My first motorcycle. Please help?

Question

In a green-green saving effort, Im thinking about a motorbike for my 5-day, 14-mile per day work commute. I have no experience with bikes and do not plan to become a speed daemon. I do plan to keep my old car for utility purposes. So...

What are licensing requirements here in FL?

Does a bike save gas significantly over a meduim size sedan? How much so?

What s the most recommendable bike of a 160 pound 5' 7" like me? Is there a size table?

Does it require more maintenace than a car?

How do you stay cool in hot weather with all the protective gear you have to wear? And is there protective wear that can be conveniently worn over office clothing?

Are there manual vs automatic bikes? Is automatic easier to ride for beginners?

Are dirt / enduro bikes more gas-demanding than sport bikes or cruisers? Do dirt / enduro bikes require more maintenace?

Does humidity affect the bike? (I would be parking it outside)

Thanks!

Answer 1

1. http://www.dmv.org/

for all licensing questions

2. most likely, though it depends on the bike and the sedan. i'm averaging around 50 MPG on my yamaha vstar 650, but it's on the highway. in the city would less, though you could get a smaller bike like a honda rebel or vstar 250 (these are assuming you pick a cruiser)

3. a smaller bike would be preferable, but ride a few to see what size fits you best

4. short answer, yes, but it's routine stuff like changing the oil and topping off brake fluid

5. most riding jackets and full-face helmets have air vents. and yes, you can get slightly larger sizes to fit over street/work clothes

6. there are some automatics, but not many. take a motorcycle safety foundation (MSF) course. you'll learn alot and have cheaper insurance (which, BTW, isn't much due to the lower value of a motorcycle)

7. honestly, i don't know, but you really don't want an off-road bike for a commute. if that's all you plan to do with it, get a cruiser for the comfort. if you want to zip around the streets really fast to show off, get a sport bike. if you want to off-road, get a street bike and a dirt bike

8. humidity alone, not much more than it affects a car. you'll want a cover for it, though, if for no other reason than to keep your *** dry

Answer 2

I have several motorcycles as well as scooters.  For your application and the info that you stated, I would recommend a scooter.  In fact, I ride a scooter in Florida because we have a vacation condo there.  Would you believe that there is no requirement for insurance for motorcycles in Florida?!  Bizarre!  But riders are required to wear helmets.  Passengers are not.  I would always recommend anyone on a bike of any sort to wear a helmet, though.  Now, in Florida all motorcycle riders are required to take a motorcycle safety course in order to get a motorcycle license.  You can read about it here:

http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/mtcynewlaw.htm...

I would always suggest such a course to any new rider.  A listing of courses by county can be seen at the above link.

For size, I would say something at 250 cc or above would be good for someone your size and because of your 14 mile commute.  I ride a 500 cc scooter and it has no problems keeping up with traffic.  You don't need this kind of power, but it's more fun.

For staying cool in the Florida heat, synthetic textile mesh gear is very good.  Any decent shop can point you towards it.

The humidity does affect the bike.  I keep my bikes inside the garage in Florida, but it is not air conditioned.  So the humidity rusts some of the metal edges on rotors, etc.  It can be cleaned off and protected by various products, but this just depends on how anal you are about your ride!  Definitely get a cover with a lock, though.

Answer 3

to commute for work, get a scooter around 150 to 250 then you'll be fine.  get the 150 & change the vaults then you'll pick up a very fast speed.  mileage is around 70 to 80 mpg.  

Answer 4

i ride a 250  scooter from honda get 70 miles a gal  im 5'10" 220. i have no problems its a automatic. where helmet a jacket and gloves when cold the scooter has a windshield which helps.it ride smoth and quite fun