optik_nerve

So, I'm looking to buy a sport bike. It's going to be my first motorcycle but I've had experience with dirtbikes, ATV's, etc. I'm looking for a good starter bike, so not anything super big. Probably the Kawasaki Ninja...either the 250 or the 500...both have a decent MSRP and I've heard they are good starters...

What do you all think? Is there a better bike? What would be a good starter bike in your opinion?

syquestrd270

I bought a new Ninja 250 a little over a month ago. The break-in period is really long and it kinda sucks, but the bike is quite fun to ride. Check www.ninja250.org if you haven't already. There's a huge support base and all kinds of great info.

Borla

Even if you've got some experience, I'd highly recommend your state's Motorcycle Safety Course. Most states operate a very inexpensive, short course on getting people familiar with the laws, and proper riding technique. In my state, once you complete it, you don't even have to take the state test, as the class counts, so you just walk in and get your license after paying the fee.

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ziadel

MSF course is bullshit, don't bother.

the 250 has no nuts, which is almost as bad as having too much nuts. Your assets on a bike are spotting trouble before its too late, and being able to get the hell out of dodge. the 250 doesnt have enough oomph to get out of potential tight spots IMO.


Your dirtbike experience can be a great asset depending on just how much you had and how serious you were with it. I would not feel uncomfortable on a 600cc bike if I were you.

And in florida, I dont think you need to get the license, I am pretty sure you can ride around indefinately (sans passenger) on your permit. That and you don't need insurance.

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ziadel

you fell for the trap. Break in periods are designed to make sure that if somehting major goes wrong, it goes wrong outside of your warranty.

best way to break in a bike is to drop it in first, whack the throttle until you hit redline, then close throttle completely until you drop to about 1500rpm, then repeat.

then change the oil within the first 20 miles, not this 600 mile nonsense.

The cross-hatch patter on the cylinder walls wears off very quickly, regardless of wether the cylinder rings have bedded in properly or not. If the rings don't get bedded in you'll have decreased compression, increased oil comsumption, and it wont be as good as it could be.

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cyrnel

Used 400cc bikes make great street learners. The closest in chuckability to a dirt bike and they'll still get out of their own way. Livable for short highway jaunts, too. I've considered one for around town. The beast is too much of a production for short trips. Used means it's okay to lay down a few times. Better that than saving the bike instead of your butt. Fall/Winter means you'll get your best price, too.

I'll second the safety course. Lots of cage drivers out there who don't see motorcycles. Ohhh, those left-turners.

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breid

The 250s and the 500s are good small bikes but you will outgrow them very fast. I find the resale on the smaller bikes less as well so when you do outgrow it you wont get as much back. Plus if bought new... not a whole lot less money than a decent 600cc. Honestly I would reccomend a nice 600 a lot of practice and common sence. Plus take it easy...they work better upright and on two wheels.

ziadel

who makes a 400?

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cyrnel

Nobody now, besides scooters. Hence the used part. I loved those 90's Yamahas. Felt like my CR500 with slicks.

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LewisCouch

Congratulations on getting your first street bike. The MSF is a good idea, if for nothing else, you can get your motorcycle endorsement easily, and who knows, you might just learn something. Also, there are courses based on varying degrees of experience as well. That said, my recommendation is a "naked" bike, because you will drop it sooner or later and it's much cheaper to repair. Try the Ducati Monster 620. A great all around sport bike, and you don't have to worry about outgrowing it. It's a blast to ride even for very experienced riders.

Good luck!

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ziadel

FYI be prepared to shell out money for the upkeep on a desmo valve system if you go with a ducati. while its not as bad on the two valve models as it is on the 4 valve models, it is still significant.

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optik_nerve

Thanks for all of the input.

So what would be a decent 600cc bike? Yamaha? Suzuki? I'm not that great with brands...

ziadel

You can't go wrong with any of them. They all have their plusses and minuses, but the bottom line is that any of them are capable of a lot more than you are or will be for quite a while.

Personally I prefer Hondas. Your best bet would be to pick whichever one is most pleasing aesthetically.

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Asuka{eve}

Get something you are comfortable with.

Glory's Sun

buy the one that suits you best. Are you going to be driving long distances? Are you a taller rider? For me the Suzuki fits the best and has a huge set of nuts. Honda makes great bikes but is the most uncomfortable for me. My experience with the yam was it was a tad tank heavy, but it could have been my riding style. Just take your time making the purchase. If you've been on dirt you'll have no problem getting used to riding on the street. Dirt is much harder, only difference is watching out for morons on the road.

As far as the MSF.. eh that's up to you. I wouldn't take it.

Ilow

I'm suprised that no one has mentioned the SV650 from Suzuki yet. It's powerful enough to be fun, sporty, and has a little more comfortable seating position. It's pretty cheap also, especially a couple years old.

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dirtyrascal7

I bought a 2005 Yamaha FZ6 in late July as my first bike. I've never felt it was too much for me to handle... there is a learning curve like there is with any new machine, but I caught on and felt comfortable on it within a week. If you keep the RPMs under 7k, I really think anyone could use this as a beginner bike... and the best thing is that there's plenty of power and speed after 7k RPMS that you'll never outgrow it.

Unfortunately for me, I think I'm going to have to sell it so that I can get a truck for work. If you're in the Tampa area, optik_nerve, send me a PM and maybe we can work something out.

Argos222

I agree. The SV650 is a very good choice for a well-rounded first bike. It is light enough (300 some lbs) to easily handle, and the V-twin gives it plenty of torque. I would recommend getting your permit or taking the MSF course and then test riding a bunch of bikes and see what you like.

Mordoc

When I get some money together, I'm getting an SV650S. It's got one of the stiffest frames I've ever ridden on, and (as every review raves) you can flick it around basically any corner. They look pretty good, and you can put on a full fairing for about $500 for that superbike-esque look.

From what I've heard, it also maintains its rideability no matter how good you get- aka it stays fun, unlike most 250s.

Cycler

I'd stay with some sort of sport tourer as a first bike, i.e. the FZ 6, SV 650. Something with a more upright postion, less race inspired gearing and such. Little easier and more forgiving learning curve then the repli-racer sportbikes which are out today. I statrted on a Kawasaki ZRX 1100 alot more CCs than I needed but the sport tourer aspect allowed me to learn without getting into too much trouble. My current Yamaha R1 is a whole different animal, fun but not as forgiving or not quite as comfortable but I still love her. Gear up helmet, gloves, jacket the whole bit it maybe hot sometimes but sweat wipes off road rash doesn't.

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Spanxxx

My first bike was an early 90s model Honda Nighthawk ..and I want to say ...450.. which is unusual, but I remember that number like a beacon in my brain. It was a great bike. I was 17 and it was just about the right weight and size to get me started. Later, I got a late 90s 750 Nighthawk and it was a FUN bike. That thing was a great cruiser on the country roads, and could flat out take off. My dad accidentally got the front wheel about a foot and a half off the ground one day taking off from a stoplight. I was impressed considering he weighed about 260 at the time and wasn't trying to do so.

Whatever you decide, the road experience is much different from anything else. It makes you suddenly aware of the things other drivers do, or are GOING to do, so much more so than you already are. It stays with you too. I found that I was a better driver for having spent time on a motorcycle for a few years.

There's some good advice up there. The 250s will definitely get old fast. Something in the 400-750 range would be better. Depending on how big you are too, it will make a huge difference. If you top 6', then I wouldn't even consider it personally. It will be uncomfortable in the long run if you spend any decent amounts of time on the bike.

I think the idea of picking up an older used bike is a great one though. You can usually find a great 4 or 5 year old bike for 1 to 2 grand that will be reliable rider and you'll have something to learn those first few "doh" moments with.

Bottom line, be safe. BE AWARE! People are stupid and they do NOT pay attention.
Always wear a helmet and do yourself a favor for the first time that spill happens, do NOT be wearing shorts and a t-shirt. Leathers are your friend.

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