Section
I - General
Who
is Beginner Bikes
We are an
organization dedicated to promoting the proper gear, training
and motorcycles to provide a safe way to enter or reenter the
sport of motorcycle riding.
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What
is this FAQ?
This FAQ
is really not here to answer questions, but as a starting point
to ask questions. It is intended to provide a framework to help
you understand what questions you need to be asking.
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Does
Beginner Bikes Magazine welcome advertisers?
We appreciate
your interest in our site. If you would like to learn more about
advertising opportunities at Beginner Bikes Magazine, information
is available here: http://beginnerbikes.com/pages/advertise.html.
If you come here to post an advertisement for your business
in our forum, we will remove that post and refer you back to
this section. If you persist in posting the same thing in several
areas, you'll be referred back to this section as mentioned
in one post and all other posts will be deleted.
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Can
I debate Political/Religious or current event issues?
Simply put,
there are better forums to discuss such topics, this isn't one
of them. The primary focus here is Beginner Bikes, so if you're
the type that feels the need to push a certain issue in nearly
all of your posts regardless what folder you post them in, we
won't be shy to honor any requests from other members to have
these posts removed (or if it continues to persist, membership
as well). Debates are one thing, disruptive behavior is another.
By the way, we have a chat room here where such topics can be
spoken freely as well, so if you really feel the need to discuss
one we can always arrange a special chat time to host such discussions.
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Can
I brand bash?
This is
behavior that is generally frowned upon in the overall motorcycle
community, granted there are those that persist in the endless
debate as to which one is best. You do have the right to express
your opinions and likes/dislikes about other brands and models.
Just remember to try to keep it toned down (aka chill out on
the name calling) as we have many visitors and members that
are regulars in other brand/model specific forums that come
here too. But once again, if you truly feel the need to bash
a certain brand/model or your every post has to spout off negative
remarks about "brand x" you will be treated in a similar
manner as the political activists (see #2 above). Naturally,
anyone that wants to discuss such remarks can always join in
such discussions that can be freely held in the chat room here.
There are brand bash forums out there if this is your gig, this
isn't one of them. Just remember, when the paramedics arrive
at the scene of a motorcycle accident they don't care what logo
is on the tank, we're all equal in the wind.
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Can
I post pornography, lewd comments, or innuendoes?
Many members
here have family that sit alongside them while checking out
all the cool motorcycle related stuff here. Please note also
that you weren't required to issue any special auxiliary passwords,
granted any special membership privileges, or supply us with
any credit card info to gain access to this forum. In other
words, this is a public forum and not a private one. Did we
mention that we have a chat room that you can freely speak such
thoughts and remarks on? If not hit the main forum page and
scroll down a little bit, you'll find it near the bottom. And
if you want to view or post such photos take your eyes and credit
cards elsewhere.
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What
about assumed liabilities?
This is
a forum for information and advice regarding choosing a first
motorcycle. Neither Beginner Bikes nor any of its Team Members
or various participating Beginner Bikes members or guests assume
responsibility for any problems or accidents you may encounter
along the way. You choose to ride, you choose your ride, you
choose what mods to make on your bike, and we will make every
possible recommendation we can think of as to how to handle
such issues and forewarn of any shortcomings that we may have
experienced with any of them. Do the research and make an educated
decision. We'll offer advice, you'll make the choice. In other
words, you take the responsibility into your own hands. If you
make a bad choice, remember that it was you that made that choice.
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Should
I take your advice?
To repeat
what was said above, advice is just that: advice. It's your
choice to take it or refuse it. If you have disagreements with
such advice you have the right to say so, but we ask that you
do not try to publicly humiliate or put down those that gave
the advice. An open debate on the issue is always an interesting
read, but keep it civil. If you feel the need to do so otherwise,
may we once again recommend that chat room. The e-mail and instant
message options are also very handy tools for such negative
discussions (and the recipient always reserves the right to
not respond or even block your email address at his/her end),
but just remember...it was YOU that asked for the advice, and
chances are it wasn't the disagreeing party of said advice that
responded with better or alternative advice. In other words,
you can disagree and even raise a counter-point or two, but
don't just disagree and call the person an idiot. Which brings
us to our next point...
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How
does Beginner Bikes Magazine feel about respect, courtesy, and
civility?
If you don't
know what these words mean, we'll define them right now before
continuing.
Respect:
1. An act of giving particular attention, consideration.
2. High or special regard. 3. A relation or concern with something
specified.
Courtesy: 1. Behavior marked by polished
manners or respect for and consideration of others.
Civility: 1.State of adequate courtesy and
politeness, a polite act or expression.
Go against
that grain, or violate the conduct guidelines, and you will
become eligible for disciplinary actions, ranging from mild
private warnings to a permanent ban from use of the New Rider
Forum.
What
are the forum conduct guidelines?
The conduct
guidelines adopted for use by Beginner Bikes Magazine can be
found here: http://www.beginnerbikes.com/pages/chat.htm#conduct.
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Section
II - Motorcycles/Gear
What
bike should I buy?
Purchasing
your first motorcycle is often a difficult decision. There are
many choices. The first thing you need to do is decide style
- cruiser, standard, sport or scooter for example. After that,
go out and sit on some. In general, we recommend starting small
and move up as your experience grows.
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I
want a bike that I won't outgrow, or that I can grow into.
Well, contrary
to what you often hear at the dealer, or down at the local swap
meet, most people don't really outgrow their bikes. Sure, sometimes
we want something bigger or faster for many reasons, but a well
ridden 250 ninja can often keep up with the 600s through the
twisties Remember, this is your first bike, hopefully not your
last. Buy something, learn on it, and move up.
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What
bikes are good for small riders?
In general,
cruisers have a lower seat height than sportbikes. In addition,
the suspension can often be lowered (this is true on many bikes).
We generally recommend that a new rider can put both feet on
the ground flat. You can also have thicker soles added to your
motorcycle boots. Handlebar risers can help bring the handlebars
closer to the rider. Sit on some bikes and see what is comfortable.
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What
bikes are good for tall riders?
In general,
Dual Sports and Sportbikes have a higher seat height. Many cruisers
can have forward controls, or extensions put on to give a bit
more leg room to the taller riders. Try to avoid purchasing
large heavy/powerful bikes for your first bike. They may fit
better, but a smaller bike with some minor modifications may
be a better learning tool.
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What
bikes are good for heavy riders?
Most bikes
seem to have a similar rating for weight capacity on the frame.
A bigger bike may or may not have a higher weight rating than
a smaller bike. In general, even a 250 has no trouble hauling
around a 300lb. rider at up to 75 mph.
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What
Harley-Davidson do you recommend?
Although
Harley Davidson makes wonderful cruisers, they really don't
make a bike aimed at the beginner rider market. The closest
is the Sportster 883. Many people have found the sportster to
be top heavy, and difficult to control at slower speeds. A Buell
Blast would be a better beginner option, or if you really want
a cruiser, look at a small or mid sized metric cruiser as a
first bike, and move into your dream Harley after you have some
miles under your belt.
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My
buddy started out on a 600cc sportbike, why can't I?
600+ cc
sportbikes are designed for expert users. Although it is possible
to learn on a 600cc sportbike, there is far less room for error.
They have very peaky power bands, with very touchy throttles.
600s also have powerful brakes that can drop a new rider in
a heartbeat if you grab too much brake. 600+ sportbike's are
excellent bikes, but we recommend a new rider start on something
smaller and move up when they are ready.
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My
buddy started out on a heavy cruiser, why can't I?
Although
heavy cruisers ride like a dream on the highway, they are heavy
and cumbersome at slower speeds. Heavy cruisers need far more
skill to handle than lighter bikes, and minor mistakes can quickly
dump the bike. We recommend starting with a smaller cruiser,
and moving up after you've developed the proper skills.
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Beginner
Bikes keeps recommending 250cc motorcycles, but I want to hit
the highway! Won't I get blown off the road on a 250?
The 250cc
Ninja can do 100mph, most 250 cruisers (such as the rebel and
virago) can do 75+. These bikes are perfectly capable of handling
highway speeds. Many of our members have done long distance,
out of town cruises on 250cc bikes. Don't let the size fool
you, these bikes are very capable and reliable bikes.
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Should
I buy a new or a used bike?
There is
no right answer to this question. Many new riders (and many
experienced riders) drop their bikes. Dropping an older bike
that has already earned some battle scars is far less painful
than dropping your shiny new ride. On the other hand, you sometimes
inherit other peoples problems when you purchase a used motorcycle.
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What
gear should I buy?
First, purchase
a properly fitting helmet - we recommend a DOT/Snell approved
helmet - a full faced helmet will provide the most protection.
We also recommend a jacket - either a motorcycle grade leather,
or a motorcycle textile jacket. Good leather or armored gloves
are also a must, as well as sturdy over-the-ankle boots. If
you can afford it, armored pants can certainly help reduce injuries
if you have an unexpected get-off on your bike.
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How
do I tell if my helmet fits properly?
A properly
fitting helmet should be snug, but not tight enough to be painful.
It should not be able to move around on your head, and should
not be able to slip off, even with a very heavy tug. Different
brands of helmets fit different shapes of heads, so try on different
helmets to find the one that fits best.
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Section
III - Training
Should
I take the MSF?
The Motorcycle
Safety Foundation classes are the best investment in time and
money you could make as you start out on your new journey in
the sport of motorcycling. I wish their classes were available
when I learned to ride, it would have saved me a LOT of stupid
mistakes. You will not go wrong taking an MSF class, and is
worth the wait!
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What
should I bring to the MSF class?
When you
signed up for the MSF class, you should have been given a list
of required equipment to bring. You should, at the very least,
have over the ankle boots, eye protection (face shield, glasses
or goggles), gloves (heavy garden gloves are acceptable for
the class), slacks (not shorts) and long sleeves. Helmets are
often provided, but if you already own one (that is at least
3/4 and DOT approved) bring that, it will probably be more comfortable.
You may want to bring some water on hot days to prevent dehydration,
and sunscreen.
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How
long should I wait before I take a passenger?
Most experienced
riders recommend waiting at least a season. Remember, when you
are taking on a passenger, their life and safety is in your
hands. Make sure you are ready for the responsibility. Also,
make sure they have a full set of safety equipment for your
passenger before hitting the road. Please check the site for
training tips in preparation for your first 2up ride.
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When
am I ready to move up to a bigger/faster bike?
Only you
can know when you are ready. Some people are very talented and
move up very quickly, others prefer to take it slowly and make
sure their skills are up to the new bike. There are no hard
and fast rules, just make sure you spend some time in the parking
lot with your new bike.
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Section
IV - Mi sc.
What
is a squid?
A squid
is a generic term to describe a biker operating his/her motorcycle
in an unsafe manner. That can include wheelie's, stop pies,
riding fast, riding under the influence of alcohol/drugs or
riding without proper riding gear.
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What's
up with this waving?
Different
motorcyclists wave in different ways, it's a very personal choice
regarding how you wave, or even if you wave at all. Remember,
people may not wave back to you for a variety of reason, they
may not have seen you, they may have some reasons; they don't
want to take their hand off of the grips, they may be in a foul
mood, or maybe there is a group of 150 riders in front of you
and people are just tired of waving . In addition, they may
have waved, and you just didn't see it. Some riders will only
lift a few fingers, or nod their he ad... this can be difficult
to see when passing each other at 55 mph... so in the end, just
smile and wave and don't worry about what the other riders do.
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When
is a good time to buy?
My experience
is the best prices can be found in the fall, at the tail end
of the riding season, but the best variety of bikes can often
be found in the spring. In other words, there is no right time...
although late spring is often the worst time, bikes are selling
like hotcake's, the prices are high, and variety is often low.
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This
FAQ is maintained by Ken Beach <squirrel@squirrelsnest.org>
for Beginner Bikes and was last updated 10/12/2003. |
Frequently
Asked Questions