Q:I'm 22 years old, and recently decided with the gas crunch and the fact that I don't really need a full size car, that a motorcycle would be the best bet for me. Problem is, I've never ridden before, and know next to nothing. Where should I start? I was thinking that I should just buy a cheap bike and learn, but I'm not sure. Any advice is welcome. :)

Start with a local motorcycle safety course. They are offered throughout the country and provide the bike to teach you the basics. You don't need to know anything, they will start from scratch and provide very good instruction. In many states, successful completion of the course allows you to skip the riding portion of getting your endorsement. After that, buy a smaller used bike, good (SAFE) protective gear and spend A LOT of time in a parking lot of a local school or vacant parking lot where you can rehearse what you've learned in the class. When I got my first bike, I would ride a 1/2 mile to an rarely used industrial park to practice. I'd ride all afternoon, practicing starting, stopping, right left turns from a stop, emergency braking (scary at first), and making full-lock figure eights without putting my foot down. After a few days, I felt comfortable enough to challenge some secondary roads. Boy, that was the time. I remember the first time I got up to 40mph and felt like I was going 100mph and was gonna get pulled off the back of the bike!!! Now, that's about my 1-2 shift, but I still go back to the parking lot to practice slow speed manuevers every so often. Good luck and welcome to motorcycling.

Q:I am 18 yrs old and want to get a motorcycle. Im sure riding bikes is what i want to do but dont know exactly were to start. I have no experience riding bikes but im very capable of picking things up pretty fast (perhaps the manual aspect of the bike). I want to get a suzuki gsx r600 but i am not sure if this is the right bike. Plz help.

Man, this is the most popular question on this forum everyone wants the 600cc supersport bike coming right out of the blocks. It is a good idea to slow down, live a little, and enjoy the ride. I'd start out with something with a little less power and a little more torque. Something like a Honda Nighthawk or a Suzuki GS500 will get you started in the right way. The Zuk still looks cool, and most of the ladies won't know the difference between it and a 120hp monster like the Gixxer.

Q:i have a real hard time focusing while driving a car so i was just wondering if a motorcycle would be easier.

You need to focus 110 percent when on a motorcycle. Your head has to be in the right place. It is more difficult that driving a car, but with the right training and practice, it is a rewarding and challenging experience. You are more vulnerable to EVERYTHING on the road. Things that would result in a minor trip to the body shop on a car can kill or injure a motorcyclist. As a motorcyclist, I am afraid of you because we share the same road, and no matter how much focus I have while riding, and unfocused car driver can kill me really fast.

Q:i have no restrictions cause the guy at the dmv hooked me up but i had my license restricted for a fta and then got caught driving without them.but have to have a restricted license for 3 yrs.

In NC, your drivers license covers everything, the motorcycle is just an endorsement like getting a CDL to drive trucks with air brakes. So whatever your license currently allows you to do in a car, the same applies to a bike, plus you need the bike permit which has the additional restriction of no passengers and has to be renewed every 18 months.

Q:Hi I‘m 14 and I have a friend that rides a motorcycle on the road. He is 15, but he says you can ride one from the age of 14 in Ohio. I‘m not sure if it‘s a motorcycle. it might be a moped that looks like one, but my mom thinks it‘s a good idea if I start riding one, but I don‘t have any idea how to start. help? Oh and I‘m a girl by the way (not that it matters).

If he is riding legally, it is a moped. You can too: www.bmv.ohio /moped_info.stm

Q:I have a1981 Yamaha 650, and i just changed my front brake pads. The fit was extremely tight and now it seems to grind on the caliper when im on the road. I find myself slowing down and not able to coast far at all. How do i release the pressure on the front brakes? Any help would be appreciated.

For okorder /... Go to - 1981 XS650H - Front Brake-Caliper The 4 parts at # 10 from left to right are - piston, seal, dust seal, circlip

Q:The motorcycle is a 2006 CBR 600RR

This Site Might Help You. RE: How do I take the Chain off a motorcycle? And can I put it back on later? The motorcycle is a 2006 CBR 600RR

Q:Looking at the BMW 2009 X-country. One is brand new for $7000 (out the door), and has 3 year manufacturer warranty. The other is used, has 5000 miles on it and offered for $5000. 8 months warranty left on it. The used one cheaper and if I need to sell I won‘t lose a lot. The new one, well it‘s shiny and new! I just can‘t decide It‘s not going to be my first motorcycle. Thanks!

The fact that this is not your first motorcycle is the key factor. It likely won't be your last. looking down the road, You may find that this particular bike is not a 100% match to your future riding needs, even though you may love it. I would buy the used one. If it turns out that you want this bike as a new model, then at least you will know for sure what you want, and can go trade for the new one. BMWs hold their value really well.particularly if you have good maintenance records. 5K miles is not a lot of miles for a BMW (Just barely broken in), so unless the previous owner beat it to death, it should be in fine shape. Check the tires, brakes, look for any obvious signs of damage. Shiny schminey, by the way. The first time you take that out and ride it in the rain, that's over. Give it a good wash, and ride it like it was designed to be ridden. Do that and any faults that are underlying should be discovered in the next 8 months, which should be covered under the warranty

Q:I have a bicycle, and both brake levers are used to stop the wheels. Why do the motorcycles behave differently ???

Because unlike a bicycle, you need a clutch to shift a motorcycle transmission. The front brake is operated with the right hand and the right foot operates the rear brake.

Q:While applying the rear brake in a motorcycle we should be holding the clutch, but what about the front disc brake while applying that should the clutch be held?

The clutch should ONLY be used to change gears, and never to be used while braking except when you have gone down to 1st gear and want to stop. The engine has compression which on a closed throttle reduces the bikes speed. Try it by first closing the throttle in gear and then again when you pull the clutch in and you will see how the engine is used to slow you down. Combine the engine compression with your brakes and you will stop faster, in less distance and safer. Whoever told you to apply the clutch while braking with the front, rear or both brakes was either pulling your leg or simply has no idea of riding a bike safely. If he was pulling your leg it could at some time make the difference you need to stop safely