How does one get started in biking?

[tequals0]

I need a way to get around, cheaply. At first I thought I would get a moped, but after seeing some cheap bikes for sale, I thought that a little more power would be nice .

However, I an really unclear on some things like:
-titles

-registration

-insurance (how much is needed?)

-street-legality. what makes a bike street legal?

help!

[Kazinator]

Take the MSF course. Then come back.

[01xj]

Contrary to popular belief there is hardly any cost savings to riding a motorcycle.

[maxim_X]

-Never buy a bike without a title. It's just like a car. You need the title to register it. A good bet is to match the title to the vin on the frame when buying the bike.

- Just like a car again the registration is done at the registry. Make sure you go the your insurance company to get your RMV2 before going to the registry to avoid some back and forth driving.

- I'm not quite sure what you mean by that. The limits are the same for a motorcycle as they are with a car. If the bike was only 1000$ then I wouldn't worry about full coverage. But it's all a matter of personal preference. I have full coverage on my street bikes, but I'd rather pay now than be out a whole bike.

- I don't quite understand this question either. Are you talking about modifications? The bike needs blinkers, mirrors and, working brake and headlights. Other than that I don't know what your getting at when you say legal.

[ZX-12R]

Contrary to popular belief there is hardly any cost savings to riding a motorcycle.

I hate when people post this nonsense. There are plenty of motorcycles that cost far less to operate than a normal vehicle. Sportbikes aren't one of them...

[DaveZX6r]

A moped is anything under 50 ccs, and years ago when i looked into it did not require a plate, that may have changed not sure.
A scooter can be driven on the street, as long as its registered and insured, by anyone with a drivers liscense. No need for the motorcycle endorsement. But all but a few are going to be incapable of making it onto the highway safely.

Motorcycles are more fun but more power can be more dangerous if you've had 0 training/experience. Also you need to take a written exam to get your moto permit and a "road test" on a bike for the liscense.

If your considering it, go to the dmv and pick up one of the motorcycle handbooks. They are free and would be a good way to get yourself started thinking in terms of motorcycles. And like others said take the msf course.

[Chippertheripper]

Listen to everything doc says.

[jwm2k3]

Take the MSF course. Then come back.

Hey tequals0, usually this dude Kazinator says a lot of stupid shit, but this time I have to agree with him. This is your best bet.

www.motorcycleridingschool.com check it out!

[Tricky Mike]

CBRKnight!!!!

[pontifex]

fat chicks and mopeds...yeah, go for a motorcycle.

I think most will also agree that motorcycles are safer. Larger, so easier for people to see you and (for the most part) the added speed, stopping power and maneuverability will help keep you out of trouble.

[Kazinator]

Hey tequals0, usually this dude Kazinator says a lot of stupid shit, but this time I have to agree with him. This is your best bet.

www.motorcycleridingschool.com check it out!

I do?

[MikeyZ]

Contrary to popular belief there is hardly any cost savings to riding a motorcycle.

There definitely is SOME savings. The first year or two is definitely not saving after all of the gear/ bike/ insurance.

However, when your truck only gets 10MPG- you see a LOT of saving.

All depends what you are getting the bike for- if its commuting- then you definitely save on a bike.

For example...My work is only a mile away from my home- however after that I go to the gym in the town over- trips back and forth from school- trips around town. I DEFINITELY save money as opposed to constantly filling my truck @ $4gallon

[snwbrdr435]

I think most will also agree that motorcycles are safer. Larger, so easier for people to see you and (for the most part) the added speed, stopping power and maneuverability will help keep you out of trouble.

Or get you in trouble...

[aldend123]

Do you, or have you, ever owned a car? Either way, title an registration are similar in most states. You want a title, but in rare cases you can buy a bike without one and get a copy. Most important question, what state are you in?

What you need to qualify for street legal depends on the state, but you can apply some simple logic. Title, turn signals, brakes, headlight, etc. Each state publishes their guidelines on what the inspection station is expected to check. Perhaps ask more specific questions, like I saw this bike and I'm going to check it out but it has LED turn signals and I'm in MA. Will that be legal? I believe the answer is yes, but I don't know off hand, just an example.

Oh, and the motorcycle, no matter what state must have a seatbelt. That is a federal regulation. Seatbelt's are a must. Safety first!

Even if an MSF Basic rider course is not a requirement, I'd strongly recommend it. Unless you have experience riding a bike on the street, it will be extremely helpful. I'm pretty sure it gets you a discount in most or all states on your insurance, so it will pay for itself anyway. And be smart/safe about this decision. Even if you have health insurance co-pays, MRIs', XRays, ambulance rides, emeregency room visits, and any medication adds up FAST. Spend the money and brains on doing the safe thing the first time, because learning from the mistake can be extremely expensive.

[DucDave]

Lots of good advice here.

My POV is that unless you have a 'fire in the belly' to ride motorcycles, you should consider other means of reducing your transportation costs. While riding a motorcycle can be less expensive than driving a car it should not be the primairy motivator. As a sport, it's far to dangerous to be taken casually. I love riding...street and track...more that almost everything. It's an important part of my life and critical to my maintaining my loose grip on sanity! But I take it seriously and am always looking to improve my skills.

Above is an opinion...not to be confused with fact!

[RandyO]

I hate when people post this nonsense. There are plenty of motorcycles that cost far less to operate than a normal vehicle. Sportbikes aren't one of them...

a motorcycle fer sure is cheaper to own and operate when comparing to a 10mpg truck, but a Ford Focus or almost any other is cheaper to own & operate than any bike over 500cc. FWIW, the 3 series BMW I used to own cost me about 1/3 less to own and operate than my SV650

[csmutty]

a motorcycle fer sure is cheaper to own and operate when comparing to a 10mpg truck, but a Ford Focus or almost any other is cheaper to own & operate than any bike over 500cc. FWIW, the 3 series BMW I used to own cost me about 1/3 less to own and operate than my SV650

This is good advice here. Tires alone on a motorcycle get more expensive than a car. Usually a set of tires on average will last 8-10k miles. While on a car tires will last upwards of 60k now. Also you have drive train wear to worry about (chain usually every 15k or so as well as sprockets), and other costs you wouldn't think about up front.

[sveesix]

While riding a motorcycle can be less expensive than driving a car it should not be the primairy motivator. As a sport, it's far to dangerous to be taken casually. I love riding...street and track...more that almost everything. It's an important part of my life and critical to my maintaining my loose grip on sanity! But I take it seriously and am always looking to improve my skills.

This. Go grab the book, read up, take the permit test, and then head straight to www.msf-usa.org and register for a class.

[Svenny]

When looking at the cost of putting your first motorcycle on the road, don't forget to include the cost of riding gear...a good quality helmet that fits properly, a motorcycle specific jacket, and good quality riding gloves are a minimum must have. And ++++1 on the MSF class.

[Stromper]

Depends


The commuting scenario can be a great savings on 2 wheels but only if it takes the place of 4 wheels.

If your family has a car and this is to avoid a 2nd car.
If you commute less than 10 miles and/or can get a ride. Here in CT there are 8 months good 2 wheel riding and then winter
There are many under 500cc used bikes that are cheap to use, and or 150CC+ scooter.

I would also throw in whether there is a route that avoids busy congestion and expressway use.

If its only for the gas mileage while a car sits home you probably need a more economical car.

[Chippertheripper]

I do?

Yup.

[Chippertheripper]

I do?

Yup.

[Kazinator]

damn.

[jcrawford]

Contrary to popular belief there is hardly any cost savings to riding a motorcycle.

That's true because when you have a bike you tend to try to ride it more than you drive your car While you get the MPG savings the extra fun riding makes you burn more gas.
At-least for me!

[Rossco]

When people ask me about motorcycling and the costs of getting into it, and if it can be a good alternative to cars, I usually give them a base "smart" price of $2500.

My "smart" cost is what it would cost someone to get into motorcycling, and not be a total knucklehead/Squid.

$1500 or so give or take for a low displacement used motorcycle in good running condition.

$300 on training (msf)

$700 on riding gear.


I'm sure I missed a few things but that's what I factored in when I got into motorcycling.

Now if you wanted to be an idiot, my "idiot" base price would be about $750.

That's including $30 for the learners permit. (no msf/license needed)

A pair of $10 sunglasses (to look badass)

Some $10 mechanix gloves

Oh and a DOT Skid lid.

That leaves $600 for some old beat-to-shit UJM that has old dry-rotted tires with the cords showing, leaks oil, carbs that leak and are gummed up, crusty brake lines, loose chain and sprockets that are so worn they can be used as ninja-stars. That he/she will probably ride anyway, without fixing any of those problems.*

Hell the only work they'll ever do to it will be drilling out the baffles in the exhaust. Ya know, to make it sound sick.

Then they'll spend their last $50 on a set of clubmans (doood it's gonna handle like a gixxa with these) and some flat black Krylon, ya know to make it look badass.


*Oh yeah, and before anyone gets on me for making fun of old UJMs. Just to be clear though, I can't stand it when people don't maintain those bikes.