Can anyone give me some advice on buying a motorcycle for the first time?

I haven't had any experience of buying a motorcycle yet. What's a good beginner motorcycle? Right now, i'm leaning towards a standard (naked) bike. Is it better to buy it used? I also never had any experience on riding a motorcycle, so what are the requirements for it in the San Francisco Bay Area?Can anyone give me some advice on buying a motorcycle for the first time?
My advice: Don't.





The Bay Area freeways are no place for a beginner, and winter is no time to start learning.





If you must...get a helmet. Get a standard bike--used--and go to your local DMV for motorcycle requirements.Can anyone give me some advice on buying a motorcycle for the first time?
1990s 400 twin motorcycle any make


they use them for testing in oregon
Hi if you want to buy American then get a used buell blast, bought one off ebay for my son to teach him on and are good bikes to learn on, and I use it also when I do not want to get my bike dirty or a quick blast to the store, it is like a toy to me it is so easy to ride. Another really good bike that gets good gas mileage is the Suzuki 650 savage, the buell is a single cylinder bike as is the Suzuki really simple to ride and get really good gas mileage the buell blast can get up to 70 mpg not sure what the Suzuki gets but both are real good starting bikes the buell more of a sport bike and the Suzuki more of a cruiser bike. hoped I helped. Mike
TAKE the MSF Safety Course before you do ANYTHING else... they provide the bikes, normally in my area these are 250cc, no power house but enough for you to get the feel of a two wheeler under you. The course will answer any questions you are asking now, and you will be a safer rider in the bargain. You may find that motorcycles just are not that intriguing, better to find that out BEFORE you put money into a bike!





I usually suggest that new riders buy a used vehicle, only by riding can you discover what you want the bike to do, or not do. You can learn 95% of that on just about any bike, just requires enough hours to learn what you like and don't like so when you do shop for a serious ride, you know a lot about what you want... Good luck
Get in touch with the American Motorcycle Association. Take a class on riding and safety.Check out insurance rates and see if AMA class graduates get a discount. Take the class regardless.I was once told that a first bike should be about two years old and no larger than 2cc's per pound of body weight.I started on a street/ trail combo bike so that I could learn on dirt, it's softer than asphalt. Good Luck.
I read an article about a guy that rode in san fran. I live in kansas so don,t know about your riding. but, he prefered the 400cc Yamaha scooter because of the frequent stop an go trafic. The scooter has an automatic transmision and great brakes.
1-877-RIDE-411 is the number for the California rider safety classes. If you take the class, all you have to do at the DMV is the written test to get your motorcycle endorsement. If you don't take the class, you have to take a written and driving test at the DMV.





The class is expensive, and it takes a lot of time, but it's worth it in my opinion.





I live in Oakland and ride a '94 Suzuki GS500E. It gets me around cheaply, it's great fun around town, and it's okay for commuting on the freeway. Lots of people told me I'd be moving up to a bigger motorcycle quickly, but the Suzuki is going a great job.





Anyone involved with motorcycling will tell you definitely get a good helmet (DOT and Snell 2005 certified), and a good armored jacket. In this area, it's also important to get warm gloves!





If you get a Japanese bike, there's a great shop for Japanese motorcycles in Oakland called 'Hayasa Motorbikes.' http://sanfrancisco.citysearch.com/profile/1014714/oakland_ca/hayasa_motorbikes.html





They'll make sure it's running right and safe!





Have fun!
I would like you to see motorcycle dealer and talk to sale person, He/She will be happy to help you out . And used bike is alot better for beginner. and Look up phone book for commuity motorcycle class. They will teach you how to operate the bike. and drive on private parking lot. Not on Regular road with cars/ trucks.


Hope it help you.


Todd
Any liquid cooled motorcycle will be fairly reliable be it European, Japanese or American. In general people who are new to motorcycles tend toward the smaller CC engines (250-500) as these are lighter, easy to steer and do not go a warp speed should you accidentally crack the throttle. While safe and cautious this will lead to owning an underpowered cycle as your skills and confidence improve within the first few months. Much better to opt for at least a 600cc motorcycle which will give you better response and flexibility, especially on the highway. Only buy used bikes with no damage; if you have no experience. You'll need to take a test at the DMV to show your competence for a license unless you take a course first which will run you about $200.00. Safety first, you'll always lose to a car on the road. Maybe your life.
Dont go anymore then 500CC, Id recomend 250CC but depends how fast you learn cause in time you will want a faster bike...





Reccomended Bike: Suzuki Marauder 250CC


Used in alot of Training Schools.
Id suggest a 250cc used also until you are confident to go bigger. Unless you can afford a new motorcycle. 250cc has enough grunt for a beginner to intermediate rider.