Advise For First Time Motorbiking .

What size motorcycle should a 400lb first timer get?

The max load being about 350lbs, it just isnt recommended. The Ninja 250 wouldn't run effectively with 400+ pounds on the frame. Sure it will still move but the acceleration or lack of acceleration would be a real problem. Not only working the engine a lot harder than it should, but a suspension issue could result.

Go for a bigger, more powerful bike.

I'm getting my first motorcycle very soon. Looking at a Suzuki Intruder 800 (2000). Getting mixed advice...?

I own one of these cruisers and I see no problem with it. It is a little bit powerful for a first bike. However it is by no means a fast bike. Just take it easy and respect the power as you are learning.

It has some attributes that make it both good and bad for a first timer.

It is low. The low center of gravity is good for a beginner. Balance, not weight is important while learning to ride. The low seat makes it easy for most people to put both feet flat on the ground to balance the bike while stopped.

For general riding the bike handles acceptable. However push it hard and you will find the handling limitations very quickly. Remember that this is a cruiser, not a racing bike. Respect the bike and you will do fine.

This bike has a relatively small fuel tank. It looks bigger than it actually is. This is because the air filter for the front cylinder is located under the fuel tank. The fuel tank carries about 2 1/2 gallons of fuel. You will need to refuel about every 120 miles.

The bike is comfortable to ride. When you are ready for a passenger it can carry a passenger well.

If you plan on doing most of your own maintenance a service manual is a must. This bike is very quirky to work on. A Clymer manual only costs about $35 + shipping. If you buy the bike, get the manual, even if you don't plan on doing all of the maintenance yourself.

For example, the battery comes out through the bottom of the bike. However the bike sits too low to take out the battery. My solution. I use 3 small 2X4 blocks of wood. One under each wheel, one under the kick stand. This gives just enough room to remove and install the battery.

Another example. The air filters are located under the fuel tank and the seat. Don't even attempt to service them without a service manual.

The Intruder Alert forum is an excellent source of information on this bike. One nice thing is that it has mostly owners of the Suzuki cruisers. Some mechanics hang out there also. One nice thing about a forum dedicated to your bike. No trolls.

I'm starting to hate my husband's motorcycle. Advice?

I loved his bike...at first. I thought it was a great idea, a fun hobby, and something he could do that was just his. Well now...that's all he does. He leaves for work on the bike, comes home on the bike, and then proceeds to work all night on the bike. And when he runs out of things to do, he participates in a forum website that offers more to do on the bike.

He recently removed the passenger seat, and before that has only ever taken me for one ride. We also have a two year old who would like to play with daddy when he comes home, but even now as I'm making dinner his dad is "making his key look cool," and too busy to play. The damn bike key. Come on now.

If I blow up, he's going to resent me. But I'm seriously starting to resent him. I'm all for a hobby, but we're a family and there is some balance needed. Also, bike mods are NOT cheap. He's put a few thousand dollars into it now, and that is AFTER buying the bike brand new. Any advice?

Motorbike question! Is a Honda vfr 750 a good bike to start out riding on?

All of these answers so far are from guys but, while well intentioned, they don't really know what it's like for a female rider. So, from girl to girl, here's my opinion. I've probably had as many bikes as years you've been alive, so I know what I'm talking about, haha. Everything from a 25cc Montessa to a Honda 750cc (cc's are cubic centimeters which has already been explained). I've probably owned at least half of the available brands too. I was about a year younger than you when I learned to ride.

The first thing you want, no, need to consider is the bikes weight. Girls (generally) can't lift as much as guys can and, like someone else mentioned, you're going to drop it sometime; what will you do if it falls and you can't lift it? Especially if it lands on top of your leg or something? I almost bought a Honda 1000 once, but I couldn't lift it so I decided not to.

So here's my advice: Since you've never ridden before, you should get a dirt bike and practice off-road like someone else suggested. And get a used bike because you're probably gonna drop it. Get a 100cc to 150cc bike ( learned on a Honda 125). It doesn't really have to be a dirt bike, but it would be better. When you go to buy it, have the seller lay it down for you to make sure you can pick it up yourself. Try to get one with an electric starter -- some of those kick starter can throw you right off the bike! (I had a Yamaha 250 do that to me; sweet bike other than that, lol). It shouldn't take long to learn, maybe a month or so, and by then you will have a better idea of what size you would like.

Oh, one more thought, maybe you have a friend who will let you use his bike to learn? Guys seem to be pretty helpful in this situation :) That's what I did. I think the first bike I acutally bought was a 1964 Honda 300, haha. That was an oldie, but it was a sweet ride too.

Good luck and be safe! Don't forget to always wear a helmet.