Beginner questions, f4i, ninja 650r, riding safe, etc.

[enyce88]

Greetings,

I would like to thank you all beforehand for taking time to read my post and answering my questions. I am a beginner rider – I have taken a couple of private motorcycle lessons and will also be taking the MSF Safety Course in August. I have already bought all my gear – helmet, jacket, gloves, pants, and boots.

I have recently done much research pertaining to motorcycles, being a beginner rider, motorcycles for beginner riders, etc. I’ve been very interested in riding sport bikes growing up, and now that I am on my own, I am very serious about riding sport bikes for the sake of riding – to learn and grow as a rider in the safest possible way. So, I had a couple of questions that I know you guys could answer best for me:

1) I am about 6”2’, 190 pounds and am looking for a good beginner bike. I have researched all the good possible beginner bikes – so I know the usual ninja 250r, 500r, fz6, etc. I’ve been to dealerships a couple of times and have gotten on a ninja 250r – the bike is way too small and out of the question. To be completely honest, the way a bike looks is important to me, but learning to be a good rider is primary. I plan on buying a used bike. I’ve read a lot about the ninja 650r, and believe that would be a good bike to start on. I’ve also researched a lot about the Honda f4i, which although is a liter bike, many also say could be a good beginner bike. So I’m pretty much in between these two for now – but never dead set on anything. Opinions? What do you experienced riders who may have started on one of these bikes think? Beginner opinions on these bikes as well?

2) Although reading about and looking at bikes all the time gives me the impulse urge to go out and buy one right away (I’m sure you all understand), I am in no rush to buy a bike, because I want to make sure I get the best deal and the right bike. That being said, I feel like it might be easier to find more bikes and better deals on bikes during the winter time (I live in NY so I would ride mostly in warmer weather seasons)? The dead of summer seems to be a hard time to find bikes.

3) I understand that starting on a 600cc bike may be more difficult to learn. But if I were hypothetically to start on a bike like a Honda f4i, what would be the best way ensure that I learn properly when I start to ride? I would have already taken a number of private lessons and a MSF course by the time I get a bike.

4) Why would it be difficult to learn on a bike like the f4i if I went light on the throttle? Isn’t that just about the rider?

5) I read about people who are not good riders because they started on bigger bikes and are afraid to turn or use hp to compensate for poor riding. The Honda f4i is actually a lighter bike (about 370 lbs dry) than the ninja 650r (about 393 lbs dry). Does lighter weight make a bike easier to maneuver? So would a lighter bike with sportier riding stance cancel out a heavier bike with a slightly more ergonomic stance?

Sorry for so many questions! As you can see, I’m just trying to learn as much as I can from everyone here so I am well-informed when I actually do make my decisions. I appreciate all opinions and all help!

[statikuz]

The F4i is a 600cc, not a liter bike, so it might be more in the right range for a beginner bike IMO.

Have you sat on the CBR? From my short research it looks like physically it is about the same dimensions as the 250R, with a slightly higher seat height.

[jimphunpants]

I think you need to take the blindfold test next time you're at a stealership. Have a friend that halfway cares about your well-being and have him lie to you as you're sitting on that "badass F4i..." (250/500). Sounds like you may be more hung up on appearance versus practicality.

As the above poster mentioned, there's not much difference in the "cramped feeling" of the SS bikes as there is to the 250/500 bikes. Besides the foot peg/handle bar position (that's actually MORE comfortable for long rides), there's not a lot of difference in ergos. Power between the two is waaaay different though.

And you're 6'2", 190lbs? My friend is 6'3" and 205-210lbs and he rocks the '08 Ninjer 250 just fine. He loves it and has even taken his gf on a short ride (he's still green) and things were just fine. In terms of size, if you're too large to ride a 250, chances are you're going to have problems on any sportbike (not mentioning the hyper bikes).

*EDIT*

The 650R is a MUCH better choice for you versus the F4, IMO. I know a few people on here have started on the bigger twins with no problems. You can crash a 250 just as easy as a 650, 600SS, 1000, whatever... but the chances of a minor mistake becoming a bigger problem are increases with more power between your legs. You'll get a mixed review of people saying "bullshit, i started on a 600cc and I did just fine..." I'm only offering you my experience and what I feel. Take it as you may; you're a big boy and you're in charge of your health and the safety of other motorists on the road.

[TJT]

What kind of riding do you see yourself/plan on doing? Do you want to chill around town, travel great distances, tear up the back roads (bad idea), ride on the track, race?

[Spyke_Da_Fresh]

The F4i is not a beginner bike by any means. If you don't know throttle control and brake control etc it will kick your ass

500 is a better choice, 650r is a good choice also. Sv650 is also a good possible choice

f4i - NO BAD CHOICE - BAD BAD

[enyce88]

Thanks for the responses. In response to jimphunpants, you're absolutely right - I am a little hung up on appearance, but not in terms of the 250r because I actually think it looks sicker - the '08 one at least - than any of the ones i was considering. In fact, when I first starting researching bikes, I thought the 250r would be an awesome bike not only cuz it looked awesome but everyone always raves about it. It's funny because when i went to the dealership, I only really sat on examined how i felt on a 250 b/c that's what i wanted at the time - my friend (who is an experienced rider) said it looked a little cramped for me; i have long legs and arms. That's why i stopped considering it, but after what you guys are saying, maybe I should check it out again. What did you start on?

I see myself using the bike for all types of riding - around town, eventually going out on the highway, etc. - nothing in particular but just to ride and have fun.

[OldSchlPunk]

It's your first bike ferchistsakes! Get over the appearance already. How many cars have you owned? Learn how to ride well, then get a Supersport or Liter bike.

Like Spike said, the F4i is NOT a starter bike. Can you do it? Sure. Will you learn as fast? Hell no! If you have to spend any of your concentration on staying out of the power band, you have the wrong bike, because then you aren't spending your time learning.

A 250 Ninja will outpace just about any production car to 60.

The only thing a 250 may not be great for is extended highway riding.

[DarkRyder]

i have to agree with the guys here, also take a look at the GS500F or even the SV650, either one of those might fit you.

[JDiz5]

Where in NY are you from? I plan on getting a bike at the end of the summer (most likely a GS500F but also considering a 500R and 650R). I would definitely look into a 250, but I do a lot of driving on I-87 so I need a bike that is comfortable traveling long distances at higher speeds. Your intended usage should help narrow down which bikes are best for you. Also, go to a dealer and sit on a bunch of bikes. I found the GS500F to be extremely comfortable so I'm leaning towards that.

Depending on where you are, maybe we can go riding together once we're both set up.

[kdbolt70]

I'm 6' 250 and the GS500F is a great fit for me. I just did about 300 miles in a day last week without any issues at all. Very comfortable, and plenty of power for a new rider. It also looks pretty sharp... at least to me. A good friend of mine has a 650r and loves it, but its sort of at the top of the food chain when it comes to beginner bikes.

[enyce88]

Cool - you guys are right, I will focus on looking for the best fitting smaller bike that's right for me. Thanks for your advice.

JDIZ5 - I'm from the long island/nyc area - you? Keep me updated on your bike search.

[JDiz5]

I go to school in Troy, NY (10 minutes from Albany) during the week but go home to Greenwood Lake, NY on weekends. I can get to the Tappan Zee Bridge in about 25 minutes plus I got a Grandfather around West Islip/North Babylon area, so I'm sure we can figure something out. Be sure you keep me updated too