Starter Bike

[silverandslow]

I've heard a million diff. things from second hand sources. After my cars done and I have extra cash I wanna get a sport bike. I've never rode anything. Some people say like cbr600 would be a good starter. Some say like a 350 or something. Is a cbr good to learn on? They trap like 112-113 i beleive bone stock which is a pull but not crazy.

[Vovchandr]

A race ready track bike with blinkers is NOT a good starter bike.
A bike that runs 10 seconds stock, is NOT a good starter bike.

With that said, 600rr, R6, GSXR 600, Kawi 636, Kawi 600, are all NOT good starter bikes, and anything one 1000cc is out of the question.

Does that mean that you CANT start on one of those bikes? No. Does that mean your odds of survaval, your learning curve, and your fun factor on the street will suck, YES.

CBR F4, F4I
SVS 650
Ninja 500
Ninja 250
And some other bikes are good starter bikes.

Why dosnt everybody start on them? They are not "pretty enough" for new riders. Well let me tell you, if you're getting into it for being pretty, which basically means for the way that other people will see you, you're getting into it for all the wrong reasons.
If you care about how the other people see you on the bike, thats a really bad road to go down on, the road of wearing no gear, doing wheelies when chicks ask you to, and trying to be cool everytime you leave the parking lot.

Anyway, rambling on.

You're height/size/weight IS NOT a determening factor in chosing a starter bike.

Twins are much more prefered to being street bikes and starter bikes, because they make less power for the same CC but have a much broader power range, and are not "peaky".

Trapping 112-113 IS Crazy.

Whats the fastest car you've ever been in? 11 seconds maybe? Even so keep in mind 11 second cars are required to have cages at the track for your safety. Now imagine you're on the bike that is FASTER then the 11 second car, with no safety net/cage around you, only 2 wheels to balance on, and every vehicle with the stupid person behind the wheel who's drinking, reading, talking on their cellphone and day dreaming all at the same time, can take you out and take your life.

You should have as little things to worry about as possible, not riding a 10 second machine to try to learn on is one of them.

Will you listen to me? Probably not, you will probably go out and buy a new 600CC just like everybody else does. Do I care? No not really. Its enough for me to hear stories of those people who do that crashing their bike within their first year. I have a LOT of fun on the SV, put 6K miles on it in about 7 months the first year. I KNOW if i had a 600CC i would have crashed it by now, because of the close calls I had.



Ps. Oh and TAKE MSF, GET GEAR, and get your licence.

[mikecentola]

Great info Vlad

I started on my YZF600R, and its for sale now in the classifieds Loved every minute of it. Wasn't too much to handle as a first time rider at all.

[Celtic1982citleC]

I have an 06 Yamaha FZ6S...not my first bike, but it's an excellent bike for a starter. Smooth clutch, easy to operate, comfortable to ride, still a sport bike...and they're relatively affordable compared to others. Depends on what you're looking for. Mike had an older version of my bike, I think he'd agree with me it's a very nice sport/touring bike even though it's not the most aggressive bike on the planet.

[Celtic1982citleC]

Originally Posted by mikecentola

Great info Vlad

I started on my YZF600R, and its for sale now in the classifieds Loved every minute of it. Wasn't too much to handle as a first time rider at all.

You stole the thunder from my informative post. Damn your eyes sir.

[silverandslow]

I'll listen Vlad. Anyone who knows me knows I'm not the "wheely" type in anyway shape or form. I snowboard but don't hit a jump I prefer carving. Stunts and shit arent fun for me. But a bike seems like a fun time. As longa s the bike isnt from 1982 I'm cool with it I'll start checking out those 4-5 bikes you mentioned

Thanks

[silverandslow]

None of those bikes are not pretty. That F4 is badass looking. So is FZ

[JustAFocus]

the gsxr 600 i have now was my first bike, took some time to learn but if you take it slow and respect the bike i think you can realistically learn on any bike. I agree with pretty much everything vlad said though

[Vovchandr]

Of almost forgot

CBR F3 and F2's also

F2's can be had for dirt cheap
F3's as well, I was looking at buying an F3 before but i couldnt pass up the deal on the SV

Those are also Great starter bikes, and definatly dont look to shabby (f3 at least)

If you couldnt tell, F2 F3 F4 and F4i are successors to each other, only major difference other then plastics is the "i" in F4i which means its injected instead of carbed.

Edit: Quick gear lesson : also invest in good gear, GOOD helmet - Shoei, Arai, GOOD gloves preferably with the longer cuff, because jackets have a habit or having the sleeves roll up in a crash, and a jacket, preferably 2, one leather one textile, depends on where you're going and how will you be riding and what kind of day it is. Rule of thumb, you always dress for the crash not for the ride. Jeans are marginal protection, they'll fall apart in less then 5 feet of sliding, im looking at getting good pants this year. Shoes - tennis shoes offer little or no protection, ankle is the part that gets shattered in the "right type" of crash, so your boots should be at least ankle high and have ankle protection. Yes you will look like a power-ranger wearing them so usually I have a backpack with the extra set when I go to work or I know ill need change.

[silverandslow]

Def would always be geared up. I've seen too many NASTY video of people wearing sneakers and their feet literally hanging on by a tendon or something.

[Cossey]

If you want a really fun bike that's cheap to repair and offers an awesome seating position, and would be an awesome learning bike, try going the supermotard route. Most guys on here won't find them appealing and consider them ugly, but I love them, and I would ride one ANY day.



Yes, it's pretty much a dirt bike w/ a revalved suspension, longer gearing, wider/shorter street tires, and lighting.

[silverandslow]

thanks for the info....i cant get over how hideous that is. Im not piscky for starter but thats over the top.

I actually really looking at the honda F series i love how they look.

[gsxtc]

if you like the older cbrs i have a cbr 900rr for sale

they only go as fast as you turn the throttle, you just have to be responsible

having experience on dirtbikes/quads all those things helps and some of the skills will help on streetbikes

listin to vlad hes got a good head on his shoulders and more patience to type everything

take the msf course

i posted the CBR in the fir sake section

[Johnny]

i think a 600 is a good starter bike. ive seen alot of people buy 250s and they are a pain to sell and most grow out of them fast... then you have the hassle of trying to get rid of it.

i think sportbikes start to look good 600 and above. you can start w/ a 600 and never desire anything bigger.