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FCwannabe
03-27-2011, 05:25 PM
Hi, I'm going to be in college in another year, and well i don't want to be paying $60 every week for gas. so im considering in getting a sport bike. I was just wondering what choices are out there for me? I'm 5'7 and 115lbs so im quite small. I was considering an Kawasaki Ninja 250r as a first. but are there anymore choices out there for me?

-EnVus-
03-27-2011, 05:28 PM
Ninja 250 is a great start and can get power add ons easy but stay great for beginner id go that way....heres my buddies

http://i53.tinypic.com/fjlsue.jpg

FCwannabe
03-27-2011, 05:34 PM
thats nice! what are some key points to look for if i choose to go used? and whats and ideal price range?

-EnVus-
03-27-2011, 05:37 PM
thats nice! what are some key points to look for if i choose to go used? and whats and ideal price range?
You can get 250s for pretty cheap i almost had a 2002 for $2500 with low miles....always look at the miles and make sure the sprokets don't have a lot of play.
Some ppl try to dog out and push the 250 or small bikes like they are bigger ones and it wounds them out quick.

David88vert
03-27-2011, 07:00 PM
The 250 is a good bike, but most riders tend to want a little more power just a few months after starting on them. I usually suggest an older model bike that you wouldn't mind dropping - and usually suggest a 500. 500's have enough power to get over 100 mph, and run 13-14 sec 1/4 times. A couple of great ones are the Suzuki GS500E and the Kawi EX500. I prefer the GS500E personally. Another good choice is the Suzuki SV650. It is much faster, but you will never outgrow it. The SV650 can do anything - street, track, etc. It's not as fast as a 600cc sportbike, but still quick enough on the street, and much cheaper on insurance.

On the 250's, you just have to wring them out all the time to get them to go fast enough for Atlanta traffic. If you are getting a used one, the previous owner probably rode it pretty hard before getting a bogger bike.

Bacon
03-27-2011, 07:24 PM
For a person your size, a 600cc would do you good. 250cc bikes are nice for beginners but people out grow them too quick and want something bigger. As mentioned above, GS500s are great bikes and so are the SV650s. If you want something that is decent for a beginner and you want to keep it a while, a bike like mine in my sig wouldn't be too bad of an option. Plenty fast yet small enough handle easy and is great on insurance.

Another thing I tell beginners is to go to your local motorcycle shop and pick a hand full of bikes out. Test sit on each one and find something that is comfortable to sit on. Last thing you need is to get your first bike and it be uncomfortable. Find one that you can flat foot when you come to a complete stop as well. I have found the GSXR to have too wide of a seat for my comfort and the Yamaha sits too much at an angle for me. The CBR and the ZX6R are both extrememly comfortable to sit on and give me plenty of wiggle room front to back. Read through the Official "First Bike" Thread that is stickied in this section and it should give you some pointers to put you in the right direction.

SRK420a
03-28-2011, 04:03 PM
Well my first bike was a CBR RR and i have no regrets sbout buying it. Its really quick, great in cornering, snd reliable as hell, but finding one cheap and low miles is kinda hard though good luck anyway man. Dont get a 250 if you like speeding though..............

Catnip
03-28-2011, 06:08 PM
Unless you plan on lowering the bike or you have long legs for your height, you'll probably have to lower said bike to be somewhat comfortable. I'm 5'9-10" with kinda short legs and it took me a while to get comfortable on my stock GSXR. I ended up lowering it to realize that should've been my first move. Find something comfortable, but don't be scared to lower it if it makes it better. With that said, I've had a few 12 second cars and have ridden a few dirtbikes and quads, but the older 600 still surprised the shit out of me with how quick it is. If you have some brains, sense, and coordination don't be scared to start on a 600 or bigger.

03RCode
03-28-2011, 06:41 PM
SV650 = best beginner bike of all time. Plenty fast, handle like their on rails, VERY forgiving, and a bike you won't grow tired of nearly immediately.

I'd avoid starting on a newer 600 sportbike, they are not as forgiving and can become a handful in a hurry for a newer rider. The older ones (Pre 04 atleast) are slightly more forgiving but can still be a handful.

Being as small as you are an SV would treat you good.

driftingkid
03-29-2011, 02:42 PM
I learned on a 600 and thats what i have now,obviously the smaller the bike the better gas mileage, but i wanted something with good gm and quick.for me it was the perfect bike to learn on.Its just fast enough, but now that ive had it a while im already lookin at bigger bikes.

Bacon
03-31-2011, 09:08 AM
Not sure why a couple of posts in this thread even referred to speed as it wasn't the point of his question.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

BB6Luder
04-04-2011, 06:47 PM
Another bike choice is a Honda Rebel CMX 250. I bought one last year for $2500 (2009 with 12 miles on it), then rode is until it had 100 miles and sold it lol, GREAT BIKE, gets great mileage, fun to drive, but i outgrew it and i wanted something bigger... r6 :)

Bacon
04-06-2011, 11:55 AM
Rebels are decent bikes too. A co-worker just bought one.

Bacon
04-10-2011, 04:41 AM
I like my 636. Afterall, if I lay it down I have to pick it back up and some 1000cc+ bikes are quite heavy to pick up.

Bacon
04-10-2011, 06:51 AM
I am selling mine in October and gonna pick up a Duc 749S.

03RCode
04-10-2011, 10:22 AM
I am selling mine in October and gonna pick up a Duc 749S.

848 or GTFO. The 848 is in it's own league. Next time I borrow my aunt's you will have to come up and ride with me and check it out.

03RCode
04-10-2011, 09:36 PM
The 848 is a nice bike. Im just drawn to the new ZX though. IDK why. and the 1198 about makes me nut on myself everytime i see one in pearl white...


After riding a new ZX10R today I can say they are indeed impressive, but I'd take the 848 anyday. I've ridden both, the ZX just doesn't feel as comfortable to me, although they are an amazing bike.

ludeguy420
04-10-2011, 09:45 PM
i had a friend start off with a sv650 then up graded to a 09 r6.. he said the sv was a great bike.. rip jdm we miss you bro

Bacon
04-10-2011, 11:22 PM
The 848 isn't bad and the 1098/1198 are over priced. Zach, I will take you up on that offer.

I just love the 749s. The over/under headlights have always been a favorite to me.

Fuck a new ZX. Ugly ass bug looking things.

-EnVus-
04-11-2011, 01:01 AM
check deal out...
http://athensga.craigslist.org/mcy/2312091047.html

Bacon
04-11-2011, 01:11 AM
That is a good price for that bike.