Foo - motorcycle question

y'know, I'll never give up my Bianchi, but I have to admit that I keep thinking about motorcycles. maybe it's an early midlife crisis thing, but I really like the idea of riding one. so, a coupla questions: any advice out there for a total newbie? and two, it'd be nice (and I don't know if this even exists) if I could get a motorcycle or have one modified to be as QUIET as possible. I just think those loud ones are, let's say, not for me. and I'm guessing the sheer noise is an added safety feature, but I really don't dig the conspicuous consumption factor.

thanks in advance!

-alex.

Learning To Ride: Sign-up for a Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCourse. http://www.msf-usa.org/
Click on RiderCourse 123's. Take the beginners and advanced course. Also consider reading Keith Code's "A Twist of the Wrist" books. If and when you ride, ride "The Pace". http://www.ridehsta.com/html/safety.htm

Quiet motorcycles: If you want a quiet motorcycle don't modify the exhaust system. All stock OEM street bikes start off life as relatively quiet machines. Yes, even Harley Davidson's motorcycles are sold with exhaust systems that meet sound attenuation requirements for all 50 states. However, the first thing a lot of buyers do to their sport bikes and cruisers is change out the exhaust system for one that is "more efficient" (code word for loud). I ride one of the fastest, box-stock street bikes in the world -- a Honda CBR1100XX (aka., a SuperBlackbird) -- and it is very quiet. A motorcycle doesn't have to be loud to be fast, but a lot of riders apparently like loud machines. http://home.att.net/~dos_equis/

Strongly consider getting a used DualSport bike as your first motorcycle. They're relatively inexpensive and easy to sell if you decide to upgrade or motorcycling isn't as glamourous as you thought. You can also drop it (not uncommon when you're learning how to ride) and any damage adds to the patina vs. dropping a street bike and shelling out $300 for a new lower cowl and/or side casings, exhaust pipes, and turn signal housings. You can take if off-road and practice bike handling skills that you can't learn on the street (not to mention, it's a blast riding on trails).

Quiet motorcycles:

Honda Goldwing

Any water-cooled BMW

Moto Guzzi

Etc....

livingood,

What are the names of the dual sport bikes you recommend? What size in cc is the best value, low maintenance, good resale, etc?

Thanks for the input.

400cc is the sweetspot. Here is an article that will provide you with more info to guide your thought process.

http://www.soundrider.com/archive/tips/buying_a_dual_sport.htm

Some other links:
http://dualsportmagazine.com/
http://dualsportnews.com/
http://www.dualies.com/index.html

Keep in mind, this is just a recommendation. You can certainly start out on the street with a street bike.

I learned to ride on a 1982 Suzuki GS750E. Not very quiet but was very well maintained. Looked and ran great. The funny thing is that it only costed $100 more than my road bike. Around $1200. The only problem that I had was that it was a bit heavy to learn on, but I managed. MMMM...Blackbirds<drool>

man, this is terrific! thanks for all the great info!

-alex.

p.s. I mentioned this to a friend of mine last night; she told me the last thing I needed was to find yet another way to kill myself.

Livngood got it about right. Mid ccs ike 350 to 500 ar ighter and easier to handle at first and even after the safety classes ride off road a lot before you get in traffic. Then remember to drive like there is a reward to the driver that runs you off the road. It is fun.

JOe

Don't buy one.

William, you want him to steal it?

you want it light and quiet?

I'm surprised no one suggested a 50cc machine... :D

Anyway, I also ride off road motorcycles.

I particularly like the Honda XR's.. the 200 is good for recreation, but the 250 is better and better equipped, and I think the 400s-600s are too heavy for quick manuevers. BTW, I ride a modified '00 Honda 200 XLR (it will out accelerate any 200 bike, even the 250s), the one with disc brakes. Stock exhuast systems are very quiet. I'm never in favor of the loud bikes...

The Kawasaki KMX(125) and KX are pretty good too, lighter machines, but only available with 2-stroke engines..