Advice for a young guy aching for a motorcycle?

Question

I'm 18 and need a vehicle, and I'm trying not to be that stupid teenager who just wants to be badass... even though that sort of is the case. I already know my parents are going to have dual coronaries, and am duly prepared. (My last car was totalled by no fault of my own, by the way.)

I'm looking at a 1990 FJ 1200 Yamaha going for $2000 OBO by owner, although I'd sort of prefer a newer bike. I've been studying the Operation Manual for quite some time and I'm ready to register for the written test. What am I missing? I need advice. Bikers, help me out.

Answer 1

What you're missing is squid protection gear. If your first motorcycle is a Yamaha FJ 1200, you will die. Get a lighter, less powerful motorcycle for your first. (That IS an excellent deal on the Yamaha -- but it's not TO DIE FOR).

Answer 2

You're missing experience. An FJ1200 is a lot of bike for a beginner. Since you are buying used start with something small (350, 400, 500cc) something you can sell when you are ready to go to something bigger. This will be easier on your parents and possibly easier on you when you make a riding mistakes.

Get a good helmet, a pair of leather gloves and some boots. After you get your learners permit sign up for a MFS course (Motorcycle Foundation Safety course) in your area and learn to ride from a professional.

And I also advise you to stay away from crotch rockets for a first bike (the FJ isn't a crotch rocket. it is more of a standard).

A standard or dual sport are much more forgiving and more fun to learn on. Good Luck

Answer 3

I agree completely with Blasta and Matt. As long as you take the course and get the right gear, starting out on a 500 or lower should be no problem for you. "Better safe than sorry" is a phrase that the typical wannabe-badass you mentioned is unfamilar with; I'm glad you had the brains to come here and ask for advice first! You will actually end up looking a hell of a lot less stupid anyway, than you would on a bike you cannot handle.

That last bit especially comes from my own squid experiences.

= )

Answer 4

First of all take a riding class from the MSF. They will teach you things the manual doesn't think of.Then buy a smaller bike for your first bike. A 1200 is a big bike for a beginner, get something you won't kill yourself on. You say your last car was totalled, keep in mind you would probably have been killed if you were on a bike at that time, regardless of fault.

Answer 5

I just got into Motorcycling and I got a VF500. Even for a small bike it's scary fast and a little heavy.



I'd start on a 250cc or 500cc bike at first. It'll help you learn and be much more forgiving if you make a mistake. also insurance is cheaper on bikes lower than 600cc's.



Definitley invest in a decent Helmet and a good pair of leather gloves. gear is essential and try not to cop out or go "squiddy" and ride around in shorts, t-shirt, and sandals.



Be safe, reasearch any bike you are lookign to get, take your time and have FUN!

Answer 6

Your insanity! You'll kill yourself!



It's a proven fact young men on any machine - be it car or bike - have over-inflated views on their skills and experience.



I'm from the UK, therefore know nothing about United States law, but surely you can't just go out and buy a crazy bike like that? You need to learn control - slow and fast, cornering, safety blah blah blah.



I was a dispatch bike courier in Central London for ages, and trying to control a smaller bike there was a task day in, day out. Central London is one of the most dangerous place to take a bike in the UK and I'd still say I'm learning.



Seriously dude, start with something way way below that and get some lessons. I don't wanna read about your premature death in a biking forum.



Take care.

Answer 7

You don't mention if You have ANY riding experience. The bike You are considering has plenty of power to total You and it very quickly if You aren't prepared. Take a MSF course ASAP and proceed from there.

Answer 8

That is a great deal on that bike it it was well serviced. And that bike is also a great choice if that will be your only transportation. The bike is sporty, has typical Japanese reliability, very comfortable, and has a lot of storage space.

Get a good set of protective clothing and a good rain suit. And always ride defensively.

Answer 9

I loved my FJ1200, I hated to get rid of it.



The reason I did was it costs so much to rebuild the motor, it was not worth it.



I sold it to a guy who was going to spend the money to rebuild it, I had restored the rest.



Its more machine than a noob should try.



Id go with a 250 standard and wait 3-5 years before you step into a sport touring machine.



BTW the FJR1300 is far advanced than its grand daddy FJ1200

Answer 10

I would just say good lucky, and invest in a good pear of gloves. I totaled my new bike back in november, only thing that saved me was the gloves, went down on my hands. But best of luck, and yeah and i know how u feel, my great grandma had a cow when she saw me roll up on my bike heh!

Answer 11

You are missing an MSF course and FULL GEAR. You might also be shocked to hear how much insurance will be for that bike and your age.