I'm interested in taking the MSF course and getting a bike, but how do start?

Question

I'd like to take an MSF course near where I go to school. It is backed up until the end of August but that is no big deal. Anyway, I've never rode a motorcycle before but I really think I'd like it. I'm interested in the cruiser type. I was looking at what most people says are good starter bikes, and I kept coming back to a Honda Shadow VLX. It is 583cc which I've read is not too big for a beginner but has enough power so I won't want something bigger right away. But I'm not sure if I should set my hopes on just one model. I also am not sure where to find used bikes, I've searched but most places just sell new. What would a used, good condition Honda Shadow go for? New ones are priced at about $5,500 which is more than I'd be willing to spend, especially since it would be my first bike. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Check out ebay, cycletrader, craigslist, or just go shopping at local dealerships that sell used bikes.  Don't get stuck on one model....get out there and sit on different makes and sizes.  You may be surprised what you feel comfortable on.....and what feels comfortable is very important.  There are a lot of bikes that I love, but I wont buy because I don't feel comfortable on them.

Go get your permit, cause you will need one to take the MSF course......Good luck.....you will love cruisers.

Answer 2

Start with the MSF course.  You don't need a bike to take the course, they supply it.  After it you will have a much better idea of what you want.

Cruisers are very manageable and easy to handle, so they are good for newbies, especially size for size, meaning you could get a 750 and though it would be bigger and heavier, it wouldn't be that much harder to handle. The Shadow is an excellent choice, and 583cc is not too small to go a good distance on the freeway, or even a multi-day tour.   I am a Honda man myself, but all the Japanese mfgrs are good.

There are lots of used bikes on EBay and Craigslist.  You can set EBay to sort bikes by distance from you, so you can limit yourself to a 10-15 mi. radius and consider only those bikes you can actually look at.  If possible, bring along someone who knows about bikes to help you look at a bike.

You don't want a shiny new bike because you're going to be hard on your first bike.   If you buy an old bike (5-10 years old), after 6 months or a year you can sell it for about what you paid for it, and by then you'll know better what you really want.

You ought to be able to get a good used cruiser for $3000, one in pretty good shape, mechanically and cosmetically, with <30k miles on it.  If well cared for Japanese motorcycles will easily do 100,000 mi., so the trick is to determine whether they've been well cared for.  Japanese motorcycles are very much like Japanese cars these days, so you look at them in a similar way.

There are lots of web pages with advice and tips on buying a used motorcycle.  Google 'Buying a Used Motorcycle' and you'll see them.

Good luck!

Answer 3

That is the exact bike my wife got when she took the course.  I used to ride it and it would get me around and cruise at about 60 miles an hour.  It would do 70 or 75 but was uncomfortable hauling my 300 pound a.s.s around at anything over 60.  We bought a 3 year old one for about $3500 dollars from a dealer.  It's a good dependable bike that putts along well.  You aren't going to be able to do burnouts, wheelies and cruise at 100 on it but it is a fine bike for a beginner.

Answer 4

Honda Shadows are good beginners bikes and if it's going to be your first you can find used older ones for around $2,000.00 ,,just be safe and always  wear a helmet and gloves when you go down on a bike the first thing you want to do is put your hands out in front of you to brace for the fall .check cycletrader.com you should be able to find one there for a decent price

Answer 5

Get a sportbike, cruisers are for when you're too old to have fun. Seriously, you're going to regret getting such a mellow bike when you're older and wishing you were able to fold yourself up like a pretzel and go fast.

Answer 6

no, you do NOT need a permit to take the MSF course

you need a normal drivers licence, that car-thingy

wait with getting your bike until you made it thru the class

having ridden a bike will help you decide what style you want

personally I oppose chopper/cruiser style bikes, much to dangerous in the event of a crash: due to the ramp style gas tank, the footpegs in front of your butt and the deer antler bars bye-bye pelvis, kidneys, liver ...

no thanks, no chop-chop for me