I need some First-time Biker pointers

[khaxnguyen]

let's start with i like motorcycles and i've wanted one for a while now. I want to get a bike, maybe in 09, and i plan on taking classes around spring.

here's the thing....i dont know what bike i want. I like the cbr600rr but that's some big bucks. cbr1K is too much for me, from my analysis. a friend told me the R1. well i need some pointers on a first bike.... and i'm not trying to spend over 3-4 grands lol.. and what years offer those prices?
reps for pointers, and please do enlighten!

*didnt know where to post and the motorcycle section looks so vacant..

[quickdodge®]

There's a section devoted to MOTORCYCLES that this would be perfect in. Later, QD.

[khaxnguyen]

yes but there's not so many visitors.... whoreslounge is for everything =P

[Evil Goat]

how much do you weigh first off? reason i ask is if you are around the 250 mark then maybe a 750-1k would be good for you simply b/c of weight....if you weigh 130lbs soaking wet, and are new to bikes a r1 shouldnt be the first thing you look at

when i first started riding street bikes i bought a gsxr 600, i weighed about 200lbs, and had years of experience riding dirt bikes so the main stuff came easy for me

best advice i can give is dont ride outside of your experience, try not to ride with groups of people for a while (and if you do they should let you ride in the front, so that youre not trying to ride outside your experience level to play catch up to them), and always expect the unexpected, cagers pay no attention to anyone on a bike, always assume they are going to pull out in front of you, merge into your lane, or try to run you over b/c they simply dont see you. and remember the bike takes a lot longer to slow down than to speed up, so speeding in confined traffic is a no no and your begging to face plant into something

a lot of people say get a smaller bike, a 600 is plenty of bike for a beginner, but theres no reason why a beginner couldnt start out on a 1k if the person is responsible....only problem is when you get on that bike your head swells and your balls get bigger and thats where dumb decisions come into play

be safe, dont be cheap when it comes to buying safety equipment, and maintain a level head and you should be alright

[Elbow]

Get a Ninja 250, don't care when people laugh at you for it being a 250 they obviously know NOTHING about bikes then. Learn on that, you will learn more and have more fun on that then you can on a 600 and ESPECIALLY a 1000, starting off on a 1000 screams I am a dumb ass watch me wreck.

[khaxnguyen]

i weigh 150 as of right now and about 5"7. sorry g1 is a liter bike.. i'm not getting a liter bike for a first bike for sure. r6 was what i meant. and of course, for ME, safety first =D
and the 250, not a bad bike because i'm not into racing them. 250 is pretty cool and it's on my list for my starter bike =P
http://www.diariomotor.com/imagenes/kawasaki_ninja_250_r_02.jpg

[03RCode]

Hard to beat a Ninja250 as a starter bike. I started on a 600, but I'm a bigger guy and moved up to a 1k quickly.

[Catnip]

I would advise not spending more money more money than you're comfortable with on a bike you're probably going to lay down at least once while learning.

That's what I hear anyways. But yeah, goodluck with it all man.

[Dracc]

DO NOT.. I REPEAT DO NOT start with an r1.. thats walking before you crawl...

[khaxnguyen]

DO NOT.. I REPEAT DO NOT start with an r1.. thats walking before you crawl...
yes lol. i corrected myself earlier. i meant the r6 =P

[XLR8NMR2]

DO NOT.. I REPEAT DO NOT start with an r1.. thats walking before you crawl...


Truth.

I say get a hayabusa and turbo it...that should be a good start.

[SuperChicken]

As a former WERA roadracer with 40 years experience on bikes, I'll suggest the Suzuki SV650 as your starter bike.
The guys above do offer good advice. The way I've always said it is: "you don't learn to fly in an F-16; you don't learn to drive in an F1 car; don't try to learn to ride on a GP bike--aka R1, GSXR, CBR, etc.
The SV has a much broader spread of power than any IL-4 engine, making it easier to ride; and, IF RIDDEN WELL, can simply SPANK squids on IL4's in the twisties! The fours are all high RPM engines, and require much more skill and work to keep em on the boil.
The other advantage of the SV is that you won't outgrow it nearly as fast as you will the Ninja 250 or 500.
Whatever you decide, DO NOT LET TESTOSTERONE DICTATE YOUR CHOICE!!!!! Use your head, think smart...you can get killed on a bike without doing anything wrong at all! Come to think of it, 'use your head, think smart' is the best advice I can offer a new rider!

[SuperChicken]

Another thought...
Remember that even the Ninja 250 will do 0-60 faster than a 911 turbo! It's really easy to out-throttle your mind, reaction times, and skill/experience level...don't let that happen!

[twins]

I'd say something like a 636 or f4i ,ninja 250 is good if you never road a dike at all not even a dirtbike. but if that is the case then stay with a 250. I will give a x2 for what superchicken

[Psycho]

Be sure to get training wheels and handle bar streamers if you get that 250.

[SuperChicken]

I just reread my posts above, and it occurs to me that I sound like an old fart.


I am. But I'm an old fart with 40+ years of riding and racing experience. There are a lot fewer of me than there are 18 year olds who don't make it through 1 year on a bike.

[SuperChicken]

Be sure to get training wheels and handle bar streamers if you get that 250.

You, sir, are the reason so many kids get killed or hurt in their first year! dumbass:screwy::idb:

[Elbow]

Be sure to get training wheels and handle bar streamers if you get that 250.

Wow you are pretty smart :no:

Anyway, yeah you will outgrow a 250 quick. BUT it teaches you a lot. On twisty roads it's a blast, and very light and fun to toss around. The SV650 is also a great bike, that's one I look at possibly getting next when it comes time. I see a lot of SV650's on track with good riders showing GSXR's what's up ;)

[SuperChicken]

Much respect to you, Simon!

[EJ25RUN]

Ninja 250 has taken the place of the SV650 for size. I like that the 250 gives you a feeling of confidence. That is not to say you shouldn't respect the bike, what it means is that you wont have to worry about throttle control as much as you would on a race bike which is what all the ZX, CBR, YZF, and what not are.

I'd do this if i were you.

1. Out of your budget, #1 priority is proper gear.
That means a GOOD Helmet (DUH), jacket, boots, and gloves.

2. For your first bike, by something you are not afraid to drop. Fairings ain't cheap. Also, like we have said in this thread, start small, it is likly to keep you alive. Race bikes should be had after at least a year of riding.

3. Take the Georgia Motorcycle course well worth it for just $250 that many veteran riders retake over and over to be fresh on their skills.

4. Don't try to be a stunter. Get fully in touch with the brakes and clutch controls and from there proceed to learn more advanced riding techniques.

5. These techniques need to be learned at a race track. The street is where your chance of dieing is infinetly greater.

[EJ25RUN]

Be sure to get training wheels and handle bar streamers if you get that 250.

Instead of going on a rant, I'll let you try and make sense out of that comment before i start posting facts.

[Psycho]

I'm all about haulin ass and burnin gas
Talk to the mullet---v
http://i36.tinypic.com/o05q10.jpg

[Psycho]

I'm all about haulin ass and burnin gas



Can I get a booya?

[VooDooXII]

Good thread, as I was planning on making a similar one.

[SuperChicken]

Can I get a booya?

NO, asshat. You cannot!:gay:

[Psycho]

NO, asshat. You cannot!:gay:
You lookin at me crossways, boy? I'ma go get muh deer rifle.

[khaxnguyen]

As a former WERA roadracer with 40 years experience on bikes, I'll suggest the Suzuki SV650 as your starter bike.
The guys above do offer good advice. The way I've always said it is: "you don't learn to fly in an F-16; you don't learn to drive in an F1 car; don't try to learn to ride on a GP bike--aka R1, GSXR, CBR, etc.
The SV has a much broader spread of power than any IL-4 engine, making it easier to ride; and, IF RIDDEN WELL, can simply SPANK squids on IL4's in the twisties! The fours are all high RPM engines, and require much more skill and work to keep em on the boil.
The other advantage of the SV is that you won't outgrow it nearly as fast as you will the Ninja 250 or 500.
Whatever you decide, DO NOT LET TESTOSTERONE DICTATE YOUR CHOICE!!!!! Use your head, think smart...you can get killed on a bike without doing anything wrong at all! Come to think of it, 'use your head, think smart' is the best advice I can offer a new rider!
thanks that's nice to know because i dont know a variety of bikes and from the small variety of bikes that i knew, i chose the weakest and maybe better looking ones. one more thing, are you on the CBRforum? i've been lurking around in there for a month now and judging from your advices, it might've been your pointers i've been reading over there...reps when i can.
-sv650, nice recommendation.

Let's hear some more bike options =P

[Psycho]

Let's hear some more bike options =P
http://i35.tinypic.com/1fwi86.jpg

[khaxnguyen]

truly funny picture; i LOLed but your sarcasm and cynicism is unnecessary.

[Psycho]

truly funny picture; i LOLed but your sarcasm and cynicism is unnecessary.
Any one who takes a thing I say on here with more than a grain of salt is a moron. I come on here purely to pass the time when I'm bored.

[VooDooXII]

http://i35.tinypic.com/1fwi86.jpg

Why the hell would anyone ride this... :lmao:

[Psycho]

Why the hell would anyone ride this... :lmao:
Back in the day, that was a G-ride
Straight gangsta

[alpine_aw11]

All I can really tell you is absolutely do not go over 600. I've ridden dirtbikes all my life and I could barely handle a 750/1k when I rode one and I'm 5'11 175. Not much of a size difference I guess, but it plays a big part on a motorcycle. Personally I am not going to opt for a 250 for my first bike, but if you don't have previous experience with a motorcycle then a 250 Ninja as some said would serve you well as a starting point.

[DrivenMind]

Buy a 1000.

Drink lots of booze.

Put it down.

[SuperChicken]

thanks that's nice to know because i dont know a variety of bikes and from the small variety of bikes that i knew, i chose the weakest and maybe better looking ones. one more thing, are you on the CBRforum? i've been lurking around in there for a month now and judging from your advices, it might've been your pointers i've been reading over there...reps when i can.
-sv650, nice recommendation.

Let's hear some more bike options =P

Nope, not me over there. But good advice should be echoed everywhere!:goodjob:

[DrivenMind]

Although in all seriousness, I had a buddy who started out on an SV650 two years ago, and said it was an excellent bike. Started riding everyday. Last time I saw him he was showing me his new Daytona.

[VooDooXII]

Back in the day, that was a G-ride
Straight gangsta

Seriously OG

[sina518]

any of the mentioned bikes are ones you want to consider, sv 650, ninja 250, or maybe even a buel blast. the best thing to do is to go to the dealers and see them in person and actually sit on them see which one feels good to you. it being ur first bike look for a used one once you are ready to buy. and as tempting it is to get a super sport bike like the gsxr or the cbr etc. don't do it not if you have never ridden one before because you will be setting yourself up to die.

[SuperChicken]

A Buell Blast??? An overweight, slow, vibrating one-lung Sportster??? Really?????
What a POS! Buells are sportbike wannabes...cool, advanced chassis stuck with the same old POS tractor engine. Maybe if Erik Buell had worked for someone besides Hardly-Ableson!

[Dietcoke]

Doesn't matter what size bike you start on (250,600,750,1000 or more) so long as you can respect the bike, what it can do, and the fact that what the bike can do, isnt always what YOU can do on the bike. Ride within your limits.

I started out on my rc-51 and it's as big a torque monster as 1000cc sport bikes get... and I love it. Best advice I can give, is to budget at LEAST $650 or so for a quality helmet and riding gear. Don't be a smear on the side of the highway because you were too fucking cheap to ride safe.

[Nismo]

Grab a used 250. I got mine for 700 dollars. It was a 98 or 99. I rode it for 2 weeks got stuck in the rain everytime I rode it. Thought it maybe a sign, then I ran a carfax on it because I was bored at work, and found out it was totalled and rebuilt. The bike was sold 2 days later needless to say.

When I did ride it, I noticed that it was very controllable and not overwhelming. Its also very light weight.

[civic95]

I started on a R6, and I'm lucky to be alive to be honest. Ride safe, don't try to impress anyone, always be aware, and expect the unexpected. Around every turn there could be an animal, stopped car, tractor, etc. Things will fall off the truck in front of you. That person waiting to turn out into traffic doesn't see you, even if you can see their eyes.

For some reason people can look at a bike, and it doesn't register in the brain. I've had people pull out, and I could swear we made eye contact prior. It was almost as if they did it on purpose, but they didn't. Find a parking lot, and practice emergency manuevers. Put some objects or cones out, practice braking, and swerving. You need to make it an instinct. Cause you will use it one day. You do not want to panic when the time comes. Less than half a second, or locking your rear tire could be the difference between riding away on your bike or in a body bag. Get a good helmet, but always remember they are only effective to a degree. It's easy to feel like superman on a bike with all your gear on, but a helmet can only absorb so much of an impact. If you have a wife and/or kids make sure you have some good life insurance first.

[Elbow]

^True. I always just entirely talk myself into believing EVERYTHING is out to get me lol. Don't get lazy and not pay 100% attention. It's very true like he said people just don't think anything of bikes. I've had girls next to me look at me, and then cut me off, you just have to REALLY pay attention, and be ready for ANYTHING.

But yeah, no matter what I still say start small, even if you CAN handle a quicker bike, a smaller bike teaches you more about control and stuff, and if you DO happen to make a mistake, allows you to say sorry.

[SuperChicken]

Both of you are entirely correct. And Simon, I like the way you think! I ride a Honda VTR1000F SuperHawk (my screen name refers to it), with lots of suspension and braking mods; only a jet kit and slip-ons for engine related mods. It is probably the best set up bike I've ever ridden, racebikes included...and only about 115 whp. 72 ft/lbs really is nice!
It's NOT all about horsepower, it's about the package, and using it well. I just don't enjoy riding, say, an R1 to about 60% of its capability in the mountains when I can ride my bike to 90% of its in the same conditions...AND be faster and smoother. MUCH more rewarding and satisfying!:goodjob::goodjob::D

Oh, and this is the path I have planned for the Teg, too. Suspension and braking mods and leave the engine pretty much alone. All about the usability of the package, always.

Sorry for the running on....:crazy:...bikes are my REAL passion...

[EJ25RUN]

Both of you are entirely correct. And Simon, I like the way you think! I ride a Honda VTR1000F SuperHawk (my screen name refers to it), with lots of suspension and braking mods; only a jet kit and slip-ons for engine related mods. It is probably the best set up bike I've ever ridden, racebikes included...and only about 115 whp. 72 ft/lbs really is nice!
It's NOT all about horsepower, it's about the package, and using it well. I just don't enjoy riding, say, an R1 to about 60% of its capability in the mountains when I can ride my bike to 90% of its in the same conditions...AND be faster and smoother. MUCH more rewarding and satisfying!:goodjob::goodjob::D

I like to think of it this way. World Champions start on 125cc machines. V. Rossi started on a mini bike.

[SuperChicken]

I like to think of it this way. World Champions start on 125cc machines. V. Rossi started on a mini bike.

Bravo! And I raced with Nicky Hayden (in Memphis) and Colin Edwards (at Road Atlanta at the GNF's) in 1991. Edwards was on an RC-30, I was on a '90 ZX6--stock except for supension. Colin started on pole, I was towards the back of the 2nd wave. He lapped me just before I would've taken the white flag!:lmfao:Fucker cost me a lap of seat time!!!:taun:

His ride for his second WSBK championship is the stuff of legends! And I'm proud to have shared the track with them, even once!:goodjob:

[EJ25RUN]

Bravo! And I raced with Nicky Hayden (in Memphis) and Colin Edwards (at Road Atlanta at the GNF's) in 1991. Edwards was on an RC-30, I was on a '90 ZX6--stock except for supension. Colin started on pole, I was towards the back of the 2nd wave. He lapped me just before I would've taken the white flag!:lmfao:Fucker cost me a lap of seat time!!!:taun:

His ride for his second WSBK championship is the stuff of legends! And I'm proud to have shared the track with them, even once!:goodjob:

I'm sure you know how Colin almost quit altogether after he was bored with the dirt. Funny thing discovering you are good at road racing can do.

That race with him and Bayliss at Imola is amazing. I like the fight with Foggy at Monza too. Win by 0.005 lol

Keith Huewan and Julian Ryder....only Toby Moody would make them even better.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bI5ePLjW94

[ksniperfox]

i bought the 08 gs500 in july as my first bike, no bike exp. what so ever. took a little getting used to at first, but after that its no big deal. follow the previous advice on here-do not grow big balls/ride outside of your experience. safety equipment-i would get a minimum of a jacket and gloves. got my jacket for 150 and gloves for 40.
be sure to get a tinted visor helmet-lol..

be responsible and youll have no problems other than other dumbass drivers.
i got mine and loved it. put 3k miles on a brand new bike in 3 months. now ive out grown the 500 ages ago.

you should buy mine. $3800

but dont get a 250. you will outgrow it way too fast on the straights.

[Tiff-O-Bitties]

I didn't read any post before this, but here's my info:

I started on a Katana (do not do this)... It's extremely HEAVY!!

I then progressed to an R6... Loved it. It's lite and handles great... I am only 120 lbs, was 115 when I was riding (by the way I don't ride anymore because I have a kid AND I wrecked the bike due to a patch of gravel on the interstate!! Flipped the bike.. got some road rash, broke a couple of ribs, etc.)

Anywho, people don't pay attention to bikes... It's like they see you and they apparently don't think you are going the speed you are... Be safe, curteous, and remember, you have NO protection so don't act like a fool - don't pull out in front of cars because you think you can get up to speed quick, it's easy to miss a gear or for something to run out in front of you... Just be smart.

[ksniperfox]

^

but on the highway if you are goin fast, people are quick to move the fuck out of your way in the left lane lol!

[Tiff-O-Bitties]

^

but on the highway if you are goin fast, people are quick to move the fuck out of your way in the left lane lol!

Very true.. but swirving in and out - NOT COOL!!

[OnURleft]

Get a Ninja 250, don't care when people laugh at you for it being a 250 they obviously know NOTHING about bikes then. Learn on that, you will learn more and have more fun on that then you can on a 600 and ESPECIALLY a 1000, starting off on a 1000 screams I am a dumb ass watch me wreck.

+1. Or get something small and easy. Trust me, I have worked my way up from a Go-Ped scooter from age 11, to racing Go-Ped 40 mph scooters, to Mo-Peds, to a very very terrorizing sleeper mo-ped, to now 250's. I laugh at people who think it's smart to start on a 1000cc bike. It's like people who come to the race track in GT3's, F430's and such with absolutely no experience what so ever.
If you MUST have at least a 600, I'd recommend an 03-04 R6. Relatively light, not to fast, easy to maneuver and not that expensive. Otherwise, I'd recommend a bike with a higher center of gravity that's easier to learn to lean on. Just my 02.

[6speed]

Well...I am also a new rider and was just debating this same question about a month ago: What bike should I get for my first? I am one of those people who are in love with the looks and power of 600cc bikes and above. I had planned on buying a gsxr 600 or r6, but one day I thought to myself, "I don't even know how to ride a bike, why should I get something so powerful and maybe end up seriously hurting myself due to no experience." Well, to make a long story short, I ended up buying a kawasaki ninja 500r and have no regrets. I've already made mistakes on that bike that could have killed me on any other bike with more power. Take your time and learn first on a smaller bike. Trust me, I know exactly how you are thinking, but riding a bike is not worth your life. Look at getting a ninja 500r. They will fall into your budget bracket. I still get compliments on that bike because I'm riding and most of the time others wish that they could be doing the same. They are fun bikes and you will learn valuable techniques to riding. After you learn, trade it in or sell it for something more powerful and stylish. Hope this helps....be safe!

[bigb996]

its very simple
take MSF
buy a used bike (its your first bike, not your last)
start on a ninja 250, sv650, ninja 650r, or one of the other many 650 twin bikes that are available and work your way up.

most of the folks you will see that say o i started on a 600 or a liter bike bought it to A. look cool and B. to ride like an idiot down the freeway. You can have fun on any bike if you are riding it properly.

best of luck to ya

[khaxnguyen]

i'm pretty late on a response; sorry. lol very good info. repped all i could!