Hello, I'm a college student who is looking to learn how to ride and get my own motorcycle. I live in Maine and with summer coming fast I have been researching riding and bikes in hopes to learn this summer. I have researched a the license/permitting process. There are courses offered for around $300 that provide beginners with a motorcycle for a 2 day course. One day is riding and the other is for a written exam. If i understand correctly, upon passing the course I can present the certificate at my local DMV and get an official license. The price is steep but this seems reasonable for a beginner. Do any of you know exactly how this works or have any suggestions?

Second of all I'm looking for a motorcycle. I have found this description in my local used auto trader publication.

"1999 Honda CBR 600 F4 red, white and black, exc. cond. New battery, erion exhaust, only 10100 mi. Sounds awesome, very fast, $3500."

I have contacted the seller and will be going to look at this bike over the weekend. I have a family member who is n experienced rider who will accompany me (in order to do a test drive, as I do not have my license yet). I'm wondering if any of you might be able to give me some helpful advice regarding my situation. What kind of quality checks can I do when looking at this bike. Does the 1999 f4 have any common problems i should be aware or look into? and lastly how does the price sound for a bike of this year and mileage?

I'm new to this forum and would appreciate any advice any CBR owners/riders can give, thanks

Sam

 

Hi Sam, I am sure someone here will help with the bike info. you need, I am not that familiar with the 600rr. As for the classes, there is a fantastic program run by the MSF ( motorcycle safety foundation). They have a beginners course that when completed, as long as you passed, they will license you right there. You will need a permit though prior to attending the class. Here is the link http://www.msf-usa.org/ . They supply the bike for the course in Pa. May be same where you are. Check the FAQ. Good luck and welcome.

 

Im also a new rider here in Sunny SoCal. I just started riding last week. Just take it easy and avoid heavy traffic areas and everything should be good.

 

As far as that bike goes , I would find a bud who rides or know bikes inside and out . But when I check a bike out the first thing I do is look for things that will affect safety such as brake system (check the resi's for fluid , look for markings on the rotors , these will tell you if they are warped or bent real bad if the markings are inconsistant ) , check the functionality of all the lighting system (low beams , hi beams, tail light , brake light , blinkers etc .) check the suspension (does it travel well , is the front end sloppy , are the forks leaking etc. )

After those basic things I take a step back and start looking and listening for things that could possibly affect the price such as :

tires (are the worn badly ? )
plastics ( is there rash or cracks ?)
chain and sprockets (does the chain have alot of play ? If so check the tensionors , if they are maxed out your gonna need a new chain . After that look at the sprockets , first the rear sprocket are the teeth defined or rounded down badly ? If so thats another thing to replace . And the same for the front )
Levers (are they broken or bent do they function properly , have the cables been maintained )
Motor (it may be hard to realy listen to it with that pipe on there but have em fire it up and listen for any knocks or ticks that may peak your attention . If it is a loud pipe on idle try using a piece of wood like a broom handle and place it on the block , that will usually put any knocks right to your ear . Also keep your eye on the levels of fluid just like you would a car and watch for any smoke coming from that pipe no matter what color there shouldn't be any . )

Your not gonna be able to work em down on everything you find and most used bikes are never perfect but things like tires , sprockets , chains etc are normal maintenance anyway .

Also be sure this is the style bike you want to be on and don't step into anything that makes you feel uneasy , that is usaully the first sign that your in over your head .

Brandon

 

Wow Brandon, thanks for your response. That is very helpful and exactly what i was looking for. As i'am a beginner to motorcycle riding I have a feeling I will feel a bit nervous around it at first. The important part will to be able to distinguish whether it is the normal gitters or a real sign to reconsider such a bike. I will try and keep this question in mind as i move forward in my hopes to become a rider.

 

Hello michiesh, the MSF course is extremely helpful in getting you started. Definitely enroll, and like you stated, it's the best way to obtain your endorsement. The F4 would make a good starter bike, imo. Make sure you factor in insurance along with bike costs.
Welcome to the forum & let us in on how it goes

 

glad to help !!!

Brandon