Hey everybody,

My name's David, I'm 21, and I have lived in Hendo for about 12 years now. I recently joined the AF and will be living at Nellis when I finish tech school here in about a month. I don't have a bike (or even an M class) yet, but I plan on changing that as soon as I get back in town. I've visited these forums regularly for some time now and finally decided that it was time to take the plunge and sign up. I also have some questions that I'm hoping you guys could help me with:

1. I've looked online about the classes at CSN and other places, but I could not for the life of me find any information about a learners permit here. Does such an animal exist? If so, what are the restrictions?

2. Many forums suggest starting with a 600, so I'll follow the wisdom of your experience and go with that. What kind of bike would you suggest for a new rider and why? I'm thinking something along the lines of a GSXR or CBR.

3. Where can I get a good used bike for a decent price?

4. What are the insurance rates associated with owning a bike? (Taking into account that I'm 21)

Well, that's all I can think of for now. I look forward to meeting you all in the future.

-David

And if you're bored enough, a little about me:
-I currently drive a Ford Focus(slow.....)
-I am a mechanic by trade so if you have a car I'm more than willing to help you out with routine jobs (brakes, fluids, filters, tune ups, shocks, etc) for no more than the price of lunch and a beer. When I get back in town of course.
-I've wanted to get a bike for about as long as I have been driving.
-I like working out, playing video games, martial arts, hanging out with friends, and generally having fun.

Nevada Regulations on Motorcycles, Mopeds and Off-Highway Vehicles

From what I understand, you take a short, written test at the DMV to obtain an instruction permit. But honestly, I'd wait until you take the MSF course to start riding. Better to keep from ingraining any bad habits IMHO.

Even a modern 600 is probably a bit much for a newb. Check this thread out for some good advice.

To-be new rider saying hi..and asking a few questions!

Craigslist is a good start. Check out the "Classifieds" forum here as well.

Depends on too many unknown factors (driving record, specific bike model, credit score, etc...) to say... but motorcycle insurance for younger peeps is notoriously expensive. When you start shopping for bikes, give Stevens Insurance a call at 648-9689 and let him know I sent you. He can shop your policy around to multiple companies to get a decent deal.

Welcome to the site and good luck on your upcoming obsession. Come on out to a Two Wheel Tuesday (you don't have to be on two wheels) when you get a chance and chat it up with us!

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2005 Suzuki Hayabusa Limited Edition - lots of mods
2007 Suzuki GSXR600 - wifebeater and flip-flops optional
2000 Honda CBR600F4 - outfitted with the NRC case cover of invincibility
http://www.gleno.net

Hello and welcome to the site! I think Eric summed up everything quite nicely.

Nice intro,

In addition to what Eric has mentioned, you might also consider having somebody who has motorcycle expereince with you when you go buy a used bike if you are planning to buy from a private seller. You may think you're getting a great deal, but it's all about knowing what to look for when buying a used bike. I think anyone on this forum would help you here.

You may also check with Nellis, I think they offer a motorcycle safety class. Might even be free for the military, but I'm not 100% sure.

Worki on getting your M endorsement first, then concentrate on getting a bike. You may find out the motorcycling may not be for you. LOL.. right.

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VEGASRIDER................
Team Yamaha Blue '06 FZ6!

Welcome to the site!

Thank you vegaseric. That helped answer a lot. I have a buddy that's been riding sport bikes for years and is willing to teach me so I may go that route rather than the MSF.

But if I do I saw that there are two courses at CSN. Which one do I need to take to get the waiver for the DMV?

Taking the course will normally get you a discount on your insurance. As much as sportbike insurance is going to cost at your age, its really worth the cost of the course and the time to do it. Plus the hassle it will save you at the DMV, makes it a no-brainer.

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Im 21 as well and im with Pacific sentry insurance but they suck will leave once i get the bike back, but on a 2011 ninja 650r my yearly full coverage is at 1100$ i think it was the chepest i can get. Not sure the price on insurance now since i crashed my bike.

To be blunt... experience does not necessarily equate to skill. And someone who is skilled and experienced is not necessarily qualified to teach. Taking the MSF course gives you a foundation to build on, and your friend's help will be easier to digest after learning the basics of riding in a structured environment. Riding can be a very unforgiving sport and starting out on the right foot can help mitigate some of the risk.

You want what's listed on the site as the "Motorcycle Rider Course"... like this one:

Motorcycle Rider Course - Division of Workforce and Economic Development

Both courses can allow you to bypass the DMV tests, but the Experienced Rider's Course (ERC) is a one-day course which assumes that you are an experienced motorcycle rider. (hence the name) Plus, you need to supply your own bike for the ERC. This is why the 2.5 day basic Motorcycle Rider Course will be your best bet.

My advice would be to get the basic MSF course under your belt then get with your friend and get some seat time in.

Oh... and don't forget about your gear as well.

__________________
2005 Suzuki Hayabusa Limited Edition - lots of mods
2007 Suzuki GSXR600 - wifebeater and flip-flops optional
2000 Honda CBR600F4 - outfitted with the NRC case cover of invincibility
http://www.gleno.net

Welcome to the site.

+1 on MSF course before anything!!!

As far as what bike you should get, what are you looking to do with it? I bought a 250 because it was going to be my primary mode of transportation, and now after I sold my car it's my only mode. It gets amazing gas mileage. But if you're looking for something for weekends, or a couple times a month, you may want something bigger.

People say you're going to outgrow it, and that's true, but they're not concentrating on the most important part of a 250. It will make you a better rider. The one thing that the 250 has over the larger bikes is cornering, so if you ever want to get close to keeping up with the fast guys you'll learn corners like there's no tomorrow. I have a few friends (not on SCS) that have larger bikes, and use their bike's engine as a crutch for their lack of rider skill.

250's are light, easily maneuverable, and can take a beating. So ask yourself this, do you need the breakneck speed? How often do you plan on going over 110 m.p.h. or so? Because in all the time I've ridden with SCS, I've never gone insanely fast. This group likes twisties. And they like going fast through the twisties. But fast through the twisties can be anywhere from 20-80 m.p.h. Straight aways really aren't that fun.

As far as insurance goes, that was another reason I bought a small bike. From my understanding insurance companies charge based on CC. In fact my agent also dealt with a young 20-something who bough a liter bike, and she originally told me it would probably be 250-300 a month for insurance, but since I have a 250 I'm only paying about $102/month for full insurance (with as many add ons as I could manage).

So, honestly, if someone handed me a 750 today for free I would gladly take it. But I'm happy with the 250. It's a great learning bike, and it really force you to come to grips with your skills as a rider. And y'know what? After riding for only four months I still don't know everything there is to know, so I'll happily stick with my honey badger.

Just my two-hundred and fifty cents.

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FYI-You can take the motorcycle safety course on base for free and I believe they supply the bike for the course as well.......

+1 on everything Eric said.

You wanna take the BRC (Basic Rider Course) and it is offered through the safety office on base for free and that will get your M endorsement for your license. And you are not going to ride on-base without your M, registration, insurance, and signing a page 13. And stay away from your friend cuz like stated they may not be a good teacher.

Welcome to the site!

Don't.
This is NOT like riding a bicycle.


And yeah, what Eric said.

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"Charlie don't surf!"
The Cake is a Lie!
"You're gonna love my nuts!"
"I haven't seen Yayo..."
07 ZX-6R - "crack"
07 Mean Streak Special Edition - "blow"

+1,000,000,000 On what everyone has said. And Welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I rode for several years in L.A. Rush Hour traffic on my first bike and never took the MSF. I took the MSF safety course 3 years ago when I bought my existing bike because I wanted to learn the right way and not break my new, expensive ass toy because I was being an idiot or thought I new what I was doing.

I learned more in that weekend (taking MSF) than I had my first 3 years of riding!!!! No joke. Plus I didn't have to take the stupid DMV test. My new bike actually sat in my garage for 3 months before I allowed myself to ride it, AFTER I took the MSF, because there was a 3 month wait to take the course. Don't let your buddy teach you. He will show you his bad habits, and they will be hard to break once you are taught the right way. So why not develop the good habits from the get go?

So take the course and find yourself a nice used bike. Ninja 500's are a good choice, my $.02. A little more power than the 250 but also still very light. You will be on this bike for a while too before stepping up to 600. Remember even 600's are capable of extreme speeds. There's a reason why they race them. Good luck!!!!

Welcome.

Two words: be careful. No matter where/what/when you ride be careful.

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Liking me is a lot like masturbation. Nobody admits to it, but everyone does it.


Riding a motorcycle without a helmet is like trolling for unprotected hooker nookie in sub-Saharan Africa.

Welcome to the site. Lots of good advise. Watch out for all the crazy cagers

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http://www.cycleawareness.org

David,

By you lurking, joining, posting and asking questions on this forum already shows that you are smart enough to make the correct decisions. Even though you have to be very careful on what you read on public forums since you really do not know the credibility of these individuals, the advise given on your thread, and for the most part on this forum is 110% correct. I think the experience and crediblity that this forum has to offer is A+. That is why it gives me no reason to go post or lurk in other local forums here in Vegas.

Up to this point, you are doing the right thing, and that is asking questions. This is what happens when you are influenced by friends. I believe bad habits and bad decisions by his friends played a big role for what happened a few weeks ago.

Sportbike party/benefit for a fallen rider!!

You inquired about the ERC, best for you to take the BRC. There is a lot time spent in the classroom, learning about safety gear, and street riding strategies. Wait a year or two and then take the ERC as a refresher course. Hey you might end up taking it with all your riding friends.

Here is the link to the SCS ERC Class that was conducted earlier this year. Yes, even riders who have years and years, tens of thousands of miles realize that taking a refresher course is always a good thing to do.

SCS ERC Now with pics!

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VEGASRIDER................
Team Yamaha Blue '06 FZ6!

Welcome!

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"Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death."-Hunter S. Thompson

2011 Sgt @ Arms

welcome to the form and listen to all the good info there alot of it here on the form.

Welcome,you picked the right site.

Welcome. Bunch of great people on here. And glad to see another AF member on here. What's you're job? I'm stationed at Nellis also, in CE.

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'05 Gixxer 1000

http://www.facebook.com/jeremylawson81

Welcome David!

Now I want you to do yourself a favor. Read over all of the great information that has been posted here in the threads...then read it over AGAIN.

It is very good information and provided by some very good riders. Some I have ridden with, some I have not, but if they are associated with SCS, then I trust them as riders. That's the great thing about SCS is they don't screw around with safety here. They take it very seriously and try and bring up new riders the RIGHT way.

So, definitely read over all of this awesome and pertinent information twice or even three times. Also...please do your best NOT to let your other friends influence you in getting a 600 or even bigger bike as your first one. That is a mistake I have seen sooooo many younger riders make and I have seen some of them pay for it with their very lives. It's not a joke and not just some "far away story". It's true and you can get very, seriously injured by going in over your head with a bike that is way too big starting out. Yes, there are inherent risks you take with riding any motorcycle, but why compound that by getting something that is just too much to start with? A 250 or 500 is a very good place to start; as stated previously.

Again, welcome to the site, enjoy your time here and we look forward to meeting and riding with you sometime soon.

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If you can't beat 'em...shoot 'em!

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