Recommend me a starter bike
- Thread starter skilletrx
- Start date
You don't need a 600.
If you look at my avatar you'll see me on a EX500, the bike in front is an R1. I passed his ass the next couple of turns. That's a 500cc diff., and about a 100hp diff. It's not like cars, the one with the most HP doesn't always win.
To go fast;
It's not the bike, it's the rider.
I still say get a motard, they're cheap, almost unbreakable, and about as much fun as you can have on two wheels. Great for a begginers.
Not to mention backing it in...
If you look at my avatar you'll see me on a EX500, the bike in front is an R1. I passed his ass the next couple of turns. That's a 500cc diff., and about a 100hp diff. It's not like cars, the one with the most HP doesn't always win.
To go fast;
It's not the bike, it's the rider.
I still say get a motard, they're cheap, almost unbreakable, and about as much fun as you can have on two wheels. Great for a begginers.
Not to mention backing it in...
In regard to the ninja 250, I bought one in 1997 to teach my wife how to ride. She's about 5 foot 7 and that was a bike she could parking lot handle easily. Her big concern was dropping it. 375lbs, might as well be 475lbs IMO. The seat was certainly low enough though. She rode it for about 2 years. I commuted on it for a year and then sold it.
So what's my problem with the Ninja 250? Given the fact it's 250ccs, you turn a pretty serious RPM @ 60mph. Riding a bike on the highway @ 7000-8000 RPMs for any period of time tires you out. Riding around town or lower speed backroads is fine. If you actually go anywhere, meh. The 500 is better in the regard that it's more relaxed on the slab if you want to go somewhere or explore new roads. It's also linear enough powerwise to keep you in check and compliant enough steering/suspension wise to have fun with that margin.
My first streetbike was an 88 Virago 250. I had 8 years of motorcross experience before that, competed semi competitively and raced in several hare scrambles from age 12-16. I had a blast going to street.
Right now I have a 01 YZF600R (my wife rides it sometimes) and an 06 Triumph Sprint ST.
Even though I've been riding street for about 15 years and probably have almost 300,000 motorcycle street miles under my belt, I still make mistakes, I still give myself reality checks, and I still have as much fun as I did back in 88.
So what's my problem with the Ninja 250? Given the fact it's 250ccs, you turn a pretty serious RPM @ 60mph. Riding a bike on the highway @ 7000-8000 RPMs for any period of time tires you out. Riding around town or lower speed backroads is fine. If you actually go anywhere, meh. The 500 is better in the regard that it's more relaxed on the slab if you want to go somewhere or explore new roads. It's also linear enough powerwise to keep you in check and compliant enough steering/suspension wise to have fun with that margin.
My first streetbike was an 88 Virago 250. I had 8 years of motorcross experience before that, competed semi competitively and raced in several hare scrambles from age 12-16. I had a blast going to street.
Right now I have a 01 YZF600R (my wife rides it sometimes) and an 06 Triumph Sprint ST.
Even though I've been riding street for about 15 years and probably have almost 300,000 motorcycle street miles under my belt, I still make mistakes, I still give myself reality checks, and I still have as much fun as I did back in 88.
Some very good advice here. I second taking the MSF Beginner Biker's Course, and getting a full compliment of quality riding gear. As for bikes, you can also get something a little older than what has been recommended. One of my favorites is the Honda VF500F Interceptor. Awesome bike, great handling and plenty of power. You won't get bored with it once you have some experience. I have one that I raced for a while, even though it was made 1984-1986 it did pretty well (rider not withstanding).
smo0f said:
Get someone who can ride and go to an empty commuter lot or highschool lot. Try and find something with a hill and enough area to practice hard braking. Don't go by yourself. If something happens, and you get hurt, no one will know where you are. Besides, if you take someone with you who can ride, and has ridden for a while, they can give you pointers. Avoid heavy traffic if you can. You'll have enough on your mind as it is. If it's possible, ride around your neighborhood. Riding a motorcycle is 8 parts confidence and 2 parts skill. Once you get the hang of the clutch and it's friction point, you're almost completely there. Master that and you are golden. The rest comes with time. Learn to scan ahead. I know we do this when we drive but it's doubly important on a bike. Sand, gravel, and grass clippings in areas where you need to brake will send you ass over tea kettle if you don't plan for them. Never ride the center of the lane. Cars will straddle road kill or debris. You'll hit it if you ride in the middle. All of this is taught in the MSF course.
In the beginner's course, you can have no idea how to ride a bike. They teach you all of the basics.
mountjonas
Member
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- 2013 VRM MS3
skilletrx said:
i'm guessing supermoto. both my brothers in law have suzuki drz400sm's and say they'd make a good starter bike for me. i'm thinking of going this route.
girth said:
The EX500 is the better bike. Buy it used. There's way too many out there used to even consider as new. You can find them in great shape with low mileage for $1500-$2200 all day long. The 250 is ok, but unless you are really short, the 500 is better by along shot.
(I've owned the 250 and ridden the 500 alot)
The 250 is tiresome on the highway.
Familia323
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+1SwampAss said:
Take a Motorcycle Safety Course, which are usually free, then figure out what bike you want.
