You do not have a bike yet?
Recently, Riders was approached by a guy who was interested in getting started with the sport of motorcycling, and needed some inside advice on: learning to ride, locating and negotiating a bike, and finding a GLBT-friendly shop or mechanic. An email was sent to the membership and our members provided this advice...
From Jeff Tucker:
"You can check out [a specific] bike, you can check it online against the NADA or
Kelly Blue Book (the books that banks and insurance agencies use are available
at www.nada.com or www.kbb.com).
I often have people ask me for first-timer bike advice. Here it is in a boiled- down version...
1) Get your learner permit (10 multiple choice questions, no appointment
required) and take the MSF riding course first, then you will know that you
enjoy biking, and will have your license.
2) Pick a style of bike (cruiser, sportbike, dual-sport, tourer), based on the
type of riding you expect to do. And it is helpful-but not necessary-to pick a
favorite brand (Harley, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, BMW, etc.)
3) Fall/Autumn (now) is the best time to buy a bike, due to low pricing and the
need to store the bike somewhere until spring.
4) Buy a late-model, gently-used, low mileage, private-sale bike as your first
bike, so you won't be heartbroken if you scratch or drop the bike. The Want
Advertiser (available at convenience stores) is your best source for the
biggest selection of used bikes. Expect to pay more than trade-in, but less
than average retail in the Kelly or NADA book. Look for a motivated seller.
5) Buy something not too small for the highway (<500cc) or too big to handle as
a beginner (>1000cc).
6) Insurance is regulated in MA, so it does not matter which company/agent you
choose. BTW, the insurance company can quote you an annual rate, if you call
them with your location of garaging (city), style of bike, and the cc size of
the bike. And you will get a discount if you pass the MSF course.
7) There is no such thing as a GLBT-friendly bike shop-it is just good or bad
customer service. They're all going to assume that you know what a camshaft or
v-twin is."
From Mike Walsh:
"although not an official endorsement from the
club of the riders program, I personnally highly recommend the riders
safety training program offered in part thru the RMV. I did the course
3 years ago, and highly recommend it to any beginner rider...besides if
you pass your exempt from the RMV road test and will also save $ on your
insurance! Riders keep in mind, "advanced" riding programs are also
available for us more, shall I say, "seasoned" individuals..."
From Peter Zimmer:
"I agree with the tip on buying something that is not too small and not
too big (cc). My first bike was a Honda Nighthawk 750. Reliable and
managable. Many riders I knew at the time (including the folks at Iron
Ventures) told me to avoid anything greater than 1000 as a first time
rider.. Too much power and weight. I was glad I followed that advice.
I also tell first time buyers and riders to "just do it." buy something cheap in the fall (my bike was $500, bought in September 98). Ride it around in September/October and again in the spring. If you love it, you'll upgrade anyway. And, you just beat the crap out of something cheap and manageable (sounds like my dates). If you hate it, you didn't blow that much money.
I take my bike to Greater Boston motorsports with rainbow stickers all over the bike (and have seen others there). They're not specifically gay friendly or hostile. I doubt they care.
Do the rider safety course, it's worth it for the safety education and the insurance discount."
From Hubert Letendre:
"...I do agree for a
novice rider not to go greater than 1000cc for a first
bike. I started on a 125cc too many years ago that I
care to mention! However it was a good start, then
went to a 350, then 750, and now ride a 1500 with no
problems.
I can also recommend a Dealer, however he's a good ride from Boston. It's call MOM's. Motorcycles of Manchester. Terri bought his BMW there and loves it. I've bought several there as well, it's a great place to buy and they sell only used bikes with a large selelctions of prices and models. I can furnish directions if anyone is interested."
