A newb that needs bike info

Delta · 07-26-2004, 03:01 AM

hey guys, im looking into purchasing my first street bike and need bike advice...like whats good? I've been lookin at the 600cc bikes and cant seem to tell the difference between them, they all seem basically the same...(except for the Rs which are slightly different in engine performance i guess)..

Whats your opinion on the 600cc bikes (any brand) or the Katana 750 (i found a brand new one at 5k).. I saw a 2000 Ninja 600R, red, w/ 2500 miles for 4k, good starter bike? Im not sure if i need a 750 cuz i feel so big on a 600

Im not entirely a newb, i used to ride dirt bikes out back w/ friends...But this talk of counter-steering is completely losing me... Maybe its becuase im gettin lost in translation, and should think more instinctive.. Im tryin to think back to my bicycling days of what u speak of..

I still have to take the license test and take the MSF course... My current plans are to get the bike somewhere between now and december (im in ohio and when it starts snowing, bike prices plummet) What do u think?

Im not one of those crazy street riders that u see flying down the street... I just wanna ride and have a good time w/ my friends (at a conservative speed, till i kno how to handle my own)

I hear alot of talk about heavy bikes? what does this effect? turning? or is it just preference on the riders size. im 6'0 about 175 and like to stay physically fit (runnin and liftin, if this has anythin to do w/ bike size)...

In addition, im not a cocky person, i kno im not good enuf for a 1000cc bike yet, but 2 people i know who are new riders WANT to get a CBR 1000RR (didnt get one yet). One of which is my bro, who is a college football player so i might understand his reasoning (220lb all muscl), but the other kid is my size and only about 20 lbs heavier.. Is that a smart thing for them to do? or should i try and talk them down lol..

THanks for your time w/ this long boreing post, i just wanna get the facts straight, i dont wanna do anything stupid to get myself hurt or anyone else hurt... sorry for sounding like such a newb

PLEASE GET INTO EXTREME DETAIL, COVER EVERY ASPECT PLEASE

Delta

BuRn__ · 07-26-2004, 03:05 AM

my advice? stop looking at the 600's for a first bike. you say how ur bro got a liter bike for his 1st cuz he's a big guy. weight really doesnt have as much a factor with sportbikes as you would think. id personally recommend a 500 as a first bike. it has enough power to last u awhile, but not enough to get u in the hot seat if something should go wrong. the new 600's have too much power for a newb and can easily throw u if u dont know what ur doing.

scorpion12 · 07-26-2004, 03:44 AM

Yep, Burn's got good advice...

Take the MSF first. Get good gear, then get a bike... recommended it's used, and naked...

It seems like everyone on here who wants a bike is 6'10" and 300# and isn't comfortable on a 600SS... I guess that's rationalization for wanting a liter bike...

Whatever... Start on a smaller bike and you'll hopefully be able to ride better than someone who started on a liter bike.

Bandit 400's and ninja 250's and 500's are usually good choices...

Delta · 07-26-2004, 03:57 AM

do they provide a bike at the msf? and if so what kind?

Is it like a week of classes? or just one day

BuRn__ · 07-26-2004, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta

do they provide a bike at the msf? and if so what kind?

Is it like a week of classes? or just one day

u use their bikes in the bc in MSF.
most msf classes offer Honda nighthawk 250's (250cc's), but ive heard of a few having Buell blasts as well.
think of it this way...MSF teaches u the basics on a 250cc bike, for everyone, doesnt matter how tall/short/big/small they are...every1 gets the same bike. so if size did matter, they would offer 600's, etc for the bigger folks. and since msf doesnt teach u the basic's on a new 600 or a liter bike, 3-4 days of msf class isnt going to prepare you for a new 600ss. you need to work your way up so u can develop the skills needed to one day get a bigger bike.
this probably doesnt make much sense cuz im dead tired, but other's will chime in and fix my post. heh

Delta · 07-26-2004, 04:26 AM

I just read the MSF site, and all the classes in my area are fulll until next year, when the new schedule comes out..

Id still like to kno the difference w/ the 600 models though, i've been dyin to learn the differences.. Like which company is better and stuff like that, get in depth please lol

There arent too many 500cc used for sale in my area any suggestions? Ebay doesnt help cuz it gives me shit too far away.. HOnestly my area has a shitload of 600cc thats y i was thinkin of htat for a first time street bike (i was a dirt biker)... If i got one i'd probably sit in a parking lot alot and not do much street driving til i mastered it

sorry if im not makin sense, im tired and i dont feel like re-reading

Hagios · 07-26-2004, 04:32 AM

getting my 1st bike...i'm a tad nervous!!

Moral of the story, start small. Nobody's jealous. These guys are great, and really are only looking out for your safety. Keep at it with ebay, or check your newspaper. I'm lucky enough to have craigs list to watch for stuff to buy cheapish, maybe you have something like that for your area.

Above ALL else, wear your gear and play it safe.

joberly · 07-26-2004, 05:05 AM

Nobody masters the art of motorcycling in a parking lot. Yes it will help get your skills down, but when you venture out on the street, a 500 will much better prepare you to move up to a faster bike, and the 'mastering' of said bike will be easier once you have experience ringing the shit out of a 500 and not being scared shit of a new SS.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta

If i got one i'd probably sit in a parking lot alot and not do much street driving til i mastered it

RACER X · 07-26-2004, 07:37 AM

http://home.earthlink.net/~thebradfords/startsmall.htm

call the nearest MSF school , and ask if they have "stand-by" positions......

qwik huh · 07-26-2004, 10:19 AM

I am 230 lbs and when I ride my wifes VTR250 it has plenty of power and is most likley faster than at least 60% of the cars on the road with me on it. There is NO reason for you brother to want a 1000RR other than the cool factor. I am sure its because he is a football player and doesn't want to be seen on a "baby" bike like a 250-500 CC bike. If he is a decent player he may want to consider what he could cost himself when he crashes his 1000RR and can't play anymore. If I were starting out again I would look at the Suzuki GS500s. The new ones look like the Gixxers but are good beginner bikes...

taziscool · 07-26-2004, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BuRn__

my advice? stop looking at the 600's for a first bike. you say how ur bro got a liter bike for his 1st cuz he's a big guy. weight really doesnt have as much a factor with sportbikes as you would think. id personally recommend a 500 as a first bike. it has enough power to last u awhile, but not enough to get u in the hot seat if something should go wrong. the new 600's have too much power for a newb and can easily throw u if u dont know what ur doing.

Hell even the OLD 600's have too much power for a newbie. Best bike to start with...the ones they have at the MSF course! Then get one similar in power to those, which is limiting as far as sportbikes go but sportbikes will be around when you have enough skills to ride one properly.

I don't give a damn how big/tall/fat you are...a 250 will be plenty to move your ass down the street faster than you think. If your seriously don't find one comfortable for your height, get a dual sport. They are taller and offer more room for long legs.

Delta · 07-26-2004, 01:27 PM

thanks guys