new rider suggestions....

jjmann19 · 06-15-2008, 04:41 PM

I am 5'6, 145LBS and looking to get a bike with a year or so, what do you guys/gals recommend for someone whos never been on one/knows absolutely nothing about them what so ever.

thanks,

James

ps.. I know theres a link to bikes for beginners, but I wanna hear it from everyone else

RayOSV · 06-15-2008, 05:24 PM

Welcome to SBN!!

First take the equivalent of the MSF safety course. Then look at a 250 or 500cc bike for your first. It won't be your last if you stick with it.

If you're looking for someone to say "start on any bike you want, I did and survived", that could happen. Most people learn faster on a bike with power delivery that doesn't scare the crap out of its rider every time they ride it.

jjmann19 · 06-15-2008, 05:27 PM

ive been lookin at the kawasaki Ninja 500R or the Suzuki650VS

kbt · 06-16-2008, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjmann19

ive been lookin at the kawasaki Ninja 500R or the Suzuki650VS

Sv 650 is very friendly to drive. But that can be actually a problem. It is so friendly that you'll might get too comfortable very soon and you'll feel that you could do what ever. Even the slightest problem on a high speed (read: "just" 40 - 50km/h) for a beginner could be a huge problem, specially when sudden braking is required. When everything is going smooth even 300 km/h is not fast, but when there is a problem 30km/h is dangerous.

Therefore my opinion is that the best way to start learning is on some old (10-15 years old) and slow bike (up to 250ccm or 10-15HP). So that you can experience various different problems on relatively slow speeds and learn how to react.

Also, I think, it is better to start with a non sport bike, because they are easier to drive because of the position of the rider.

May point is that the best thing is to go step by step, even if it takes more time. Get a cheap bike for the first season. Sell it next season and get something better and so on.

Skoalbasher · 06-16-2008, 02:58 PM

The EX500 you'll get comfortable on soon. The back end kinda wiggles on me sometimes, maybe because I break hard on occasion.

If you get the ex500(500R), make sure you know where the reserve lever is, practice reaching it while on the bike. You may need to use it, so know where it is, so you don't have to search while riding.

MrAmazing X · 06-16-2008, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kbt

Sv 650 is very friendly to drive. But that can be actually a problem. It is so friendly that you'll might get too comfortable very soon and you'll feel that you could do what ever. Even the slightest problem on a high speed (read: "just" 40 - 50km/h) for a beginner could be a huge problem, specially when sudden braking is required. When everything is going smooth even 300 km/h is not fast, but when there is a problem 30km/h is dangerous.

Therefore my opinion is that the best way to start learning is on some old (10-15 years old) and slow bike (up to 250ccm or 10-15HP). So that you can experience various different problems on relatively slow speeds and learn how to react.

Also, I think, it is better to start with a non sport bike, because they are easier to drive because of the position of the rider.

May point is that the best thing is to go step by step, even if it takes more time. Get a cheap bike for the first season. Sell it next season and get something better and so on.

honestly, I'm doing just fine with a 500. If you don't ride like a moron, then I'm sure you will be ok.

SeqArtMark · 06-17-2008, 10:37 PM

If I had it to do over again, I would probably go with the Ninja 650r. I chose the GS500F instead and, while I like the bike, I think I could've gotten more value out of the 650r.

However, there are times I'm glad I didn't get the Ninja. Despite having the same seat height, the GS sags about two inches when I sit on it so I can comfortably get both feet on the ground (unlike the Ninja, which has zero give).

So, all that being said, I would sit on all the bikes you're considering and see which one works best for you. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the suggested bikes. Good luck and safe riding.

Mark

numasaki · 06-18-2008, 01:25 AM

I'm 5'7" 220 and every bike I've gotten on will have to be lowered an inch or 2 depending on the seat height.. Even tho I can tip toe it, I'd like to have just a bit more than the tips of my feet touchin ground.. So, with that said.. Sit on every bike you consider, and if you feel uncomfortable at that height, go ahead and consider lowering the bike, that will be a lil extra so keep that in mind..

jjmann19 · 06-23-2008, 09:52 AM

I've been looking at the Kawasaki's, as well as the yamahas... what do you think?

RayOSV · 06-23-2008, 10:18 AM

Which Yamaha?

jjmann19 · 06-23-2008, 12:29 PM

RayOSV · 06-23-2008, 01:32 PM

Do you have graduated licensing? That would rightfully keep you off an R6 as a first bike. One of the worse choices in any case.

TTGB · 06-23-2008, 01:39 PM

jjmann19 · 06-23-2008, 01:42 PM

haha alright, no R6 then for a good long while.. I've JUST finish taking the motorcycle safety course ... so this is why im asking what to get... so I can think about what it is I want to get!

thanks for the help everyone

shibby6615 · 06-23-2008, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjmann19

haha alright, no R6 then for a good long while.. I've JUST finish taking the motorcycle safety course ... so this is why im asking what to get... so I can think about what it is I want to get!

thanks for the help everyone

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