What to do first when buying a motorcycle for the first time?

Question

i live in pittsburgh and have wanted to buy a motorcycle for a couple of years now. i am now 19 and dont know the first thing about bikes so i looked into a motorcycle safety course but it said that i had to first have a permit? what should i do first??

Answer 1

take a rider safety course

Answer 2

Don't do anything until you've taken the MSF class. You'll learn on small 125 and 250cc bikes. After that you can shop around. You don't state your size but 250-400 is a good start. Buy Used! After a year of practice and experience you'll probably want a bigger bike. Buy that one used also. Don't waste money on a new one until you've gone through 3 or 4 and you're sure of what you want and need. Never buy a bike without riding it first.

Answer 3

www.msf-usa.org

save money for a big downpayment if going new

save money for the whole bike if going used

take the MSF course (110 dollars in NH)

once you have your heart on the bike, research gear that will work for you and your financial status. Kneedraggers.com provides reviews on almost all of their gear from fellow riders.

Sportbikes-Stay under 600cc.

Cruisers-Japanese crusiers are smoother and more forgiving than Harley's, but if you're going to be doing a lot of club rides then you might be forced to "join the club" and get an HD.

Answer 4

Wow, how you missed that is beyond me, but it appears that you need to get a permit first.  WTFO?

Then you go buy motorcycle gear that fits you properly.  they have loaners in class, but you will be able to concentrate better if it's YOUR gear.

Answer 5

Take the written test and get your learners permit then take the MSF course.

Answer 6

Take your MSF then go around a sit on motorcycles, Do not take friends with you, your the one buying it. Get what feels right to you. Remember to take into account that a ride last awhile. Discount 95% of what you get on this forum, most of these kids have some little play race bike and feel they are ready to go GP racing. Standards and Crusiers are easier to learn on. These kids just got bike and have no idea what they are talking about.Get it for you not your friends not your image but for youself.