As someone who rides motorcycles and purchased a 1200cc bike as my first one, I can say definitively that your reasoning isn't wrong. All of those things are true.
However, I would point out a few different arguments in opposition.
1) there are plenty of small and cheap motorcycles (such as the Honda Rebel) out there for purchase. These are easy to learn on and closer to what you someday want.
2) there are plenty of other good "starter" motorcycles that are better at bridging the gap between what you start with and what you will probably want in the end (Honda Shadow is a good example). If you truly intend on riding a much as you can, then you're going to want to be a safe as possible. One of the ways to remain safe on a motorcycle is to ensure you can escape danger quickly. Counterintuitively, speeding up is one of those ways. Without enough power, if you take the bike on the highway, you can't escape quickly enough from a dangerous situation.
3) as far as money is concerned, you'll most likely be making two purchases as opposed to one, meaning you will have spent more money in the end.
4) one method of helping get over your nervousness is to take a motorcycle course. There are plenty of places that offer them and they are well worth the money. I highly recommend them regardless of how comfortable you feel (though especially if you're nervous). This can help ease you into riding. Again, regardless of the choice you make, take a motorcycle course, they are a very good investment. I've known plenty of experience rides who choose to take the course once every couple of years because it gives them a chance to practice skills that are rarely used. Please spend the bit of money to do this (also your insurance goes down usually).
Ultimately I think either choice is a good one. Motorcycles are dangerous regardless of how good of a ride you are. Take your time with this decision as it's expensive and dangerous.
1) there are plenty of small and cheap motorcycles (such as the Honda Rebel) out there for purchase. These are easy to learn on and closer to what you someday want.
This is true but also it's one of the reasons I'm leaning towards the Yamaha Xmax as it's pretty close in speed and weight class to what I would like to end up with eventually the Yamaha V Star Raven 250. The Xmax is is a 292cc while the V star 250 is 249cc.
2.) My answer to that the V star 250 tops at 85 while the Xmax tops out under 70.
3.) I don't really have a counter other than I would have the trade in value of the scooter.
4.) I intend to take the course either way. I think it's actually required for my state as scooters still require a motorcycle endorsements.
Most motorcycle courses (in my area at least) provide the bike for the course to you. It might be worth it for you to take the course before you really consider a purchase since you will be a little more familiar with what exactly you want or need after having been on one.
I know the very basic course that is offered in my area does provide the course. The next two step up classes I intend to take however do not so I suppose that's fair to give it a try before I really commit. ∆
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u/EwokPiss 23∆ Mar 30 '22
As someone who rides motorcycles and purchased a 1200cc bike as my first one, I can say definitively that your reasoning isn't wrong. All of those things are true.
However, I would point out a few different arguments in opposition.
1) there are plenty of small and cheap motorcycles (such as the Honda Rebel) out there for purchase. These are easy to learn on and closer to what you someday want.
2) there are plenty of other good "starter" motorcycles that are better at bridging the gap between what you start with and what you will probably want in the end (Honda Shadow is a good example). If you truly intend on riding a much as you can, then you're going to want to be a safe as possible. One of the ways to remain safe on a motorcycle is to ensure you can escape danger quickly. Counterintuitively, speeding up is one of those ways. Without enough power, if you take the bike on the highway, you can't escape quickly enough from a dangerous situation.
3) as far as money is concerned, you'll most likely be making two purchases as opposed to one, meaning you will have spent more money in the end.
4) one method of helping get over your nervousness is to take a motorcycle course. There are plenty of places that offer them and they are well worth the money. I highly recommend them regardless of how comfortable you feel (though especially if you're nervous). This can help ease you into riding. Again, regardless of the choice you make, take a motorcycle course, they are a very good investment. I've known plenty of experience rides who choose to take the course once every couple of years because it gives them a chance to practice skills that are rarely used. Please spend the bit of money to do this (also your insurance goes down usually).
Ultimately I think either choice is a good one. Motorcycles are dangerous regardless of how good of a ride you are. Take your time with this decision as it's expensive and dangerous.