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first bike

Hey, I just got a Fazer about 6 months ago and put over 6k on it pretty much on the Bay area freeways. I've had many bikes, both street and dirt, but this has to be the best street bike that I've bought.

My first impression of bay area drivers is that they're much better than LA drivers, in general. So, I want to thank the area drivers for being so courteous.

Also, there's really not many bikes around here, which I find somewhat interesting. Perhaps the traffic flows better here than down south, it does drive faster, but I attribute that to better autos than anything else.

Yes, I know about Alice's, and thanks all.
 
Get something you can dump

The best part about my first bike is that it didn't matter if I dropped it. And I dropped it several times.

You just need something that rides straight - small, too. Get used to the feel of being on two-wheels and worry about getting a your 'real' bike later.

You WILL drop your first bike.
 
I have to say that Im pretty glad I listened to the folks that said there is no reason for a noobie to have any bike over a 600.

I got my first bike a few months ago, a 2000 Katana 600 and it is MORE than enough for me at this point. The good thing about this bike is that it's a sport/tour, so it give you some comfort (more than a sportbike) to focus on technique...while still looking 99.9% like a sport bike.

And I agree with other posts.... GET YOUR GEAR IN ORDER! And no used helmet..... it's cheaper, but dude, if you can't get yourself to protect your head noodle, then forget about biking.
 
Ok so let me beat a dead horse here. I am also a "newbie" rider and have just purchased my first bike (1991 suzuki gxs-r). I had a friend test drive it and he said it was all good!

My stats/experience: I am 26 yrs old, have little experience on a dirt bike (went thru a chain link fence in a construsion zone, long story BUT funny) and driving friends dads harley about 2-3 times around the block a couple times.

My question is : Is this a descent startin bike? and did I get ripped off?
I paid 2k for this bike and it has 23000 original miles on it. It has never had any major problems but has been dropped about 2 times (u can tell by the fairings).
 
Oh, you'll definitely want to get a Bohmerland.

210.jpg
 
I'm a noob too, I just start riding a week ago. I just bought my very first bike '00 Yamaha R6:wow I'm riding around the neighborhood so that I can get use to it and I hit the freeway last weekend, its pretty scary plus the wind blowing me away. btw I'm 30+ years old, pretty old for a beginner:rofl
 
This has been well hammered in other threads (that search feature is your friend) but in the price range you are looking at three very good, safe, sane choices would be Suzuki GS 500, Kawasaki EX 500 or EX 250. Remember to budget at least $200 for a helmet, $300 for a leather jacket and if you are going to be cheap about it at least get some stout boots (hiking/work boots with steel toe/shank) and some motocross armor to wear under jeans and some strong gloves.

An important consideration is the high probability of either dropping the bike, crashing or both. Although most guys seem to readily understand the need for a helmet (it's the law) and jacket (it's common sense) not so many realize that denim is like tissue paper when it goes up against pavement.

Do the MSF, practice in some parking lots, gradually work up to things and for the love of god don't even worry about dragging knee or looking cool, work on learning to ride smoothly and well and stay alive.

As others have stated +1 BB great advice. I am fairly new on 2 wheels sometimes 1 haha (lil under a year) I bought a NINJA EX 250R. and after about 3-4 months i was ready for a bigger one. The 250 is a great starter bike if you have little or even no experience on a bike. if you dump it, most parts are fairly cheep. the engines are basically bullitproof unless you skimp on the maintance. very light bike, about 300lbs or so. also, i am going to +1 on the MSF course. not only will it teach everything you need to know to start riding, its also a nice break on the insurance.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/mcy/

Great place. but i recomend taking someone who knows their way around a bike with you, so they can look it over before you buy it.

www.motorcycle-superstore.com
They have some decently priced gear, most name brands

Good luck and safe riding :ride

Killa P :sniper
 
I Got a good starter.

2007 United Motors V2S-250R I'm selling with 4,750 miles on it for $2,800.00 firm.

Hit me back if your interested in seeing pcs or anything.
 
to drz or not to drz that is the ?

i was about to buy an 08 drz400sm today, but i wanted another day or two to think about it, this will be my first sm bike, i have a couple years of experience riding dirtbikes but ive only ridden 125's and 250's, so is this a good first sm for me? i thought that i should wait a year or so until im really ready and treat myself to a husky :teeth
 
i was about to buy an 08 drz400sm today, but i wanted another day or two to think about it, this will be my first sm bike, i have a couple years of experience riding dirtbikes but ive only ridden 125's and 250's, so is this a good first sm for me? i thought that i should wait a year or so until im really ready and treat myself to a husky :teeth

dr z400sm does not have a lot of power but is fun and would make a sweet first bike. it will keep you interested long after most bikes will get boring:thumbup
 
What's a good starter cruiser bike? So far the only starter bikes I've seen are the Ninja 250cc.

I would say a rebel 250 or 250 nighthawk, both from Honda. a savage or boulevard 250 from Suzuki. I believe Yamaha and Kawasaki have their own as well. If you want a Harley they have the 883 sportster (don't look for typical Harley resale with those) or a Buell blast 500cc. That may be considered more of a sporty bike but the position is really a standard position...
 
First Bike

Ay Whats Goin On Bay?.. Just picked up my first Bike Last Saturday, Got a 2002 gsxr 750..
Also Looking for a used Damper if Anyone has one let me know..
Thanks..
 
Hi I'm pretty new to the forums. I've been looking at the Moto page for sales and craigslist for sales too. I've been looking for a suzuki gsxr600 2000 and up for awhile now. Just turned 21 2months ago and had my M1 for almost 1 year. I completed the motorcycle training course and the instructor suggested i get a sports bike becuase practicing the turns during the course, I lean a lot and skid the pegs of a crusier bike i was on. I'm sitll a student and trying to find a salvaged title something arround 3500. any tips for me? I've seen a lot post saying start on a 250 or get a really old motorcycle, but i want a something i can take from San Francisco to San Diego. I'm 165lbs., 5'8"-5'9"
 
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