Questions from a Beginner

I am looking at getting my first bike like some of the others in
threads that I have read, but did not see answers to some of the
questions that I have.

I have signed up for the beginner motorcycle safety course and will
likely rent a few bikes before I buy. However, I would like some
advice from some of you that have been around bikes for longer before
I get (suckered) ... I mean a nice salesman sells me a bike... that
may not be what I want.

About me
========
I am about 6'6" 290lbs so I will likely be looking for a 750 or higher
as my first bike for size/fit reasons. I plan on just using it for
casual riding and back and forth to work.

Questions
=========
1.) Used Bike: How many miles are "a lot" of miles on a bike. (Yes, it
does depend on how it is maintained and non-use can be bad too)
Is 10K miles on a bike equivalent to 35K miles on a car? Or is it
a 1 to 1 ratio.

2.) How many miles can you expect to get out of a bike before doing
major work?

3.) What ballpark figure should I expect to pay for insurance/month
with a clean record and age 30+.

4.) New Bike: Do they negotiate on price like they do for cars? What
constitutes a "good deal".

5.) If I do not work on bikes, it an extended warranty a good deal?
What price range are extended warranties?

Any other advice from seasoned riders/frequent buyers?

Any websites that would be good reading for someone trying to learn
the basics before buying?

Thanks,

Steve

 

Most of the bigger bikes are not hurt, unless there has been abuse with
something like 10,000 miles per year..

Not really.. depends on a lot of things .. Use.. Type of and the person
using it..

Varies with each rider and each bike.. I rode a Wing for more than 160,000
miles over a six years period.. Never did anything major to it..

Full coverage should run about $600.00 per year.. Again .. that varies with
each bike and rider..

They will usually negotiate the price.. The best deal you can make is a
"good deal"..

I've never bought an extended warranty.. I also don't work on my own..
Proper care and maintainance is the best warranty you will find.. I usually
try to "blow" that puppy during the warranty period.. Never succeeded.. My
bikes have been virtually trouble free.. There is always the first one,
though..

Ride it like you stole it.. Baby that new one till you get across the curb
at the dealer.. Then just ride it the way you want it to run.. Take care of
it.. Good Luck...

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker

 

Check out the 'forums' area on motorcycles.about.com. It has a section
for Beginners hosted by 'Plain Jim'.

There is a Beginner's Kit here:
<http://forums.about.com/ab-motorcycles/messages?msg=12600.1>

And Plain Jim has more info here: <http://www.motorcyclebeginners.com/>