i wasnt sure where to place this thread.

i am looking to buy my first motorcycle, hopefully by the end of the summer. i am def a beginner and was referred to the kawasaki ninja 250r. its got a smaller 250cc engine. i dont think i would need anything bigger.
i have a general idea of how to ride and operate a motorcycle, but i am lost on a few things. i tried googling but am probably using the wrong wording and havent had any luck.
first, i cant seem to figure out where everything is. front and read brake levers, clutch and shifter, and how they all work. second, for shifting, i read that you go down for the 1st gear, up for 2-6. what does that even mean. i guess i would understand that once i know the mechanisms of the bike.

thanks for your help, and i apologize for my noobyness

 

Take a bike safety class/riders course.
It will teach you all of the things you mentioned.
only about 150-200 dollars for the weekend.

 

^

 

i know i plan on it, but id like to know before hand too.

 

There isnt a point. if you googled/youtubed and still couldnt figure it out.............
Just get the hands on experience, man.
you'll appreciate it.

 

i didnt youtube, cant watch any videos at work.
and im bored

 

check out the motorcycle thread in cartalk.

 

Primary Controls

You use both hands and both feet to operate the five major controls on the motorcycle.

* Throttle
* Clutch Lever
* Gear Shift Lever
* Front Brake Lever
* Rear Brake Lever

1. Throttle - Located on the right handlebar, it is the right handgrip itself. Control engine speed by rolling (or twisting) "on" toward the rider (lowering your right wrist) and rolling "off" or away from the rider (raising your right wrist). Springs back to the idle position when released.
2. Clutch - Located on the left handlebar, it is a lever in front of the left hand grip. Connects power from the engine to the rear wheel. Squeeze to disengage power. Ease out slowly to engage power to the rear wheel.
3. Gear Shift - Located ahead of the left footpeg. Lift the lever up all the way to shift one gear at a time. Press down to downshift one gear at a time. Typical shift pattern: 1-N-2-3-4-5-6.
4. Front Brake - Located on the right handlebar, it is a lever in front of the right hand grip. Squeeze to apply the front brake.
5. Rear Brake - Located ahead of the right footpeg. Press down to operate.

Other Controls and Equipment

6. Fuel Supply Valve - Controls fuel supply to the engine. Turn to Off, On, Reserve, or Prime.
7. Ignition - Key selects ON, OFF, PARK, or LOCK.
8. Choke - On for cold starts.
9. Engine cut-off switch - Shuts off engine. (Know where this switch is.)
10. Electric starter - Push to start engine.
11. Kick starter - Thrust down with foot to start engine.
12. Headlight beam - Selects low or high beam.
13. Turn Signals - Usually do not cancel automatically.
14. Horn - Press to operate.
15. Speedometer - Includes an odometer to show total miles ridden.
16. Tachometer - Indicates engine speed. Never run the engine at an RPM indicated by the red zone.
17. Indicator lights - Indicate neutral, high beam, turn signals, and other conditions such as: engine oil pressure, sidestand down, etc.
18. Side & center stands - Support the motorcycle when parked.


Motorcycle Safety Foundation Link
http://www.msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm...cycle%20Basics

 

Get your states handbook for the motorcycle permit/license. Read through that. It has alot of info.

I definitely suggest the MSF course, but if you dont get the basics a bike probably isnt for you.

And Im sorry if that comes across as me being an ass, but Im exhausted and Im not too articulate today

 

thanks guys, i think i figure it out, found some pictures online and read parts of the msf handbook.
i got it

 

you really do not have a general idea of how to ride, judging from what you posted.

please take a MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course first. They teach you all the basics and even supply the bike (in WA at least). Once you pass, you even get your m/c endorsement (which I do not support).

when you do get your endorsement, try to find someone who knows is a good rider. He can help you with buying a bike and maybe give you some on the road lessons.

 

I just took the MSF course and went from zero to hero in three short days. It changed my life in ways I can't describe in front of kids. It makes Disney World look like a small playground.

OK, seriously, it was a great course, I had no knowledge going in and coming out I have full knowledge of the controls, emergency procedures, safety and handling, and the MVD license test is part of the course so I don't have to go do it separately! Call your local Harley dealership as I know they generally host the MSF class. It also gives you a discount on your future M/C insurance, which is a big bonus.

I also just bought a bike. Now, to find my awesome Wolf shirt...

 

yea please get yourself educated before you get the bike.

I was in the process of getting a R6S, but I found out my dad had skin cancer and couldn't work while in treatment so I couldn't spend the money on the bike. But next year I'm getting one because he's getting better

 

I like that he thinks a ninja is for beginners.

 

it isnt?

Well it was for me, but I wasnt a typical beginer

 

You had training wheels? Cool.

 

It seems that every time I see younger guys on a sport bikes they are driving like asshats.

 

I used to race a 1000cc 200ish HP snowmobile on the asphalt, my four wheeler scared the out of a friend with a 1500ish HP Super Street car, and those were all before I ever once sat on a bike

I generally was the exception to the rule

 

In his defense, hes looking at the Ninja 250 which is quite anemic.

Its enough to get yourself in trouble though, but not nearly as quickly as the ZX-6r.

 

the Ninja 250 is a great beginers/womans bike

Jefford, I have the perfect next bike for you!

 

 

I already have a bike...

It's a 750 thank you...

 

Wolf shirt FIRST....bike second.

You are doing it wrong!

 

 

doesnt the displacement of the engine diminish over time?

 

I paid extra for "continuous displacement"...

Truthfully, I think it's a 736cc engine, but after 32 years, it's probably bored itself out to a full 750 or so.

 

LOL! I never knew that about bikes...

 

Start here ...

https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/motorcycle-classes-717060/

Then move to here ...

https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/official-motorcycles-scooters-thread-719775/

 

Make sure "Organ Donor" is checked on your license.

 

i dont think id ever need to go over the 250. i dont see myself as a hard core rider. just occasionally and never too far. and work is only 7 miles for me.
im def going to take this course, either this summer or next. im researching bikes but to be practical, not looking to buy right now, earliest maybe would be september sometime. and i know i have no experience, and will probably suck the first time. i just wanted to figure out the mechanisms of the the bike before hand. im a technical person and i was able to figure it out quickly enough. but i know i need plenty of practice.

 

You must not know anything about the Ninja 250. It is the perfect beginners bike and the only thing is shares with the other "Ninja" models is the name.

OP, I started on a pre-owned Ninja 250 and it was perfect. Not only did it give me full confidence which allowed me to learn properly, I kept it for a little over a year and sold it for the same amount I paid for it since they hold their resale really, really well.

Take the class, pickup a used bike, and Happy Riding!!