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So I bought a motorcycle...

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SgtSteamy
Posts: 498 - Karma: 202
I got a new job a few months ago in IT security that pays very well and I have done nothing but save. I have a ton saved up and really no expenses. So I decided to do something for me.

Unfortunately my family has done nothing but guilt trip me into getting rid of it and quite frankly I'm a little bummed. I was hoping my dad (who is very handy and has always wanted one) would maybe offer to help work on it with me and grant his approval. Instead he just yelled at me.

My mom has done nothing but sent me emails of stats of people dying on these things.

My best friend called me a tool.

*Sigh*

I just wanted to do something for me (I spent like 1/20th of my summer savings on this thing so it's not really a big deal) But I figured maybe some ns'ers would like it?

IDK should I get rid of it?

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Aug 8 2011 1:56AM
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lukemeahan.
Posts: 1689 - Karma: 330
No. Build a jump and do BACK FLIPS off it.
Aug 8 2011 1:58AM
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.AR6rider.
Posts: 15976 - Karma: 8,799
My best friend from when I was younger just had his leg amputated because of a motorcycle accident.


I still want a bike though.
Aug 8 2011 1:58AM
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Proletariat.
Posts: 1797 - Karma: 45
Nice bike


But I would never be caught riding one
Aug 8 2011 1:58AM
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Proletariat.
Posts: 1797 - Karma: 45
On a side note my dads friend was a career firefighter and a first responder, all of the stories he told about biking accidents were horrific and grizzly and never ended up well at all.
Aug 8 2011 2:00AM
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GILLSKI
Posts: 1250 - Karma: 361
I hear ya man.... Ive lost 2 family members on mikes in the bast 2 years.... its like a family curse...... but i want a bike so bad,  my mother would die of a heart attack if I got on tho.   That bike would make a niced bobber man make it a hardtail bob the fender lower the front forks and spring the seat...
Aug 8 2011 2:01AM
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skeedle
Posts: 6156 - Karma: 628
I have a few friends who are heavily into motorcycling, and own their own companies and stuff, and have told me TERRIBLE stories about accidents, people they know who have died, etc.

But, as long as you know the risks you're taking and can responsibly handle the bike, then keep it. fuck what everyone else thinks!
Aug 8 2011 2:02AM
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jahmin44
Posts: 638 - Karma: 37
thats sick man! i've been looking into getting a bike for a while now. Hopefully soon.
Aug 8 2011 2:03AM
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Static
Posts: 8553 - Karma: 4,089
i went spend crazy when I got my first job too, bought a kawasaki zrx1200r, it was fun for awhile. If you like the motorcycle keep it, the novelty wore off for me after a year though. It's pretty much just a windy car you can't take anything in....
Aug 8 2011 2:17AM
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Broken_Rides
Posts: 334 - Karma: 224

Be aware the whole time you ride. Any vehicle bigger than a smart car won't show you any respect on the road.

Learn to counter stear<<<<<<<

And pratice evasive maneuvers.<<<<<

I was riding in the right lane(2 lanes each side) and some dumb ass in a van(punjabi asshole, stoned as fuck) switched lanes and sprained my left foot and bent my shifter to shit.

Be careful, bikes are small and don't provide much protection. Remember this "If they're not jealous, they hate you." Truth!

Aug 8 2011 3:18AM
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_Jeffrey_
Posts: 1651 - Karma: 572
Yeah at least it's safer than a smart car
Aug 8 2011 3:21AM
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Broken_Rides
Posts: 334 - Karma: 224

HAHA!

Aug 8 2011 3:25AM
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Candy
Posts: 1051 - Karma: 176
Shoot man. What kind of friend would do that?

I can't imagine any of my best friends making that kind of judgements based on something I bought.
Aug 8 2011 3:39AM
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ski-or-die
Posts: 770 - Karma: 17
Yo how much you want?  $$$$($)?
Aug 8 2011 5:15AM
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zerospinskier
Posts: 4867 - Karma: 350
It's pretty simple. If you like it, ride it. You don't instantly die when you get on a bike. Just be smart when you're riding. It isn't too difficult. The fact that something is "dangerous" shouldn't stop you from enjoying it. Life is dangerous.

I ride a ton of motocross, and just recently got a Yamaha FZ6. I love bikes. They are really fun to ride. Go have fun. If you change your mind later on that's fine, but go enjoy it for now.
Aug 8 2011 5:17AM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,485
If yo like it and want it, fuck everyone else and keep it. Most accidents happen within the first year of riding because they are inexperienced and do stupid shit. Take the MSF course, trust me it is totally worth the $75 and will make you a better, safer rider.
Aug 8 2011 7:59AM
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General_Ripper
Posts: 3327 - Karma: 189
Stop being a pussy and bob it.

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Aug 8 2011 8:07AM
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-Mugatu
Posts: 2579 - Karma: 84
thats dope dude, if you like it who the fuck cares what others think? Just be careful as fuck when you rip it, always watch out for fuckers because more than half the accidents on those things aren't the bikers fault, so as long as you are always looking out you will be fine.

But more importantly, HAVE FUN with it, looks like it will be a riot.
Aug 8 2011 8:19AM
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PopsicleStand
Posts: 6890 - Karma: 147
Do what you want man, its looks like a dope bike.

Don't be one of those headstrong fools that denies the stats though, just be careful, and enjoy it. Its just another risk. I am sure you could ask a ton of people if they would go off jumps on skis and you would hear the same type of answer.


Aug 8 2011 8:27AM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
Congrats on making an awesome decision and doing something nice for yourself man, for real.

i ride sportbikes and when I bought my first one everybody said all the same shit and tried to discourage me and so I can relate. Don't sweat it, and don't let them discourage you because they're too cautious or too worried about taking risks.

Motorcycles are more fun than you can imagine until you've ridden them and gotten comfortable on them. It is so incredibly fun and therapeutic.


With that said, here are my best tips as a fellow rider:
- take the motorcycle safety course if you haven't already, you learn invaluable safety skills
- always wear your gear, even if it's hot out
- find other people who ride, start riding with them, learn from people who are better than you, just like skiing
- keep a level head on your shoulder, never ride if you're angry or depressed, and especially not if you've drank or smoked
- have fun, haters gonna hate and be jealous



Aug 8 2011 9:01AM
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Poundtown
Posts: 519 - Karma: 305
these are all stories of the "worst". think of how many people enjoy and have a good time biking. solid ride dawg have fun be safe.
Aug 8 2011 9:09AM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
Great advice, although I will hop on the bike if I've had a beer or two, but only a beer or two.

Being the last living son of my mother's three boys caused her to basically shit a house when I got my bike years ago. She still hates it but respects my decision as an adult. Your folks and friends will get over it trust me.

-stay alert at all times. Animals, loose stone, hidden driveways, cars pulling out in front of you, etc, etc can all seriously ruin your day in a split second.

-seconded on the gear. Helmet and jacket at the least, hearty gloves are a good idea too. It's all bulky but it beats a square foot of road rash on your body.

Best words of wisdom I ever got was, "if you live through riding a motorcycle, it will make you a much better driver."

Stay safe and keep it slow while you're learning.
Aug 8 2011 9:15AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627

Fuck yeah dood! 

Don't listen to the haters.  Everyone knows it's not a good idea to ride motorcycles, it's just way too fkn awesome not to.  I've had a bunch of friends die on them, lose limbs and get a shitload of road rash as well as been T-boned off of one of mine and I'm fine.  I will never not own one.  Even a few months ago when a friend died on his on the way to work and I almost got convinced to sell it, I couldn't do it.   

BUT YOU WILL GO DOWN!  You will crash, you will be hit.  That said, get the best equipment you can buy- leather jacket and full face with some slider jeans at least.  Do that and take an advanced rider training course or six and you'll have what you need to avoid being killed.  Good luck and have fun! 

Aug 8 2011 9:22AM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
here are 2 great websites for ordering gear from:


located in philly, video reviews of all gear, easy to talk to a person and get their opinion or ask a specific question, good prices




located in indiana i think, good prices as well, good selection if you can't find it on revzilla





gear wise, I personally use and would recommend:
-ICON riding pants
-SHIFT gloves and jackets
-HJC helmets



Aug 8 2011 9:29AM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627

A good start, but honestly entry level HJCs are only DOT approved, and I'd recommend a SNELL approved helmet if you can afford one.  Also helmet fit is important.  If it moves without your head moving EVER, it's too big- and remember- anything you can see is coming off in a highway accident, so if you like it, cover it up with leather, kevlar or hard padding. 

Aug 8 2011 9:52AM
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tripnip
Posts: 1882 - Karma: 482
sweet im getting a street bike when i turn 18
Aug 8 2011 11:24AM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,485
You have to be extra careful with streetbikes. All that power can lead to very bad things. For your first one I would suggest not going over 500cc's. Even if it is just for a year it will help your handling and safety skills greatly. With the bigger bikes just a slight turn of the throttle at the wrong time will equal disaster.
Aug 8 2011 11:31AM
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skijunkiedtm
Posts: 9229 - Karma: 61
good for you man, a lot of my friends have been getting or are getting bikes now, I've actually been thinking about it myself too.
Aug 8 2011 11:42AM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
yeah man it's unreal when you see how fast they are, as in when you ride one and realize you're on a fucking rocket ship. they are no fucking joke, and honestly it takes a shitload of maturity to ride one safely.

I've only ridden 600s and I really have no need to buy anything bigger. On friday I was riding a Kawi Ninja ZX-6r and let her rip on the highway....I was still in first gear going 50 mph (approaching redline) before I shifted....they're absurd.
Aug 8 2011 11:44AM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,485
Ya for sure I have a 600rr and have absolutely no intention of ever getting anything bigger.
Aug 8 2011 11:46AM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
you have good taste sir. post up a pic! i love the cbr/rr. such a good looking bike
Aug 8 2011 11:51AM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,485
sadly im at work right now and don't have any. But i will once i get home.
Aug 8 2011 11:53AM
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emilyiscool
Posts: 1628 - Karma: 60
if you worked your ass off for it like you did i think you deserve it. and for the record my mom would probably find me and beat the fuck out of me if i ever did that so its probably just what they do. go for it :)
Aug 8 2011 12:00PM
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Mavrck
Posts: 2765 - Karma: 27
My friend bought a 07 cbr1000 a couple years ago now as his first bike. Stupid i know but hes legit one of the only people that I would say alright maybe he'd be ok. He's hecka cautious and a really good car driver. He spent a long time just rolling around his neighborhood and streets practinging starting and stopping. But getting back to your qoute. he let me try it last year and theyre stupid fast.....like not even funny fast. All I did was ride around a huge closed parking lot in first gear and twisting the throttle literally a quarter inch was shit my pants scary. Like as soon as it starts to take off you feel your body being pulled off the back which means you have to hold on tighter whcih means your probably going to accidentally twist the throttle more. with that said I had the best fucking time in that parkinglot ive had in a longggg time. I had a freaking permasmile for a month and all i did was cruise in a big circle in first.

to the OP. that bike looks dope and I don't usually like the look of that style. Just be as cautious as possible on the road super aware. And if its possible to make your bike any louder do it because no one looks for bikes but it makes it alot easier to know somethings there if I hear an engine screaming next to me.I know people that have got hurt and I know peeople that knew people that died but I know just as many people and more that have ridden and never had an accident.
Aug 8 2011 12:08PM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
no doubt buddy i'll throw some up later also
Aug 8 2011 12:08PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627

Totally agreed.  Don't get a literbike because someone you know insisted it's a man's bike or something stupid like that.  My bike is "only" a 750 and 2nd gear redlines at ~110.  It's soooooooooooo addictive to just crank on it...  But that said you really need to keep an eye on what you're doing, not how good it feels.  Not only do you need to rethink your reaction speed and looking-far-ahead planning schemes, but you need to remember that very few if any drivers will be able to accurately judge how fast you're going- i.e., you're going down a road at 80+ and someone's looking to pull out.  They see you way down the road but have no idea you'll be on top of them by the time they pull into the lane.   

That and watch who you ride with.  If they start doing stupid shit, leave or you'll start doing stupid shit too.  Riding is such a great feeling it's a shame it's so damn dangerous. 

Aug 8 2011 12:11PM
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SkierX
Posts: 16253 - Karma: 538
It's your own personal risk assessment that is going to need to be considered to make the call. It all boils down to is the reward, worth the risks, and is it worth the high odds of serious injury or death.

If you decide yes, it is. Never disregard those high odds and keep on your toes a full step ahead of the unpredictably, inattentive drivers out, as well as not doing stupid things yourself that almost surely guarantee your early demise.
Aug 8 2011 12:21PM
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esotericjive
Posts: 1889 - Karma: 1,445
Strangely enough, my dad is a long time ER doctor, but just recently quit biking. After riding a bike once and loving it, I expressed some interest to him about getting one. He then told me a grisly story about someone who'd crashed and was brought to his hospital. Point is, it's dangerous, but it's fun if you'
re careful.
Aug 8 2011 12:34PM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
This. Never become so comfortable that you let your riding get sloppy. Always on edge, never assume anything will go smooth.

"ah I've taken this turn at 75 before so 60 should be a piece of cake." That's the day that a dumptruck spilled two shovels full of loose gravel and you're going down.
Aug 8 2011 1:54PM
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Dan.
Posts: 7201 - Karma: 1,126
is that an XJ?
Aug 8 2011 3:35PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,485
Click for larger image
Not Actually mine but its the same one I have. Don't really care for the paint but I got it for $2,000 and it only had 8k miles so I can't really complain. New paint job will be the first thing I do to it once i'm out of school.
Aug 8 2011 3:54PM
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PASKIINGSUCKS
Posts: 9097 - Karma: 777
2,000 holy shit did it come with a motor?? That's incredible. Honda makes me happy in the pants. I do love my kawi too though.
Aug 8 2011 3:57PM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
'05? you got a steal with that price. lucky you, so sick.


old bike: Suzuki GSXR 600 (2001)

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this is my friend's bike that i've been riding. Kawasaki ZX-6r (2007) and also the same one i'm looking to buy in the fall with the cash from selling my old one

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i know, i'm wearing all my gear and not a jacket like a jackass. i rarely do that, i don't advise it.
Aug 8 2011 4:00PM
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dilla_says_go
Posts: 5333 - Karma: 168
congrats man, join the club. riding a motorcycle is as close you'll get to ripping down your mountain in the summer time. i bought my first bike in january, had it on the road all summer, and i don't think i could imagine life without one.
Aug 8 2011 4:02PM
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SgtSteamy
Posts: 498 - Karma: 202
1985 yamaha xj maxim.
Aug 8 2011 4:02PM
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bermbuster49
Posts: 7445 - Karma: 90
I professionally race dirtbikes through tight ass trees and over the gnarliest obstacles they can find in the woods for 100+ miles, But you will not find me on a street bike.


Even if your the greatest rider in the history of street biking you will still probably get hit by other people who can barely drive their cars, sad but true.


the only time i ride on the road is up in rural PA on dirt roads, dont have to worry about other traffic and its a lot of fun!!


Most tools on streetbikes barely can ride too, i have too many friends who were all about getting a 600 street bike only to ride it for a couple of months before crashing it or having to ditch it because someone didnt use their turn signal


to me its just not worth it, but be safe if your riding!! hope all goes well!! AND MAKE SURE YOU WEAR A HELMET!!! i fucking cant stand people who dont wear a helmet, like its not about style, its not about freedom, its fucking physics. your head will be smashed on the road if you go down...that is all hahah
Aug 8 2011 4:04PM
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*Bird
Posts: 1895 - Karma: 316
mhmmm i love motorcycles but i want a vintage vespa so bad! this is at my friends dads shop http://www.flickr.com/photos/31392838@N04/3490880049/in/set-72157624613506984/

he has one we worked on in green and in much better condish. ima buy it for next summer
Aug 8 2011 4:06PM
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,485
2006 actually. And ya the guy i bought it off of had a brother that got in a really bad crash and he just wanted to get rid of it as fast as he could. Perfect condition never been dropped too, I got kinda lucky I guess.

That Kawi is sick. Was looking at that same bike but it wasnt really comfortable for me.
Aug 8 2011 4:09PM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
soooo sick man, that's awesome. enjoy it, glad to see another sportbike guy on NS
Aug 8 2011 4:15PM
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Huck_Norris
Posts: 11487 - Karma: 18,627

I love bikes.  They're all just so damn sexy! 

She just wanted to hang out with the rest of the girls.  Hope yous don't mind. 

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Aug 8 2011 4:15PM
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TechnoPotamus
Posts: 11626 - Karma: 3,522
so damn pretty. i'm a big fan of the newer style gsxr's. that front end just looks so aggressive on them
Aug 8 2011 4:16PM
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