New rider questions (+ nice wallpaper inside)

[fleissman]

Im 46 , 5'10 /195 lbs and i got my ES 6 months ago. It is my first roadbike. I have been riding dirt with my crf250x for about a couple of years. I did the basic MSF course a year before I got the S10.


The S10 is heavy! But once rolling it's very light on its feet. I can safely splitlane with confidence on the freeways of LA.

On dirt, its a totally different story. I took it for a ride in Johnson Valley (with stock tires) and i got terrified. I gues i need more saddle time in the dirt to (and better tires) to get a better feel of the bike.

All im saying is, MSF definitely a must. From there you can decide which bike to get based on confidence and skill level.

I chose the S10 as a first roadbike. And 600 miles after, I took her on a 4000 mile roadtrip all the way to Oklahoma / Texas and back. It was such a liberating experience and i'm glad I made the right purchase.

Alaska is calling....



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[fleissman]

Well you're off to a good start by asking questions. I'm considered inexperienced around this forum with 8 years riding experience and about 75k miles. You learn a lot by talking to other riders, and even more by RIDING with other riders.
I may be in the minority, but I say buy and learn on the bike you want. Just recognize YOUR limitations and remember that the bike can perform well above them. If you invest the time to learn about YOUR limitations first, you will have many miles to learn about the bike's.

+1


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[cb0802]

Well you're off to a good start by asking questions. I'm considered inexperienced around this forum with 8 years riding experience and about 75k miles. You learn a lot by talking to other riders, and even more by RIDING with other riders.
I may be in the minority, but I say buy and learn on the bike you want. Just recognize YOUR limitations and remember that the bike can perform well above them. If you invest the time to learn about YOUR limitations first, you will have many miles to learn about the bike's.

And one thing to add. I can only speak to the Harley I rode and the Tenere I ride. After 6 years and 40k miles the Harley never changed in ride quality or experience (well it did get louder). I loved it from the first day to the last but it was what it was. The tenere on the other hand is a better bike now than the day I brought it home. 30k miles in two years and I feel like the bike has improved along with my skills and experience.

 

[Dogdaze]

Welcome to the forum.
Please take on board the advice shared here. IMHO, I would stay away from the S10 as a first bike, I don't care how big or strong you are, but a machine will always beat you!
Get a stature correct bike, small engine where you can wring the nuts off of it and still be within the speed limits, trust me it's soooo much fun. You will never be able to ride the S10 with the throttle wide open. Take a few track days if you can, learn to use your body to control the bike, I wish I did more of that when I was younger!!! Learn from others experience, not your's, as it will cost you more than money to learn the hard way. Ride, and lots, the more you ride the better your chances of surviving the roads. Don't ever believe that you have learnt everything, you have not and will never have.
When I started riding the traffic was less, the riding was easier and people gave you berth, not so much anymore.
But remember, riding is fun, enjoy it and do it as much as you can.

 

[2112]

Buy something ! Bikes are great just learn to respect them with the appropriate training and reading (loads of good books to help alongside hours in the saddle). You can have a 'big bike' as a first bike but it does depend entirely on your temprament ? Littledave (of this very forum) started off with a Honda Varadero 1000 for example after some high quality lessons, so it can be done.

 

[HeliMark]

I am also a believer in a smaller bike at first. Even if it means several years before a S10 or something like it. If you love riding, it will still be there. And although you can start with a big bike, and plenty of people have, it also can get you into trouble quicker. It takes time to develop skill, and confidence goes with skill.

And after the MSF, practice on un-congested streets, and practice slow speed maneuvers in a parking lot. The confidence and skill that you learn in slow speed stuff is priceless. I hate watching people "duck walk" a u-turn on a two lane highway, when a little skill and practice would eliminate it.

Mark

 

[arjayes]

If I could start over again I would learn to ride off-road first on a small cheap bike that I could drop and abuse. Crashing a bike is invaluable experience. On a dirt bike it's no big deal (usually), but on the street it's another story. I don't know what's available in New York, but in California there are numerous off-road riding schools for both dirt bike MX kind of stuff and for big adventure bikes. I would recommend taking the MSF course first, then buy a small and light street-legal dual sport bike (the KLR is NOT light), then follow up with some off-road riding schools and lots of practice. The consensus here is to not start on the Tenere and I totally agree with that. I'm one of those statistically doomed riders (different thread) who quit riding for 20+ years then got back into it in my mid 50s. I started back on a KLR and that worked out well, but I wish I had spent more time off-road. That's going to be my focus for the next couple of years. Street riding uses a much narrower skill set than off-road riding. Pretty much everything you learn off-road will benefit you on the street, but not so much in the other direction. Riding off road will make you a better and safer rider on the street.

 

[BoomerE30]

Gentlemen,

Once again, I highly appreciate this level of response and your suggestions. I am convinced that the experienced majority is leaning towards a similar path to riding, which I will follow. Looks like I will be an active member on here, from the KLR650 kind

Thank you!

 

[Goldwing]

As a MSF Ridercoach, I would recommend taking the MSF BRC. This course is taken on small 250cc bikes. If you pass, then I would buy a used 400-650cc bike, keep it for a year or two then buy the S10.

Good Luck and stay safe!!

 

[BravoBravo]

Hello and welcome, BoomerE30. I can't add much more to what has already been said. I have been riding for over 40 years, and was a riding instructor (Chief Instructor when I finally left after 18 years) for the Canada Safety Council at my local community college. I could not agree more with everyone who has emphasized proper riding training. Statistics have proven that those who successfully complete the course are far less likely to get themselves into trouble on the road, especially with regard to serious collisions. I think the idea of buying a used Kawasaki KLR 650 or Suzuki DR 650 is good as well. These bikes are big enough to keep you interested during your novice riding experience, but not so fast or powerful that you would be likely to get in over your head. And remember, ATGATT - all the gear, all the time.
You sound like you have put a lot of thought into this, so I am sure you will love the experience and in due course, we will see you on a Super Tenere! ::008::
Cheers,

Bruce

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I think the idea of buying a used Kawasaki KLR 650 or Suzuki DR 650 is good as well. These bikes are big enough to keep you interested during your novice riding experience...

I've owned both. The KLR is still the bike I've owned longer than any other bike. There is a pretty big difference between the two bikes. The DR has a much lighter feel and is significantly less top heavy. Either bike is a very good choice. In my opinion the DR will make the learning as easy as possible.

The DR is also not just a learning bike. After more than 35 years of riding my DR still puts a big grin on my face.

 

[jettcity1]

Welcome to the forum.
I suggest to start with a smaller bike and get some training and than get the fully loaded Super Tenere and some good gear.
The extra bells and whistles on the new one really tempt me to upgrade My Raven Black 2011, I need the cruise and heated grips of course.
Thanks for the wallpaper, where can I get that Yamaha Riding gear? I like the looks of it, is it available in the states?
The white bike looks great and I would love that style of Aux. lights on my next bike.

 

[oldbear]

One last suggestion. After you've started riding your new bike and "think" you know what you're doing, be sure to remember the 11th Commandment "Thou shalt not get cocky". Lots and lots of times newbies will think they've "got it figured out" right before they get in over there heads and crash. Be careful, stay safe and have fun. You're starting on a trip that can last the rest of your life and give many years of pleasure and excitement "IF" you be careful! ::015::

 

[BarkSlayer]

I wouldn't recommend starting out on a Super Tenere anymore than I'd recommend learning to drive in a dump truck. There are smaller, better choices for someone with zero experience. Try a Kawasaki KLR650, Suzuki DR650 or even a DRZ400S. They're all less expensive, easier to handle and perfectly adequate for a new rider to acquire some very valuable seat time before plunging headlong into the deep end of adventure touring.