just make sure to check the pace of the ride and inform the leader and sweep you are new. Are you planning on taking the msf course?

[jasnmar]

Welcome Ax.

An EX 500 is a very reasonable choice for a first bike. Some will advise smaller. They aren't necessarily wrong.

Gear... Lots of opinions out there.
Helmet - full face. Snell 2010 certified. Get one that fits you well. Go to a shop and try them on. Don't guess by ordering over the interwebs. Get one that fits and fits well. A good shop will have someone to help fit you.

Textiles are less expensive than leather gear generally, but leather is more substantial in the case of a get off. I run some of both, but tend to run the leather more.

Get gloves. Good ones. Fingers are very easy to damage.

Get boots. Make sure they provide some protection for the ankle.

Many will recommend riding pants as well. I don't ride without them any more, but did getting started.

As for roads... do the MSF course first (again I didn't but should have), then look into good roads.

Have fun and be safe.

[axelccmabe]

Yea I'm registered for the one in Westfield in May. I'll be getting my permit tomorrow.

[axelccmabe]

Thanks for the advice. I'll be getting all my gear in a few weeks And my dad recommended a bigger bike since I weigh 260 but am well proportioned.

[jasnmar]

Ahh. Another "fun sized" rider .

The EX is probably a good starter. Expect to out grow it at some point, but that's the right approach.

[axelccmabe]

Hahaha yup! But I fit into size 36-38 jeans so I'm not huge One day I'll move to something bigger, but I figure it's best to start with something that wont fly out from under me when I over do the gas

[fineout]

1st off welcome to NESR.

Sounds like you have a pretty good head on your shoulders, good on you for not caving to others saying you should get a bigger bike. The great thing about the "beginner bikes" is that you keep it for a couple years until you have chances to decide what type of riding you want to do and what bike you want and you get to sell it for only a couple hundred bucks less than what you bought it for.

[maxim_X]

Welcome to NESR and the sport of riding. It seems your on the right track already. The GS500, sv650 and some dual-sport bikes are also popular choices. Here is my rundown for gear in importance, helmet, boots, gloves, jacket, pants. It seems many new riders underestimate the value of boots.

[dontpanic]

Welcome from the Noth Shoah!

I second everything that's been said above. It's very good advice.

[FAST GSXR750]

Welcome..i'm right down the road in Granby Ct. Let me know when you're ready to ride an i can show you some great riding areas.

[Chippertheripper]

Congrats, it looks like youre getting into motorcycling by the approved method of nesr. Small bike, msf, good gear.
Enjoy the show. And more importantly, the riding.

[axelccmabe]

Thanks for the advice! I'll look into that

- - - Updated - - -

Sounds great! I'll let you know

[DucDave]

Welcome....good head on your shoulders. Though, it takes away some of the fun we usually have with a FNG!!!

[mzdagrl]

Welcome new guy! You probably won't get hazed as bad as some because you really do sound like you are being smart about starting.


All that said, I'm surprised no one has said it yet.

Get a busa.

[nhbubba]

I would advise you take the MSF before buying a motorcycle.

[TTD]

Sounds like you're on the right path. I am in Springfield, MA too if you ever need something.

[Stromper]

You sound like you are heading correctly

Don't listen to the poo poo on the 500 it is a fine thing and faster than 95% of cars

Develop your skills , don't try to show off just assume you are about to die for the first 3000 miles

Have fun

[Tunertype]

Welcome I am from holyoke ma so right next door to springfield. The first sport bike I ever rode a lot of miles on was a ninja 500 great choice. Others in the category as mentioned are ninja 650, sv650, gs500 and ninja 250. The 650s are down on power vs a 600 but weigh just as much or more. Also get something reliable so ur not spending all your time fixing it rather than learning to ride.