[gvinvan]

Hello all,

I live in Vancouver BC. I don't have my riding license yet and have never ridden a motorcycle. I plan to get my riding license soon.

My question is that after a lot of research lots of sites suggest to buy a used motorcycle as a first bike.

My question is since the price point for bikes such as G310R are fairly competitive and low and the bike is not very powerful and weighs quite light, would you all suggest it to be someone's first bike? I read a lot on how a noob will drop the bike because they didn't put the stand right etc, but i am guessing these drops can be avoided by just being extra careful.

Your opinions are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Mr Moe]

It would be great for a first bike. Dropping a bike because you didn't put the stand down right had nothing to do with being a new rider. That's just being dumb.

 

[WoodWorks]

Get a cheap, used bike and use it to figure out what kinds of riding you enjoy. Then go out and buy the bike you really want. Unless you completely trash it, you'll be able to (almost) recoup the cost of that first, used bike. So you won't be short on cash when you decide to buy what you really want.

 

[gvinvan]

It would be great for a first bike. Dropping a bike because you didn't put the stand down right had nothing to do with being a new rider. That's just being dumb.

Thanks. Yeah comments such as these did not make sense to me. There are old bikes still going for around 2K or more so it is getting confusing to whether buy new or used. Leaning towards this great bike though.

 

[heap]

I think too this bike is perfectly suitable for a new rider. It's probably the principal market it aims for. If you have the budget to go for it, then go. It is a very good deal.

 

[gvinvan]

Get a cheap, used bike and use it to figure out what kinds of riding you enjoy. Then go out and buy the bike you really want. Unless you completely trash it, you'll be able to (almost) recoup the cost of that first, used bike. So you won't be short on cash when you decide to buy what you really want.

Thank you. In terms or riding, i have got over the phase when i used to dig sports bikes. I am 38 now and my main purpose would be to ride the bike to work around town and to close towns like Whistler BC, enjoy the curvy roads, all during summer time. More of cruising than anything else.

 

[gvinvan]

I think too this bike is perfectly suitable for a new rider. It's probably the principal market it aims for. If you have the budget to go for it, then go. It is a very good deal.

Thanks. Budget wise should be ok. I am just skeptical about the dropping part. Though i don't know if ppl usually drop bikes due to weight constraints etc. As newbies. I am hoping drops can be avoided by being extra careful.

 

[heap]

The bike is low and relatively light, has a smooth and predictable power delivery, all that makes it easy to maneuver and beginner-friendly. A used bike not fitting those criteria will be more prone to drop. I don't recall dropping my first bike, yes - probably because I was super careful. I've dropped a subsequent bike, this time probably because of over confidence and dumbness.

 

[gvinvan]

The bike is low and relatively light, has a smooth and predictable power delivery, all that makes it easy to maneuver and beginner-friendly. A used bike not fitting those criteria will be more prone to drop. I don't recall dropping my first bike, yes - probably because I was super careful. I've dropped a subsequent bike, this time probably because of over confidence and dumbness.

This give me confidence in splurging a bit extra and getting a new bike. I was also looking at ducati scrambler 62 but i think ill save some $$ by going with 310r and using some $$ on nice gear.

Over confidence does get to you lol but it's all good. Thanks for the encouraging input.

 

[bmwrider]

The bike is low and relatively light, has a smooth and predictable power delivery, all that makes it easy to maneuver and beginner-friendly. A used bike not fitting those criteria will be more prone to drop. I don't recall dropping my first bike, yes - probably because I was super careful. I've dropped a subsequent bike, this time probably because of over confidence and dumbness.

Are you planning to change sprockets and some of other usual bits people usually do or are you really that content with the G310R?

Thanks for all your feedback so far, its been useful to me and many others here, now we need more heaps

 

[MandatedMotorvation]

Thanks. Budget wise should be ok. I am just skeptical about the dropping part. Though i don't know if ppl usually drop bikes due to weight constraints etc. As newbies. I am hoping drops can be avoided by being extra careful.

All you have to do is pick it up...0

Sincerely, these aren't museum pieces or good investments. They're motorcycles; impractical, expensive, dangerous, fun, adventurous, exhilarating, and many other things in all their wonderful glory.

Being a new rider I'd offer the advice that you have many, many other things to worry about than dropping your bike. Fill your brain with safety issues, not cosmetic or ego driven concerns. Quite frankly, dropping your bike is a badge of honor and in some cases, could also be considered an absolute. No worries if it's new, old, borrowed, or stolen, chances of you dropping it is of a high percentage. Don't let people fool you, they've probably dropped a bike or two in their lifetime. It happens. No worries.

I'll add, buying used is not a bad idea but it sounds like you're sold on the 310r. It'll be the first of many more to come. Motorbikes are not sacred; they're tools to use as you see fit. Keep yourself safe and you'll continue to experience the fascinating world that's out there on top of two wheels.

Ride in peace.

 

[gvinvan]

All you have to do is pick it up...0

Sincerely, these aren't museum pieces or good investments. They're motorcycles; impractical, expensive, dangerous, fun, adventurous, exhilarating, and many other things in all their wonderful glory.

Being a new rider I'd offer the advice that you have many, many other things to worry about than dropping your bike. Fill your brain with safety issues, not cosmetic or ego driven concerns. Quite frankly, dropping your bike is a badge of honor and in some cases, could also be considered an absolute. No worries if it's new, old, borrowed, or stolen, chances of you dropping it is of a high percentage. Don't let people fool you, they've probably dropped a bike or two in their lifetime. It happens. No worries.

I'll add, buying used is not a bad idea but it sounds like you're sold on the 310r. It'll be the first of many more to come. Motorbikes are not sacred; they're tools to use as you see fit. Keep yourself safe and you'll continue to experience the fascinating world that's out there on top of two wheels.

Ride in peace.

Very wise words. Thank you, I really appreciate the feedback. I agree safety should be on the mind first and foremost, I'll definitely remember that. Thanks again.

 

[WoodWorks]

What MandatedMotorvation said!

Here's what works for me when I get a new bike: Stop on the way home from picking it up at the dealer's, and drop the bike in a parking lot in front of a crowd of onlookers. Done!

 

[gvinvan]

What MandatedMotorvation said!

Here's what works for me when I get a new bike: Stop on the way home from picking it up at the dealer's, and drop the bike in a parking lot in front of a crowd of onlookers. Done!

LoL, must i really drop my new bmw bike? I'll just pretend i did till i do. 😃

 

[jlg14]

I have a deposit down on the G310R and it will be my first bike. I’ve ridden dirt bikes around before but never owned my own. The way I see it, I like everything about this bike and instead of putting money, even if not that much, on a used bike would just be a waste since I’d then just be trying to figure out how to get a new one. And for the price to include ABS I feel much better knowing it’ll be a safer ride than some of the other options in the same price range.

 

[Zente]

Well I am 62 and have been riding motorcycles on and off since I was 14 years old. I have dropped or crashed or laid down all but one of my over 10 motorcycles. NO I am not accident prone. It will happen. My first spill on pavement was back in 1971 when I was practicing for my motorcycle test in the DMV ( Dept of Motor Vehicles ) parking lot after hours. I was told I would have to accelerate from 1st to 3rd gear and at the end of the path make a right hand turn around and weave in and out of some cones. There was a lot of other things I needed to do but on my first run I was not thinking too far ahead and started accelerating got into 3rd gear and realized I was going too fast to make the u turn jammed on the brake and went into a slide that on dirt I might have recovered from. The DMV pavement had lots of oil stains and residue from years of use and needless to say the bike went out from under me and I went rolling along and up over a curb and into the grass surrounding the parking lot. The test I was going to take the next day had to wait over a week so I could replace the side cover that the shiftier peddle punched a hole into. I can tell you every one of the drops / accidents I have been involved with and all I can say is aside from some road rash in the early days I have never broken any bones. Oh and in the early days pre 1992 I never wore a helmet nor riding gear except in the dirt. I even dropped my 1973 Honda CB 500 four cylinder ( that was 6 months old ) on the 405 fwy due to an old lady who entered the FWY at 35mph and moved all the way to the fast lane from the entrance ramp right in front of me.

 

[gvinvan]

I have a deposit down on the G310R and it will be my first bike. I’ve ridden dirt bikes around before but never owned my own. The way I see it, I like everything about this bike and instead of putting money, even if not that much, on a used bike would just be a waste since I’d then just be trying to figure out how to get a new one. And for the price to include ABS I feel much better knowing it’ll be a safer ride than some of the other options in the same price range.

My thought exactly... Right on!

 

[gvinvan]

Well I am 62 and have been riding motorcycles on and off since I was 14 years old. I have dropped or crashed or laid down all but one of my over 10 motorcycles. NO I am not accident prone. It will happen. My first spill on pavement was back in 1971 when I was practicing for my motorcycle test in the DMV ( Dept of Motor Vehicles ) parking lot after hours. I was told I would have to accelerate from 1st to 3rd gear and at the end of the path make a right hand turn around and weave in and out of some cones. There was a lot of other things I needed to do but on my first run I was not thinking too far ahead and started accelerating got into 3rd gear and realized I was going too fast to make the u turn jammed on the brake and went into a slide that on dirt I might have recovered from. The DMV pavement had lots of oil stains and residue from years of use and needless to say the bike went out from under me and I went rolling along and up over a curb and into the grass surrounding the parking lot. The test I was going to take the next day had to wait over a week so I could replace the side cover that the shiftier peddle punched a hole into. I can tell you every one of the drops / accidents I have been involved with and all I can say is aside from some road rash in the early days I have never broken any bones. Oh and in the early days pre 1992 I never wore a helmet nor riding gear except in the dirt. I even dropped my 1973 Honda CB 500 four cylinder ( that was 6 months old ) on the 405 fwy due to an old lady who entered the FWY at 35mph and moved all the way to the fast lane from the entrance ramp right in front of me.

Great sharing of experience. I had an older gentleman at my work, used to say all the time, more than anything... Gotta watch for other clueless drivers on the road.

 

[WoodWorks]

A couple of other time-worn bits of motorcycle wisdom for you:

There are two kinds of riders, those who have gone down, and those who will go down.

And:

Ride as if everyone in a car is trying to hunt you down and kill you.

 

[LiquidCool]

^ These were the same wise words bestowed upon me by my instructor. Dropping the bike isn't all that bad, but I need to work out a bit more in case I need to lift it back up by myself.