Getting my first bike

DangZagnut · 2019-03-15T15:40:28+00:00

Buy a broken down used one off craigslist or something. Something small you can easily pick up and fix and isn't too heavy. This will be the bike you burn out and drop and fuck up.

Learn how to replace throttle cables, fuel lines, a dead battery, change fluids, etc.

You will drop it, and you don't want to do that with some brand new bike, you want to do it with a shit bike you won't care much about, but you'll learn a lot on.

After you've mastered that, then you can get your dream bike, because you won't know what that is until you know what that isn't.

lord_dark_hobnob · 2019-03-15T16:57:11+00:00

Ride a small engine (<= 250cc) for a year before going for the regular / big bikes.

CiceroVoltaire · 2019-03-15T15:44:24+00:00

Very good.

Do you know how to ride? If not, take a course where they supply the bikes.

For your first bike, get something used that's never been in a wreck (straight frame, forks, swingarm, etc.)

What is your height and weight? Get a bike that fits and easy to manage for your first bike.

Do you want a sport bike or cruiser?

I recommend an used naked bike, for example Honda CB / Standard if you want more of a sport bike. If you want more of a Harley-type cruiser, consider a Honda Fury. edit: not just Honda, any Japanese bikes, cheaper, easier, more dependable, IME.

Don't get a full on sport bike or big cruiser for your first bike. You can, but you're asking for trouble if you are not an experienced rider.

Wear protective gear, helmet, jacket, pants (see draggin' jeans), boots for the kind of bike you want.

Cheers!

Jackoffalltrades89 · 2019-03-15T18:36:51+00:00

The R-spec is a liter bike. It’s a V-twin cruiser, so it’s more a torque bike than a high revving sport model, but a liter of displacement is still nothing to sneeze at.

Given your height, I’d look into seeing if you can find a slightly newer Honda Rebel. You can basically buy and sell Rebels at parity, so they’re excellent bikes to learn on because when you do upgrade, you get your money back. Plus, it’s a Honda, it’s almost literally bulletproof. They came out with a 500 cc version a couple years ago. I’d try and snag one of those if you can, it’ll last you a little longer before you outgrow it, but it’s still a good size for learning on. I always found 250s to be just a little small, both physically and in capability. Having to ride it at 80% of flat out to keep up with traffic does not leave a lot of room for getting out of hairy situations.

And remember, dress for the crash, not for the ride. You will crash eventually, it’s a matter of when, not if. I high sided my CB when I hit gravel in an S-bend. Walked away unscathed from the waist up because I wore a good jacket and helmet. Skinned the hell out of my knees and got damn lucky that was all I got because I was just wearing jeans on my legs. Had I not gotten ejected into a corn field and instead onto a street or into an obstacle, it would have been a lot worse.

Get a DOT/Snell certified helmet from a reputable brand that fits your head. Try on as many as it takes, if it doesn’t sit right in the store, it’s not going to get any better with wind slamming into it. Jackets are available in both leather and synthetics. Get whichever suits your weather. The synthetics tend to be better ventilated and are cooler to wear in the summer, but can conversely be too cold come winter time. Gloves are also underrated. Good gloves will handle the abrasion when you stick your arms out in a crash, cheap ones will practically melt off. Riding pants and boots are also recommended, though you can make do with any over the ankle boot provided it has good ankle support.

Been a while since I’ve bought gear, but the prices aren’t bad. Helmets are $100-200, jacket’s about $150. Good gloves are about $50, and riding pants are $75-ish. Boots can get kind of ridiculous, but like I said, you can substitute those without too much trade off. So all told, budget about $3-400 for gear.

Gibits · 2019-03-15T15:53:48+00:00

I like how your dad covered his ass first by telling you “hey it’s dangerous m’kay?” Despite being a biker himself.

He is probably super happy you wanted to get a bike. Like you acknowledged him as a role model and maybe even thinking about going on a ride with you in the future.

Whatever bike you get make sure you ask your pops if he would like go for a ride together. I bet it would make him proud and happy.

ratchet_hd · 2019-03-15T17:09:13+00:00

Look into a good used CanAm Spyder to get a feel of riding then ease up to a 2 wheel when you get a feel of riding. You will catch flack for it but they are lots of fun and Ive seen offroad kits for them.

meerita · 2019-03-15T17:16:25+00:00

You can't imagine how much I envy you now. Getting a bike here in Spain is quite a journey, not because of the money, but because of the requirements. I will start the training soon let's hope i get past the exams.

Zachjsrf · 2019-03-15T18:03:29+00:00

Get a liter bike. As a first bike. That's what I did. Go big or go home.

Just kidding this is terrible advice lol.

SM500 · 2019-03-15T18:38:46+00:00

26 here and got myself a moped to ride around with the most fun I’ve had in years! Happy for you to experience this! It’s amazing

hypnotized · 2019-03-16T00:55:54+00:00

Buy something reliable and not a project bike. Also get high quality gear and cameras in case you have an accident, you will always have proof.

Adventure bikes are great. Good for commuting and has a comfortable upright riding position. Enjoy

Title	Getting my first bike
Author	FanofLemmy
Upvotes	26
Comments	24
Date	March 15, 2019 3:32 PM UTC (7 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/MGTOW
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/MGTOW/comments/b1gb80/getting_my_first_bike/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/MGTOW/getting-my-first-bike.497984 https://theredarchive.com/post/497984

Comments