New, but somewhat Experienced

EveryDayLife · 09-29-2004, 02:42 PM

By no means am I an expert, and by no means have I ridden to the utmost of my potential. But I'm looking into getting a bike. I took my Safety Course when I was bout 16 so I could get my Class M Lisence. I'm 19 now, and I'm off at college and ready for my own bike. When I was back home I rode my dad's bike off an on for about 2 years. It was a BMW 650F, so not a sport bike, but still a big bike.

Everyone reccommends two things for new guys, a MSF course and a Ninja 500R. I've done a course, but I haven't done the Ninja thing. I began to think about it, but I have some concerns. I'm a pretty big guy, about 6'1" and around 230lbs. I don't think the 500R is a big enough bike for me. Please give me your thoughts on this as I'd like to start looking around for something the right size.

Any help in this is greatly apprecciated.

Kai

Oni · 09-29-2004, 03:43 PM

How many miles on the bmw? Have you thought about an SV650? You've put some time in. Might be a good choice.

badbowtie · 09-29-2004, 06:41 PM

im 6'2" and 250lbs and im fine on my 2000 ninja 500r. most of the people i ride with have bigger bikes but i can keep up as long as they dont get a good long straight.
i like my bike but after 3 months and 5500kms i want somethin bigger. so if you have some experience you may want the sv650 (hopefully my next bike). but if your not too sure of your self the ninja is a great way to start.

dennisred69 · 09-29-2004, 07:21 PM

I would say the SV or a 600 should be alright as long as you got a bit of miles ounder your belt.

EveryDayLife · 09-29-2004, 07:43 PM

I didnt think of the SV650. That might be a good way to start. I dont have many miles logged on the BMW, but I probably put about 5 or 6 tanks of gas through it. Is the only difference between the SV650 and the SV650S the fairing on the "S". Also, is there a sight where I can find some reviews and specs about it?

Thanks again guys.

nig · 09-29-2004, 07:58 PM

Five or six tanks isn't much experience. I say the Ninja 500, it's just as fast as the Bimmer 650. Maybe the SV if you insist, but a 600cc class sportbike (ie R6, 600RR) is a bit much. The SV-S has bodywork, clip-ons instead of handlebars, and more rearset pegs (for a more aggressive/sporty riding position). The ergonomics of the naked are more natural for beginners, and nakeds crash better. Bigger cc's usually just means more power, not roomier, so don't worry about being more comfortable on a bigger sportbike.

www.svrider.com

You can start a first bike thread there if you want, you'll get the same debate as here. The "you'll be fine on anything as long as you're careful" crowd versus the "start small" crowd.

EveryDayLife · 09-29-2004, 08:17 PM

5 to 6 tanks isnt much, I agree. But it is around 1300-1500 miles. The SV650, might be a better bike for me than the 500r. Plus my brother told me that he has read a bunch of stuff about it and people that owned it sold it and the missed it so much that they wanted another. I'll look around

thanks again guys.

RACER X · 09-29-2004, 09:18 PM

not sure on the MPG of your BMW, but my SV gets about 135mi to atank, so x5 or 6 tanks= ~7-800mi.........so stick to the 500,and when you get bored........do trackday,

SlowCBR · 09-29-2004, 09:26 PM

Obviously the safer choice would be the 500R. However, if you are really interested in the SV650, I think that would also be a good choice. You could do MUCH worse for a starter bike.

Good luck.