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first bike

Ok, I tried to search but didn't come up with anything concrete.

What are some of the key things one should look for when purchasing a new bike? I know you should check if it's straight, but I see a lot of ads saying that they have changed the sprokets and chains with less than 20k miles. Is that normal? how often should they be changed?

thanks for any and all help.
 
SVTguy said:
Ok, I tried to search but didn't come up with anything concrete.

What are some of the key things one should look for when purchasing a new bike? I know you should check if it's straight, but I see a lot of ads saying that they have changed the sprokets and chains with less than 20k miles. Is that normal? how often should they be changed?

thanks for any and all help.
Click to expand...

I assume you're looking at buying a used bike, in which case take it to a dealer/mechanic and get a "safety inspection" or "pre-purchase check"
$70 is worth the peace of mind that you're buying something that won't break the second the money leaves your wallet.
 
yeah, I would like to do that, but I was more interested in the sprokets and other misc. parts. I was wondering if they had to change them early, then that might have been signs of abuse. Or if that is just a normal thing.
 
On average, I have personally changed chains and sprockets every 15k miles, both o-ring and non-oring. They can last longer with proper cleaning and care (lubing), but I think the average is 15k, given how the average rider cares for their chain.
 
wuld a 750 be a bad start?
i really want a used gxsr 750 for my first bike.
people that i talked to told me a 600 is good to start, but after a year or 2 youll want more power...

any advice?
 
I don't think the more power of the 750 will end up being the problem. Being a noob on a sport bike, the odds are stacked against you. The bikes people suggest as a first are not as sport focused - less power, less likely to be ridden aggressively, less likely to trick you into thinking you know what your doing before you really do. Ultimately, no matter what bike you buy, it's your own judgment that is going to be the biggest factor in keeping the bike upright and out of the ditch. The 750 isn't much bigger size or weight wise, and doen't act much more powerful than a 600 unless you go looking for the extra power with your wrist.
 
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Hi guys, I am relatively new to the forum as well as to bikes. I am already registered for the MSF course. I can’t wait to get started. I have zero riding experience with 1-2 friends that ride. I would love to get a 250. I am looking at a sport style bike. Also my main criterion is to buy the cheapest thing available. That way when I drop the bike I won’t feel horrible. However my friend who has ridden for some time now thinks that the 250 may be a little too small for me in terms of physical size. I am 6 foot 3 and approximately 250lbs. He recommended that I start out with a ex500 or something similar. I would love to hear further suggestions from you all. Also in terms of my riding duties it would be my daily driver for my transportation needs. I live in Fremont and work in Redwood City so I am looking something that will get good gas mileage and wont kill my body too much although I understand there is a bit of sacrifice that is involved when it comes to riding a sport class bike.
 
Welcome!

Get insurance quotes for all the bikes that you are looking at, also taking into consideration other costs, such as tires, chains, valve adjustments, radiator fluid (if any).

Replacing radiator fluid on an EX500 would be less expensive, when doing a valve adjustment, than replacing shims on a GS500F, but the time it takes a mechanic to do a valve adjustment on a GS may be less (but, I think shops charge the same for valve adjustments).
 
Hi

Noob here... as far as sports bikes go but have been riding a 500cc cruiser in India for the last 5 years (tho it never went over 80mph or so).

Am planning on getting a sports bike but rather than go straight for a liter bike am planning on a 600cc bike...so the ones I was looking at are the R6, Daytona 675 and the Honda 600RR.

So which among these is the best bike for someone new to sportsbikes - am def looking for thrills down the line but am willing to trade a bit of control for speed and power for the first few miles at least
 
Hi All, I'm a newbie to this site and also riding. I just picked up a '07 Kawasaki zx6r.... Any advice on places to ride without all the traffic (SJ/Campbell area)?

Thanks!
 
well i know im alittle late on this one but anywho I started out on a 1971 TS185 Enduro bike learned alot never got into any aceidents well not true i did a high side on that bike OUCH! next bike i got was a 1996 XJ600 SECA 2 within the first month of onwing that bike i had about 3 near misses . One of my worst ones was where i went to fast for a turn to make a light and ended up locking the rear so i drifted the bike throgh the trun SCRAY SHIT this was 3 to 6 months into my Permit so i dont own that bike any more but i would say for starters stick with an ENDURO IF YOUR A BEGINER like i was you dont wannna die.
 
I'll give another vote for the SECA II. I'm sure I've done some stupid things with it, and it's taken good care of me so far. Get the gear, get the class.

Boy does living in the desert (Utah) make me miss CA!!!
 
New Rider / Bike

Hi all, I have been riding for three weeks. I just moved to the area. I ride an '05 Triumph Thruxon 900 (racing yellow).
 
O-la!

Aside from the MSF course, I've officially been riding for 2 hours! Got a '90 Honda Interceptor to beat up.
 
SUP BARF Riders!!!!! newb here, from S.F> and just got my first street bike, i say street bike because i've raced plenty of mx and dirtbikes back in the day. hope to do some weekend rides here soon with some of you fellow :barf 's. anyways, her she is!!!!

3392116-monster.jpg
 
Sup you guys!

Been riding for a few months now. Long time reader, first time poster.

Got a '05 gsf that I wish had frame sliders.
 
jnavarro said:
hey I htink you should get a bike that is 96 and up. the engineering and design is so much better than getting something that is realy old. even consider a SAVAGED title cause you know the possibility of droping it and it will be reliable since it will be pretty new. hope that helps.
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Great advice...

I started out riding on the Street My dads Ducati 900SS not a good bike to play around on....so i got a salvaged title 1997 Yamaha FZR 600 in my eyes it was a great starter bike...because as much as i ride it never even been close to goin down and i try to ride like V Rossi and C Stoner..haha im only 19 and i feel that im a better rider then i was when i was 17...maybe if your interested im selling my bike for a newer one...and i can sell mines too you..only has a lil less then 11K so let me know
 
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