This is topic need help from you motorcycle riders in forum General Talk at Northern California Ford Owners .
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Posted by 915.0gt (Member # 9518) on
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so i just got off the phone with our district manager talking about a promotion but it would lead to me having to commute about 40miles one way 80miles round trip. so i get about 90miles (80%highway 20% city) in the mustang and thats gona be ok but its like 350$ a month for gas and the bride toll is 5$ (200$ a month, 5 days a week) for a car and 2.50$ for a bike, if this promotion works out i want to look into investing into a motorocycle for comute (haha becuase i refuse to drive an import with no balls ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
), im also like 80% new to motorcycles and 100% new to street bikes.
so my questions:
how long does it take to get a motorcycle license and what all do i have to do? do i have to take a class or am i exempt from a class since i am over 18?
what do you guys get for your mpg and for what size bike? i read on yahoo that a 600cc gets about 40mpg?
bike make and brand recomendations? ive always heard new riders should start out fairly small 650cc or so? and i hear good things about honda bikes and gsx?
last question, what are you paying for insurance if you dont mind?
thanx
[ June 22, 2011, 10:38 PM: Message edited by: 915.0gt ]
Posted by Cobra 93-4992 (Member # 4992) on
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I'd get a standard upright bike like an sv650 or fzr1000 if you insist on commuting with a bike. I personally wouldnt make that commute because its non stop danger from debris and all sorts of road shit, plus the assholes in traffic. 40 miles each way is not a walk in the park on your back. I'd get myself a honda civic or accord.
Posted by Blue92 (Member # 8789) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Cobra 93-4992:
I'd get a standard upright bike like an sv650 or fzr1000 if you insist on commuting with a bike. I personally wouldnt make that commute because its non stop danger from debris and all sorts of road shit, plus the assholes in traffic. 40 miles each way is not a walk in the park on your back. I'd get myself a honda civic or accord.
I hate to say it but I actually agree with this dood.
Posted by Greasy (Member # 5258) on
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quote:
Originally posted by 915.0gt:
what do you guys get for your mpg and for what size bike? i read on yahoo that a 600cc gets about 40mpg?
My DD TDI Jetta gets 50MPG and it's a little safer then a bike when you are commuting with a bunch of dumb ass drivers.
Posted by lucius50fox (Member # 10791) on
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if your new to bikes jumping into commuting isnt the shit especially 80 miles. but i will say my preference is a gsxr 750 good on performance and mpg.
Posted by Zeke (Member # 9432) on
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I'm new to motorcycles and I'm currently in the process of getting one. As far as commuting goes, you're better off getting a Naked bike i.e. SV650, FZ1, Z1000, Speed Triple, etc. An additional denefit of these bikes is low insurance premiums, compared to full fairing bikes. As far as licensing goes, well you have two options: Written test (DMV) and Riding test (DMV), or Written test (DMV) and Motorcycle safety course aka MSF. The advantages of taking an MSF course is that you learn a lot about bike safety, it helps lower you insurance rate, and upon completion of the course you won't be required to take the riding test for your license. The only disadvantage to this option is that fact that you'll have to pay for the course ($200ish). I've been getting insurance quotes from various insurance companies and Progressive seems to have the best rates.
Although getting a motorcycle would be cool, I think you're better off getting a Jetta TDI or some other fuel efficient vehicle, that you can drive year round.
Posted by fstryde3 (Member # 8436) on
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quote:
Originally posted by Cobra 93-4992:
I'd get a standard upright bike like an sv650 or fzr1000 if you insist on commuting with a bike. I personally wouldnt make that commute because its non stop danger from debris and all sorts of road shit, plus the assholes in traffic. 40 miles each way is not a walk in the park on your back. I'd get myself a honda civic or accord.
Sad but true, idiots rain cold tired road work traffic all lead to more danger on a bike, rode one for years put it up after some chick almost killed me. I'm not saying don't do it but take your time and think on it, and yes take the class it allows you to skip the DMV driving test.
[ June 22, 2011, 11:38 PM: Message edited by: fstryde3 ]
Posted by SLOWSN95 (Member # 8269) on
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These guys ^^^ are right. You're better off getting a little 4 banger that gets good ass gas mileage. I know everybody has seen stupid ass drivers out there that dont give a f**k about how they drive. My friends dad was rear-ended on his harley and the bike fell on his leg and completely shattered every bone. And my friend who commuted only 8 miles everyday was actually killed because some lady decided not to look to her left and tried to pull out into traffic when he was right there. Think about your safety before your wallet..
Posted by fredfifty (Member # 10320) on
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bike it if you cant BART it! lol
ins. liabilty for me was 96/yr...got about 200ish miles on 15-20 bucks of gas on 91...first bike for me was 02 r6...not smart, but it depends on your maturity and habits. msf ftw! its fun too. if you looking at insurance, just call AIS, im telling you. theyll find one for you. cheap. head must be on a swivel when riding, make eye contact with drivers, dont ride outside your limits...get gear so you wont get flamed by everybody...overall, if your confident in yourself, your a grown man...get that bike, just be mindful of the dangers that accompany riding.
hella corny, but the old saying is "there are two riders, those that went down, and those that are going down"
its inevitable.
Posted by Stangn5oh (Member # 10875) on
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Id go with a bike. i bought a 91suzuki katana 600cc flat black with no plastics (cafe racer style) for $550 on craigslist, ran great. The next day i throttled too much,popped a wheelie, and threw the bike. I didnt really get hurt, got right back up and walked the bike off the road w/ my crankcase cover cracked. Since then i dropped the bike twice but not a scratch on me just torn up shoes. Just be on the look out for other cars, act as if cars never see you, if u drive 65 be more cautious cars will tailgate u, my experience drive 70_75. I only
Posted by Termin8Him (Member # 7895) on
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My first bike was a suzuki GSX-R. I bought it without any motorcycle experience. A few months after i purchased the bike a took a motorcycle safety course in vallejo and received my license. it's all about respecting the bike, not trying anything stupid, and keeping your eyes wide open. It's actually for sale if you're interested. let me know. 
Posted by wilit (Member # 3367) on
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What bridge are you crossing? The Bay Bridge? If so, fuck that on a bike. I've been riding for 10 years and commuting on the Bay Bridge is like playing Russian roulette.
Either way, 600's get about 35-40mpg. If you really want to get good mileage, get a Ninja 250. My old roommate was getting 65mpg on a bad day.
Posted by 4.6 EATIN GM'S (Member # 1633) on
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if your looking to buy a bike i have one for sale. its a 07 gsxr 600 2600 miles, i lost intrest in it.
Posted by STREETFIGHTER50 (Member # 2973) on
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Yeah that Bay Bridge commute on a bike sucks ass! I was commuting from Brentwood to Frisco M-F on my Gixxer 1k & ZX10R's & I had quite a few scary moments! Actually more than just a few!! People just don't see u & don't care either! Instead of them being happy it's 1 less car on the road they hate bikers coz we're passing right by em. Especially them motherfuckers who u see eyecontact with in their mirror & they still close the gap in on u!
Posted by CobramanPhil (Member # 2170) on
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Most people that really ride (riding to starbucks and posing after a few wheelies is not real riding)will tell you to get a used, small engine displacement bike as a starter bike, but what you seem to want is a commuter and new rider+no experience+deadly commute equals a recipe for disaster.
Like what others have said..get a gas efficient little four-banger car. You will be better off...and by the way anyone trying to sell a new a sport bike as your first bike is doing you a disservice..my opinion.
[ June 23, 2011, 04:26 AM: Message edited by: CobramanPhil ]
Posted by 98z28 (Member # 8408) on
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I love riding!!! I average about 1200+ miles a month. I have two bikes an the only time I drive my truck is when it's raining. Gas has been %100 different for me now, $10 here an there is really no big deal.
With that said, take a motorcycle class, I took one at woodland adult school about a year after I started riding. You will learn alot more then just jumping on the bike an riding.
I ride an 04ZX10R an a Bagger love em both just gotta see what's best for you.
Posted by Cobra 93-4992 (Member # 4992) on
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If i were a n00b i'd get this bike. Super cheap, honda reliable and not too fast.
http://powersports.honda.com/2011/cbr250r.aspx
Posted by NorCalRydaz (Member # 3233) on
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If you really want a bike get it because you want to not because u have to. Nothing bigger then a 600 either. Motorcycles are fun ![[dance]](graemlins/dance.gif)
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