What is a good bike for a beginner?

[Brano]

Originally Posted by mike villena

Might already be too late guys... looks like he got a CBR600 Maybe he just needs validation for his poor choice?

Well no need to down someone's bike man. but no i don't own any bike at all. i just put that down because i didnt' see a way to not put anything. My friend own's one so its what came to mind first.

[binx_19]

I run 5 seconds off the pace at the track in A group on my 250 vs 1198, 1098, 1000, 848, 675, 650, 600. Fully Geared up, I weigh over 200 lbs.

[R1100S-Rider]

turbo busa!

/thread

[mike villena]

Originally Posted by Brano

Well no need to down someone's bike man. but no i don't own any bike at all. i just put that down because i didnt' see a way to not put anything. My friend own's one so its what came to mind first.

Not "downing" anything dude. Saw that you posted a CBR600 as your sportbike thus the remark. You should have stated that initially. You'd be surprised how many newbies have come here asking for "advice" as to their first bike only to disregard what knowledgeable members recommend because they just wanted validation or they were hoping that they would get the okay to go ahead and get that Super Sport regardless of their absolute lack of proficiency.

[b3av3r]

Not sure how many people you know who ride, but if you check out any motorcycle board the vast majority of members will recommend a 250cc or 500cc as a first bike. Just think about that for a minute if an overwhelming majority of experienced riders suggest a 250/500cc as a first bike why discount that advice and take the word of a small minority?

Chances are the people recommended the smaller bike can ride circles around the guys telling you 190lbs. is too much for a 250.

[JustSaying]

Originally Posted by termlifed

You're all toasting in a roll bread

Lmao I like that.

[Midnight_Ryder]

Im not sure how a ninja 250 would compare to a Buell blast as far as seat height and what not but I took the Riders edge course over the weekend at HD and those things are tiny. Im 6'1 and 230 and I will say that they seemed like they had plenty of pep but I just felt cramped and uncomfortable. I did have an absolute blast though and really learned alot about technique. I would recommend the MSF course for everyone. Sorry, I'm getting off topic here.

[LessPeople_MoreRobots]

Originally Posted by Midnight_Ryder

Im 6'1 and 230 and I will say that they seemed like they had plenty of pep but I just felt cramped and uncomfortable

Its a common misconception that a bike with a smaller displacement engine is going to be physically smaller in terms of rider ergos.

This site is gold:
Motorcycle Ergonomics

The main thing that matters is the triangle between seat, footpegs, and handlebars. Try picking a couple bikes on there, and I think you'll be surprised to see that the 250R and whatnot are quite a bit less "cramped" than most full out sportbikes.

[Midnight_Ryder]

Originally Posted by LessPeople_MoreRobots

Its a common misconception that a bike with a smaller displacement engine is going to be physically smaller in terms of rider ergos.

This site is gold:
Motorcycle Ergonomics

The main thing that matters is the triangle between seat, footpegs, and handlebars. Try picking a couple bikes on there, and I think you'll be surprised to see that the 250R and whatnot are quite a bit less "cramped" than most full out sportbikes.

I agree with everything you say. I just wasn't sure how the buell compared to the 250r in terms of seat height and what not. I do know that that little 500cc thumper had plenty of pep to pull me around the course and I think it would do just fine for someone my height and weight if given a comfy seat.

[LessPeople_MoreRobots]

Originally Posted by Midnight_Ryder

I agree with everything you say. I just wasn't sure how the buell compared to the 250r in terms of seat height and what not. I do know that that little 500cc thumper had plenty of pep to pull me around the course and I think it would do just fine for someone my height and weight if given a comfy seat.

Yeah, I'm 6'4" and 240lbs myself. Being over 6', I think seat height will pretty much never be an issue for you, regardless of bike.

For me, the distance between the seat and the footpegs is a bigger deal. I actually buy aftermarket adjustable rearsets so that I can LOWER the footpegs, as opposed to raise them like most people do for track riding. The greater distance between seat and pegs, the less your knees are bent, and the less I get cramped over time.

[teaze_me40]

I just finished the "Rider's Edge" course at the Harley Davidson dealership 2 weeks ago, and bought a 2008 Buell Blast to ride on right away. I love this little bike! It's 500 cc's, but has more power than I expected, when riding out on the highway. Yes, I've already ridden all over town and on the highway. I can't get enough riding in on my little baby! I take her to my doctor's appts, to visit my parents, ride with my friends, and my husband, who has a 2006 Street Glide! I can keep up with all of them!
I was told, by the dealership, that if I could master the Buell, I would be able to ride any bike they have. The clutch for first gear is a little tricky, but, once you figure out just how much to let it out to get started, the rest is easy street! I love my baby, but will probably be ready for a bigger bike in a season or two. By the way, I weigh 140 lbs, and my husband weighs 200 lbs, and we have both ridden her and loved it!

[teaze_me40]

Love my little 2008 Buell Blast! 500 cc's, and more power than expected. My husband has a 2006 Street Glide, and had a great time riding mine to test it for me! In fact, he rode it a couple of times, instead of his, before I took the "Rider's Edge" course at Harley and got my license! He weighs 200 lbs, and I weigh 140 lbs. I take her everywhere, highways included, and keep up with all of my friends that have bigger bikes! After a couple of seasons, I'll probably trade her in on something bigger. The value of these things on trade-in in fantastic!

[blackripley]

What is a good bike for a beginner?

A cheep bike like the ninja 250-500, buell blast, fz400, sportster 883 or a dzr.

Look a first bike is mostly a learning tool. You will drop it. You may crash it. You might not like riding at all. So why get you money tied up in a expensive bike?
Supersport and superbikes are race bikes at are on the street. When you first start driving you would never jump in a F1 car and hit the streets

[mangosmoothie16]

Buy a ninja 500. Big enough, fast enough to make you learn to respect power yet still not powerful enough to do a power wheelie or whatever of you accidentally give it too much throttle, and you won't whine and bitch about it being underpowered. a 250 is better but sounds like you don't want that


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[bassjones]

Originally Posted by Brano

Well I've been told that it can make the bike top heavy which would be dangerous during turning.

Whoever told you that should be immediately removed from your circle of advice givers. That is complete bullshit.