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first bike

Honestly. Start with a used bike under 400ccs then upgrade to something around 600ccs. (Something I did and never regretted.)

I just met someone who bought a Ducati Hyper 1100 for his first bike and he is so scared to even ride it that it just sits. (something I've seen happen a dozens of times.) So don't get a first bike that is out of your skill level no matter how bad the temptation! Unless your a millionaire of course.

Be safe.
 
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yodaisgod said:
buy a bike for YOU.
Don't buy a bike to impress other people.
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Good point. I think this is the mistake a lot of first time riders make.
 
What's up Folks? How are ya'll?
First post.

Super Newbie Greenhorn, Haha.

I took the BRC at the college and bought an XR400.
Loving the ride here in the city.

Heard of barf from the guy at cycle gear on Harrison when
I was buying a cable for my bike to the powerpole out front.

This vbulletin is the same as the arborist forums I frequent.
easy peasy.
 

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Hello..

I am petite 5'3 and Only 105 pound, Ninja250 VS Honda rebel250 . which one can be better for petite woman to control as a first bike?? any suggest bikes for short woman and beginner....??

ThankSSS
FengHuang009
 
I think the Rebel is better suited for shorter riders but the ninja 250 is a great beginner's bike as well.
Starting on a 600...."It can be done but should it be done?" Heard this from a lot of people. I think it's true. Started with a 600 myself. Never drop it YET so far...knock on wood.
I guess start with whatever you're comfortable with and +1 for "buy a bike for YOU, not to impress others"
 
im new here to BARF.

hello everybody. what can i say riding is fun if you do it safe. haha i just got a 08 gsxr 600 its a very good bike i love it.
 
I think your decision between the 250's depends on whether you think you'll get more into sport riding ie. track and twisties or just city cruising. Personally I would go with the ninja 250 because I've heard the rebel is not a well built bike. I would also consider getting a ducati monster... my girlfriend, 5'3 was considering because it has the ducati name/style and she could almost flat foot the bike.
 
Okay, here is the opinion regarding the Rebel / Ninja debate from someone who currently has both. I have a 2006 Rebel and a 2009 Ninja. I first learned to ride on the Rebel but never felt very comfortable on it. I didn't like the way that the cruiser handled and the steering felt "heavy" to me. I liked how short it was and how comfortable it was, but it sorta scared me away from 2 wheelers all together and then when I bought my Spyder I didn't think I'd go back to a 2 wheeler again. THEN, I just recently purchased a 2009 Ninja 250R which I had lowered 2" and I have to say only 20 miles into owning the bike I am in love with the 2 wheeler over again. It's so easy to handle and control. I definitely recommend the Ninja over the Rebel. I just let the hubby take the Rebel and now I have my Ninja and my Spyder and I love both, in very different ways.

Happy Riding!
 
well if i had looked i would have saw this well here it goes.

i am lookinig for a motorcycle. but am looking for the right kind. i have not sat on a 250-500, but have sat on a few 600's. being 6'5 300lbs i could not fit on them. for that reason i am looking at 750's or ninja 900's. i am going to ride a katana 600 and see how it fits me.
 
the donald said:
well if i had looked i would have saw this well here it goes.

i am lookinig for a motorcycle. but am looking for the right kind. i have not sat on a 250-500, but have sat on a few 600's. being 6'5 300lbs i could not fit on them. for that reason i am looking at 750's or ninja 900's. i am going to ride a katana 600 and see how it fits me.
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If this is your first bike...I would see if you can fit on an SV650 (Suzuki)... these bikes are very popular for first time riders and the 650 engine will carry most people fine....I would also suggest a VFR 800... I personally like this bike... but it is a bit heavier and faster than your average bike... however, being that you are 6'5 and 300lbs... you might want to consider it
 
bshum said:
If this is your first bike...I would see if you can fit on an SV650 (Suzuki)... these bikes are very popular for first time riders and the 650 engine will carry most people fine....I would also suggest a VFR 800... I personally like this bike... but it is a bit heavier and faster than your average bike... however, being that you are 6'5 and 300lbs... you might want to consider it
Click to expand...

i have yet to sit on a SV650. but when i rode my frineds 600 katana today, it was a little uncomfortable taking off, and getting my foot on the peg, also i wear a size 16 shoe. but once i sat on it i felt comfortable.

i need to go to the dealership and just sit on bikes, i just feel bad when i have no reall intention of buying a new $6-10k bike.
 
the donald said:
i have yet to sit on a SV650. but when i rode my frineds 600 katana today, it was a little uncomfortable taking off, and getting my foot on the peg, also i wear a size 16 shoe. but once i sat on it i felt comfortable.

i need to go to the dealership and just sit on bikes, i just feel bad when i have no reall intention of buying a new $6-10k bike.
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It's definitely just the comfort factor when you are talking about taking off from a stop. If you are comfortable sitting on the bike while riding it around, then the foot down part should not be a problem once you get more miles under your belt. The Katana is surprising a very comfortable bike and a very sturdy bike...I might suggest a V-strom for you just because of your height. The V-strom is a touring bike and so it sits up higher from the ground.

I think it's definitely an advantage that you'll tall because when you need to stop, you will be able to flat-foot everywhere you go! good luck w/ your purchase and let me know if you have any questions
 
New motorcycle!

Hey everyone,

I just wanted to let you know that I have finally purchased my own motorcycle, after many years of riding on friend's and longing to have one of my own.
2972_85188223614_501808614_2421373_4403723_n.jpg


It's a 1998 Suzuki Bandit 1200, and it has been running great. :ride
It's quite a bit heavier than anything I have really ridden, and the handling is not what I expected (from riding Ducati Monsters and Yamaha R6's...) but I am starting to get used to it. I was riding a 1980 Honda CB750 Custom before this but it was heavy and didn't have the kick I was looking for with today's standards.
n501808614_845918_650.jpg


If you guys have any suggestions for upgrades or maintenance please let me know, and I hope to see you out on the road! :D
 
another newbie

DRZ newbie here, just picked her up a few days ago. it's an 07 with less than 3000k miles on it, loving it so farr :ride
 

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I want a 250cc, however a few people I work with say I should get an sv650. They say that I will grow out of the 250cc rather quickly. Does anyone know of a place where you can test ride used/beatup machines?
 
Crynryan said:
I want a 250cc, however a few people I work with say I should get an sv650. They say that I will grow out of the 250cc rather quickly. Does anyone know of a place where you can test ride used/beatup machines?
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get the 250 as it is a great bike to learn on and you won't grow out of it quickly.
 
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