Chopper Motorcycle Parts

- What should I look for as a first time owner when purchasing a used motorcycle?
I've never ridden a motorcycle before (not that I couldn't learn), but I'm not familiar enough with bikes to know what I should be searching for. I understand that a smaller, lighter bike might be good to start out with, but I would like to avoid a 'crotch rocket' bike; just not my style. Any advice? What should I expect with insurance prices? I'm a 29 yr old male with an impeccable driving record. Thanks for your input.

A Well first off start off with a used bike, because you may or may not drop it and it is much better to drop a used bike than to drop a brand new bike and feel guilty about it. Ok so avoiding the crotch rockets. I'm not sure what your style is exactly. Do you like basics, cruisers, Harley's, choppers, etc? Whatever bike you choose, you at least have to sit on it and make sure you can comfortably fit. 1) Make sure your legs are not cramped, especially while shifting. Make sure your knees are not bumping the gas tank while shifting. Also, both feet should be able to touch the ground and be completely flat on the ground. 2) Make sure all of the controls are within reach of your arms and all pedals within reach of your feet. Also, make sure that you can visibly read all of the gauges. Next, give the bike a good look over. 1) Stand back and look at it. Does anything look odd or out of place? Is the frame straight? Does anything look bent? 2) Check the tires. Make sure the owner has properly inflated them, they should be firm, but not rock solid. Also check for any damages to the tires like any burnt off rubber or nails sticking in them. 3) Check the electrical components. Make sure the horn works, the blinkers, the lights, the gauges etc. 4) Check the suspension. Check the fork suspension up front pay close attention and make sure this is not rusted and run your hand up it to the top and make sure the seals are not leaking. In the back of the bike there will be either one or two shocks - same thing make sure they look presentable and clean. 5)Check the brakes. Look at and feel the disks of the brakes - are they warped or damaged in anyway? Check the brake lines and make sure they are not damaged. Also if you can take it for a test ride, make sure you take note of the brakes' stopping abilities while riding. 6) Check the cosmetics. Is the bike in good shape? Has it been dropped or in an accident? Check all over the painted surfaces for cracks, dings, or rust. 7) Check the gas tank. Open up the gas tank and shine a light in. This is important, sometimes the inside of a gas tank can rust so make sure that there is no "film" on top of the gas - if there is a rusty or milky film on top of the gas in the tank then turn around and leave because rust in the gas spells disaster. 8) Make sure it runs and starts well. Make sure the seller has not warmed it up before you got there that way you are starting it from a cold start. Keep note of how long it takes to turn over or if it struggles to turn over. If it has an RPM meter then look at it when it is idling and make sure it is consistent. Does it idle well? Are there any clear and obvious knocking or pinging noises? 9) Ask the seller all the questions you can think of. Such as: When was the oil changed last? What kind of oil was used? What kind of gas is used in it? Has the maintenance schedule been followed? Has it ever been dropped or in an accident? Has it ever had a serious problem? Has the engine ever been rebuilt or seriously repaired? How many miles are on the tires? etc. 10) Take a test ride if the seller allows it. If not, ask them to ride it in circles around you or near you and listen to it while they ride and make sure it sounds and looks to be in working order. 11) Finally, is the bike you? Do you like it and can you imagine yourself owning it? Since you are not looking for a crotch rocket, you should not be in too much of a press insurance wise. Insurance should be quite reasonable for you. Good Luck and Happy Riding!

- What do you call a half bicycle half motorcycle combo?
I am looking, for one of those bikes that you pedal for a little bit and then it has like a little motor and you can start it up and ride it with that. Does anyone know what those are called/brand name. On a side note, do I need insurance or a permit or anything if I want to ride it in the streets of DC haha?

A I believe they are called mo-peds I have bought a kit and attached it to my chopper cruiser. I have this one http://www.2wheelbikes.com/bronco-3-0-chopper-cruiser.html it looks super cool because it looks like a motor cycle already.