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Hey!

I'm really considering getting my motorcycle endorsement going into next year. Never had or been on a road bike, in all honesty it's nerve-wracking for me but your margin for error is slim and the other drivers makes it even more scary... so I have some questions for those who ride.

How many years have you been riding?

Did you take the Motorcycle Ohio course, the one that cost $50? Thoughts regarding that. I've been told by a few others that State 8 cycles offers a similar course for $200 more. Has anyone taken that, if so, worth the extra 200 frogskins?

I've ridden dirt bikes forever from 80cc, 125cc and some others. Never rode them much on the road, but what are your thoughts about starting out on a 600cc? I know it's not about the bike as much as the rider and I know I would respect the bike and become extremely familiar with it before really laying into it and etc. Thoughts? I think my wheelie days are also long gone, I'm just looking to cruise but want a sport bike.

Advice, tips, suggestions and etc are very welcome. I know to look for "Snelling" helmet certified as they are put through more safety testing than DOT. I know a leather jacket is the best, but is leather too hot for Ohio?

Thanks in advance.

Forgot the biggest question, what are key things to look for when looking at used bikes. Anyone have a personal dealership they have dealt with and like? Yamaha.

I had a couple of Harleys a long time ago. I quit riding about the time cell phones became popular. It's too crazy out there.

Yeah, a big reason why I haven't already done this is that exact reason... other drivers and damn cell phone usage while driving.

I've been riding for 6-7 years.



In Illinois, there is a free class provided by the state but there's a $20-50 reservation fee. It's a whole weekend thing that has in-class teaching, on-bike training on a 250cc motorcycle and they also administer the test so you just go to the DMV and get your updated license. Everyone donates the reservation fee to the state to keep the class "free". My dad took the Ohio provided course, it was essentially the same. I don't think the $200 is any better, but the "free" classes fill up fast and can sometimes be hard to get to their location(s). See if you can still sign up for the $50 class. Reserve ASAP.



As for the cruiser, sport, touring, sport touring, chopper, scooter, etc...that's up to you. Get what you think you'll be doing most. Meaning, if you're riding across country and putting your special someone on the back, you probably won't want a sport bike. I have a 2009 Harley Street Bob with 16" ape hangers (purchased used). I ride around the city and burbs of Chicago to do errands and visit family/friends. I normally go on one long trip per year with my dad. That meant crusier to me when I was searching. I suppose I could have gone a touring model, but they're pricey and I'm still too "young" for that model. I think I'll eventually get a Harley Street Glide, but who knows when.

As for the size of the motor, I wouldn't buy a 600cc if you know you'll eventually get a 900 or 1200. Why waste the time and money? I thought about getting a 1200 Harley Sportster Nightster for a few years and then eventually moving up to a 1584 (96"), but after I rented and rode a few, I didn't feel like they felt much different underneath me to warrant a training bike. Meaning, for me, the 1200 had a slightly higher center of gravity than the 96", so the smaller bike felt heavier. So why go that route? You end up "learning" the same things on a smaller bike that you do on the bigger bike. Get what you want right away. I'd suggest renting and trying everything out as much as possible.



I'm a helmet guy. I never get on mine without it. I wear my full face on the highways and a 3/4 around town. I don't have a windshield, so I need the full face to protect my handsome good looks (ha ha). Getting hit in the face by a bugs and rocks sucks hard, I know. If you're unsure which route, you can always just stick to one full face or go hybrid two-helmet philosophy like me. There are also other options, look into the Roof Boxer or Desmo. Those combine the features of a full face and a 3/4 helmet. Pricey, but you aren't buying two helmets. As for rating, DOT and Snell certified are important, but it’s more important to wear something over nothing.

As for other gear, I have it all. Some of it I use all the time, some of it I've only used a few times. You'll find that will happen. You'll buy a spring/fall jacket and then a summer jacket, but end up only wearing one of them 95% of the time. As for a basic leather motorcycling jacket, other than abrasion resistance, it’s not much different than a standard jacket. I’ve grown to look for more protection. I want forearm/elbow, shoulder and back protection. I bought a Dainese under armor shirt (LINK) last year. With something like that on, mixed with a back pad LINK, I can then throw a light-medium-heavy shirt-hoodie-jacket over it. Boom, options. I’m not locked into one super heavy leather jacket when it’s 95 out.

So, that’s head and upper body…what about legs and butt? I have a Kevlar-lined cargo pants by Dainese. I can throw in pads if I want. I also have a underwear thing that has hip and tailbone protection. I tend to only wear the underwear on longer highway rides. The pants I wear all the time. I’ve always wanted to get a 2nd pair, but they ain’t cheap. Here are the pants I’ve been watching for over a year (LINK). Again, not cheap.

The amount of protection you wear will be up to you. I see dudes with no helmet, flip flops, shorts, no gloves and a tank top (heck, I’ve seen women like that on scooters in the city as well). If that’s your body, go for it. I have a lot of experience on the road and I don’t trust people in cars. If I can protect myself from a skin graft, concussion and a broken arm, I’m doing it (as much as I can prevent, that is).

Cell phones suck, but people didn't know how to drive 20 years ago either. They were fiddling with the radio, their kids, or just plain not paying attention. I don't know if it's more dangerous out there, but that is also on you. You have to ride way different that how you drive. If you're watching, you can prevent a lot situations.

I knew the bike I wanted way up front, so it was just a matter of waiting until I found one at a dealership. I saved about $4k going used.

You can check the reviews and ratings of certain dealerships online. Start there. If they're good to their customers, you can trust the bikes they sell.

Punch, first thank you big time for the post.

I guess I should've mentioned I have my heart set on a sport bike, so either Yamaha r6 (600cc) or the R1 (1000cc). Do you still believe, given that's a sport category, that I should start out with the R1? Ultimately that's what I want. But ultimately, I know sometimes it's a "learn to crawl before you walk" type ordeal and I know the R1 are incredibly fast.

I wasn't aware renting bikes was an option. Solid advice!!

I was also thinking buying a mesh jacket and doing the armor setup like you have. 289 bucks for a pair of pants seem a bit ouch. I would assume those are durable as all get out and isn't something that wears out quick? When it comes to safety, I'm flexible with spending. I'll never, ever be one of those people on the highway or any road with no helmet or any gear. Too hardcore for me to even think about doing that.

Again, thank you very much for the well thought post bro. Thanks alot

My pleasure. Any chance I can ride or talk motorcycles, I'm a happy dude.



Ultimately, if you want the R1, get it. If you dump $XX,XXX in the R6 and within 12 months you realize you want the R1, how much will you lose on the trade-in? I don't know the answer, you'll have to figure that out. If you're okay with the loss, then go that route.



Yeah, that's the beauty. If you can rent an R6 and R1 over separate weekends, you can save yourself the trouble of the trade-in loss and/or find out for sure that the R1 is way too powerful to handle right away. Plus, most dealerships I've been around will subtract the rental price when you decide to buy (or at least you can haggle it a bit). Ask around. Maybe they'll only offer a test ride, but that doesn't mean you have to come back in 5 minutes...take it for a 20 minute ride.

My nephew and I rented an 883 and 1200 over a weekend before I bought my bike. I knew right away, the 883 was too small and under-powered for me. I'm not a big dude, but I looked like one on it (think of those fat twins in the Guiness Book or World Records). The 1200 wasn't bad, but as I mentioned above, I didn't like it being more top-heavy than the 96". Plus, with the extra weight of the bigger bike, it rode a lot more smooth on the road. I was really close to buying a 1200, but I got my Bob for $500 less than a new 1200 would cost. Easy decision for me.



I have a mesh jacket. I wore it a lot for one summer, but once I sprung for the under armor and realized I can use it under so many other items, I haven't worn the mesh jacket since. $275 wasted. Oh well. I suppose I can sell it on eBay.

As for the pants, check out that Revzilla site. There are a ton of $99 kevlar jeans that seem to hold up well. It's a very popular site with a ton of reviews on every product. They have good prices, will match prices and their return policy is amazing. They also sell my preferred brand, Dainese. I have the added benefit of living near a Dainese store. I get to see and try on a lot of stuff there. In my opinion, their gear is good looking, great fitting and above all, protective (without looking too over the top). Plus, their gear isn't only for the sport crowd.

I bought these pants 3 or 4 years ago. They've held up great after being used ~100 times. I can't tell you how they've performed in a crash, thankfully.



I think I bought mine on sale at the store. I think I paid $175.

If you want to protect your top half, you should try protecting the bottom as well. That's my theory.



Again, my pleasure.

I've never had a motorcycle, but know people who ride. Without question, take a really good riding course before you hit the streets.
There's a lots of little things about riding them that you probably aren't aware of.

Dainese is definitely a name I've heard quite a bit the more I get serious with this.



Yes. All I'll say on that!

Do you do your own valve adjustment at the whatever mileage mark (for the R6 it's @ 35k miles I believe), or do you do take it to the shop? Changing the oil, flushing the brakes and all that maintenance stuff seem simple enough to just save the $ and do that myself. Valve stuff, not sure about.

You seem big on gear but haven't mentioned boots? I'll assume this is because when I bought expensive boots when riding dirt bikes, it made minimal difference and same goes for this? I actually preferred riding in my Jordan basketball shoes, as they were very hard and stiff but more flexible than the boots.

Going to study up, although I'm sure it's common sense as all heck (like the driver license test was) so I can get my TIPIC. Then I can schedule for the Motorcycle Ohio Beginner course which on the website, there are a TON of available locations so I shouldn't have a hard time getting a seat somewhere close to my place.

Also, if you don't mind, when I gather some research on some gear and get ready to open the wallet up, I may bug you some more and pass along some links of the products I had in mind and bounce it off your brain. You've clearly dropped a ton of frogskins in gear so.

I've been riding for years. I currently have a cruiser, a Honda 1300VTX.

Take the courses, you can never learn enough and the tips you'll pick up will save your life at some point.

Everybody driving their cage is out to kill you.

When riding in a lot of traffic, always be aware of your escape routes if trouble begins.

Your throttle is your best friend, your break, not so much.

When you pass an on-coming rider put two fingers pointing down, below your handle bars, this is your wave. Do not do the princess wave to another biker, it's embarrassing.

Never wave to a moped, it's not good for your street cred.

Love that someone started a motorcycle thread, I can talk about bikes for hours. I have ridden just about everything from old school hard tail British choppers to modern sport bikes. I have built a few choppers a few years back.

Honestly as far as riding on the street. It is just a state of mind and having confidence in being able to handle that bike. I honestly feel safer on my bike than in a car. Its not for everyone, some people are just too scary and end up giving it up.

I always say when it comes to CCs. Hitting something at 50 mph is the same whether on a 250cc or a 1500cc. But if you are starting on a sport bike. go with the 600cc. The horsepower to weight ratio is much different on a sport bike.

Hahah, but I hear that! I am aware of the cycle wave. There are advance rider courses too, alot of people mentioned them as well. I think I'll do them all to be honest.

king, I'll definitely see if I can test drive them. I have a prediction I'll feel more comfy on the 600cc r6 than the R1 1000cc. And I'm completely okay, can always upgrade later!

Appreciate the advice thus far!

I swear by Honda for reliability, and Kaw for performance. Right now I am riding a 2004 Yamaha V Star 1100 Classic. Its a great bike but it also has a lot of custom work and parts. I rebuilt the top end and bored and stoked it so I am actually getting a little over 1300cc. Straight Cobra Pipes and Cobra Jet Kit for the carbs. Getting ready to rebuild the clutch with a high performance clutch kit. Have a mustang seat on it and a hi flo air kit.

Now as someone who works on bikes. Some of the things that Yamaha does just make me SMH. Like putting the access for the oil filter in a spot where you have to drop the header in order to do a freaking simple oil change. I took care of that with an oil filter relocation set up but I can definitely see someone who cant do their own work having trouble.

And no offense to anyone who likes their Harleys. But I have just found them to be not worth the money for the quality, or lack of.

Remember the Honda acronym.

H arley
O wners
N eed
D ependable
A lternatives

II have been riding for over 45 years. I look forward to getting on the bike every chance I get. Give me sunny and 40 degrees and I will even ride in the winter. I have owned 10 bikes over the years and driven 3 others (all my Dad's bikes) I have ridden motor cross, done tons of hill climbing, and lots of rode riding.

Speaking for myself the day that I can no longer ride is going to be a sad, sad day for me

King, of all the many dirt bikes I went through, Yamaha were the ones that treated me the best. It's like I have a love thing with that brand lol.

GM, 45 years and still loving it! That's the passion and "hobby" I hope to get outta this. I knew people who wanted nothing more than to get up early on the weekends, meet their riding buds and just go shoot the wind. I really feel once I ride and the nerves settle, this will be exactly that for me.

I live in a high rise condo, so I don't have a lot of space to work on the bike. Actually, I don't think I'm allowed to anyway. I have a local independent garage I take the bike to for work.



Yeah, I'm not into the standard biker boot. I like hi-tops. I used to ride with Vans Sk8-Hi's, but those have zero protection. Luckily, there are a lot of options in the motorcycle hi-top category that can keep our feet safe. I ended up buying a pair of Speed & Strength shoes. They provide more protection than a standard pair of shoes will. Plus, with the toe reinforcement, it will keep that area from falling apart with all the abuse and adds some padding as well. I also like the velcro strap to ensure the laces won't catch on anything. Additionally, they have a model one step above ( LINK) that I might get when these wear out, but I've have these for 3 years and they're still in very good shape.

Dainese has a lot of hi-top options as well (LINK).



Sure thing man. Yeah, I feel like I've spent more in gear than on my bike.

Rain gear was and still is the hardest. I've tested out cheap stuff that worked (for a while) and expensive stuff that got me crazy wet. Essentially, if you're riding in the rain, expect to get wet somewhere.

See, I thought it was

H ad
O ne
N ever
D id
A gain



I enjoy all types of manufacturers. Each has it's own niche in the community and their specific pro's and con's. I like them all (the bikes and their riders, even if they don't like me).

My dad is thinking about transitioning to a trike, so he can stay out there. Maybe that's an option.

The worst thing you can do is be tense when riding. Relax and be aware of your surroundings. Read situation ahead of you before they can happen. and always assume that person is going to pull out in front of you

Already transitioned to a can am spyder

You know the story of how the biker wave started right?

Yeah, it was a Harley guy. See he was riding down the street and had his left hand hanging down below the bars. On-coming bikers saw this and started putting their left hand low and pointing the fingers to represent keeping two on the ground. When investigated however it was determined the Harley guy was not in fact waving to other bikers, he was catching the parts dropping off his bike.

I worked in downtown Cleveland for many years, I've already acquired that "don't, can't trust anyone" mentality. 480, 77 and sometimes 422 can be, uhh, thrilling in a negative way during rush times.

Where are you located now? We can meet up and ride when you get rolling

How are those to ride? I probably wouldnt buy one but am curious about what the ride is like. I had a trike once but it was an old school BSA Custom built trike with a long extended springer front end , and ape hangers

My goal here is to get my temp license in the next weeks to come and schedule the beginner course/get my endorsement by spring of next year.

I'm here in Solon, by Bedford Heights. I'll be drooling for people to ride with, so if you're serious - I'll make note of the offer and hit you up when things are done.

Maybe we could have a "Dawgtalker cruise" or a "Hey My Team has Sucked for years, but we'll cruise anyway" ordeals hahahaha.

I think that sounds like a great idea

Fun to ride. Quiet, comfy, handles well once you get use to the feel. TONS of storage so you run around town on errands or take it to the grocery store, or shopping.

I have ridden off and on for the last 15-16 years. I've owned three sport bikes of varying sizes - 600cc to 1000cc. Thankfully, I've walked away from two accidents. Here are my thoughts:

1. Why do you want a sport bike if cruising is your goal? Sport bikes are made for one thing...to go fast. They are also incredibly uncomfortable. Unless you like to go fast and are going to carve up the mountains on the weekends, I would reconsider this option.

2. I think Punch gave good advice about buying the size you want now instead of starting low and upgrading later EXCEPT when you are considering a sport bike. 600cc is plenty of bike for a sport bike. Also, 1000cc sport bikes are not for novice riders.

3. You can never have too much instruction/classes. Take as many as you can.

4. Punch gave tons of good advice about gear. ALWAYS wear gear even if you are just going down the street.

5. Consider a bike and gear that are bright in color. Add a loud pipe to whatever you get. The idea is to be as visible and audible to other drivers as possible. Ride with your brights on. It's amazing how people in cars just don't see bikes. They should do some type of study on that.

6. Riding is a lot of fun. Be careful and enjoy.

The other morning, around 6:30 AM - still dark - I was driving on I-480 near the airport, when I heard a motorcycle but couldn't spot it. It was loud, so I guessed it was close. I needed to merge left, but I didn't want to change lanes until I knew where the bike was. I just couldn't see it in either sideview mirror or the rearview mirror but I knew it was somewhere. I slowed a bit, thinking he'd pass, and sure enough, he had been sitting on my left bumper - too close for me to even spot his head light. He passed me on the left, riding the lane line between my truck and another car. In my experience, the riders on cruisers are much more responsible riders than the ones on crotch rockets - a lot of those guy are maniacs with an apparent death wish.

Dave, that's another good point. Even if you are the most responsible motorcycle rider, there will still be cars that just don't see you. So as a rider don't be an idiot and make it hard on people in cars. Motorcycle riders also have to ride responsibly.

+1

I used to get crazy upset when someone cut me off, merged into me or followed me too close. I'd catch back up to them and flip them off or scare them in other ways (I'd never throw something at them or kick their car). I thought it was my duty to teach them the proper driving safety rules.

Then I realized, it was probably something I should have seen coming, even if it's their fault. If you're on the highway, don't ride in someone's blind spot or too close to them, don't ride next to cars unless you're passing them and let them by if they're riding your ass. In most cases, after thinking about them, I could have avoided most of my situations on my own.

On top of that, they know they're jerks or weren't paying attention. Riding up there to tell them off won't do jack. In fact, they may think you're attacking them and run you off the road. You'd probably be seen as the aggressor. Heck, even if you weren't, you might have went down and that's a no-win situation even if you win the legal battle. Wise words from Disney, "let it go".

Here in Chicago, we have cars parallel parked cars on every street. I look for people in those cars so I can prepare for opened doors. I also watch for front wheels that are turned into the flow of traffic, because most don't use their turn signal. Little things like that might help.

I did have a cab open their car door on me once. It hit my leg, ran up the side of my bike and caught my passenger peg which stopped my bike right there and it fell. Now, I was only going about 5-7 MPH, so it wasn't bad. I landed on my feet, but my leg was bruised up. It was his fault and he got ticketed. I learned that lesson the hard way.

I don't plan on going on long trips, and I don't plan on driving fast all the time - but like my car, it's nice to have the speed when in need lol.

The sports bike is also something I've wanted for awhile.

Thanks for the post! And others too, thanks! I'm narrowing down some gear and etc so and I studied a very tiny bit this weekend thus far for the temp.

I'd love to have a Harley. But, growing up, my dad worked at a hospital. Numerous times he said "you can't believe the damage a bike accident can cause you, even if it's not your fault."

Good friend of mine, a paramedic actually, was riding to Toledo, to St. Lukes Hospital when a deer came out of the cornfield and plowed him over.

Had he been in a car, no problem other than a dent or 2. On his bike - 2 surgeries required, 6 weeks off of work, and lucky he was wearing a helmet, AND had an er nurse be the first one to find him.


A deer nearly killed him.

Another friend, riding - going through a curve in the road - a 50 mph zone - rabbit ran out. He hit it with the front tire. Totalled his bike, ended up with his helmet stuck between to guard rails.


And, I have friends that, this time of year, ride every weekend to go eat. They'll ride to chicago for pizza, or Cleveland, or where ever. Sometimes putting 600 miles in - 300 out, eat, 300 back. No problems.

Yes, the risks are heavy. I've heard stories about people dumping their bikes because they hit a squirrel. I know when that front gets wobbling, it's hard to gain control on the dirt bikes. I'm guessing it's the same on the street bike, but with more consequences.

I think the helmet optional thing is crazy. Dead is dead, doesn't matter if it's your fault or that of another. A body on a bike on a road full of vehicles much larger and heavier is at risk. Protect your head at the very least.

Even walking across the street, I tell my son to always look first. Dead is dead, doesn't matter where the fault lies.

The helmet I'm looking at going to run me about $450 bucks. But, it's DOT and 2015 Snell approved. Passengers will NOT be allowed on my bike without a helmet. But having passengers is like, not even something I've put much thought into, as I don't intend on doing it for a long awhile.

Is riding on the road more difficult with the extra weight, weight on the back and someone holding onto you?

But why should that be required, isnt that up to the rider?

I wouldnt say more difficult, but it definitely makes it different. I guess it is a little more difficult in low speed/stopped situations