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Old 06-03-2017, 08:24 PM
 
51 posts, read 38,078 times
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I had my license for a year and don't have a car yet and now I'm bored of cars and I'm thinking about getting a motorcycle now. I know it is a bad idea in LA but oh well.
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Old 06-03-2017, 08:27 PM
 
4,795 posts, read 4,851,281 times
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Yolo!
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Old 06-03-2017, 11:27 PM
 
Location: Los Angeles
4,504 posts, read 3,965,183 times
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Take the MSF safety course first. They have bikes for you to use, so you don't need one to take the course. Riding a motorcycle is VERY different than driving a car, particularly in L.A..
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Old 06-04-2017, 12:06 AM
 
51 posts, read 38,078 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JustMike77 View Post
Take the MSF safety course first. They have bikes for you to use, so you don't need one to take the course. Riding a motorcycle is VERY different than driving a car, particularly in L.A..
Wait a minute I think I saw one of those at the west valley occupational center. Is it the one where they ride around cones all day?
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Old 06-04-2017, 01:36 AM
 
Location: Los Angeles
4,504 posts, read 3,965,183 times
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Originally Posted by DangerZone17 View Post
Wait a minute I think I saw one of those at the west valley occupational center. Is it the one where they ride around cones all day?
Yes, that's probably the one. Make sure it's run by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). And DON'T get a Ducati ......yet. Wait until you learn to control that right hand (throttle). Most will say to start with a used bike with moderate engine size because you're bound to drop it. I started out with a new Triumph Bonneville and have never dropped a bike, so I sort of disagree with that thought. Just get a bike that can handle freeway speeds easily and one that's comfortable for you. You'll learn more about what you like after you take the course. BTW, Ducati's are EXQUISITE bikes, just not for beginners IMO.
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Old 06-04-2017, 07:51 AM
 
1,855 posts, read 2,932,507 times
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Make sure you lane split through traffic at 70 MPH when the rest of traffic is going 15 MPH. It's an LA tradition.
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Old 06-04-2017, 10:04 AM
 
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Yeah don't waste money on a Ducati for your first bike ...get a GSX instead. You'll want at least 1000cc and plenty of torque to pull those wheelies! And fill out an organ donor card.
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Old 06-04-2017, 11:32 AM
 
101 posts, read 137,999 times
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Motorcycle commuter and Ducati owner here. LA is a fantastic place to own a motorcycle don't listen to people who don't ride. You don't have to wait in traffic, gas is cheap, parking is easy, and most drivers are courteous in a way you never experience in a car.

Get something light and cheap for your first bike. A DRZ, Nina/CBR 300, or one of the Honda 500s would be my suggestions based on your style and budget. A supermoto like a DRZ can take a beating and zip through traffic so you might keep that even if you get a bigger bike later too.

California doesn't do MSF anymore they switched to Total Control which is supposedly more modernized. Definitely take one of those classes. California Motorcyclist Safety Program

Once you've been riding a few months and are comfortable on a bike head out to SoCal Supermoto. It will give you a chance to push a motorcycle and get comfortable with it for cheap and without endangering yourself or your bike. Socal Supermoto

Please always wear gear too. Full face helmet and gloves are the absolutely minimum. But really Kevlar jeans, a mesh jacket, and good moto specific boots should be in your arsenal. Just add that to your budget when shopping for a bike. As someone who would be dead if I wasn't wearing gear I can't stress this enough. Revzilla is a good place to start. https://www.revzilla.com/sportbike-gear
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Old 06-04-2017, 01:44 PM
 
51 posts, read 38,078 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ryanms3030 View Post
Yeah don't waste money on a Ducati for your first bike ...get a GSX instead. You'll want at least 1000cc and plenty of torque to pull those wheelies! And fill out an organ donor card.
I'm thinking of getting a Honda cb350
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Old 06-04-2017, 02:17 PM
 
4,795 posts, read 4,851,281 times
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Originally Posted by DangerZone17 View Post
I'm thinking of getting a Honda cb350
I actually had a 350. It's great for around town but underpowered for the freeway. They are also ridiculously overpriced in LA thanks to the hipster tax. You can pay $2000-5000 for a relatively stock one in LA depending on condition when you could get the same one for $500-1000 in another state
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