New Rider Has Some Questions...

[bighef11]

I am a new rider, as in never riden a bike before, and I have some questions I hope someone can help me out with.  I need a good beginner bike, I've heard 500 is a pretty good size to start with.  GS500, Katana 500, etc.  I've heard it it stronly reccomeneded to take the Bike Class offered, before you get your learners permit which I intend to do.  But how long does it usually take to be comfortable enough to actually ride it in an everyday situation?  Is the class enough?  Or do I need to find an open parking lot somewhere for a couple weeks?  I've also heard that buying new when are just starting out, isn't usually reccomended because you usually drop your bike a time or two starting out.  What year should I be looking for, for the best deal?  Also, how much should I be looking to spend on the bike itself, and also equipment as far as helmets, jacket, gloves, etc.?  Any help would be appreciated, like I said this will be my first bike, and I've never ridden before, but am really excited to get started.  Thanks in advance for any help, and if you would like to email at heffeljh@acemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil, that would be fine as well.  

Thanks,
Jason

[tdan553527]

Welcome to the site, tons of great info here. Yes, the GS is a great starter bike, enough power, but not enough to get you into trouble. The Katana is a 600 BTW. There is a ninja 500 w/more power than the gs, but I've ridden both and love the GS. Yes, take the MSF course. As for being comfortable, that is going to depend on you. My friend bought a Yamaha V-star Custom 650 Yesterday, never ridden before until last night. After an hour in the parking lot, he was ready to go.

Depending on how much money you want to spend, that will help on finding the bike you want. Take a look at the For Sale section of this site to get some ideas.

Gear - GET SOME!

[Jeff P]

Ok let's take these one at a time...

I am a new rider, as in never riden a bike before, and I have some questions I hope someone can help me out with.  I need a good beginner bike, I've heard 500 is a pretty good size to start with.  GS500, Katana 500, etc.  I've heard it it stronly reccomeneded to take the Bike Class offered, before you get your learners permit which I intend to do.

Absolutely, take the class.  Usually called the "MSF class", motorcycle safety foundation.  Almost every question about riding that a new rider will ask on boards like these is addressed in the course.  Most states offer it through the MVA/DMV.  I recommend taking the class before even buying a bike.  As a bonus, in most states successful completion of the course allows you go get your full license without taking the MVA/DMV test.  

But how long does it usually take to be comfortable enough to actually ride it in an everyday situation?  Is the class enough?  Or do I need to find an open parking lot somewhere for a couple weeks?

It depends on you really.  If you take to riding quickly, you can get out and ride around pretty much right away, within reason.  That said, practicing in a big open parking lot is always a good idea.  It's a spring ritual for many of us.  

I've also heard that buying new when are just starting out, isn't usually reccomended because you usually drop your bike a time or two starting out.

Definitely buy used.  The GS500 is an excellent beginner bike, and if you're like a lot of people you'll ride it for a few years and then move on to something else.  Makes much more sense to buy one a few years old than to buy a new one and eat all the depreciation.  That and the dropping thing you mentioned is true, and especially painful on bikes like the GS500F (the one they're selling new now) with full fairings.  

What year should I be looking for, for the best deal?

All the bikes from '89 to '02 (?) are basically the same.  No significant changes to the chassis, engine, transmission etc.  So, decide how much you'd like to spend, then go looking and see what kind of deals you can find.  FWIW, about 2 years ago I bought my '96 with 6k miles for $2,100.  

Also, how much should I be looking to spend on the bike itself, and also equipment as far as helmets, jacket, gloves, etc.?

A full face helmet can be as cheap as $100 (or lower maybe?) or as much as $500.  The important thing is to get one that fits your head and is DOT and Snell certified.  HJC is a popular, lower cost brand with all the proper certs.  I wear a Shoei, it was $300.  Figure $100-300 (or more) for a jacket, $50-75 for gloves, ~$100 for boots, and $70-200 for pants.  

Hope it helps!

jeff

[oldsport]

bighef11 wrote:
I am a new rider, as in never riden a bike before  

By your questions, I can tell you're fairly conscientious - just keep it up and you should do fine.  Statistically, I've read that the first 500 mi. are the most dangerous and then it improves (slowly) from there.

- depending on your budget - This is a good place to look for gear in their closeout section
http://www.newenough.com/index2.htm

[bighef11]

Thanks very much for the quick, and the answers were excellent thank you very much!  Another quick question, you had stated that until '02 the bike hadn't really changed.  What was changed after '02?  Is it something significant to the point where I should look at something '03 or later, because if it's not then '02 and earlier sounds kind of like what I'd be looking at.  Also, this could be considered a dumb question, but as far as gear, specifically pants, do people usually just wear jeans?  The reason I ask is I plan on riding to my college classes, work, etc. and I just can't see myself wearing leather pants, or something to class.  Is there a trade-off somewhere between leathers pants and jeans?  Or is it one extreme or the other?  Thanks again for the help!

[Jeff P]

Good questions.  

After '02 they took a year off where there was no new GS500.  Then they came back for '04 (I think) with a "new" version that has the full fairing.  Makes it look like a sport bike.  But, they didn't really change anything.  It's still the same bike under the fairing.  In that sense, even the brand new ones are basically the same as the first ones from '89.  So no, there's nothing special about the newest ones that should draw you to them.

A lot of people do just ride in jeans.  However jeans aren't really very good in a fall, they tear up pretty quick.  There is a product called Draggin Jeans, which are regular jeans with a kevlar fabric in the knees and butt for abrasion resistance.  Not close to the protection of race leathers, but I feel comfortable knowing there's something extra in them compared to regular jeans.  The nice thing about them is that they look like regular jeans, so you don't look goofy walking around in them.  I wear 'em at work all the time.

The other option is a pair of overpants.  These are, as the name implies, a pair of riding pants that fit over your regular pants or shorts.  They've usually got big zippers in the legs for easy on and off and are oversized a bit to make them fit comfortably.  They'll provide the abrasion resistance and usually have some armor.  

FWIW I've been wearing the Draggin Jeans since I started riding, and suspect I'll be getting a pair of overpants for my birthday next week

jeff

[bighef11]

One final question, and they aren't getting any smarter sorry fellas, if I'm getting annoying.  1st what does the E or F or what have you after the GS500?  Does it make a difference or mean anything.  Along those same lines, I've looked at some photos of the GS and the body types are considerably different.  What years did they design different body styles, I tried to find a chronology or something for the bike, but I was unable to find one.  It looks like 2002, a significant body change was made is that correct?  Thanks for all the help, I really do appreciate it!

[tdan553527]

I figured the F was for the fairing, but what do I know. Kerry, one of the gurus here has a list of year models with letters. It was the 01+ that the rear body section was redesigned.

[Stoobings]

not enough to get you into trouble

haha, I get into plenty of trouble on mine    If you've never ridden a bike before, even the little GS will blow your mind (unless maybe you own a very fast car).

[Jake D]

I thought my GS was fast and it was really only running on one cylinder!  And I'm a pretty big dude.  Good to learn on, for sure.   But fun.

newenough.com is a class act.  Best customer service around.  Get your gear there.

[mp183]

Give yourself at least one or two years.  You won't regret getting the GS.  I have one and am never going to sell it.  I'll always have two bikes, one is going to be the GS and the other one I'll change from time to time.
The bike is as good as the rider.  I was on a road near Monaco.  It was along the coast.  There were kids on mopeds going down the hills.  They were beating everyone.  They put their foot down as they went around the turns it was amazing.  They were in free fall.  No one could touch them.  95% people will never be able to use the GS to it's full potential.  If you can you can beat 90% people out there no matter what they ride.

[Vball24]

I bought a '01 GS500 in September as my first bike mainly due to all the stuff I read about being a good beginner bike.  And I think it has lived up to everything I've read about it.  I ride it to work just about everyday, so I've put about 2,000 miles on it since I started riding in mid-December.  Take the MSF course for sure.  It was a great class and worth every penny.  I personally where a pair of motorcycle pants over my clothes to work.  Someone here made a great statement that if you are in a wreck and while you are going down you wish you had on more gear then you aren't wearing enough.  I know for me gear wise that I would have bought different things now that I've ridden more and am more aware what I like and don't like.