New to it All!

Ekib · 09-15-2008, 06:23 PM

Hey Everyone!
My name's Heidi and I'm from MN, where it's getting a tad late in the season to just be getting into all this but hey, what can you do? (Except hopefully get a good deal on a bike right?!?)

I just got into cars about two years ago and I guess I'm on to bikes now.. Hopefully I'll enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed learning all the how-to's with cars. So yeah, I'm looking to get my first bike. Very open to suggestions, tips etc.! Everyone's telling me to start on a Ninja or a Katana. I really like the look of the Katana's myself, but know nothing about overall quality of brands or anything, so if you guys could help out that would be great! Looking forward to getting to know you all and, if not this year, getting in on some rides!!

SamanthaSchou · 09-15-2008, 06:41 PM

Hi Heidi,
Welcome to the site and welcome to motorcycling. I personally would recommend a Ninja 500 which I started on or a GS500. The Katana is a good bike but with a dry weight around 450, it is heavy.

Also, please learn the lingo as nothing will peg you as newbie quicker than "So, how long have you been driving sport bikes?", "No, I don't drive my bike to work." or "I just love driving in my bike!" Sorry but I see this a lot and it really gets on my nerves!

Ozy · 09-15-2008, 06:46 PM

My only advice from experience would be to outlay JUST enough for your first bike to purchase something road worthy. ride the arse off it, flog it once you've grown comfortable to bikes and other road users and yourself, and buy something a bit 'prettier'.
Dont buy new for your first, or even second bikes (infact i'll never buy new again) and ask lots of questions.

Ekib · 09-16-2008, 12:58 AM

Thanks for the tips!! I definitely would like a nice light one to start with, and I also will be going pretty cheap for sure.. I have heard many of the horrible beginner stories, and I know I'm not that special!

DEPUTY11 · 09-16-2008, 07:20 AM

welcome

binx_19 · 09-17-2008, 12:51 AM

Ekib · 09-18-2008, 10:09 AM

Haha..you guys have some of the craziest smileys I've ever seen! I love this guy ->

Too bad it has such negative conotations.

snlsmith · 09-18-2008, 04:09 PM

Welcome, from another newbie (to the board, not bikes)

DarkRyder · 09-19-2008, 12:35 AM

Welcome to SBN.. enjoy the site.. check out the stickies for beginners, they have some good advice and info in them..

Shamrock627 · 09-19-2008, 04:54 AM

I suggest a used Suzuki GS500F.

And I had an ex girlfriend named Heidi.

smakawhat · 09-19-2008, 11:11 AM

Well you're probably right now in the best position to buy something living up in MN, cause I am sure the season there is winding down... deals to be had I am sure!

I grew up in Winnipeg, north of the border, I don't know how anyone their can go riding you'd get to ride maybe 2-3 months of the year IF you're lucky (never mind the days it rains).

Plus as you know everything is FLAT as a board for miles on end.

mssdrider · 09-19-2008, 01:32 PM

yay!
another female rider...

Another thing: newbie mistake, "I want to buy a ninja"

Ninja what? be specific, as 250's all the way up to a ZX-10 (i think) are all called ninjas (my SO's ZX-7rr has ninja stamped on it also)

And don't forget to say hi in the women's forum!

shah269 · 09-19-2008, 04:18 PM

1) Buy good gear!
2) Take MSF class
3) Anything with 500CC's will do you, just make sure you are comfy, try not to buy new since bikes depreciate faster than well.....they just depreciate really fast!

kwameo · 09-19-2008, 06:09 PM

I definitely agree with shah269, make sure to take the MSF class. Learn all that you can in preperation for the joy of riding.

Ekib · 09-22-2008, 02:46 PM

Well I did get my license through MSF so at least I have done that much right..

Thanks everyone.