Allen Dye
Dallas, TX
ph: 214-763-9656
allen
I hope you find the links and some of my ideas helpful and my wish for you is a safe, life-long motorcycling career!
Don't make the mistake that many new riders make; they set a budget, select a motorcycle, and with what's left over, they buy gear. It sounds like a lot of money (and it is) but I would budget $1000 for gear assuming you have nothing at all. There are good deals online, but your best bet is to shop locally and find a place with a nice selection. Find a shop that will spend the time to explain the features and benefits and are concerned with your safety and enjoyment to get you fitted properly.
I'm asked in almost every class about my thoughts on good entry motorcycles. My response? Depends on many factors, not the least of which is your budget. Here are a few that grab my attention and may fit the bill for you. It's not an inclusive list, but a few that always seem to come to mind:
It never fails. I ask students at the beginning of each class what they want to ride once they are licensed and ready to get on the road. At least one new rider every weekend wants or (gulp) has a 600 or (big gulp) larger Supersport. "What is a supersport?" A supersport is generally a four cylinder, four valve per cylinder machine built specifically for one of the many national or international racing series. There are two and three cylinder supersports as well, but the market is dominated by the fours. "Why not a supersport?" In a nutshell, these bikes handle, accelerate and brake on a level that far exceeds the abilities of novice riders and most motorcyclists in general. There is a reason that insurance is nearly unobtanium on these bikes for younger riders.
Riding safely and riding well is a craft. You need to treat it as such in order to get the maximum enjoyment out of your time and your investment. Here are a few books that I enjoy and often refer back to, as well as some links to help you in your career.
When you're hanging out and the weather is bad, why not look through a couple of these websites and glean a little knowledge? These will open in a new window.
Copyright 2010 Allen Dye. All rights reserved.
Allen Dye
Dallas, TX
ph: 214-763-9656
allen