Florida Motorcyclist |

Have you made the decision or are you in the process of deciding to buy a new motorcycle? Will this be your first bike or a replacement? Have you done your homework, research, etc.? Are you prepared to “walk away” if the negotiation with the sales staff fails? These questions along with other important decision making criteria are covered in this series of articles designed to help insure that you obtain the best deal possible when purchasing a new bike. Even though some of these steps may seem mundane, all are necessary to give you the advantage/edge that you need. Each persons individual economics is different so these guidelines are meant to be applicable and adjustable to your particular situation.

If your new bike purchase is to be your first, it is your duty to become as informed as possible. Having said that, consider why you have decided to buy a bike. Is your mind made up on one brand in particular or are you open to viewing larger possibilities from other manufacturers? Will it be for transportation needed in your daily activities or just something to do for fun? What size and type of motorcycle do you desire? How much money have you budgeted for your purchase? Will you have a trade in? Are you paying cash or financing? Are you an experienced rider or a newbie? Do you have your motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license?

First and foremost, if you have never ridden a motorcycle or it has been a long time since you sat in a saddle, take an approved motorcycle riding course. Why? If you are new to riding, this allows you to first and foremost determine if riding is right for you. It is a lot less expensive to pay for a safety course and gain some riding experience rather than buy a bike only to find out later that riding is just not for you.

Taking an approved class also completes a primary step in the purchasing cycle. Upon graduation you simply take your certificate or card to your local DMV and they should grant you a motorcycle riding endorsement on your drivers license.

Another point to consider is that taking a class is a lot more forgiving than taking a DMV riding exam only to fail. It is estimated that 90% of new riders that opt not to take an approved motorcycle riding class fail the DMV’s road and skills test. In some states, Florida being one, the DMV no longer gives motorcycle road tests. It is required that all new riders take an approved motorcycle riding class.  By approved, I mean those courses offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation or like institution. If you live in a different state, check with your Department of Motor Vehicles for their requirements.

The knowledge and skill set that you cultivate by taking a class helps prepare you for the differences in riding a motorcycle vs driving a car. Believe it or not, no matter how subtle, riding a motorcycle is a different type of experience. Balance and acuity are fine tuned by taking a class. Knowing how to ride defensively by learning from the experience of seasoned riders is worth its weight in gold. After all, you do want to be a safe, conscientious rider for your protection as well as the other people who use the road way do you not? Your enjoyment and safety depends not only on mastering the art of riding a motorcycle but also the realities of the traffic around you.

Some approved organizations that offer basic to advanced rider classes are;

Motorcycle Safety Foundation

California Motorcyclist Safety Program

Chicago Motorcycle Training – LRN2RYD

Michigan Motorcycle Safety Program Courses

Nebraska DMV Approved Motorcycle Safety Training

Advantage Motorcycle Training – Texas MSF Approved Courses

State of Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles – Motorcycle Training

Harley Davidson riding classes

The above are only a sampling of courses offered. A search for Approved Motorcycle Training should yield more choices for the area in which you live.

That concludes our first topic. Be sure to bookmark this page for easy reference and to read future articles on the steps involved in purchasing a motorcycle.

Rudolph Chuites is a consultant/writer for www.floridamotorcyclist.com.

He can be contacted at rudolph@chuites.com

Denim is not good at all for helping retain heat. Nylon and other synthetics are. But If all you have is jeans, and you have to ride when it’s approximately 44 – 49 degrees out on a sunny day (35 mph), would "long-johns" help at all? I’ve ridden while almost hypothermic, and it’s NOT fun.
I forgot to mention, I’m only riding it from the storage lot to my apartment (approximately 2 miles)

Usually when I drive those temperatures I wear long johns. My commute is about 45min of 45MPH driving and it’s much more comfortable wearing them. Without them once I get to school I would not be able to feel my legs and one day I actually got minor frostbite when it was below freezing, which was painful.

So yeah long johns will not only make you more comfortable but they could save a lot of pain.

But if your only going 2 miles thats like a 3 minute drive. You can survive that easily.

Airhawk Motorcycle Seats demonstration. How to keep your motorcycle riding experience comfortable with the Airyhawk from J&P Cycles. Daytona biker rally, biketoberfest, motorcycle seat,

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We are a small Baptist Church in East Tennessee with about 10 to 20 bikes involved in our monthly rides. We are Six Mile Missionary Baptist Church in Maryville, TN.

How about just S.M.M.B.C?

Kinda dull though….

Especially when you’re getting a ride on a motorcycle and you’re holding on to the drivers waist for dear life. Wouldn’t it be easier if it came with a seat belt?

I think that’s one of the best questions I’ve heard in my life.

Woah, you’re right. You’re holding on to their waist, how is that protection?

Oh and this sounds silly, but what you if you like accidentally tickle them? Haha won’t they have some issues?

*ADDED AFTER EDIT:*

Maybe it’s so it doesn’t drag you across the road or something…

Hmm.
You’d be like strapped to your death basically, right?

This is more for sport bike riders though. Just a funny question out of curiosity, I have grip pads on the side of my gas tank(don’t know if this is the reason). Does anybody else have smooth spots in the thighs because the gas tank rubs the hair off? I can’t ride for another month as I was hit from behind and fell braking my collar bone but though this was funny.
I ride in a full leather jacket with gloves helmets and boots and jeans, I have no idea why the hair rubs off my thighs that’s why I asked.

the removal of hair along your thighs is a common occurance in sports motorcycle riding. and it is not from the pads that are attached on the side of the tank but from the clothing. hair gets weaved thru the cloth when you bank and lean to the sides. then without you noticeing when you come out of the turn and into the next turn or into the straight your hair gets pulled out from the roots. and since you will be kind of layed up for for a while you’ll see short hairs returning after a week or two.

When women are riding on a motorcycle, why do women and even men wear a bandana around their forehead? I know they have to "play" the part, but there is also a reason for it too. Why? Is it to protect something?

Most of the other folks answered your question correctly.But since we are on the subject of bandanas and motorcycle riding,let me add a few other uses for them on the road.It’s a smart idea to keep a couple of them with you at all times.If you are riding out west,and you get caught in a sand storm or even strong wind,you can tie one around your face to protect you from abrasion from the sand and also so you can breath.Good idea even if you wear a helmet.Sand has a way of finding a way in your nose.For people that ride bikes without a front fender,you can tie one to your forks and it will keep the rooster tail from hitting you in the face if you are caught in the rain.Also good to wipe your hands with if you end up having to do some kind of maintenace on the side of the road.And if you find yourself in the middle of nowhere and need to take a dump you have something to wipe your bum with.So it’s not just a fashion statement as some have suggested.So to those who answered in such a manner,it is evident that you don’t have that much experince on the road.Or at best you are a bunch of fair weather riders.Also about the helmet thing,let those who ride decide.And another thing about having to wrench on my bike on the side of the road,I would ride my shovelhead to california today and not worry.I know I can fix whatever happens.I might not show up fast,but I would show up on some class.Sorry I got a little carried away there at the last.Anyway,be safe,and keep the rubber side down,Buck

Paul rides his bike

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It’s new video of julien dupont in Lyon’s streets in france! amazing freestyle trial $$!! Julien is a newcomer in the Redbull family and scott team.
have a good moment!

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a short video about motorcyle accidents

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