Motor Cycle Question

[elksnout]

Fulfilling bucket list. I'll keep this short and would really appreciate solid, sincere advise.

I've always wanted to have a motor cycle but life, raising a family, etc. always came first. I'm now single and have the funds to pursue this. Here's what I'm thinking: To go through the state run endorsement class. When completed, purchase a "starter" bike. Being an outdoorsman, I'm leaning towards a dual sport so I can legally ride both trails and pavement. If I'm enjoying that I wouldn't rule out a full time street bike down the road.

Anyone else have a similar experience?  Looking for suggestions for size of a starter bike and safety features and ease of operation for a newbie. Am I on the right track to go through the classes mentioned?

Thanks
Elksnout

[Fl0und3rz]

I've looked into it. Paying off stuff now, so it'll wait.

Check out the TW200.

State run class uses them I hear.  Great for what you describe: starter bike, dual sport, etc.

Unless it sold, there was a smoking deal on one here in the classifieds.

I couldn't find it in the classifieds, but here's another thread on them.

http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,96264.0.html

[JKEEN33]

I've had every type of MX over the last 40 years. Currently have a 225 dual sport and a Harley. My .02 is if you do dual sport and plan on using it to commute, buy one of the bigger bikes. The 200's are ok for scooting around gravel roads in the mountains or a quick scoot to town, but you won't want to spend a lot of time doing a commute or trip on them.

Tough having it be your primary here in WA with the weather and traffic we have. When I was younger, I did that for two years. Been cross country North to South and East to West a few times. Can be a lot of fun if recreational, but I hate dealing with commuting and traffic on the bikes any more.

You can go down and take the written test and get a learner permit. You then have 6 months I believe to ride around and get comfortable. Not to difficult to pass the test.

[goldenhtr]

 

I have 2 TW200's 1 for me and 1 for the wife and other friends to ride. Have taken several 3-5 day camping trips as well as hunting. Just stay off the interstate. It can run 55-60 all day.
Checkout our forum if you have more questions.
www.tw200forum.com


Not mine but I have taken afew out with mine.

[JakeLand]

KTM 450 EXC. best enduro bike out there ! I started out with the Suzuki DR 350 and I was bored of it and it's lack of power then went to a KTM and haven't turned back

[elksnout]

Thanks guys. I've read a lot about the TW200's. I'm well over 6' and 218 lbs. Those 200's seem a bit small for my size? Dunno? I should add that this would not be a commuter type thing. Totally recreation.

Elksnout

[Bofire]

Suzuki DR400 and 650.
Carl

[Happy Gilmore]

Take the class. I road a long time and took the class to get my endorsement after letting my first one go. It was really informative, fun and pointed out weaknesses I had and things to work on. I'm very happy I took the class. It was a good learning environment and everyone was real friendly. Saw a guy dump a little bike and he was an experienced rider. He was ok.

[chester]

Out of curiosity how old are you? What is the type of riding you'd like to do? Budget and what kind of shape are you in? There is a bike for damned near everything but it all depends on your needs.
So far with the suggested bikes on hear you've got a pretty broad mix.
You can get almost anything plated now so it shouldn't be an issue. But how much pavement are you planning to ride?  The class will get you your endorsement but for off-road and gravel it's not going to get you far. More info would be appreciated.


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[jeffro]

I was sitting on a gas tank of my dads Triumph by the time I turned 2.
First dirt bike by 6, bought a street bike at 16 (wrecked it shortly there after).
Got my endorsement when I turned 18. Took a safety class at 35.
Most likely saved my life more than once.
Have owned many bikes since then, the only one I've kept is the KLR 650.
Decent on the highway, great on logging roads but too heavy for serious trail riding
.
Take the class! Especially if you have no experience.
You will probably be able to ride a couple different bikes, if you ask.

And BTW, I will never ride on the freeways around here(Seattleish) again,
To many people not paying attention, I've had 2 really close calls and won't risk my life to save a couple minutes commuting.
The Silverado 3500 seems a bit safer for some reason?
 

[fish vacuum]

I'd stay at 400cc or bigger, especially at your size. They're a compromise. The better a bike is off road, the more uncomfortable it will be on the highway. Better highway equals worse off road.
The class is never a bad idea. But honestly, I didn't learn anything from it after 15 years of riding dirt bikes, reading up on street riding, and having my street learners permit for a few months.

[Shank]

So after riding dirt bikes for close to 30yrs and just a handful of trips on the road. I'll through in my .02.
If your relatively new to two wheels for sure take the class, it won't hurt.
I've ridden dual sports around on the greater Eastside when I was younger. Never again. Like has been stated...To many knuckle heads not paying attention. But for just tooling around on forest service roads, and back roads lots of fun.
As far as bikes go. In today's world there are so many options.
The advice I always give is start out small and learn to get smooth and comfortable on that before going bigger. Just because of your size, doesn't mean a 400/450 is right for you. One of my riding buddies has a WR250 that has been duel sported he's about your size, and he is completely happy with the power of it.
Ive seen guys on 125s walk away from others on big bore bikes.
I currently have a KTM EXC 450, and still haven't used the bike to its full potential.  I would shop around for a 4stroke 250 duel sport type bike, a WR may be a good choice. I've been reading alot on BETAS, those may be a good choice if looking new. Honda's CRF'S, XR's (can never go wrong with those) the list goes on.
Staring small may not sound like the coolest thing to do, it may even cost a little more in the long run, but after several ER visits in my life. I'm giving my advice based on my experiences. Doc appointments and bills suck!

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[goldenhtr]

Thanks guys. I've read a lot about the TW200's. I'm well over 6' and 218 lbs. Those 200's seem a bit small for my size? Dunno? I should add that this would not be a commuter type thing. Totally recreation.

Elksnout

You would be surprised. Until you ride one there is NO comparison with bigger bikes. I'll be 59 this summer(5'11 205) and my GO FAST days are long behind me. It's all about what you want to do with your bike. I have ridden the DR400, the KLR 650 in the woods. Both are way to tall, that's another thing to watch for, it's not fun finding yourself high centered- or low centered:) when your feet can't touch and you come to a stop. Problem I see with the bigger bikes are most want to go as fast as they can from point A to point B and see nothing in between. Remember to enjoy the ride. Go to the TW site I posted and ask if anyone lives near you so you can take a ride, great folks there. Your welcome to come up to Arl. area and I will be glad to let you take one for a spin. T-dubs are great first bikes as well as long term bikes depending what your riding is all about.



http://s27.photobucket.com/user/Goldenhtr/library/Trail%20Rides%20TW-200?sort=3&page=1&postlogin=true

[Bowgina]

I went the dual sport way for the same reasons..... my advice... where riding gear!!!!!!!! their is two kinds of riders 1. ones that have been down 2. ones going to go down!..... you will go down and good padded jacket and pants are life savers! worth every penny

[Machias]

Take the class.  I rode a street bike all through High School.  Then stopped riding for about 32 years, just a short stint in between.    Then when I took riding back up I was in the Washington DC area.  What a place to relearn how to ride.  Combat riding at it's finest!  Taking the class saved my life at least 10 times in the past 4.5 years.  Good luck and be safe!!