MSF, what else?

[Motonewb]

Hi, I am new.

I've wanted a bike since I was 16 (14 years now). Wife says I can have a bike in a year, that was three months ago, I have 9 months to go. She is totally against the idea and thinks I have lost my mind. I've been lurking the boards for those three months but haven't really said anything because I had not done all that much research on what I wanted. Finally, I have decided, after a lot of debate and research, that it's going to be a ''busa.

Now, I have never ridden a bike before (which is why my wife thinks I have lost my mind). So, outside of the, 'Don't do it lunatic' what can I do? I have read a lot of the posts on these boards about maintainence, potential problems, etc...

First, I am taking a motorcycle safety foundations course in about a week. Are there any other courses I can take? Anything else I can really do? I read the sticky post about not starting off with a Hayabusa, but I am certain that a Hayabusa is what I want and am willing to pay the costs of repairs when (yes, 'when', not 'if') I drop it.

Thanks

 

[VaBusa]

Well, at least you're willing to pay for damages WHEN you drop it...

 Each piece of plastic runs $400+ I believe...of course that doesn't include broken mirrors, clutch levers or clutch covers, a dented tank...

Why not think about getting a dirt bike or some old sport bike to at least practice on?  I'm telling you from experience, it's no fun dropping a $10,000, 550lb Busa...cost of damages could feasibly match what a little "trash" bike could cost you...

Some real world advice before you get berated by those that DO NOT think a Busa's good as a first bike...

Take the MSF course, as you said you will...

Get something besides the Busa to practice on...seriously, even a dirt bike will help you at least learn the controls, how to brake, how to find everything you need to ride...

I started on a small Harley and moved to the Busa after just 2500 miles behind me in total riding experience.  I've done fine, but I dropped my Harley in the process and dropped the Busa because it was just a tad too tall for me...experience tells me that the learning curve on ANY motorcycle begs for practicing on something cheap and smaller...

You surely can just get a Busa, but it will take some time to really get the feel for riding, get that instinctive feel for sudden braking, shifting, stopping and holding up a bike, etc...that would be true for any motorcycle you plan on buying; it's not just a "Busa thing"

Good luck with whatever you decide...there's a thread in this forum up at the top that debates this very topic to death...

Oh, and welcome...

 

[zukracer]

well.... can't say that I'd agree that the first bike should be a busa.... particularly with no riding experience ..... I know my dealer wouldnt sell you one if you told him that and I'm willing to bet dollars to doughnuts that you wont be able to insure it. I had a buddy in the same situation as you, he wound up not being able to insure it and got a Katana 600. He's thanked me every day I've seen him since then..... Not preachin but you *might* wanna just get a starter bike to learn and wreck on first before getting a bike that hightens the "this will kill you fast" factor exponentially.


but ultimately its your decision and $$$ so good luck with whatever you decide and welcome to the group

 

[him]

Man that was a long reply. I agree you should get a beater to practice on but if you want the busa get it. I know here they let you take the MSF course with your bike which will help you a lot cause there is no use learning to control some little bike when you got a real bike in the garage

 

[Charlesbusa]

Once you get the busa, just take it real easy. Do a lot of practice in a big empty parking lot. 1st gear stop 1st gear stop 1st gear etc.... Learning balance at slow speeds while shifting and braking will help you out a lot. I've seen numerous newbies get nervous at a stop sign with heavy traffic, start to go, stall, and fall. Best to learn the basics with no traffic. Then practice the basics from the MSF course(emergency braking, swerving, cornering, braking in corners) in a parking lot. The more you practice outside of traffic, the better your odds will be in traffic.

Just remember this stat, 90% of all motorcycle crashes occur within the first 6 months of a new rider/or new bike.

 

[ridercoach]

Ok you sound determined to get the busa and I say more power to you. You are taking the right steps to being a safe rider. The MSF course will teach you a lot about riding, but its up to you to practice these skills they will give you. I highly recommend you have someone pick up your new beast and bring it to your house. When you get it home practice, practice and do some more practicing in your community. Remember you control the throttle. After you get used to the Busa take it out on the real streets and get a couple of thousand miles under your belt then take the Experianced riders course on your busa, you'll thank yourself for it. Just take it easy and enjoy it.

The key as with anything you are learning is practice and not jumping the gun and just getting on it and ripping it up. I would tell anyone with your type of experiance the same thing, I have students go out and buy a Ultra Classic HD that have never ridden before. Just take your time bro and you will be hooked for life.

Reminder to yourself, if you ever feel to confident on your bike and loose some sense of fear, turn the key off and dont ride until you get it back.

Dave (Coach)

 

[Motonewb]

First of all, thank you for all the great responses!

Alright to recap, 9 months to get a Hayabusa, have someone drive it to my house after I buy it and then spend about 3-6 months driving it around the neighborhood practicing what I learn in the MSF before taking it 'out in the open.' That sounds like reasonable advice that I can follow.

The reason I don't want to get a 'starter' bike is really a matter of convience, I don't want to hassle with trying to resell it 6 months after I buy it. That and from what I have learned, the bikes will handle much differently, which means I will have to relearn much of what I spent 6 months learning after I switch from a starter bike to a busa. Getting a Katana 600 and spending 6 months on it, and then moving to a busa, it won't do much good because the two bikes handle so much differently.

Thanks for all your comments,
Ted

 

[IL_BusaBoy]

Welcome to the board. Ultimately it's your decision, but I know personally I started out on a new 02 Gixxer 600 and couldn't of hoped for a better starter bike.

 

[VaBusa]

I don't think you need to worry about the difference in handling on different bikes...it's more about learning how to work both hands and both feet to go and stop. If you already drive a stick shift, you'll have a bit of an advantage, IMHO...

But, learning to ride encompasses so much more than "don't fall down"...it truly is a learned skill that no doubt takes seat time.

Have any friends that own a dirt bike or older motorcycle of any kind? Just something you can sit on and run around the yard in or something?

The MSF course is the best start...but I wouldn't let the handling of a starter bike deter you from moving to a Busa. I went from the Harley to a Busa; can't get much more different than that! It's not the bike I'm worried about; it's more that it just takes time to learn the controls and how to balance a bike...

Good luck no matter what you choose...sounds like you know the risks, so just take your time and have fun...each time you get on a bike, you'll learn something new...

 

[him]

 Getting a Katana 600 and spending 6 months on it, and then moving to a busa, it won't do much good because the two bikes handle so much differently.

Ted im gonna have to disagree with you on this the katana is like a busa with now power. Same length and weight...i had a 600 before i got my busa. Any get used to throwing that thing around and the busa will be nothing. I think you can get a used kat for about 3k and usually sell them for about 3k after your done. or heck maybe your wife will want to ride. I messed up casue i bought mine brand new and took a 1k dollar hit because i had to have the busa i have now that was at the dealership. Good luck on what you decide

 

[Motonewb]

Thats probably pretty accurate, and I really have no basis to argue the point due to my complete lack of experience. I guess I want to go like a bat out of hell NOW not later *laugh*

I will check into the Kat 750's, but if I get laughed off the forums for getting one, it's your fault.

Besides, I bet I can talk my wife into getting a 750 Kat now and a Busa in a year or so.

I'll research it a bit more. A used Kat might not be a bad idea if it's identical in weight, wheelbase, etc...

Ted

 

[DAB]

I've wanted a bike since I was 16 (14 years now).  Wife says I can have a bike in a year, that was three months ago, I have 9 months to go.  

Those first two sentences struck me.

If you wanted a bike since 16 what stopped you? You weren't married then, so it wasn't the wife....

And what's with needing the wife's permission anyway?

It's your decision, not hers (or ours for that matter.)

 

[Motonewb]

incoming life story.
16-18 lived with parents, they said hell no
18-23 was in the military, between 2 years at sea, and a year in Okinawa, it never worked out.
24-29 Got out of the military (Honorable) and went in college, broke and starving college student for 5 years.
29-current Got out of college with a degree in C.S., got a fantastic job as a computer programmer, got married (a year ago) and just bought a house.

As to the wife... I have always thought that part of being married was mutual agreement, discussion and understanding with your wife.  Just my personal philosophy though.  She is already flipped out about a motorcycle, and she wants to make sure I *really* want it by asking me to wait a year.  It turns out, she had a friend in high school killed on a motorcycle.  He was rear ended at a stop sign at 5 miles per hour and choked to death on a piece of candy... true story apparently.

And of course it is my decision it was not my intention to ask anyone to make the decision for me, the original point of the post was to ask some experienced riders what sort of things can I do, other than a motorcycle safety foundations class, that will help prepare me for a 'busa that I am damn determined to get at some point in the near future.

Ted



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[Wag]

Some simple advice.

Get a junker 250 or 500cc bike (depending on how big you are) and learn on that. You can likely find one in the local trader mag for $1,000 or under. Not to mention, the insurance will be MUCH lower.

Here's my theory. If you get a smaller bike, you can control it with your physical size. Ergo, you can learn to ride correctly. If you get a bike that is too big, you'll eventually be able to ride it (assuming you survive the process!), but you're apt to learn some serious bad habits along the way because you'll spend a lot of time battling it instead of learning it. Quite frankly, the "three to six months" you mentioned above could easily be trimmed in half if you do it on a smaller bike at first.

If you are determined to get a superbike, I should hope you're a guy with a lot of physical size. That will help immesely but still, I'd start out small. It really sucks when you drop a brand new bike and scratch the h*** out of it.

RE: the MSF course. After riding for a dozen or so years, then being out of it for another dozen or so years, I took the MSF course and I have to give them full kudos. I learned a lot of stuff which I'd never thought of prior.

HOWEVER, in the words of Kip, the instructor to our class as we all passed with flying colors, "Congratulations, guys and gals. You're all now qualified to ride a motorcycle in second gear in a parking lot."

Truer words were never spoken. The MSF course is indispensible and I highly recommend it to all. But it ain't no panacea. Have a caution and frankly, as much as you love the idea of getting a Busa, I really believe that a little patience at the beginning will take you a long way to more fun and longer survival (j/k!) if you take it on a smaller bike first.

Having said all of that, hell, if you can't stand the idea of riding some bike other than a Busa, go right on ahead but dammit: Be effing careful out there!

Whatever you decide, good luck and have fun.

--Wag--

 

[Wag]

As to the wife... I have always thought that part of being married was mutual agreement, discussion and understanding with your wife.  

My opnion, that's a good philosophy, 'newb. While I do agree you don't necessarily need your wife's permission for a bike, you DO need the authorization of your checkbook! Besides, what if you want a bike and she wants a horse? How ya gonna know if you don't work it out between you and figure out where you're gonna blow the cash wad?

Actually, why don't you recruit her into taking the MSF course with you? At least she'll have a concept of it. And who knows? Maybe she'll want a bike too and you the two of you can buzz around town together whenever you like! That's always fun!

In addition to what I wrote in the post above, I also suggest that when you do finally get a bike, make sure you do as much riding as you can with other people who are experienced riders. Let them critique you, nay, ask them for their criticisms and take their advice on improving your riding.

Ciao, baby!

--Wag--

 

[DAB]

It turns out, she had a friend in high school killed on a motorcycle.  He was rear ended at a stop sign at 5 miles per hour and choked to death on a piece of candy... true story apparently.

Ted

So presumably you're not allowed to eat candy either?

 

[Motonewb]

DAB,

First of all, before you think I am some spineless chimp, let me assure you it is not a case of 'my wife allows or disallows'

If it were up to my wife, I would not ever have a bike, period.  That of course, is unacceptable.  We compromised with the fact that I would wait a year before buying one.  She is actually deathly afraid of them and is absolutely 100% certain that I am going to spontaneously combust the instant I look at one for too long.  Unreasonable fear? Yes, but it is still very much a real fear of hers.  She has heard all of her life that bikes are very dangerous, and she has had a friend of hers in high school die on one.  Which means that I, as a good husband, should try and support her and compromise with her to help allieviate some of her fears.  If waiting a year will somehow ease her concerns, than that is what I will do.

Anyway, I don't quite know how you interpreted the original meaning of my post as a debate on the philosphies of marriage, and to what extent one should compromise with one's spouse, but suffice it to say, that was the agreement I made with her.

Wag,

I wish I could get her to take a MSF class with me, but I don't think that will *ever* happen.

As far as getting a 250-500cc bike, I think that is a little less bike than I would ever consider.  Any bike that size, I do not feel would prepare me adaquately for a Hayabusa.  While I can't really speak from experience on the matter, I think I may consider a Katana because of an arguement that was presented earlier in this thread.  I *really* want a Hayabusa based on the research I have done, and anything purchased will be to serve that end.

Sincerely,
Ted



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[BigBSBusa]

First, let me say welcome to the board. Now, I believe that if you can control your right wrist you can ride anything. Taking the MSF course is a great first step, but the problem is in most places you have to bring your own bike. I had ridden for a while before taking the MSF course and didn't want to take the Busa. For that and a couple other reasons I would recommend a Kat 750 to practice on, take the MSF course on, continue to practice and then get a Busa. If the Busa is what you want you can get it, but it doesn't have to be the first thing that you get. Take your time and in the end you will enjoy it much more.

 

[zukracer]

Hey Ted, sounds like you have definately thought it all out.

A used Katana600/750 is definately a way to start and you can get them all day long for 2-4k and conversely you can sell them for about what you have in them all day long too. Also when you drop it, you wont be as torn up

If you want, check out katana planet classified ads

Now, for the wife, there's a lot of women that take the MSF courses.... heck I had more women in my Riders Edge course than men. Also, she might not wanna take it with you but might wanna just take one.

Also, just as a point of experience .... call your insurance folks and ask if they will insure you for a busa. I bet you'll be surprised.

If you were military, check with USAA. They have all my stuff insured, decently cheap vs. other places.

 

[DAB]

If it were up to my wife, I would not ever have a bike, period.  That of course, is unacceptable.  We compromised with the fact that I would wait a year before buying one.  She is actually deathly afraid of them and is absolutely 100% certain that I am going to spontaneously combust the instant I look at one for too long.  Unreasonable fear? Yes, but it is still very much a real fear of hers.  She has heard all of her life that bikes are very dangerous, and she has had a friend of hers in high school die on one.  Which means that I, as a good husband, should try and support her and compromise with her to help allieviate some of her fears.  If waiting a year will somehow ease her concerns, than that is what I will do.

Actually I'm less concerned about your wife than I am about you. Waiting a year before getting on the 'Busa will not make it any less dangerous in her estimation because she's basing her opinion on hearsay and a limited exposure to motorcycles.

I'm all for supporting wives, I have one too. But there are limits to how much you let someone else control your life. If you have a real passion for something, sometimes you have to just do it.

I used to have a girlfriend who was a rock climber. Scared me - not something I'd do, but it was her passion so I didn't even try to pursuade her to give it up. If my wife decided tomorrow she wanted to be a fighter pilot I'd be behind her 100% if that's what she was truly determined to do. I'd worry, but I also worry when she drives a car...

What I'm really trying to get at here is, do you really have a passion for motorcycles or is it something you've aquired recently because of the "cool" publicity they've received in the media the last couple of years? If it's the former, go ahead, get trained and get the fastest,meanest bike you can afford and ride it like you stole it. But if it's the latter, don't waste your money on a 'Busa, get something tamer that won't scare you (and your wife) to death, because you may find you don't like it after all, it was just the "idea" of a big bad rebellious bike that inspired you.

By the way, welcome to the board!