Need advice that won't kill me...

EVOIXGSR · 06-08-2008, 12:53 PM

I'm about to pull the trigger on my first bike. I have some dirt bike experience and plan to do a day or two of riding my cousins 100cc to brush up on my fundamentals before actually driving off the lot with my new purchase. Problem is, I have been getting the usual mixed opinions about a good choice for a first bike. Here are my two choices and reasons why. First of all I am 6'2" 250lbs, so I wanted to get a 1L bike because I have heard that 600s get old quick especially if you are a big guy. Now my choices are either A. 2008 Yamaha R1, or B. 2008 Triumph Speed Triple. I am a very responsible and aware behind the wheel, and I know my limits. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

EVOIXGSR · 06-08-2008, 12:58 PM

lol, I just read this Want a 600? Read This!
perhaps I should rethink the 1L thing...

soccerpimp09 · 06-08-2008, 01:06 PM

smart guy.. lol - yea... the people who get tired of 600s really quick only get tired because they run them in straight lines all the time...

PB_SurfRider · 06-08-2008, 01:15 PM

The advice that won't kill you is...
> Read the stickies and heed their warnings
> If anyone ever mentions that you'll outgrow or get tired of a bike, it's a clear sign that you should just ignore every bit of "advice" they offer. There's a difference between knowing how to ride and knowing how to hold on while moving in a straight line.
> Your size doesn't matter when it comes to choosing a bike displacement
> Your level of responsibility doesn't matter when choosing a bike. It's the unintended mistakes that get people killed. Self-restraint is the smallest part of the equation.

Good luck!

bumblebee · 06-08-2008, 01:24 PM

MSF...before you buy a bike

Cop J · 06-08-2008, 03:10 PM

You know what, I don't usually agree that everyone should start on a 250, 500, or 650. In some cases I believe that some people can start on whatever they want.

But tell me why people think 1000cc bikes are better for the "bigger" guy?

Those bikes are crazy cramped! I sat on a couple liters at various of dealerships and it feels like you are on a little toy. They don't seem to be bikes for heavier/taller people, they seem to be small bikes with big engines.

Squid Killer · 06-08-2008, 05:49 PM

If someone gets tired of a 600 then its not the bikes fault.

RayOSV · 06-08-2008, 06:45 PM

MSF then proper riding gear then a 500.

Gaolee · 06-08-2008, 09:48 PM

My advice will probably kill you. But if you want more than a 500, you should stick to cruisers. They are sluggish, even with ginormous engines. If you get a 1000cc or even a 600cc sportbike as your first, have fun and send me the name of your insurance company so I can buy the crashed bits to build a track bike out of.

Whymista · 06-09-2008, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaolee

My advice will probably kill you. But if you want more than a 500, you should stick to cruisers. They are sluggish, even with ginormous engines. If you get a 1000cc or even a 600cc sportbike as your first, have fun and send me the name of your insurance company so I can buy the crashed bits to build a track bike out of.

Then you can give me your 675

jerome_oneil · 06-09-2008, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whymista

Then you can give me your 675

Bastard has a Norton that does nothing but sit in the garage.

He hoards them, man. We need to liberate those bikes....

Jim Moore · 06-09-2008, 07:23 AM

Used SV-650.

kdbolt70 · 06-09-2008, 07:55 AM

Everyone is going to tell you a Liter bike is way to big to start out on. I have over 15 years dirt experience, and wanted a CBR600 as my first bike. I decided to excersize some self control and go with a GS500, a much more forgiving bike.

Even if you do make it through your first couple years alive on that bike, you'll probably lay it down at least once. How will you feel when you bang up that 10+k bike just months after you buy it? Try something like a SV650 or Ninja 650, still big displacement, fast bikes that look good, but are a bit more manageable to new road riders. You are going to have to learn how to ride a supersport, and ride on the road. Doing that at the same time is not going to be easy.

Edit: oh, and I'm 6' 250 and my GS has more than enough get-up-and-go for me, even coming from big dirtbikes.

Hound · 06-09-2008, 08:38 AM

As said above, don't think of your personal size and the size of the motorcycles engine as things that corrispond together. The motorcycle itself is still heavier then you are and the engine mangages not to fall out. Adding you is fine. These bikes can even carry two people and still run.

What you need to do is read more reasons not to buy a liter or 600ss and gather a list of names of good starter bikes and visit some dealerships with NO MONEY and sit on the bikes listed off. You will find one that fits better for you then the others on the starter list. Get that, used or new I don't care.

Do not let the dealer talk you into a bigger bike. Do not let them wave a sale in your face. They don't love you anymore then a car dealership if they try any of this. They are not your friends they are there to pay their house payment off of you.

Also, don't judge looks by pictures. Go see the bikes. Don't look at a photo and call it ugly. Wait till you see it in person. They tend to look a *lot* better. I never, ever, ever would have picked my bike biased off photos yet I immediately gravitated to it on the shop floor by sheer looks and was fortunate that it also fit like a glove (the bike I had intended to get was not so comfy).

EVOIXGSR · 06-09-2008, 08:57 AM

Thanks for all the advice guys. I am actually thinking about the Street Triple 675 or the SV650. There is no way I am going to buy a bike that is slower than my car though which is why I am steering away from the <250cc bikes. It may sound like a foolish decision, but I want to get a bike that I will not get tiered of and be able to keep for a long time.