[net.cycle] motorcycles & novices

ray@bpa.UUCP (01/20/84)

	I've been touring on motorcycles for about 12 years and have
ridden for 17 and would generally agree with G. K. Wade that for free-
way use, don't be afraid to get too big a motorcycle.  
	If your use will be more in the commuter category, do yourself
a favor and don't by anything less than a 350cc . I say this for the
simple reason that you may want to carry a passenger, and anything much
smaller won't have the guts for the hills unless you like to downshift, 
and like the high rpm of the small machines. Who wants to have to ask
their passenger to get of the bike to push?
	A 450-750cc machines (especially the 4's) would be appropriate
for long commutes at the low end to 2 passenger tours fairly loaded at
the high end. 
	In my opinion anything over 750cc is a luxury (I run a GL 1100),
the major benefits being greater passing power, highway and straight line
stability--for interstate travel and more load capacity (say you want to
run a sidecar, carry one or more passengers, pull a trailer, and take your
TV).  
	If you plan to by a motorcycle from a dealer, many offer riding 
school. If you buy something too small, your only going to waste money 
stepping up to a larger one (a friend of mine has done this 4 times in
5 years). 
	Some people are physically just too small for the big machines
although alterations can be made to allow for this (I like to be able
to touch both feet to the ground while setting still).
	In closing, buy what you can afford, don't worry about the weight
because you practice riding out of traffic as long as neccessary until
you feel confident that you can ride in traffic safely without endangering
others or yourself.  It's the nut on the seat and inconsiderate others that
can make a motorcycle dangerous, big only means it demands more respect.

					Good Riding,
					Ray Benash