Want to get a bike...

[Texas_Bryan]

Team,

I'm looking to start riding a bike.  Need some advice though, last time I rode was when I was four.

Anyone ride in Texas?  What should I expect as far a licensing and the like?  And the question I'm sure all you have opinions on, what bike, new or used would your recommend for a new rider?

Thanks,

Bryan


Oh, and I want to buy an American bike...

[Bic]

I'm a little confused by your question. If the last time you rode was when you were 4 yrs. old I assume that you're talking a 'push bike' right?

But your speaking of 'licensing' would suggest a 'motor bike'.

If indeed you are looking for a 'bicycle' then I'd seriously suggest a trip to a local bike shop and ask their advice re: frame size and such.

I know little of these things myself.......only that my wife's new 'Triathlon-Bike' cost me a little over 3K!!!!!!!!

[Texas_Bryan]

Motorcycle bud.  I had a dirtbike when I was little, so technically I've not never ridden, which for some reason everyone ask.  Sorry about the confusion, and your wife's 3k bicycle, that's alot of ammo.

[Bic]

Motorcycle bud.  I had a dirtbike when I was little, so technically I've not never ridden, which for some reason everyone ask.  Sorry about the confusion, and your wife's 3k bicycle, that's alot of ammo.

Yep, sure is............but at least now I can get some range time as she's biking   

[Majer]

As far as American made Motorcycles there are only 2. Harley and Victory. Both will cost about $10,000 Plus for a "touring" type bike.You can get a Sportster for less than that, but might not like the ride if going long distance . I would recommend taking a Motorcycle safety course first to learn the basics if you have  little to no riding experience.That's the best advice I can give for now other than if you do buy a bike make sure you wear proper riding equipment  which means heavy leather boots, long pants, leather gloves and jacket AND an approved helmet( do not go cheap, the old saying "if you have a $20 dollar head buy a $20 dollar helmet rings true)
Hope this helps

[Sponsor]

[TAB]

buel blast

[PegLeg45]

Up until 2002, I had never owned a new motorcycle (all I could afford was used). I weighed all my financial options along with all that was offered in the bike category I was looking for. I wanted something in the low-slung, street-rod style, and in the physical size of a H-D Fatboy, but the price on used H-D's in my area were running around $12,000 and plain-Jane new ones started at $17,000.
Honda had an American-built V-twin (made in Marysville, OH) called the Shadow Sabre that was basically a Japanese copy of a Fatboy (albeit with a slightly smaller motor, but every thing else was a lot alike, i.e. height, weight, length) that cost $8,200 out the door. It also came with a candy/flame factory paint.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Shadow_Sabre
http://www.bikez.com/pictures/browse.php?bikeid=24173&pageno=2

Didn't have to hit me in the face with a wet mop to figure that one out.

Bottom line, go to dealers and sit on 'em, look at 'em decide what particular 'style' of bike you like the best, touring, sport, street-rod, etc. Many dealers offer rider safety courses (Honda does). As for licensing, go to your state's DMV or driver services website and you can probably read or download the proper info on licensing and testing.

I can tell you, there ain't nothing like the freedom of the open road.

Good Luck,

Peg

[Timothy]

Yes, you can get a deal on a Buell these days because Harley closed down the division in 2009.  Buell motorcycles were made in Milwaukee and used Harley motors.

For you younger guys, these bikes are high performance, short wheelbase bikes.  The Harley's and Victory lines are more for cruising and not so much for performance.  The Sportster lines are short wheelbase Harleys but they are small in comparison to the Dyna and Soft-tail versions.

Harley can run from 10K for a Sportster to nearly 25K for some of their big cruising/touring bikes.  Pricing is about the same for the Victorys.

Be safe, take some lessons.  Most dealerships around the country have rider training courses that even guys like me who've ridden for thirty years can learn a few tricks.

[MikeBjerum]

Go take the riding course!

In Minnesota you go take your written tests, get your permit, and then passing the riding course gets you your endorsement.  Not sure if that is the same for Texas.

Regardless of the steps, the riding course is the best place to start.  The instructors are a wealth of information and will get you started on the right foot.

Majer had some very good advice, and beyond that I would suggest you put all prejudices aside and start small!  Work your way up in size, riding conditions and distance.  Grow in bike size until you reach your ultimate.

It is a slow progression, but you will get there and eventually you will do things like ...



or this three days later ...



And before you know it you will just go for this ...


Photo credit to our future VP, big Tommy T!
Note full leathers, except gloves, helmet and bug eyes!  I was fighting a 35 mph cross wind that day on the way to wedding rehearsal and didn't want to take any chances ... and I still took the time to visit a shrinking friend in that weird land to the south  

Note to M'ette - That bike now also has a trailer sized and picked because it will hold rifle cases.  It has been to Kansas already, and those "buttless chaps" are coming to your neighborhood next year at Pro Am time ... again!

[Majer]

M58, I learned the value of proper riding gear after walking away from 3 different motorcycle accidents. I'm paying for them now with all the aches and pains in my body, But I'm still able to walk and shoot. I don't care how hot it is I would NEVER get on a bike without wearing leather.