What was your first bike?

[Chuckster]

Just curious who went with what with their first bike. I think my first bike is gonna be a 05ish Ninja 636. I would love to have blue/white gsxr6 but have heard from alot of people its not the best bike to start on. I even read that on abounch of reviews. Well I was at wow today and instantly fell in love with an 05 636 kawasaki green. Color and style of the bike was just gorgeous. If I had my license I would have bought the bike today. But I won't till oct. I know have my mind set after sitting on just sittign on every bike in the shop, this is what I want. It was the most comfterable bike.

Hopefully when Im ready to purchase a bike I can find it in green.

Here is a pic of the bike I fell in love with.
http://www.wowmotorcycles.com/images/bikes/81095_01.jpg

[turbosx©]

do you mine flipping that bike a couple times on the road?

[Halfwit]

how is a 636 a better bike to learn on than a gsxr 600?

i started smart, on a 93 ninja ex 500, dropped it a few times, bought it cheap, sold it for same price, got my learning out of it for about 4 months, and bought something nicer.

[slow_hatch]

Not counting dirtbikes, mine was an '01 SV650s. Had a buddy ride with me in my truck to Tenn. and follow me back. Oh the memories on that bike. Wish I still had it.

[Tarzanman]

Just curious who went with what with their first bike. I think my first bike is gonna be a 05ish Ninja 636. I would love to have blue/white gsxr6 but have heard from alot of people its not the best bike to start on. I even read that on abounch of reviews. Well I was at wow today and instantly fell in love with an 05 636 kawasaki green. Color and style of the bike was just gorgeous. If I had my license I would have bought the bike today. But I won't till oct. I know have my mind set after sitting on just sittign on every bike in the shop, this is what I want. It was the most comfterable bike.

Hopefully when Im ready to purchase a bike I can find it in green.

Here is a pic of the bike I fell in love with. (snipped picture of soon-to-be-dropped-bike with expensive-as-hell-fairings)


To answer your question, my first bike was a fully-faired GS500.

Seeing as how you don't know anything about bikes, I will fulfill my obligation and suggest that you not get a 636 as a first bike.

However, my gut feeling tells me that you are probably going to ignore all the sensible advice you get and go for instant gratification instead.

Good luck not repeatedly dropping a bike that you aren't qualified to learn to ride properly.

[Halfwit]

exactly^

[Chuckster]

To answer your question, my first bike was a fully-faired GS500.

Seeing as how you don't know anything about bikes, I will fulfill my obligation and suggest that you not get a 636 as a first bike.

However, my gut feeling tells me that you are probably going to ignore all the sensible advice you get and go for instant gratification instead.

Good luck not repeatedly dropping a bike that you aren't qualified to learn to ride properly.


Well your gut feeling is wrong. Im taking alot of advice from rookies and experts. Some people(like everyone in this forum including myself b/c Im a greedy basterd) say thats a stupid. Some say go for just be careful. The few that said go for it, started out on a 600. Droped the bike a few times but nothing to nasty.

Youre right, I don't know a damn thing about bikes. All I know is I get an adrenaline rush just looking at them. Like a little kid in a toy store. A fat kid in a candy shop. A **** in a locker room.

I just want that bike in my garage to look at. Ya'll got to admit that color is hawt. lol

[turbosx©]

then get a new ex250 in that color?

[Chuckster]

then get a new ex250 in that color?

08?

http://www.kawasaki.com/ImagesMain/Products/ActionShots/3b3c1842-abcf-4444-9731-cad78d5aeeb8.jpg

[speedminded]

First bike I rode, Katana 600...probably one of the worst bikes built. Top heavy and underpowered.

First bike I owned, '99 Triumph Daytona 955i. 130hp, 100lbs-ft torque (2 extra teeth on aftermarket sprocket), 425lbs, and fits like a glove. Sold it years ago but I want to build another one: carbon fiber underseat exhaust, replace the OEM Brembo wheels with Marchesini's and swap the oem 190 rear tire for a 200, then silver or graphite paint with the '02+ 955i stickers. :yumyum:

[ueyedgr8tness]

MY advice is just do u. Because every 1 told me what i should get and what i shouldn't.I been riding only 2 yr's now but my 1st was a 2002 gsxr600 i just sold it like a month ago.But i can say i have never dropped that bike and it was my 1st bike and 1st time riding 1. on the other hand i got a 2007 r6 last oct and have dropped it 2 times doing stupid shi*. BUt my point is ppl where wrong when they said i would drop my 1st bike cause i didn't even thoe i can't say that would stand for every 1 else because not all ppl are fast learners.

Now about the bike your looking at the 05 636 is known for its problems and the only good thing that came out those bikes is that they are wheelie monsters. other than that u should be looking at tranny problems,fork seals and other bad costly problems etc... do your home work before u buy and just do u because no matter what any 1 say's your going to do u anyway more than likely :) have fun and don't wreck.


Hangout with mature crouds that ride safe and go do a driving course.and if your going to do stunts and bs go to a parking lot and do it the safe way because i would hate to hear about some 1 getting ran over by a car because they thought they had it all down:no:

[Chuckster]

MY advice is just do u. Because every 1 told me what i should get and what i shouldn't.I been riding only 2 yr's now but my 1st was a 2002 gsxr600 i just sold it like a month ago.But i can say i have never dropped that bike and it was my 1st bike and 1st time riding 1. on the other hand i got a 2007 r6 last oct and have dropped it 2 times doing stupid shi*. BUt my point is ppl where wrong when they said i would drop my 1st bike cause i didn't even thoe i can't say that would stand for every 1 else because not all ppl are fast learners.

Now about the bike your looking at the 05 636 is known for its problems and the only good thing that came out those bikes is that they are wheelie monsters. other than that u should be looking at tranny problems,fork seals and other bad costly problems etc... do your home work before u buy and just do u because no matter what any 1 say's your going to do u anyway more than likely :) have fun and don't wreck.


Hangout with mature crouds that ride safe and go do a driving course.and if your going to do stunts and bs go to a parking lot and do it the safe way because i would hate to hear about some 1 getting ran over by a car because they thought they had it all down:no:


Nice gsxr. I have already signed up for basic calss. It starts oct23. So I got some time to decide before I buy a bike.

[Turbo Terrance]

HOPEFULLY my first bike will be a 08 ninja 650r in lime green....

[InEeDaKaR]

my first bike was a 07 zx6r....

[David88vert]

First bike was a 89 GS500E....

[Smittie61984]

The 636 is still not a good bike to start on. Might be worste than a GSXR600 since it has a little more torque.

Here is the very first street bike I rode. I have ridden dirtbikes a few times (Crashed most of them). But this is an 02 SV650s...
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1107/855653638_1447fe8191.jpg
Great gear there...
Then I bought a couple weeks later a 1994 Yamaha SecaII. Fun little bike and a great beginner bikehttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2348/2097874455_5236957dfd_o.jpg
Needed a new tire so burnt this one off.

A few months later I sold it and bought a 1996 CBR600 F3 as a project bike that I rebuilt myself. Here are the pics of what I have done to what I call the Flying Turd. http://www.flickr.com/photos/atlantasmittie84/sets/72157602727619521/

And here I am on my bike at Deal's Gap from a month or two ago...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2071/2528752067_023f54fb70.jpg

Here are some vids. My XJ600...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1VCVN4UZ30
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl1d8hH5gYA


By the way for those who think you need a 600/750 or even a 1000cc to have fun. This guy is on what my yellow bike was except no windscreen. He's on a RACE track against a 02 or so R1 and is spanking it in the turns constantly. The camera bike is the same one as mine that had trouble beating a stock 350z.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rda1XBh8fS0

[Tarzanman]

Well your gut feeling is wrong. Im taking alot of advice from rookies and experts. Some people(like everyone in this forum including myself b/c Im a greedy basterd) say thats a stupid. Some say go for just be careful. The few that said go for it, started out on a 600. Droped the bike a few times but nothing to nasty.
Those are the the lucky ones. Most of the unlucky ones don't ride anymore (or aren't around anymore).

Anyone can have an accident, but you are increasing your chances of having a bad one if you start out on an inappropriate bike. Period. Anyone that tells you different doesn't know how to ride.


Youre right, I don't know a damn thing about bikes. All I know is I get an adrenaline rush just looking at them. Like a little kid in a toy store. A fat kid in a candy shop. A **** in a locker room.
Then do yourself a favor and do some research. Here's a good place to start
http://www.msgroup.org/default.aspx
You can also google 'learning to ride' or 'good starter bike', and get opinions from both sides of the argument.

The bottom line is that it is safer to start small. If you know anything, then you already know that motorcycling is dangerous.


I just want that bike in my garage to look at. Ya'll got to admit that color is hawt. lol

The new 2008 Ninja 250R looks almost exactly like a 636, and its a great starter bike.... so that is hardly a (good) excuse.

[Chuckster]

Trust me I have been doing lots of research. Thanks for the link.

[iloveboost]

I started riding about two months ago. I bought a 2008 Yamaha R6. I sold it and bought a 2008 Ducati 848 Superbike and love it. I haven't dropped either. Not to say there haven't been close calls, but you've just got to be extremely careful and know when to play and when not to.

Just be extremely careful on whatever you decide to get.

[Smittie61984]

The 848? You do realize if you do drop the bike and dent the tank it's going to be $1500 to replace it (No I'm not joking).

Here is the main point to starting out small. You become a far superior rider if you do. The reason you do is one you learn how to handle really well. With a 1000cc or even your 600s people often become "Throttle Jockies" which are people who go through a turn slower than they could then rip on the gas once they leave the turn. They never learn that you can rip it through a turn and get suprised when some old fart on a 250 dual sport blows them away.

Here are two people ripping it on a 250 and I'd be suprised if many people on a 600 or 1000 could hang with them for a great distance. Or atleast through the turns...
http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v377/BlueLghtning/Motorcycle%20Rides/2008-05-14%20-%20Arkansas%20Ninja%20250%20trip/?action=view&current=100_5700.flv

Here is another example of rider with too big of a bike. This is a naked (No fairings all wind your way) Yamaha XJ600. This bike is slightly modded but I had one similar and it would hang with a stock 350z up to 80mph then past that it'd blow the yamaha away. The guy on the other bike is what appears to be an 02 or 03 Yamaha R1 (1000cc bike). Because the guy on the R1 can't ride properly he hauls in the straights and slows down so much he gets passed repeatedly in the turns by a 50-60hp bike (When it should be putting about 140 to the weel).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rda1XBh8fS0

You don't have to start Ninja250 small but you shouldn't start 600cc Super Sport big. Even if you don't technically crash you will hurt your skill. Fastest people I know started on small bikes.

[SlowsterCivy]

I'm a woman I know nothing about bikes. But from what I/ve heard the Suzuki SV650s are good bikes to start on.

[Smittie61984]

I say the SV650 is a good bike to start on but the most you want to start on. It was te very first bike I rode and could tell I might have struggled with it without proper training. Now if you take the MSF and do well I think a newbie could be fine on that.

A buddy of mine got a Ninja250 and rode that for a few months then got an 08 SV650s (Full fairings) and has done great. However he is about the exception to the rule. He's fairly timid but very smart and I don't think has ever put the SV650 Wide Open Throttle.

I'd get a used SV650 no doubt.

Also Frame Sliders are a must

[iloveboost]

The 848? You do realize if you do drop the bike and dent the tank it's going to be $1500 to replace it (No I'm not joking).
That's why I don't plan on dropping it. :D

[Halfwit]

That's why I don't plan on dropping it. :D
lol!!! how are u liking it vs. the 6? lol like its a real question.....

[big mac]

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh218/esrider1977/ees.jpg
my beast
200 hp

[Tarzanman]

The SV650 still has a bit more torque than I think a newbie should have.

The only 600cc fully faired bike I would tell a noob to ride would be a katana 600.

[Smittie61984]

you're newer SV650s aren' that bad. My buddy has an 08 and the torque isn't bad at all. Another buddy had an 02 SV650 and the torque was pretty bad. But like I said it's the MOST a newbie should start on.

[Tarzanman]

you're newer SV650s aren' that bad. My buddy has an 08 and the torque isn't bad at all. Another buddy had an 02 SV650 and the torque was pretty bad. But like I said it's the MOST a newbie should start on.

No offense, but WTF you are talking about?

1999-2002 SV-650
Peak power = 69.8 hp @ 9000 rpm
Peak torque = 61.7 N•m (45.5 ft•lbs) @ 7400 rpm

2003-2008 SV-650
Peak power = 71 hp @ 9000 rpm
Peak torque = 64 N•m (47.2 ft•lbs) @ 7200 rpm

So as you can see, the torque and power have clearly gone up with the 2nd gen SV650.

Its cool to want to help people out, but don't give out misinformation.

[iloveboost]

lol!!! how are u liking it vs. the 6? lol like its a real question.....
It's night and day. The torque is scary if you're not ready for it. Maintenance isn't too bad but overall it's way more fun to ride.

[Smittie61984]

No offense, but WTF you are talking about?


I'm talking from personal experience. I've ridden both generations and put a lot of time on them. Both in stock form with stock exhaust and stock everything.

The 02 SV650s which is carbed had a lot of pop in the low end. A Lot which is where a lot of people get into trouble. The 2008 SV650s which is FI wasn't anywhere near as bad. I'm guessing it's the carbes loading up with fuel or something but the 02 ones had a lot of pop in the bottom and I've had many people confirm this.

[Tarzanman]

I'm talking from personal experience. I've ridden both generations and put a lot of time on them. Both in stock form with stock exhaust and stock everything.

The 02 SV650s which is carbed had a lot of pop in the low end. A Lot which is where a lot of people get into trouble. The 2008 SV650s which is FI wasn't anywhere near as bad. I'm guessing it's the carbes loading up with fuel or something but the 02 ones had a lot of pop in the bottom and I've had many people confirm this.

Yeah, well this dyno of a 2002 vs a 2003 SV-650 says that you guys are still wrong (http://www.sportrider.com/bikes/146_0308_suzuki_sv650_dyno/photo_03.html)

[JDM-95-Hatch]

mine was a 95 yamaha fzr600, good starter bike and was actually alot faster than most would think.... always good to start off with something cheap so it doesnt matter when you destroy it, looped this one at about 70 doing a wheelie..

[con]

my first bike was a '98 ZX-6R. paid $2,500 cash for it back in '03.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/zx6rcon/Bikes/zx6r.jpg

a month after passing the MSF and my first trip to Hwy 60, ran out of talent and earned my first crash. sold it two days later for $1,750 and bought a '03 ZX-9R a week later.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/zx6rcon/Bikes/bike_003.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v259/zx6rcon/Bikes/bike_007.jpg

Like most experienced riders, I suggest start on a cheap bike to get your wiggles out and then buy the beauty later. Notice I didn't mention a specific cc, as any can be maintained with a certain level of respect and maturity. Just know that on any cc bike, one slip of the wrist can land you on your ass. Bigger the bike, bigger the bite. Note that smaller cc bikes resale faster and closer to purchased value than a crashed R series bike.

Not all people crash, but most do!

[EJ25RUN]

They never learn that you can rip it through a turn and get suprised when some old fart on a 250 dual sport blows them away.

Man i love 250cc 2 strokes. They really are the greatest things and the fact emissions has spelled the death for them is such a shame.

http://bp1.blogger.com/_Mvhjidbvdzc/RYJfcYo4sBI/AAAAAAAAAAw/LyeSJVtrRh8/s400/suz+rgv250.jpghttp://bp0.blogger.com/_Mvhjidbvdzc/R4XBzFMxNGI/AAAAAAAADeQ/Ji8_6x0GSIU/s400/nsr250+7.jpg




Fastest people I know started on small bikes.

Damn right they do.

Just look at Rossi and Stoner. Years back when the 990cc 4 stroke monsters came, people were saying the future champs would come from the World Superbike championship but that just wasn't the case. 125cc and 250cc teach you setup and you learn to really feel what the bike is doing. Im so so upset that 2008 is the final season for the 250cc 2stokes cause they will change to 600cc 4 strokes. Shame!

[speedminded]

No offense, but WTF you are talking about?

1999-2002 SV-650
Peak power = 69.8 hp @ 9000 rpm
Peak torque = 61.7 N•m (45.5 ft•lbs) @ 7400 rpm

2003-2008 SV-650
Peak power = 71 hp @ 9000 rpm
Peak torque = 64 N•m (47.2 ft•lbs) @ 7200 rpm

So as you can see, the torque and power have clearly gone up with the 2nd gen SV650.

Its cool to want to help people out, but don't give out misinformation.
I'm talking from personal experience. I've ridden both generations and put a lot of time on them. Both in stock form with stock exhaust and stock everything.

The 02 SV650s which is carbed had a lot of pop in the low end. A Lot which is where a lot of people get into trouble. The 2008 SV650s which is FI wasn't anywhere near as bad. I'm guessing it's the carbes loading up with fuel or something but the 02 ones had a lot of pop in the bottom and I've had many people confirm this.wow, my first bike had 100ft-lbs. torque at under 8k rpm's. :rolleyes:



...my first trip to Hwy 60, ran out of talent and earned my first crash.LOL, ran out of talent...quote of the day! :boobies: