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first bike

Guys, newb here

need quick opinion on these three first bikes:

* SV650
* GS500
* Ducati Monster/ducati m900?

I'm liking the monster, but your opinions are welcome.
 
My first bike

My dad bought it for me (I bugged him for a minibike for four years) in 1973 when I was 9. It was a '67 Honda 50cc C110. I think he paid thirty bucks.
Honda_CA110_1.jpg


I was hooked.

I'm 45 now and have been riding ever since - dirt bikes mostly.

Crashing on pavement really, really sucks. Don't ask how I know. It's even worse when traffic's involved. If you don't get hurt, you're extremely lucky. Make sure you have decent health insurance, and nobody's gonna suffer greatly if you get snuffed. (Yes, it could happen.)

My advice:

Be able to ride a mountain bike in the hills on tight trails without losing control first. Then buy a minibike, perhaps an XR100. You'll figure out how to transport it. Then buy a DRZ400. Get used to it over a couple of years and then buy whatever tickles your fancy if you so decide. Oh yeah, don't forget or skimp on gear.

If you absolutely have to have a street legal bike, I'd still start with the
DRZ. It won't be hard to sell later either.

:ride
 
hi folks.
this is my first post on barf.
my first bike was a '68 bsa victor 441. bought it new. what a beast! it's amazing i didn't wind up in the hospital or worse. if you didn't kick it over just right it would loft you over the bars and send you your ankle by regular mail. the handling and torque were fantastic, though the front forks and brakes were lacking by modern standards. i rode that bike for many years and loved it dearly.
as for the above question, i ride a monster 750 and have ridden a 900. i much prefer the smaller size. the 900 seemed like a locomotive compared to my "sports car". ymmv.
i am a fan of the sv's but don't know anything about the gs's. so i'd pick the sv650.
my general advice for newbie riders:
1 TAKE THE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSE
2 buy a midsize well used beater and abuse the ever-loving crap out of it. take it in the dirt and throw it down. hand it every kind of abuse that god or man can devise.
3 then go buy your dream bike.
don't worry, all three steps are a whole lot of fun.
 
Hey Guys,

I'm a complete newbie and am looking for a used bike, preferably a Ninja 250. I've found a couple of people wanting to sell, but I need some expert help (read someone who understands bikes well enough/mechanic) to give me the go ahead on the bike when I finally buy it. Can someone recommend who I should get in touch with?
 
I can only suggest you get a 250 for your first bike.
Your learning curve will rocket up as you learn the basics and how to handle a bike before moving on to something more powerful.

Look at Honda Rebel 250's or Kawasaki Ninja 250's (the new 08+ look sick)
 
New to these forums, got myself a Ninja 250 a couple months ago. I'll get the final license (on permit now) towards the end of the month so I can ride with some other people, its gets boring riding alone. :(

So anyone around the Sunnyvale/Cupertino area wanting to go for a ride, or know of any events, etc., tell me about it! I enjoying riding alot :)

I also Moto-Vlog, so other motovloggers, dual vlog's ahoy! >:3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuxPKqQ5_0c
 
So i am also just now getting in to motorcycles. I took the MSF course and am now looking for a first bike. I am in my early 30's, fairly mature.
i'd like to get a sport bike.. but 250s are just too small for me (6'1, 190). I can get a pretty good deal on a GSXR600... is this just too much bike for a new rider?
 
Here are a couple models for you to look at:

Suzuki SV650(S)
Suzuki GSX 650f
Kawi Ninja 500
Kawi Ninja 650r
Honda CBR 600 F4 and F4i (The F4 model being the most beautiful japanese sportbike ever made, IMO)
Yamaha FZ6R

These are some 600-class bikes that aren't race replicas, and aren't nearly as crazy as the RRs. Look into them. Don't worry that they aren't as racy as the RRs. The fastest riders will tell you that it's the loose nut that connects the handlebars to the footpegs that matters the most.

If you aren't set on a sport bike, consider getting a Suzi DR-Z 400SM, a 400 cc supermoto. They're very light, they have a great riding position, and because you're a big fellow like me, I know you won't have any trouble getting your feet down on them. Their only weakness is that the freeway is a bit of a chore for them. It can be and is done, but anything more than 65 is a struggle for them.
 
Dr. Evil said:
Here are a couple models for you to look at:

Suzuki SV650(S)
Suzuki GSX 650f
Kawi Ninja 500
Kawi Ninja 650r
Honda CBR 600 F4 and F4i (The F4 model being the most beautiful japanese sportbike ever made, IMO)
Yamaha FZ6R

These are some 600-class bikes that aren't race replicas, and aren't nearly as crazy as the RRs. Look into them. Don't worry that they aren't as racy as the RRs. The fastest riders will tell you that it's the loose nut that connects the handlebars to the footpegs that matters the most.

If you aren't set on a sport bike, consider getting a Suzi DR-Z 400SM, a 400 cc supermoto. They're very light, they have a great riding position, and because you're a big fellow like me, I know you won't have any trouble getting your feet down on them. Their only weakness is that the freeway is a bit of a chore for them. It can be and is done, but anything more than 65 is a struggle for them.
Click to expand...

Also a KLR650, DR650 or BMW F650 all are incredibly easy to ride, fast in the corners and on the twistiest of roads, and hold their ground on uneven pavement or sketchy roads. Also, because their built like a dirtbike, they can go down and get back up and finish riding (as opposed to most sportbikes that break and come apart upon hitting the ground)...
 
My two cents are that the V-Twin is the way to go, very smooth power curve. I have a 2008 SV650SF. The sporty styling and leaned forward position are enough to turn heads so you don't feel like a lamer. But what is really most important: making you feel safe on the bike. Peakier bikes can be touchy and twitchy especially coming out of corners when riding aggressive. As far as feeling safe and making you want to push it for that thrill of riding the SV is an amazing starter bike.

Some day I'll get a more sport focused bike, and maybe do some track days ($$$ permitting), but I know I made the right choice with my SV.
 
slice999x said:
im 17 and about to buy my first bike but im not sure what to get
im looking for a sportbike, probably used
and i only have about 2-3 grand to spend

does anybody have a suggestion of a good first bike that i should start looking for?

any help would be much appreciated
thanks
Click to expand...

you should take my '08 ninja250 off my hands :teeth
 
A great first bike would be a ninja 250 or anything with a 250 cc. I'm sure everyone agrees with me.
 
NOOB.

looking for a bike ... for a noob.

friends have suggested:
- Ninja 500cc
- F2 or F4
- FZR

budget:
$2-3K

any suggestions.. lmk
 
definately take the MSF course... you get to learn the basic riding skills needed on THEIR bike.... you need the protection like leather and helment of course... just be responsible and you wil be ok what ever bike you ride... i started on a 1000... dont do nothin stupid like racin people, and poppin whellies untill your good
 
Hey,

For 2-3K, I would get a Ninja 250, maybe a 500. Thing is, if you are gonna get something bigger than a 250, 3K is really stretching the limit on the quality of a bike you can get. Unless you are really good w/ fixing bikes, you will be taking a couple trips to a mechanic. Expect to get a bike w/ a lot of miles or has been dropped.

I got a 2005 Ninja 250 for $2300, I can pop wheelies on it (despite those who state that 250's r too small to do that sort of stuff), I burn cars w/ it, and the people at my school (who know absolutely nothing about bikes) think its the coolest thing ever. Yeah, I would rather have a 600, but the 250 has taught me some lessons that a 600 could have really messed me up. The only thing I don't like about the 250 is the exhaust doesn't sound like that beast of a motorcycle, but its worth being patient. Start w/ something low budget and simple, and you will appreciate a more fancy bike down the road.
 
jonas.sota said:
Hey,

For 2-3K, I would get a Ninja 250, maybe a 500. Thing is, if you are gonna get something bigger than a 250, 3K is really stretching the limit on the quality of a bike you can get. Unless you are really good w/ fixing bikes, you will be taking a couple trips to a mechanic. Expect to get a bike w/ a lot of miles or has been dropped.

I got a 2005 Ninja 250 for $2300, I can pop wheelies on it (despite those who state that 250's r too small to do that sort of stuff), I burn cars w/ it, and the people at my school (who know absolutely nothing about bikes) think its the coolest thing ever. Yeah, I would rather have a 600, but the 250 has taught me some lessons that a 600 could have really messed me up. The only thing I don't like about the 250 is the exhaust doesn't sound like that beast of a motorcycle, but its worth being patient. Start w/ something low budget and simple, and you will appreciate a more fancy bike down the road.
Click to expand...

+1

Although if I had $2-3k to spend and was thinking of a ninja 250, I would get one for 1000-1500 (you'll find them everywhere) maybe even an ex racebike with the 17" welded wheels, and spend some money on the finer things, replace sprockets, chain, tires, plugs, wires, coils, oil, oil filter, air filter, brake fluid, upgrade to steel braided brake lines, etc. Make it your bike and all new from the ground up, that way it doesn't have to be so perfect upon first inspection.

All motorcyclists should be mechanically inclined in some way or another, or know someone who they can call anytime, to pick them up with a truck; there is no AAA for motorcycles. There is Cycletow, but haven't used them and not sure how far they go outside the city.
 
I figured I'd probably have a better shot at getting some advice in here over creating another dreaded new bike thread but I'm torn between two semi similar bikes..

I threw around the Idea of picking up a 600 F4i as my first bike and was recently talked into looking for a 600rr instead. I've been looking around and haven't found much as the rainy season is just starting.

Of course the RR is a little more, and they look and ride a bit more practical since they're a racebike.. But would the F4i be that much more inferior to the RR where I should just bite the dust and keep searching for the RR???

Being this would be my first bike thats above 50cc's lol and I don't wanna go and spend $5k on a bike thats flawless and drop it. I know it will probably happen, and dropping a $3-4k bike I wouldn't feel quite as bad... Anyone here have any insight on this? I'm not a track junkie, or a thrill seeker. I just want a bike to ride occasionally on the weekends with my fiance, and to work.. But something that has enough nuts to get respected among the rest of the class of 600's..

sorry for the letter btw, It wasn't my intention but I'd like to hear this from an outside standpoint other than hearing it from my close friends. I've never riden either bike btw, so excuse my newbness.
 
Thateguhate said:
.. But something that has enough nuts to get respected among the rest of the class of 600's ..
Click to expand...
Please try and earn respect not by what you ride, but how you ride it. If you're looking for a 2-up bike, better realize where a race replica is limited... F4 or RR? Both of them are an overkill for what you list above, performance wise. If you're looking for a good commuter that CAN do 2-up, look at Yamaha's FZ6. Ride safe :)
 
Underdog said:
Please try and earn respect not by what you ride, but how you ride it. If you're looking for a 2-up bike, better realize where a race replica is limited... F4 or RR? Both of them are an overkill for what you list above, performance wise. If you're looking for a good commuter that CAN do 2-up, look at Yamaha's FZ6. Ride safe :)
Click to expand...


I got what your saying but I didn't care much for the feel of that bike I got on one at Mission Motorcylcles in Daly City because the owner suggested it. It just didn't fit me, or what I was looking for.

About 5 years ago I wanted a sportbike. I never got one because I knew I wasn't ready to handle one. I'm 28 now, Did my fair share of growing up so I'm not so much so nervous about packing all that punch like I was before. Its just nice to know that its there if I need/want it.

I know the ideal way of moving up the chain is to purchase a 250cc but its just not something I want to do honestly. Thanks for the input and suggestion.
 
Thateguhate said:
I got what your saying but I didn't care much for the feel of that bike I got on one at Mission Motorcylcles in Daly City because the owner suggested it. It just didn't fit me, or what I was looking for.

About 5 years ago I wanted a sportbike. I never got one because I knew I wasn't ready to handle one. I'm 28 now, Did my fair share of growing up so I'm not so much so nervous about packing all that punch like I was before. Its just nice to know that its there if I need/want it.

I know the ideal way of moving up the chain is to purchase a 250cc but its just not something I want to do honestly. Thanks for the input and suggestion.
Click to expand...

If you're only going to ride on the weekends and possibly with a passenger, and you care so much about how you look and the bike you're on, then get a cruiser and it wont really matter how big it is. The reason why you're fellow barfers keep saying over and over again about starting on a 250 and going up from there is that they can teach you things that you wont have time to learn on a 600RR. That bike will hit, what 60? 70? in first gear? A 250 ninja does in three gears and its exillirating every time. We also want you to be safe and to stay alive long enough maybe to meet you in person. I rented a 600RR in 2005 and put almost 400 miles on it in the 24hrs I had it(it would have been more but I had to work 11pm-8am) It was a blast to ride and my friend who rode with me on Hwy 1, 9, 35, Northbay and southbay twisties couldn't believe how fast it was or I was on it. I also have been riding for twenty-two years and have had four 600cc bikes along with two 250's earlier on. My suggestion is not to get a 600RR or even an F4 or F4i. If you must, try an F2 (which you can find now for dirt cheap) and don't worry so much if you drop it. They're very forgiving and run forever (I have one with over 100k on the clock) If you wanted something newer, try an SV650 or EX650. They would also do and are relatively newby friendly....
 
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