New rider looking for advice. Want to purchase my first bike.

KDM5150 · 01-05-2008, 05:54 PM

Hey everyone, hows it going? I'm Kenny. A little about me: I'm 19 years old, 5'8, 145 lbs, and best of all: I go to UCLA (Biochemistry major). I just recently discovered the world of motorcycling, and I fell in love with it. I'm glad I found this website, it's full of great information from experienced riders for the new riders like myself.

I'm having trouble deciding on what to buy as a first bike. I took and completed the MSF Basic Rider Course last month. With the Holidays now out of the way, I'm really set on buying my bike. I have been told by many that a Suzuki SV650 would be a great choice for a beginner. But I also really dig the 2008 Ninja (the green is beautiful!). A local dealership has a used 2006 SV650, and I did get a chance to sit on it and get a feel for it (they would not let me ride it since I don't have my class M license yet). I must admit that it did feel pretty heavy, but I fit on it okay - my feet reach the ground no problem. I have not had a chance to get a feel for the new Ninjas since dealers won't be getting them in for another 10 days, though I have been on an '05 250r and felt very comfortable.

In regards to the 650, I'm hearing it from both sides: some say its good, others say it's too much for a beginner (though the coaches at the MSF told me it was a good choice). I have not gotten any negative feedback on the Ninja, other than the usual "you'll outgrow it fast". So my question is: what would be the better choice? The 650 is the more expensive of the two, but it's also used with around 6,000 miles on it, as opposed to the Ninja which I'd be buying brand new. Money is not an issue, I just want to make a good decision. My only fear of buying the Ninja is dropping (because I know I will, everyone does at some point) and ruining it. I was on a Virago 250 at the MSF course, and I found it to be uncomfortable to ride because of its small size. I'm not a very big guy at 5'8 and 145; but I have been wrestling since junior high and am in very good shape.

What does everyone think would be the best choice for me right now?

Thanks and Happy New Year!
Kenny

RayOSV · 01-05-2008, 06:11 PM

Ninja 500, 650 or Suzuki GS500 would make good choices (parallel twins). The sv650 is marginal but a better choice than a 600cc super sport (gsx-r, R6, etc.). Slow speed handling and throttle response will be harder to master with the v-twin. Buy used.

Whatever bike you get, start off with proper riding gear (helmet, jacket, gloves, pants, and boots). Take your bike to a large, clean, empty parking lot and practice all the msf drills until you get comfortable with the controls. Venturing out in traffic is a whole different thing.

jimphunpants · 01-06-2008, 12:49 AM

I own a 2007 GS500F (black & grey) and I couldn't be happier with it! It's got PLENTY of speed and power for a new rider, and it's forgiving to a noob as far as small mistakes are concerned.

Read up and take heed the advice people give you on here about 600cc SS bikes... I did and I don't feel like I've been misled one bit.

21 natas · 01-06-2008, 03:11 AM

you might consider buying a used 250 if you are worried about dropping the bike.

mssdrider · 01-06-2008, 03:29 AM

buy used if you're worried about dropping a bike.

but like ray said, any of those are fine. And since you're riding in downtown LA traffic, i suggest a SV650. They're actually very fun bikes to ride with enough low end torque for the insane stop and go traffic but has enough horsepower to keep you happy on the freeway.

oh, and i hate you for the "money isn't a problem" thing

welcome to SBN!

Goin Ape Nutz · 01-06-2008, 04:44 AM

<--- standard greeting

everything you hear about the sv or the 250 as a good starter bike is parroted information. do some homework and try to find out why people go for or against either of those bikes. also include the gs500 (suzuki) and the ninja 500 (kawasucki ;)) in your comparison as those are probably the top 4 newbie bikes recommended.

there's plenty of posts here and in the stickies around the forums that can help you. i even have a post somewhere around here that lists many good options for a first bike... some not as easily obtainable, and therefore more interesting than others (being that money ain't no issue :p).

will help you do research on things. the reason I don't just give you opinion on your question is because I always try to make people learn about what they are getting into more than just what they hear in a few simple posts in a thread. if you need some more specific direction, pm me. good luck... welcome to the hobby

ps. it's good to see a new rider come on here with intelligence and wisdom and a seemingly good head on the shoulders. do the homework... you won't regret it.

RayOSV · 01-06-2008, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goin Ape Nutz

...everything you hear about the sv or the 250 as a good starter bike is parroted information. do some homework and try to find out why people go for or against either of those bikes. also include the gs500 (suzuki) and the ninja 500 (kawasucki ;)) in your comparison as those are probably the top 4 newbie bikes recommended.

there's plenty of posts here and in the stickies around the forums that can help you. ...

Not everything.

I started (again after many years) on an sv650. I have a friend who started on a gs500 (currently rides a zx 6-r) and another who is now starting on a Ninja 250. There are good reasons why 250 or 500 cc (parallel twins) make good starter bikes. There are reasons why an sv650 (v-twin) does and reasons why it doesn't. Opinions can be found in the new rider stickies as stated above.

assman · 01-06-2008, 12:59 PM

I have an SV650S and its my first bike. I really like it. Throttle control at slower speeds seems to be touchy but im used to driving standard cars for years so I know how to modulate throttle and clutch.

As for the good, well it gets great gas mileage while providing a 0-60 slightly slower then the 600SS's. So it has plenty of get up and go when you want it. Plus they are the best in their segment for great handling although replacing the suspension will help alot and it isnt to expensive.

Although I find it reasonably comfortable I still think I will change the seat this season for long rides as long as they arent to pricey, honestly I havent looked at pricing yet.

They are also supposed to be bulletproof so...

RedRider4Life1972 · 01-07-2008, 12:03 AM

At your age, I am only guessing to your size and I would suggest that you do NOT get a 600, but purchase a 250 and get a couple of good seasons under your belt before you attempt to move up to the big leagues. Jumping on a 600 or larger at your age would only make you a statistic

Goin Ape Nutz · 01-07-2008, 01:45 PM

You are correct Ray, not everything... I guess I shouldn't have generalized so much :p

Good luck with the purchase and the search. Please come back and post up pictures of your new bike when you get it

KDM5150 · 01-07-2008, 04:44 PM

Thanks for all the advice guys. I'll update this thread with pictures once I get my bike.

donkeyman · 01-07-2008, 05:30 PM

Want to start on an SV650s? Check out this site for a detailed writeup ... Good Starter Bikes

lvshell · 01-07-2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 21 natas

you might consider buying a used 250 if you are worried about dropping the bike.

+1 Some one told me once... After buying a new bike, the first thing you do is take it out, and drop it on the left side, then pick it back up and drop it on the right side. WHY? Because being a new rider, you are going to drop it, so you might as well get over it from the start