Any motorcyclists here?
I live in Colorado and I love cycling along twisty mountain roads. The experience of being on a bike rather than in a car is a completely different way of experiencing the state.
I'm always going like 40 mph slower than the cars that pass me though, and I can only go so far before I'm completely exhausted, so I'm considering getting a motorcycle (It seems like I'd actually be safer, since at least I'm going the same speed as the people trying to kill me now). I'm signed up for an MSF class next week to get my endorsement.
I'd love to hear people's opinions on first motorcycles if anyone has them. I don't think the type of motorcycles people normally recommend (Suzuki TU250X etc) will work for me because of the large amount of steep road riding I'm planning to do, so I think I need something with a bit more torque. Something like the Triumph Street Scrambler seems like a good idea!
I'm also looking for advice about whether it's completely insane to store such a bike outside. I don't have a garage, but I do have a driveway behind my house in an alley where mostly only the residents of the block ever go. I can also block my bike in with my car when I'm not using it. Is this situation plus a disc brake and a cover enough to keep my motorcycle safe-ish from theft?
I ride, and it's the best. If you love cycling those twisty roads, you'll probably love them on a bike. You get the same feeling, but even more so.
Since you cycle, you probably know that everyone wants you dead (at least it seems that way), that doesn't change on a motorcycle. Ride like no one can see you, and if they do see you, they will merge into you anyway. Riding like I'm invisible has saved me so many times.
It's hard to recommend a bike, especially since I ride old ridiculous two strokes. The Triumph seems like a good idea, I've considered a Triumph for a modern bike. Find something with ABS if the budget allows. The 1200 may be a bit large, I dunno. I'd at least go 500-600cc if you want to enjoy some speed, 250cc is just not enough if you are going to be hitting the highway regularly.
The Scrambler looks awesome, but it may not be ideal for handling those twisties, you may consider the street triple instead. More sporty, but it is going to handle way better in the hills, power won't be an issue. The Scrambler will probs be more comfortable though, and if you aren't trying to send it hard through the turns, then the sport bike may not be ideal and the scrambler will probably work really well. Lots to think about! Ducati also makes a scrambler, pretty much everyone does now.
Get the endorsement and get comfortable on a bike and go do some test rides to figure out what sort of riding you plan on doing. There's a reason I've got multiple bikes and plan on more haha.
As for outdoor storage, I've done that for years. The bike gets a little beat up from the elements, but a cover helps a lot. Keep it covered, and hidden, and it will be fine. Make it hard to steal, that will deter 99.999% of theft attempts.
Thanks for your thoughts! Just BTW, there are two scrambler models, the Street Scrambler and the Scrambler 1200. The 1200 looks awesome but it's definitely too much bike for me right now and a bit above my price range. The street scrambler looks like it might be a bit easier to handle.
Oh that is good to know! Yeah that looks like the option I'd lean towards myself too.
I'm not sure if I have any answers, but here's my story:
I've been a lifelong cyclist, I absolutely love bicycles. About 10 years ago I was living in Utah and wanted to get into adventure motorcycling. Took the MSF class, got my license, and picked up a Ninja 250. After about a year of becoming comfortable with that I bought a Suzuki DR-Z400 and trekked all around the West Desert and Uintahs and and up into Idaho and Wyoming. It was awesome!
Then I moved to Denver and quickly realized that it's quite a bit different than SLC. There's not a ton of BLM land, or really much non-private land to explore around off-road until you get quite a ways away from the city. Also the traffic and drivers in the area are wild compared to SLC. I just never felt safe at all on most of the roads. I slowly rode less and less and then just quit altogether and sold my DR-Z.
So now I'm still riding my bicycle all over and actively support all of the safe road initiatives in Denver. Haven't thought about or missed motorcycling at all and I'm positive I will never own one again.
Yeah I can imagine how moving from Utah to Denver can feel like you're losing a lot of space outdoors. It's more crowded than people think out here!
When my company's office was open, before COVID, I would cycle commute to work every day. I look forward to doing it again sometime!
Hey I was thinking about your post and remembered I have some gear collecting dust in my garage that you're welcome to have if you're in the denver area. A very nice Arai helmet, some meh gloves and a moto cover that I used on my DRZ.
https://imgur.com/a/1fLcpEo
That’s so kind! I will DM you.
Similar thread:
https://tildes.net/~hobbies/ffk/any_motorcyclists
Are you open to buying used? If not, why not?
Have you budgeted for a quality helmet, gloves, jacket and pants?
What are you planning to do with the bike during winter?
Are you interested in riding dirt?
What's your inseam?
Thanks for the link! Some good stuff there. As for you questions:
Definitely open to buying used! There are a few private sellers in my area that I hope to check out once I've actually got my license.
Definitely budgeted for gear! I've already got a helmet (Biltwell Gringo ECE, might upgrade it to something with a face shield if I need to)
I'll probably keep riding during the winter. It snows fairly infrequently in Denver and temps stay pretty reasonable so we'll see.
Definitely a bit of dirt. Forest roads, etc, but probably not serious ADV stuff.
Inseam is 32".
Buying a cheap used bike is the way to go. You will have a better idea of what you want after a year in the saddle, and most inexpensive bikes barely depreciate.
Start keeping an eye out for used Ninja 400, DR-Z400SM on craigslist. If it doesn't move for a couple of weeks, go take it for a test ride. Cash in hand. Most people have come down to earth after a few weeks of no sale. Also test ride bikes at the dealership. Just be prepared to buy it if you drop it.
Frankly, a smaller bike is better than a big bike for the twisties and the dirt. The big bikes go faster on the straight, but slower on the curves, and are harder to pick up. And these days, it seems like small bikes can almost keep up with the big guys.
Have fun with the MSF course.
Get a DRZ. Double get a DRZ since you live in Colorado. It's got torque for days and you will be able to ride it literally anywhere.