Toying with the idea of getting a bike

[james1_10018]

Hey Heraclid
I, too am looking into bikes. I have only riden once in my life on a 250 cc. It was scary., I am taking an MSF class and then buying a bike. I have been looking at the "hayabusa" . Everyone has been agaisnt it as not a good 1st bike . So now I am leaning towards the SV, at least for a year.
If I feel comfortable I may just go for the busa.
Like you, I am not one to take speeds lightly, I respect the power, its just I love the look and meanness of the Busa.
I believe I am a very careful, scared driver

[xdfarrx]

I'll say this.... You don't sound like a fool so I believe you prolly won't ride like on. My first bike was a full liter (1000cc) bike. I never rode before. I did the MSF class, etc. etc.

I would recommend a new 600 (or preowned). The SV is a great bike and can be had pro owned very cheap (go to WERA forum, hint). They peak at 80 hp (tops) and have a decent chassis.

This might sound ahead of the curve for you but very quick you will get used to whatever bike.

I now own a R1 and the bike dynos at around 150hp....

I recommend youu by a bike that will make you happy now and in the future, being a good 600 is totally manageable but also has plenny of teeth.

Remember the bike only does what it is told to do via inputs... If you trust yourself then you can trust riding-

good luck!!

[V-Twin hiCROSS]

Heraclad,
My suggestion would be to look into either a cruiser, or a dual-sport bike. I know that most of the "crotch-rocket" guys are going to disagree, but I do have some reasons behind my suggestions.

I currently own a custom Harley Softtail and a Kawasaki KLR 650 dual-sport. My biggest complaint against the sport bikes are that you cannot hardly ride them without going too fast. I have several buddies with them, and we switch rides once in a while. Those things just want to GO!!!! I am similar to Heraclad, in that I do not intend to ride faster than is safe.

With a cruiser, you can just sit back and relax and take in all of your surroundings. If you can afford it, there is nothing more fulfilling than the rumble of an American made V-Twin (with some decent pipes of course) under your butt. Not too mention, the young ladies go nuts for them.

If you are at all adventurous, think about a dual-sport. You can go on back roads and trails any time you wish. They are also very easy to ride and have excellent maneuverability. Here in Missouri, we have tons of forest trails and even several state parks to go out and ride in the woods. This is probably my favorite stress-releiving activity.

Just my $.02. Let us know what youy decide on.

[Dallas4u]

Too bad BeginnerBikes.com is gone... it was a great source of info for beginner and not-so-beginner riders.

Yes, the SV650 is probably going to be too much bike to handle. The debate over this model was a HUGE discussion on the above forum... it's only a 650cc, but the gearing and HP can be way too much for someone (MANY beginners) that just can't handle it. On the other hand, the Ninja 500 is thought of as being a great beginners bike. I'm not a huge sport bike fan, but no one ever had anything bad to say about the Ninja 500.

It's good that you're going to take the MSF. I don't think there is a person out there that couldn't get at least something positive out of it... even MANY seasoned riders (there were many in the course that I took). I'm not sure if they do it exactly the same in every course, but they initially told us to pick a bike... one that came close enough to fitting us as possible. Now, you don't know, being a beginner, what is going to fit and won't won't... so just pick something you can sit on somewhat comfortably. I say this because I was stuck with my bike through the whole (3 day) course. Not bad, because the cruiser (Suzuki GZ250) fit ok. It was pretty small, but not too bad. I don't know if you'll be able to brag different bikes through the course, but you do get to check them out before the course starts... so see if you can sit on them and get a feel for what feels better between your legs!

Good luck! I wouldn't buy anything until after the course. At least then you can possibly test ride some bikes... my first bike was a KTM Duke II, which is a 640cc, but is also known as a hooligan machine. I now ride a Suzuki Boulevard C50 (800cc). Best in its class, and has more power than many larger machines, but is not a bad second bike choice.

Oh... and about the fuel gauge. Most aren't very accurate, so not having one doesn't matter much. You can determine (thorugh research) how much on average riders get for that particular bike, and just watch your mileage. Initially, the Volusia (name of the same model before the C50) had a gas gauge... now, my bike just has a low level light.

Have fun!

*EDIT... I just forgot to state that riding a motorcycle may possible be more fun than having sex. It's possible... I'd have to do many more tests before coming to a final conclusion, but it is possible!*

[Heraclid]

James1_10018, I agree with what everyone else has been telling you. Please don't go for the Hayabusa right out of the gates. It doesn't matter how cautious you are or what the salesman says, things happen and if you aren't experienced that thing WILL get you. If you were going to start playing with snakes, would you start with a king cobra?

Xdfarrx, that's pretty much my thinking too. Something along the lines of the SV650 is the most powerful thing I'd consider for a first bike. The only reason I'd even consider a 600/650 is the fact that you don't grow out of them so much and there are a few very well-mannered ones out there that will let you make a few mistakes without making you suffer too much for it. In fact, many folks seem to quickly move up to liter bikes and then settle back down onto 600's and 750's.

V-Twin hiCross, it's just a personal taste thing for me - I've never been real drawn to other bikes like I am to the so-called crotch rockets. I'm not saying it's out of the question because that very well may change if I get to ride some different things at a MSF course or whatever. Comfort and safety is more important than image and for all I know, I may find out that the last thing I want is a sportbike - I just don't know yet.

Edit: Just saw your post Dallas... thanks for the info! And I would definitely wait until after the course, so maybe I'm sort of putting the cart before the horse here by getting into all of this now. I was just offered a nice CBR600F3 but it's just not time for that yet. And oh yeah, have fun testing which is better. :-) If I were you, I'd never reach a definite conclusion so I could continue testing indefinitely. LOL

[morgan-tec]

I taught my neighbor to ride and we started her on an SV650S and she did awsome. She is a big girl <200lbs and now she is doing track days and group rides with less than two yrs of riding under her belt. The 650 is a very good beginner bike, not too pricy and there is all kinds of stuff for it, and depending on your insurance since it does not have a lowed faring they do not consider it a sport bike so you dont get raped for the sportbike surcharge.

[Dallas4u]

I taught my neighbor to ride and we started her on an SV650S and she did awsome. She is a big girl <200lbs and now she is doing track days and group rides with less than two yrs of riding under her belt. The 650 is a very good beginner bike, not too pricy and there is all kinds of stuff for it, and depending on your insurance since it does not have a lowed faring they do not consider it a sport bike so you dont get raped for the sportbike surcharge.

The SV650 is a gray area... I definitely wouldn't call it a very good beginners bike. If you can track it, I wouldn't say it is for an absolute beginner. That bike has some serious power. You have to think that, everyone is different... as are bikes. Some bikes are powerful AND touchy... steering, braking, handling all come in to play. Beginner bikers (ANY bikers for that matter) can make some twitchy decisions/reactions and, on a bike that will react to any little movement, that can be a bad thing. Again, I'm not saying any specific person cannot handle an SV650, or any bike for that matter... in fact I remember someone that started on a GSXR600 and rode for a couple years with no problems... but I honestly wouldn't say that was even CLOSE to a good beginners bike.

Oh, and I wouldn't recommend a new bike as a beginner bike... you know, in case it gets laid down and all!

[t2p]

You may also want to consider a Ninja 250. A used 250 Ninja is relatively inexpensive and will sell easily if/when you sell it to purchase another bike.
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They are relatively lightweight, handle well, and stop well. Fairly comfortable also.
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They run fairly well also - probably accelerate in the same neighborhood as a HD Sportster (for example) and are MUCH faster than most any other 'beginner' bike. The motor really needs to be revved to move in a respectable fashion, but it is smooth and content to run at any speed all day long. Just don't get on a 600 sport bike - and you will be content.
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I prefer the 250 Ninja over the 500. If I WAS leaning toward a 500 cc bike or similar, there are many other bikes I would (instead) consider.
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[Dallas4u]

Hey Heraclid
I, too am looking into bikes. I have only riden once in my life on a 250 cc. It was scary., I am taking an MSF class and then buying a bike. I have been looking at the "hayabusa" . Everyone has been agaisnt it as not a good 1st bike . So now I am leaning towards the SV, at least for a year.
If I feel comfortable I may just go for the busa.
Like you, I am not one to take speeds lightly, I respect the power, its just I love the look and meanness of the Busa.
I believe I am a very careful, scared driver

Dood... seriously, I don't know if there is a much WORSE choice for a first bike! Any GSXR is going to be WAY beyond possibly even a second or third bike... it just depends how much time, respect, patience you have behind you. Some people can get away with a fast machine right off the bat... but I have seem many posts about people or their friends that couldn't handle the 650 as their first bike, or all the squids that have to wheelie or show off on the highway with no helmet, or just a helmet and now armor... totally biting it. It isn't really what you ride but how you go about doing it... and with a powerful machine, or one that just isn't very beignner friendly, it just makes it THAT much harder to learn to ride.

If you had scary moments on a 250cc at one time, the 'busa is something to stay WAY clear of!!!

Also... for those of you thinking of getting the absolute largest bike that you would think of riding because you don't want to outgrow it, let me say this... your first bike will be just that, your first bike. I will guarantee you, if it fits you, you can sit on it and ride it comfortably, and you can get to where you need to on it, you won't outgrow it... at least you won't get rid of it before it is time. In fact, beginner to intermediate bikes can almost be sold for what you bought them for these days! It's true. My wife bought a 2003 Honda Rebel 250 for $1950... this is a STEAL! We were seeing '98 Rebel's selling for $2200. In fact, the Ninja 500 is one of the MOST saught after bikes right now. I tell you, buy a used one, ride it for a year or so... and you will get your money's worth. If you think you can ride a bike for $200 a year, and sell it... is it worth it? Of course!