Bike4Me

fantasygirl · 03-16-2005, 08:28 PM

I'm going for it ... protective gear & MSF course aside, I'm going to need a bike. What the hell am I looking for in a first bike ... I'm a petite 5'2" w/ very limited riding exp. Ideas anyone?

chsnprodigy · 03-16-2005, 08:43 PM

Ninja 250/500.....possibly a SV 650, but that would be pushing it.

ps. were did you get your avatar, and do you have it in a bigger picture???

loveMyGsxr1000 · 03-16-2005, 08:50 PM

im with chsnprodigy

fantasygirl · 03-16-2005, 09:01 PM

chsnprodigy - schweeet pic, huh? I found it here

How does a Ninja 250/500 compare to a Honda F4? Someone suggested a Honda to me, so I thought I'd ask you all.

Also, my first bike will an older one ... but what should I look for or beware of in a used bike ... mileage, year, etc.

You guys rock

Rascus · 03-16-2005, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fantasygirl

chsnprodigy - schweeet pic, huh? I found it here

How does a Ninja 250/500 compare to a Honda F4? Someone suggested a Honda to me, so I thought I'd ask you all.

Also, my first bike will an older one ... but what should I look for or beware of in a used bike ... mileage, year, etc.

You guys rock

Good to see you starting off on the right foot. A 250/500 would be perfect for you. I think most of the ladys on here started on a 250/500 first then moved up.

What to look for, year, mileage may not really be a factor if it's been kept in good shape. You should be able to find a used 250/500 for under 3 grand. Have someone who knows bikes or a mechanic take a look at it first. First thing i always test is the throttle. It should "snap" back.

Good luck!!!

Heath3n · 03-16-2005, 09:32 PM

Good choice on a bike, and thank you very much for linking that picture!

fantasygirl · 03-16-2005, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heath3n

Good choice on a bike, and thank you very much for linking that picture!

hey, it's a hot pic ... I have good taste, what can I say.

u guys have been AWESOME ... thank you SO much for the great info ... and keep it comin'

mercutio80 · 03-16-2005, 10:22 PM

At 5'2" and little experience, you might consider a Buell Blast or even a 250 cruiser for a first bike. Once you get the basics and balance down, you will feel more at ease on a bigger bike.

RACER X · 03-16-2005, 10:26 PM

i think a ninja 250 would be perfect....

and here's used bike buyers guide

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

chsnprodigy · 03-16-2005, 10:44 PM

A ninja 250 or 500 doesnt really compare to a F4. A F4 has alot more pick and go then the other two bike combined. The F4 wouldnt be a completly bad choice of a starter bike, I started on a 01 GSXR 600 that was 3.5 years ago, and now I race the thing, now everyone isnt like me, but you have to respect your bike. Got any more cool pics

fantasygirl · 03-16-2005, 10:49 PM

I'm not worthy ... thx

what about helmets and equipment ... is one brand much better than the next?

and yes, i could scrounge up a couple of other good pics ... but i'm not sure they're exactly 'forum friendly'

pesticide · 03-16-2005, 11:08 PM

Oh heck, anything is forum friendly! post it up!

There are alot of good brands. best advice would probably be plan to spend quite a bit... maybe $1000.00 on just gear.

Helmet dont skimp.. and fit is important. Try Shoei and stuff on at a local shop then get a price from www.ronayers.com or www.parts411.com.

chsnprodigy · 03-16-2005, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pesticide

Oh heck, anything is forum friendly! post it up!

There are alot of good brands. best advice would probably be plan to spend quite a bit... maybe $1000.00 on just gear.

Helmet dont skimp.. and fit is important. Try Shoei and stuff on at a local shop then get a price from www.ronayers.com or www.parts411.com.

+1 to this comment. Some of your higher end helmets are aria, shoei,agv,suomy. These helmets could run you from 350 to 600 or more. Remember its your head thats going into it. Second jackets, try on all the jackets you can so you can see what you like or dislike....ie leather vs textile jackets. Brands you cant go wrong with alpinestars thats what I use. And boots, you want somthing that goes over your ankle, doesnt have to be riding specific boots, but somthing that gives your ankle support "in case" its needed. Also good gloves are recommended, dont go cheap and buy motorcross gloves that only go up to your wrist, get some kind of gauntlet glove that goes past your wrist. Hope this helps!! good luck if you have any more questions dont be affraid to ask

fantasygirl · 03-17-2005, 12:20 AM

i finally found another cool pic ... and it's forum friendly, thank goodness because the only non-forum friendly pix i have r of myself and I don't know you guys well enough for that !!!

check it

NitroR1 · 03-17-2005, 12:33 AM

As far as a helmet goes, lots of good info so far. Definitely needs to be Snell and DOT certified. Get one that fits your melon. If it's an HJC or an Arai, doesn't matter. Just needs to fit you well.
Definitely get a jacket and gloves also. May want to take a look at www.newenough.com They usually have some good deals on gear there. I prefer the Joe Rocket stuff myself, but get what's in your price range and what fits you and your personality!
Starting on an F4 isn't a problem either. I am most likely in the minority with this opinion. If you are a mature adult, starting on a 600 is not that much of a stretch. Although the seat height may prove to be one.....a stretch that is.

Best of luck to you and stay safe when you finally get out on the road.