Another NOOB!

[MIKe30]

Hi everybody, name's mike - came here to learn as much as I possibly can. Got my permit yesterday, and am already registered for the beginner's rider safety program. Don't plan on purchasing a bike till I'm through the course and successful.

I'll be looking to pick up a sport bike (obviously), 600cc's is my absolute limit i've set for myself - just hoping to not become another statistic.

Any and all insight is appreciated and usually taken with a grain of salt!

-mike

[Tripped1]

Originally Posted by MIKe30

Hi everybody, name's mike - came here to learn as much as I possibly can. Got my permit yesterday, and am already registered for the beginner's rider safety program. Don't plan on purchasing a bike till I'm through the course and successful.

I'll be looking to pick up a sport bike (obviously), 600cc's is my absolute limit i've set for myself - just hoping to not become another statistic.

Any and all insight is appreciated and usually taken with a grain of salt!


-mike

Steer clear of pretty much anything over 500cc with the exception of the SV650 and the ninja 650...these are a bit out there but won't mess you up as fast.

The real issue is geometry, brakes and power. Good brakes and a steep geometry for a beginner are bad, they are simply to easy to mess up. The two bikes I listed above are a bit more forgiving overall.

[blueyes34]

[MIKe30]

Originally Posted by Tripped1

Steer clear of pretty much anything over 500cc with the exception of the SV650 and the ninja 650...these are a bit out there but won't mess you up as fast.

The real issue is geometry, brakes and power. Good brakes and a steep geometry for a beginner are bad, they are simply to easy to mess up. The two bikes I listed above are a bit more forgiving overall.

thanks, from what i've read on this forum and despite what people who i know that ride have been telling me - i think i'm going to be looking for 500cc or less. I want to be able to enjoy my bike when i get it, not be afraid of it (still respect it, but not fear it if you know what i mean)

Any recommendations on gear? always buy new? steer clear from this brand or that brand, look for this brand, etc, etc

[Tripped1]

Gear is a personal thing.

A DoT helmet will protect your head weather it costs 500 dollars or 60. The difference is weight, shape and features.

For other gear it's really a matter of shopping around. Go to a shop and try stuff on then get on the internet and find your size for MUCH cheaper.

Personally most of my gear is Dianese, Tourmaster, Shoei, and Triumph. Some brands like Joe Rocket and Icon have a tendancy to be of questionable quality. But then, I have a Joe Rocket Jacket that I've worn A LOT for 5 years and is in great condition.

[gsago1979]

Best Recomendation I can give you for helmets is the fit...make sure your helmet fits you comfortably and is designed for your head shapes..not all helmets are equal..Completely disregard any helmets that are only DOT rated...DOT rating is useless....If its not atleast Snell 2000 rated dont even look at it...Also spend the most money you can afford on your helmet...You do get what you pay for with helmets...

The second most important thing you will need are a great pair of gloves...I suggest as a new rider getting a very thin glove so you can learn the feel of your bike easier before progressing to a good pair of racing gloves.....

Anything else is just minor details beyond those two things...Jackets, Pants, Race suits etc..all need to fit comfortably and be made from quality materials...dont worry about brand worry about comfort....

[MIKe30]

thanks, good info so far. just finished reading the gear sticky at the top of this subforum, very useful info. but please feel free to continue adding your .02's, it's much appreciated

[ChiTown_Rydah]

Originally Posted by gsago1979

Best Recomendation I can give you for helmets is the fit...make sure your helmet fits you comfortably and is designed for your head shapes..not all helmets are equal..Completely disregard any helmets that are only DOT rated...DOT rating is useless....If its not atleast Snell 2000 rated dont even look at it...Also spend the most money you can afford on your helmet...You do get what you pay for with helmets...

The second most important thing you will need are a great pair of gloves...I suggest as a new rider getting a very thin glove so you can learn the feel of your bike easier before progressing to a good pair of racing gloves.....

Anything else is just minor details beyond those two things...Jackets, Pants, Race suits etc..all need to fit comfortably and be made from quality materials...dont worry about brand worry about comfort....

But does it really matter if he should be wearing the gloves every ride anyway?

[binx_19]

Originally Posted by gsago1979

The second most important thing you will need are a great pair of gloves...I suggest as a new rider getting a very thin glove so you can learn the feel of your bike easier before progressing to a good pair of racing gloves.....

+1 especially if you rarely or never operate anything with gloves. that is one thing that jacked me up riding, i was not used to covering my hands, and felt unnatural.

[binx_19]

Originally Posted by ChiTown_Rydah

But does it really matter if he should be wearing the gloves every ride anyway?

yeah, because you cant guarentee you wont go down, dress for the crash is my motto.

[MIKe30]

think i'm gonna go shopping for some gear today for the msf course. mainly safety glasses, and over the ankle shoes.

i plan on getting my gear after getting a bike and BEFORE riding it - i want to color coordinate if possible


anyway, after reading this subforum, i am convinced the cbr and gsxr 600's are not the right thing to do... been looking at gs500f's... what is the general concensus on those? also any other similar bikes to look for? I kinda like how i just read this morning they top out around 85-90... sounds like its got just enough power to ride the highways around here, but not excessive power


I want something that is ok to good to learn on, is somewhat forgiving for minor mistakes, and wont make me look like a clown riding (i know it shouldnt matter, but i'm human - i want something that i enjoy getting on and riding)...