Author Topic: Good First Bike??  (Read 21253 times)

Offline Lannis

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #30 on: December 12, 2014, 06:25:18 PM »
 ::)
Buy the bike you like best or is the easiest to resell. After a couple of rides she"ll loose interest and you be stuck with the bike. Ask me how I know.

How do you know?   Was mthydro's girlfriend with you before she hooked up with him?   :D
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Offline boatdetective

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #31 on: December 12, 2014, 08:43:48 PM »
The Suzuki is a fine bike. Although getting a tad old, the Honda Nighthawk 750 is a true classic. Forget the displacement- it's very tractible. Manageable power. Good looking in a retro way. Should be no problem finding one for 1500.  Just a thought.
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Offline jas67

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #32 on: December 12, 2014, 09:50:36 PM »
Assuming price is not an issue.

Suzuki - for the EFI and brake!

And/or whichever she prefers.



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guzzimike

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #33 on: December 13, 2014, 02:11:09 AM »
All those bikes look like;  YAWWWNNN...... :P



I mean, a Small Cruiser.. Really ? gimme a break... ::)

How utterly predictable, boring and staid.  Is that Really how you see your Lady..?

Because that is Exactly the Image which those Small engine Cruisers convey to the world..



Come ON, guys...show your ladies You really care, that you too are multidimensional when it comes to her... Dump the boring, generic "safety" Bike.


 Get your ladies  ladies a class bike.. one that has a subtle  edgy undercurrent...< both in form and function...in that order, as it should be. >  
One of these is simple to operate, seat is fairly low, so balancing at a stop light is not an issue..and best of all, It just oozes class



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« Last Edit: December 13, 2014, 02:27:37 AM by guzzimike »

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #33 on: December 13, 2014, 02:11:09 AM »

Offline jas67

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #34 on: December 13, 2014, 06:13:46 AM »
Buy the bike you like best or is the easiest to resell. After a couple of rides she"ll loose interest and you be stuck with the bike. Ask me how I know.

At least your wife rode it a couple times.   I bought this Vespa (her choice) over a year ago, and she hasn't ridden it yet.    She still says she is going to ride it -- got mad at me when I was going to put it up for sale.

Anyway --- If she doesn't actually get her MC permit and ride it by June, I'm selling it.   >:(
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Offline Perazzimx14

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #35 on: December 13, 2014, 06:18:59 AM »
::)
How do you know?   Was mthydro's girlfriend with you before she hooked up with him?   :D

I don't  :-* and tell
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Offline Perazzimx14

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #36 on: December 13, 2014, 06:36:12 AM »
At least your wife rode it a couple times.   I bought this Vespa (her choice) over a year ago, and she hasn't ridden it yet.    She still says she is going to ride it -- got mad at me when I was going to put it up for sale.

Anyway --- If she doesn't actually get her MC permit and ride it by June, I'm selling it.   >:(


My wife called me up one afternoon while I was at work and said I needed to ride her new bike home from the dealer. Got it home, she got her permit and took the basic MSF and got her license all in short order. Went riding exactly twice for a grand total of about 20 miles and then the excuses started why she couldn't ride. Didn't have time, was busy with other things etc... Finally one day I asked if she wanted to go for a ride and she said "sell the effing thing". I listed it on CL and within a couple of days had a cash buyer. As we were riding to the notary to do the title work she tells me "I didn't think you would sell my bike". 

Best part was I pad the bike off for her so she didn't have a payment and would have bought her anything she wanted related to riding. Once the bike was sold I gave her the money she spent so I was out whatever the bike had devalued. If she wants another motorcycle she can go out and buy whatever she wants or she can ride anything I have in the garage but I will not invest another penny or breath into getting her to ride. 
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Offline Dogwalker

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #37 on: December 13, 2014, 06:41:05 AM »
95% of our riding would be on secondary highways (80kmh speed limit). We currently have the option of these 2 bikes:

2013 Suzuki TU250X
or
1975 Honda CB200T.
Had she saw a Gilera DNA 180? (do not know how many possibilities there are to find one in Canada).

Offline Dean Rose

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #38 on: December 13, 2014, 07:46:16 AM »
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Offline Aaron D.

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #39 on: December 13, 2014, 08:18:51 AM »
If it's her bike, why do you get to decide when or why to sell? (Not you mthydro)

Online Kev m

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #40 on: December 13, 2014, 08:30:06 AM »
I dunno, in my lifetime it seems like I've witnessed more guys try to push their wives or girlfriends into riding and it not working than I've seen women who actually want to and enjoy riding.

That's probably what happened with my ex too. I mean, she liked riding everywhere with me (on the back). She rode coast-to-coast. She took the MSF course and I got her a little Honda. She rode it a couple of times and decided it was too difficult/stressful whatever. In retrospect I drove most of the time, especially anytime there was congestion/traffic/stress. I get it. Hindsight was 20-20.

Now Jenn was a completely different story, she tapped my shoulder one day on the back of my Jackal about a decade ago and said "I want my own."

She's a particularly competitive person, strong, confident etc. Has NO PROBLEM with high stress situations (probably handles them much better than do I).

I'd learned from my first experience and said basically that if she wanted one, go and do it. She called and got herself registered for the MSF, took the course, etc. I showed her a bunch of potential bikes, SHE PICKED WHAT SHE WANTED and I that was it.

After a season on that bike she decided she wanted something newer. Again, she picked... the next 3 bikes.

Even then I would suggest and try and steer her towards something I thought was neat or liked too and it didn't matter AT ALL. She wanted what SHE WANTED.

To this day she CAN physically ride 3 of our 4 bikes, and I talk about getting rid of the one for something that she can also ride. But she ALWAYS chooses the Ducati. Even if we're talking about touring for a week.

That's cool. Doesn't mean I'm gonna stop trying to have more options available for her, but it's her call.

And though she enjoys riding, I know it's different for her than for me. She'll probably never be as passionate about it as I am. She rarely rides to work (granted, she works LONG hours, sometimes 24 without sleep, and has a policy never to ride when she's been up all night, with which I fully agree).

But once the weather turns colder she's far less likely to suggest or agree to a mid-day ride for no good reason.

She puts a couple thousand miles on her bike each year, which is impressive with a 3 y/o and 6 month old.

And most of all we enjoy it together.

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biking sailor

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #41 on: December 13, 2014, 08:34:47 AM »
 :+1 Kev, sounds like you have it figured out pretty well!

This thread has taken an interesting turn.  News flash, there are lots of people around that thought they would like riding, but after betting a bike decide it is just not for them.  Some get scared or overwhelmed by it all, some get put off by all the gear they have to deal with, some realize to late that perfect weather riding days can be few and far between, and some just have too much stuff going on and to haul around to make riding practical.  I'm sure there are dozens of other reasons, but the bottom line is that riding is not for everyone.  Look at how many Harleys are bought and rarely used.  We joke about it but because they are the "best known" brand where I live, it makes sense that many folks buy one only to realize later that the idea of riding is a whole lot more enticing than the actuality of gearing up and navigating a bike down the road strewn with obstacles, dangers, and discomforts.  I personally have tried many activities that never became a part of my life, glad I did get the experience but don't want to do it again. I love to race sailboats around a 5 mile course, but cruising on one around the Caribbean for a week and I am going stir crazy, no thanks, BTDT and not again.  Some of my sailing friends think it's strange I love to race but have no interest in spending days on a boat.  Thank goodness we aren't all the same!

Get her a safe, easy to ride and live with first bike she likes, then let her decide if riding is really what she wants to do.  Just remember it's about her, not you, and things will be all good.   ;-T

Good luck!

Online Kev m

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #42 on: December 13, 2014, 08:50:23 AM »
Anyway, to the OP - I hope she's really interested and you guys can share many miles and smiles together.

BTW - Jenn touring on her first bike:



Jenn on bike two:



Jenn on bike three:



Jenn touring on her bliss...

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Offline jas67

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #43 on: December 13, 2014, 08:57:30 AM »
If it's her bike, why do you get to decide when or why to sell? (Not you mthydro)

Because I paid for it (out of my bike fund), and don't want my money tied up in it if it isn't being ridden.
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Online Kev m

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #44 on: December 13, 2014, 09:12:27 AM »
Because I paid for it (out of my bike fund), and don't want my money tied up in it if it isn't being ridden.


And Jay, she wasn't really ASKING for you to buy it now was she?

Like it wasn't her idea, she didn't find research it and find it and ask for it...right?
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Offline Mayor_of_BBQ

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #45 on: December 13, 2014, 11:49:31 AM »
I've been trying to teach my gf to drive a manual car for over a year and she still won't really try. She jokes occasionally about getting her own bike but I know she really has zero interest.  I probably drive 99.5% of the time no matter if it's across town to dinner or a 12hr drive to Shreveport to see her family


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Offline jas67

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #46 on: December 13, 2014, 12:33:29 PM »
And Jay, she wasn't really ASKING for you to buy it now was she?

Like it wasn't her idea, she didn't find research it and find it and ask for it...right?

Getting a scooter was her idea.   I did help her find it.    SHE actually saw it at a dealer we were looking at a Honda at, and wanted it.

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oldbike54

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #47 on: December 13, 2014, 12:48:34 PM »
Not everyone takes to the controls of a motorbike , I've had the same experience with both male and female beginners , of course , when the guys don't take to it there is just a cheap motorbike for sale  ;D The problem is , often times there is no way of knowing until after the mistake is made . MCs are such a romanticized activity , like mountain climbing ,or sailing on open water . The difference is , both of those activities take some real planning , at least usually , of course , closets and back yards are littered with climbing gear and sail boats that will get "utilized" some day .

 Dusty

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Re: Re: Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #48 on: December 13, 2014, 09:51:24 PM »
I've been trying to teach my gf to drive a manual car for over a year and she still won't really try. She jokes occasionally about getting her own bike but I know she really has zero interest.  I probably drive 99.5% of the time no matter if it's across town to dinner or a 12hr drive to Shreveport to see her family


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It's funny but we've got a good friend who is on her 3rd bike. Woman rode a Rebel from Miami to Philly.

They tour on Sportsters these days a fair amount (as much as work and busy lives allows).

She STILL doesn't know how to drive a stick shift car.
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Offline JProdun

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #49 on: December 14, 2014, 01:17:19 AM »
^^^
This is funny :)

At the MSF i took, out of 20 people, there were only 2 who could drive manual transmissions, but they weren't the ones who did best!

Offline jas67

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #50 on: December 14, 2014, 07:00:51 AM »
^^^
This is funny :)

At the MSF i took, out of 20 people, there were only 2 who could drive manual transmissions, but they weren't the ones who did best!

When I took the MSF, of the group of ten, the only 2 people who didn't put a foot down during the figure 8 had previous dirt experience (me, and a 55 year old woman who was so smooth at slow speed she could've had trials experience for all I know).
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Offline GuzziPilot

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #51 on: December 14, 2014, 10:01:46 AM »
Yeah, its fun to see her getting into riding. She's been a passenger on my bikes the past few years, and has really enjoyed it, especially this past summer in the Lake Como area. We are already starting to plan our first trip for this upcoming summer. Trailer the bikes from Toronto to Cape Breton, NS. Ride around the Cabot Trail, ferry over to Newfoundland and ride around that area for a few days. Should be a good time

Have fun with whatever you decide, and do remember the Guzzi Nat'l is in New Hampshire mid June,  if the timing is right, certainly worth a stop!!!!

http://www.mgnoc.com/rally_calendar.html

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Penderic

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #52 on: December 14, 2014, 11:31:01 AM »
I read somewhere ......  ::)

The way a girl looks on with the bike is overlooked ... if she looks "marvelous, natural, comfortable, good looking.." and is complimented nicely, she will enjoy being (seen) with the bike.

With girls, it is more the destination than the journey that is important. The ride is endured to go somewhere to be seen, or to see something else besides motorcycles! If there are lots of fashion /style showing off and chatter in the parking lot - so much the better!

:wife: Err, excuse me, gotta go! 

« Last Edit: December 14, 2014, 11:32:43 AM by Penderic »

Offline steven c

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #53 on: December 14, 2014, 12:43:13 PM »
 A friend of mine decided his wife should learn on and ride his 77 Triumph Bonneville, kick start only, he couldn't understand why she had such a hard time starting it. I thought it would turn her off forever to riding but she is very tough and stuck to it and 13 years later she is still riding with thousands of miles, trips to Alaska and Yellow Knife on her R80 which they bought for the trips.
  To me it made sense to learn on something cheap and Japanese, easy to ride, but my friend hates anything from Japan only British or German would do. In the end it work out .
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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #54 on: December 14, 2014, 12:49:58 PM »
A friend of mine decided his wife should learn on and ride his 77 Triumph Bonneville, kick start only, he couldn't understand why she had such a hard time starting it. I thought it would turn her off forever to riding but she is very tough and stuck to it and 13 years later she is still riding with thousands of miles, trips to Alaska and Yellow Knife on her R80 which they bought for the trips.
  To me it made sense to learn on something cheap and Japanese, easy to ride, but my friend hates anything from Japan only British or German would do. In the end it work out .

One of our members purchased an OIF Triumph for his then 15 year old 95 LB daughter to learn on  :D Of course , he admitted later that he really bought it for himself  ;D

 Dusty

Offline mthydro

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #55 on: December 15, 2014, 06:37:10 AM »
Thanks for all of the input guys!

We went and looked at the Suzuki yesterday. It's in great shape with only 2200kms and runs great. The seat height is perfect for my girlfriend as well. She said it's the first bike she's seen where she hasn't felt intimidated at all by looking at it, or sitting on it. Working out the details and should likely pick it up this coming weekend.
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Offline boatdetective

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #56 on: December 15, 2014, 07:24:06 AM »
Good for her and make sure to mention that she has fine taste. If you read the moto journo press, they universally love that bike.  Once you get past your ego, you realize that it is a fun, well made machine that looks fab. As for utility- it's pretty hard to beat. If I were to be honest (rare), my ex GF's Vespa 150 did most of what I would need with aplomb and style. I have absolutely no doubt that you are going to sneak rides on the TU250.
Jonathan K
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Offline dee g

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #57 on: December 15, 2014, 11:28:26 AM »
The TU is a great little bike.  Honda Rebel is also a nice first bike.  30,000+ miles on mine, its still one of my favorites.  Spouse prefers the TU.  It is a little peppier than the Rebel.

oldbike54

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #58 on: December 15, 2014, 11:46:22 AM »
The TU is a great little bike.  Honda Rebel is also a nice first bike.  30,000+ miles on mine, its still one of my favorites.  Spouse prefers the TU.  It is a little peppier than the Rebel.

Yep , and doesn't require a *doo* rag  ;D Just kidding , sorry  :-[ Good on ya for being a "guy" and not telling her what she wanted . I sense a long and happy relationship on all fronts  ;-T
 
  Dusty

Offline bobinok

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Re: Good First Bike??
« Reply #59 on: December 15, 2014, 12:01:10 PM »
I have a 2013 TU250 as my first bike, and it's been great: very nimble, light, and blessedly lacking in the sort of accelerating that might get a new rider into trouble. Some people told me, "don't buy it; you'll only want more power in a few months." Now that I've had it for six months, I'd say this: You were right, I do want more power. That said, I wouldn't trade the safe, easy, and fun introduction to riding I've had for anything. I'd like to keep the TU after I upgrade to the v7II (god willing); maybe my wife will ride it.

 I'd suggest going to the TU250 Riders forum and reading up on the front sprocket change from 15 tooth to 16 tooth. Count me as one of the believers in this mod. I don't think it does anything for the top speed, but it allows you to get moving a little before you need to shift, and feels more comfortable in 5th gear at 70mph (which in my experience is the top speed in normal conditions).




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