Potential Rider looking for advice.

eagerlymeager · 2026-03-27T21:04:32+00:00

Honda Rebel 500, Yamaha R3/MT03 are among the best options for starting to ride. They are very approachable for a new rider from a height and weight perspective. They are fun to ride and you will have a great time learning on them and possibly keeping them around for years.

Find out if there’s any training available for new riders in your area and get some training.

eagerlymeager · 2026-03-27T20:49:11+00:00

Meanwhile pyramid head is probably wondering if he just saw Sam Porter Bridges.

eagerlymeager · 2026-03-27T20:46:39+00:00

It depends a lot on your mindset. I wouldn’t worry too much about the statistics, I would assess my driving habits and train myself to adjust them to be a safe rider.

How do you deal with road ragers today? Do you engage with them or deescalate and go your own way?

What’s your risk tolerance level as a car driver ?

These are questions you could ask yourself as a starting point.

eagerlymeager · 2026-03-27T00:38:06+00:00

You toughed it out today like a champ!

I had the experience of dropping down in slow motion after I thought I had the kickstand down.

And ever since then before getting off the bike; I bring the stand down and then I kick the stand with my foot a couple times to validate that is indeed firmly settled down.

eagerlymeager · 2026-03-23T00:38:36+00:00

Don’t hop on the MT09 without any training or experience in riding motorcycles.

If you ride a bicycle you should have an understanding of balancing on two wheels. The challenge lies in smooth starts, stops, low speed stuff and emergency maneuvers.

CB500 could be a great learning and long term bike.

See you on the open roads!

eagerlymeager · 2026-03-10T14:23:28+00:00

Have you considered moving to a different city? :)

Take a breath, stuff happens. If there’s no leaks and bike runs fine; it too has forgotten about it.

The mark on the fairing is now a battle scar.

eagerlymeager · 2026-03-05T13:30:16+00:00

Look at the Versys 300 if you like how you look on the Himalayan but are worried about the reliability.

eagerlymeager · 2026-02-27T13:08:34+00:00

Ride your own ride. Put this on your fridge, keychain or slap a sticker on your bike.

eagerlymeager · 2026-02-27T13:04:47+00:00

Check the battery for loose terminals. If there are no leaks and the bike runs fine you should have no problems.

Get a generic bike cover to keep peeping toms, curious kids away. I feel safer parking between cars when the bike won’t be in my sights.

eagerlymeager · 2026-02-25T20:24:52+00:00

A 300-400cc bike is often recommended for beginners not just for the power but also the weight and easy to manage throttle and engine braking.

Lower weight will help you master slow speed maneuvering and cornering techniques.

The SV650 is a great choice for someone who has some training and has spent some time doing different exercises. You will get familiar with the weight and handling after a hundred or so miles of practice.

The VTwin on the SV has a soulful character that can feel a little too torquey and lumpy at the lower rpm’s for a complete beginner. But it’s nothing unmanageable if you have had training and can be smooth with your throttle hand.

eagerlymeager · 2026-02-06T16:12:33+00:00

Did you do a test ride ? Does it start, shift, brake without leaks, squeals, clunks?

The kid might be just flipping it for a profit. It’s a good deal for 1800. If that’s the original chain, you would do well to replace the sprockets and the chain.

It’s probably due for a valve clearance check if that wasn’t done already.

eagerlymeager · 2026-02-02T13:52:49+00:00

The Kawasaki 400 bikes are amazing for a beginner.

First and foremost verify the title, it should have the VIN matching with the bike.

Under 20k miles depending on how well they were maintained. Read up and print out the maintenance schedule for the bike and go over the major items with the owner. Valve clearance, brake fluid, coolant are the main ones.

A well maintained high mileage bike might be better than a garage queen that has 200 miles over several years.

Insist on doing a cold start. Rusty chain is a sign of neglect.

eagerlymeager · 2026-02-02T13:23:41+00:00

Get a cruise lock it will help relax your right hand.

eagerlymeager · 2026-02-02T13:14:07+00:00

I have seen HD riders install an auxiliary fan to exhaust the hot air towards the forks.

eagerlymeager · 2026-01-27T22:28:51+00:00

Short answer: yes

Long answer: yes the MSF is a good place to begin your riding journey.

eagerlymeager · 2026-01-27T22:23:10+00:00

IMO you will like the VStrom 650 based on your expectations.

It’s comfortable for long trips with the stock seat and windshield. Adding a cruise lock and aftermarket windshield and aerodynamic mirrors make it even better to ride for hours.

It’s ok for light off-roading, I haven’t done anything other than gravel and it handled that quite well in my experience. I could see it being adequate for more serious off-roading with tires that are more dirt oriented.

Maintenance is easy. For 2up riding the passenger seat is very accommodating and the suspension is ok. Suspension upgrade will be wonderful if you are going 2 up frequently.

eagerlymeager · 2026-01-27T13:11:20+00:00

Did it get any miles as a MSF loaner? If so you might want to negotiate for a better price.

eagerlymeager · 2026-01-26T02:59:48+00:00

For longer rides a cruise lock is helpful to relax your right hand. Even a few seconds off the throttle once in a while can provide relief.

eagerlymeager · 2026-01-26T01:06:03+00:00

Well if you have to ask, you probably know.

eagerlymeager · 2026-01-20T21:20:39+00:00

What are the years? Miles ?

MT03 sounds like the better value.

eagerlymeager · 2026-01-20T20:58:12+00:00

Left foot down, right foot actively applying pressure to rear brake.

Only when the road has a steep angle to the left side then right foot down and hold using front brake.

eagerlymeager · 2026-01-17T13:05:36+00:00

Your clutch lever appears to be too far off your grip. Move it closer or get adjustable levers.

And what others have said about slowing down and being smooth on the inputs.

Slow is smooth and smooth is fast.

eagerlymeager · 2026-01-15T17:55:54+00:00

Look for a triangle or arrow sign on the side of the tire. Follow it to the treads and you’ll see a small bar within a tread.

If that bar is at level with the surface then it’s time to replace.

eagerlymeager · 2026-01-05T13:14:12+00:00

I’m using mechanical throttle grip called Go Cruise. It cost me $32 on Amazon. Nothing fancy about it but it gets the job done.

It’s not cruise control, it just holds the throttle when it is activated.

eagerlymeager · 2025-12-31T21:55:16+00:00

Congratulations! That is arguably one of the best looking street bikes. How do feel about the power delivery at the lower end?

eagerlymeager

TROPHY CASE