This is topic beginner bike? in forum General Talk at Northern California Ford Owners  .


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Posted by andyman_2k01 (Member # 1448) on :
 
i'm looking into getting a street bike, whether new or used, and i'm wondering what would be a good bike to start off on. i've only been on trail bikes (shifting, but with no clutch) so i'm damn near brand new to the game. Does anyone have any suggestions on what kind of bike (power wise) would be good for a newb to the sport bike world?
 

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Posted by LIL MZ MISCHEIF (Member # 5585) on :
 
i always wanted a ninja 250 to start on but didnt get it.... i heard the 600's are ok to start on.... u can probably go with yamaha maybe... i hear the new 06 r6 is pretty nice...
 

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Posted by 97COBRA97 (Member # 407) on :
 
You can pick up alot of the late 90's-newer 600's for a decent price. Im by no means an expert but I started with a 600 ninja then moved up. I have a 05 R1 now and have a couple of friends who started on R1's actually. Personaly I dont need a bike that big or fast but the weight wasnt that different and it was comfortable and at the time you couldnt get the r6 in the paint I liked.

Alot of it has to do with just riding in your limits. If your riding crazy on a bike regardless if its a 250-1000 they all crash the same.
 

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Posted by Eagle347 (Member # 6205) on :
 
I would get a used 600. If you got a new one, then droped it or something you would be pissed. Once you start riding you will want more power real quick, so get a 600 to learn on, sell it and get a 1000!
 

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Posted by 2stangs69-91 (Member # 1951) on :
 
start out slow 600's these day's will do 150 LOL. That equals big crash. Get what ever bike you like just don't get over confidant thats were you get hurt. I started with a 400 them moved to a 650 now I have a 1200. Respect your bike and don't trust anybody on the road.
 

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Posted by Luke87GT (Member # 21) on :
 
R1

Come big or go home ;-)
 

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Posted by CobramanPhil (Member # 2170) on :
 
Take a MSF class to see where your really at. That will help you make a decision on what bike you should start off on.
 

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Posted by 89 FAKE SNAKE (Member # 4531) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Luke87GT:
R1

Come big or go home ;-)

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Posted by 87GeeTee (Member # 5905) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Luke87GT:
R1

Come big or die ;-)

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fixt.

Get a 600 or check out the Buell Fireball.
 

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Posted by andyman_2k01 (Member # 1448) on :
 
i heard rumors that there is a class i take and that will actually lower my motorcycle insurance. is this correct?
 

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Posted by Norcal95050 (Member # 2941) on :
 
I suggest going to the MSF class ( the motorcycle safety class) they provide you with the bike for the duration of the class, you wont have to take the on road rideing test at the dmv,and your insurance will be lower. That being said you will outgrow a 400 or 500 quick and an R6 is nice bike but expensive..people telling you to buy an r-1 without knowing your height or weight, just plain giveing you a wrong advice. I would say stick with a 600 or 650,, suzuki make a nice v-twin bike with tons of mid range toque.. take a look at the sv650s..
 

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Posted by Eddie510 (Member # 2354) on :
 
get a gsxr 750 cause you will grow out of that 600 fast and want more power so start in between ..and its all in the wrist
 

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Posted by 50 Notch (Member # 1664) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by Eddie510:
get a gsxr 750 cause you will grow out of that 600 fast and want more power so start in between ..and its all in the wrist

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Like mine....



[ June 10, 2006, 06:05 PM: Message edited by: 50 Notch ]
 

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Posted by Cobra5.0Jeep (Member # 1482) on :
 
Get a Hog
 

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Posted by 1991CHP (Member # 5097) on :
 
I would go get a dirt bike or enduro. Bang that around for a while to get the hang of it, and to see if you even really like it.


As for when/if you decide to get a street bike, get what ever makes you feel more comfortable.

And as for "out growing" a 600, DO NOT LISTEN TO SQUIDS LIKE THIS. For your own safety. Any 600 is more then enough for just about anyone who KNOWS how to ride. AMA, AFM and you can be twice as fast on a 600, then some schmuck on an 1000.


Have fun and ride safe.
 

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Posted by andyman_2k01 (Member # 1448) on :
 
Thanks fellas for your replies. I think i'm leaning toward a 600cc for sure. My buddies say that people with 1000's can't even fully use their power in the twisties (mainly where they ride), and that a 600 should be plenty of power for the time being.
 

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Posted by 2stangs69-91 (Member # 1951) on :
 
If you are a begginer and our planning on using full power in the twisties you are going to get hurt. Besides going into and comming out of twisties there is always a long straight what then LOL
 

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Posted by Glenn (Member # 520) on :
 
go take the MSF course,then you decide what you feel comfortable on. Some times after taking the course, some people decide bikes aren't for them at all. I have two bike, an F4I, and a GSXR-750. You can feel the power difference, but the 600 is still plenty fast.
 

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Posted by xcessive50 (Member # 2995) on :
 
hey bro,i logged on just to respond to this post. look at my member number and number of posts and you will see that i dont do it often,but i thought my advise could help.You have gotten alot of good advise already(2stangs and 1991chp especially),and i hope you are smart enough to know the good advise from the bad.I just wanted to add that 1) always know your road and never go faster than you can see ahead of you. 2)never assume that you can go as fast "in the twisties" as someone else that you might be riding with. 3) and most importantly, after a few months or so on your new bike you're going to be feeling comfortable with your bike and your riding abilities and thinking that you're pretty good.You're not.It takes a long time to get good. i've been riding for 21 years and i still learn new things when i ride and i never assume that i'm some badass.Anyway bro,be safe and smart and have fun.By the way, 600cc should be plenty for quite a while if not forever. I bought a 600 AFTER i had owned 900's and 1000's and i know way experienced riders that have tried them all and prefer 600's
 

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Posted by cummins (Member # 5931) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by 89 FAKE SNAKE:

quote:

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Originally posted by Luke87GT:
R1

Come big or go home ;-)

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quote:

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Originally posted by Eddie510:
get a gsxr 750 cause you will grow out of that 600 fast and want more power so start in between ..and its all in the wrist

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Hows does one outgrow a 600 on the street? Just wondering as I don't think it is possible. I'd say a performance 'upgrade' to the rider is the best way to go
 

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Posted by two-gun kid (Member # 5891) on :
 
get a turbo hayabusa.
 

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Posted by SydeWayzSix (Member # 2222) on :
 
Like some said, take the MSF class. When I took it, there were a couple guys that decided motorcycles weren't for them and just left the first day of class. Plus, you dont have to take the DMV riding test (really hard from what I hear) and you insurance is discounted.

As for bikes, I many people say to start off on a 600 or bigger, but that may not be you. I know a few guys that LOVE 250cc ninjas because they're really light and are a blast in the twisties. Personally, I learned on my cousin's 250cc, then bought a ninja 500. The 500 was pretty fast and if it looked better, I probably would have kept it. The newer 600cc bikes have plenty of power. If you get tired of the power, then you most likely just ride straight-aways and dont take it throiugh the twisties, which in my opinion, gets pretty boring. But if you plan on riding the bike like its supposed to be ridden (through turns and all that), then the 600 should be perfect and have enough power for a long time. ANothre option thats quick and easy is to simply upgrade your sprockets. It odesnt actually add any horsepower, but like 3:73's or 4:10's, it'll give the bike a big push...or you can change the ratio so you have more high-end speed.

In essence, as a beginner, I say stick with the 600cc. From 1999 and up, the engineering on sportbikes has gotten really good and I think that any bike from that year on, will do you good...Just ride safe and remember to wear gear even if its hot as hell...
 

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Posted by 50 Notch (Member # 1664) on :
 
I agree with Ian, the 600's are plennnnty for the street. I got the 750 as a happy medium instead of the liter bike. Just be careful, and remember to prepare for the fall, not for the ride..
 

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Posted by mustanggt5091 (Member # 444) on :
 
Its all in the wrist, this may sound odd but a liter bike can actually be easier to learn on and for intown city driving if the newb can respect the missle he is sitting on. The larger amount of torque available at low rpms can be nice, I started on a older 6, you can buy a descent one for cheap, learn for a few months and then sell it for damn near what you bought it for depending on how well your learning goes Then get whatever you feel fits your style, ohhh and take the course. Also if you have a buddy with a quad, it really helps for beginners to go out on a quad that wont fall over and get used to the clutch with the hand, shifting with the foot.
 

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Posted by blk67stang (Member # 6234) on :
 
you need something like this


im telling you,these things are so fun and beginner friendly

you can also go to bayarearidersforum.com and find out a ton of info on bikes and experiences people have had.Great sight.
 

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Posted by z pyro (Member # 3745) on :
 

quote:

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Originally posted by xcessive50:
hey bro,i logged on just to respond to this post. look at my member number and number of posts and you will see that i dont do it often,but i thought my advise could help.You have gotten alot of good advise already(2stangs and 1991chp especially),and i hope you are smart enough to know the good advise from the bad.I just wanted to add that 1) always know your road and never go faster than you can see ahead of you. 2)never assume that you can go as fast "in the twisties" as someone else that you might be riding with. 3) and most importantly, after a few months or so on your new bike you're going to be feeling comfortable with your bike and your riding abilities and thinking that you're pretty good.You're not.It takes a long time to get good. i've been riding for 21 years and i still learn new things when i ride and i never assume that i'm some badass.Anyway bro,be safe and smart and have fun.By the way, 600cc should be plenty for quite a while if not forever. I bought a 600 AFTER i had owned 900's and 1000's and i know way experienced riders that have tried them all and prefer 600's

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I agree with this guy, and others who say the same things. you will never "outgrow" a 600, probably never even a 250. I guarantee most of these guys on 600s and 1ks will get their asses handed to them by someone on a 250 who knows how to ride. and even though a 250 "crashes the same" as a 1k, a 1k or 600 can get you in a whole helluvalot more trouble than a 250. how many times have you heard of someone looping it on a 250 ninja?
get a 250 to start, learn how to ride well, then sell it for just about as much as you paid, and get a 600 if you feel it's necessary to do so.
I started on a 600, but it weighs 500lbs and only has 88hp. it's considered a great beginners bike, save for the extra weight. I can't wheelie in any gear other than 1st, and even then it takes a good pop of the clutch to get it up. I love my bike and feel it was a great decision.
all in all, it's up to you on what to get. you can be squidly and get a brand new r6 or r1, buy a $600 helmet and ride around in a tank top and flip flops, and ride for a little while before you donate some skin to the pavement. or you can start off slow, learn how to ride correctly, get decent gear, and ride for years without incident.
here's to hoping you make the right decision
 

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