now i'm confused

30mm · 08-15-2007, 07:37 PM

i've heard lots of people on this forum say the sv650 is a great bike to start on. but when i mentioned getting a ninja 650 to start on everyone said you're pushing it. both bikes have the same power. help?

Ozy · 08-15-2007, 07:50 PM

Um....thats because Ninja's sound bad ass...go on...say it to yourself....NINNNNN-JA

Helps if you do this too

g34343greg · 08-15-2007, 07:50 PM

650s aren't considered great bikes to start on since they do have quite a bit more power than a 250 or 500. most of the people that say its okay to start out on them are the ones that did so themselves. in the end only you can decide what you start on.

I think that you should start on a 250 or 500, but honestly i'm not going to care if you start on a liter.

BUT i will be there to say "i told ya so" if something should happen.

wavex · 08-15-2007, 07:51 PM

The power is not only the displacement of the engine. And what makes a bike "newby" friendly is not only its displacement, but also the sitting position, ergonomics, the way it handles, its powerband etc...

To answer your question: get an FZ6!

RayOSV · 08-15-2007, 09:20 PM

Actually I think the sv650 has more hp (70) than the Ninja 650 (60-65?).

You can't "average" people's opinions.

smakawhat · 08-15-2007, 09:44 PM

I think the sv650's and the Ninja 650 are borderline but I personally say you're better off starting on a 500 or less. There is plenty of fun to be had on a 500cc bike... plenty.

Woozy · 08-16-2007, 08:38 AM

It is only a good starter bike if you have respect for it. If you just get on the bike and just go for it you will hurt yourself. I took my sweet time learning how to ride the 650 in a parking lots for two weeks. Best way to respect the bike is to be scaried sh!tless the first time you going to ride one. Have a super day!

acalliste · 08-16-2007, 08:42 AM

650r · 08-16-2007, 08:47 AM

the SV650 has far more torque than the 650r. I found the 650r more manageable because of the low torque, yet it is quick enough to satisfy any need I may have for the quick burst of speed. The riding positions are different but the 650r has plenty of after market bars to lower the position if you desire a more aerodynamic position than what comes stock.

Fargin_Bastige · 08-16-2007, 08:51 AM

Once again, for the millionth time, respect has NOTHING TO DO WITH A MOTORCYCLE.

Knowledge is key. Every thing that happens is the result of an action taken, not some mythical force that floats around you.

NO, the SV,Ninja or FZ do NOT make good starter bikes. Try a Ninja 250 or 500 for that, used. Don't get something that will start you off with a greater knowledge handicap. Please read the stickies. DON'T listen to someone who has been riding for less than 3 years for advice. Even then, ask about their background.

Knowledge will save your ass and NOTHING else.

ctandc · 08-16-2007, 09:24 AM

This is the oldest argument / thread topic on this site. I learned that before I even signed up.

FACT - YOU are the one paying for bike. So you HAVE TO like the bike.

FACT - YOU are the one riding it. So in the end, it's your AZZ on the line....literally.

Many people here will tell you that they started on a GSXR, or a CBR or this or that...that's fine. And they are now good riders and nothing to happened to them. That's great to. But my PERSONAL opinion, is that all these riders who start on way too much bike (for the first sportbike / streetbike) who DON'T go down / get hurt / crash bike...for those who stay right side up...I honestly beleive that many of them never 'push' themselves as a rider, which makes you a better rider.

I raced cars (roundy-round) growing up. Dirt and pavement. Did Sprints a few times as well. The old farts used to say that you could never TRULY go as fast as you are able, until you know are far you can go before you lose control.

Same on a bike. If you never get to that edge, or experience the limits (trust me everyone has 'em) of YOUR riding ability, you never really get better. And eventually you have no idea where that line is....so when you feel that wobble, or feel the tire start to slide, you've never experienced that before.....and things can get ugly quick.

I'll wrap this novel up with this...use me as an example. I started riding legal streetbikes in 1989...on a couple year old GSXR750. Wasn't smart. But it was a hand-me-down from my older brother...so the price was right. NOT a bike to be learning how to control a bike on the street. But I did. And over the course of 30k+ miles I went down a few times. None technically my 'fault'....but to this day I play a couple of those over in my mind and wonder if I could have avoided, or at least lessened the result, if my riding ability was better. I rode pretty consistently until mid 90's. Then became a "Sunday, ride someone's else's bike on the interstate or cruise down the road" rider. NOT the same as an everday rider.

I bought a 1990 GS500E. It's not a flashy sex object. Women don't swoon when they see it....it's not a marvel of modern engineering. But then again, I didn't start riding a bike again to make my penis bigger...I just wanted to ride.
The first day I was on it...I felt like I hadn't missed a beat, not riding everyday for all those years....DE DE DE.

I've been on it a month...and I'm just now realizing that I could ride everday for a another year and probably not truly hit the limit of the bike....

A thousand people here can post and tell you what you 'should' get...but choosing your first bike should be a 'personal' experience if that makes sense.....

I'd take the MSF course FIRST, that way you can get the M endorsement on your license, buy gear, then you have a shot at actually being able to Test Ride possible bikes. Good look with that with no license. Get it home and 75 miles later find out you don't like the riding position? Sure..trade it back in...and lose 20%.....

Chris

I'm offically on the hunt for an 'old school' bike...

Pasha471 · 08-16-2007, 09:40 AM

I usually try to avoid these threads but I don't see a mention of some important things, so I'll say them

How about MSF? Private lessons? Do some reading about technique and then go to a parking lot and apply what you learned, go to the track and enroll in a school, get excellent gear and be proactive about doing the best to protect yourself in this dangerous sport.

It doesn't matter to me what you choose to buy. You accept the consequences of your actions regardless if you get a 250cc, 500cc, vtwin or inline 4.

We are all here to help. Keep asking questions. Keep educating yourself. Most importantly, have fun

/Rant over

smakawhat · 08-16-2007, 09:48 AM

as Fargin Bastige has said, respect doesn't mean jack, and being in FEAR of something is not a good learning tool cause you will be degrading your skills cause your afraid to try something. You are effectively hampering your ability to learn.

Mitigate the risk by starting SMALLER, and taking it from there. Know when you are in over your head.

Fargin_Bastige · 08-16-2007, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pasha471

It doesn't matter to me what you choose to buy. You accept the consequences of your actions regardless if you get a 250cc, 500cc, vtwin or inline 4.

But it DOES matter. Humans learn through progression. We all do.

Starting out too big and thinking an idea as nebulous as respect will somehow be your crutch at a time when that lack of knowledge and ability comes up to bite you is wrong.

A better tool for learning (think of it as a more appropriate level book, like school) will help a rider learn faster, without the variable of that sense of not being in control AND not being able to actually control the bike.