[Baketech]

Originally Posted by Cornfedwhitey

I like girls.. Sorry

Are you trying to convince me or yourself....

[BDA116]

Firebird is just down the road from you. Go to a track day, and post your best times.
I know what times a built EX500 can do there, and I know what times I can do there on both a 929 and 600.
Put them up, I can guarantee Ledesma's times on the built 500 will be AT LEAST 1 second faster than your best 954 time.

[Cornfedwhitey]

Originally Posted by Baketech

Are you trying to convince me or yourself....

I was born & raised in Valpo.. So, you decide.

I dont bat for the other team.

[Baketech]

Originally Posted by Cornfedwhitey

I dont bat for the other team.

Sure ya don't...

[Cornfedwhitey]

Originally Posted by BDA116

Firebird is just down the road from you. Go to a track day, and post your best times.
I know what times a built EX500 can do there, and I know what times I can do there on both a 929 and 600.
Put them up, I can guarantee Ledesma's times on the built 500 will be AT LEAST 1 second faster than your best 954 time.

Are we steering off topic a bit here?
And no, Firebird is about 55 mins from me.

I think we are looking at a non homosexual starter bike, which in turn disqualifies the Ex500.. So, maybe a awesomely skilled rider on a Ex500 can take a novice in the turns on a 954.. All in all.. When comparing, I mean come on man..There is none. You can go ahead and ride that 500..

[BDA116]

Not off topic at all. LTL stated the fact that a skilled rider on an EX500 would destroy you on your 954 at a track. You posted that it would never happen.
Now you're backing down.
And Firebird is only 55 minutes if you drive like a pansy. I've made it from the track to Everett's Steakhouse in just over 30 minutes.

[Cornfedwhitey]

Originally Posted by BDA116

Not off topic at all. LTL stated the fact that a skilled rider on an EX500 would destroy you on your 954 at a track. You posted that it would never happen.
Now you're backing down.
And Firebird is only 55 minutes if you drive like a pansy. I've made it from the track to Everett's Steakhouse in just over 30 minutes.

That was before he stated at a track.. I was thinking straightline riding..
I would be the LAST to back down to anything.

[2OHOH2]

Originally Posted by Cornfedwhitey

Are we steering off topic a bit here?

"We" (you) started steering off-topic when saying that the EX500 is for homosexuals only. Then continuing to make an ass of yourself pointing at others that they're homosexuals because they didn't agree with you. Suggesting further that 'it's the bike and not the rider' and that an expert rider wouldn't, couldn't, wipe the floor with you on an inferior bike doesn't make you the brightest light bulb in the store, either.

What qualifies you to make that statement about the EX500 anyways? That you're an expert on the EX500 and an expert on homosexuality? If that really is the case, sorry, I didn't know that I was in the presence of one of the EX500-riding Fab 5

[Cornfedwhitey]

Originally Posted by 2OHOH2

"We" (you) started steering off-topic when saying that the EX500 is for homosexuals only. Then continuing to make an ass of yourself pointing at others that they're homosexuals because they didn't agree with you. Suggesting further that 'it's the bike and not the rider' and that an expert rider wouldn't, couldn't, wipe the floor with you on an inferior bike doesn't make you the brightest light bulb in the store, either.

What qualifies you to make that statement about the EX500 anyways? That you're an expert on the EX500 and an expert on homosexuality? If that really is the case, sorry, I didn't know that I was in the presence of one of the EX500-riding Fab 5

This was my 1st post..


Other than the fact they look gay. . Great starter bike..

Then someone else, I dont have the time to research the members name stated that it could take me in a race.. Like thats not steering off topic I dont know what it.. I simply said the bike had homo color scheme's..

Thats all ladies..
So a 500 with an experienced rider can outride someone with less experience on a 10x better looking bike.. WHopdedo..

I was simply stating that for the $$ I would take a F3 ( appearance and performance) over ANY Ex500..

[sheepofblue]

I believe it is off topic. The original poster was looking advice on a starter bike.... I see little of that in your current spat fellows

[Cornfedwhitey]

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

I believe it is off topic. The original poster was looking advice on a starter bike.... I see little of that in your current spat fellows

Finally!

Yes, you are correct!

[luvtolean]

Originally Posted by sheepofblue

I believe it is off topic. The original poster was looking advice on a starter bike.... I see little of that in your current spat fellows

What I am saying is not off topic. My point is that though a fool might call an EX500 gay looking, it is a very capable motorcycle, and has the ability to go as fast as you want as you advance in ability. People race the hell out of those things for a reason. And I'd hate to see a newbie to the sport swayed away from asking questions and trying to make an intelligent decision about what to buy with inputs from someone who seems to think the bike you ride somehow affects your sexual preference. I dunno, I guess some people need to buy penile implants too.

[GhostRider]

I used to own a 1987 EX500. It is a GREAT bike.

I'd pick either the EX500 or the GS500 as a first bike...and they look great too!!!

[Scout]

Originally Posted by rydordy

With that said, I was wondering what everyone's opinion was on the Ninja 500R. I have read in a few places that this was a great beginners bike. Can anyone confirm this? and what are some other choices out there that kind of classify as a "beginner bike" without making me look too much like a wussy while riding it. Thanks....

Okay. Dude, I'll tell you the same thing I told someone I met this last weekend at a major (2000 + bikes) event: It doesn't matter what you ride, as long as you come out to ride. It's all about the riding first, and the look the second.

He had reservations that his '95 ZX-7 wasn't "bling" enough (his fairing tabs were busted, and he had some custom "decals" - god forbid).

With that said, I've recommended the SV650, the Honda 599 (they still are importing these right?), even a Bandit600. Generally, the handlebarred bikes are a lot easier to "manipulate" than the clip-on'd bikes for a beginner. I have a Bandit 1200 that I can throw into turns with the best of them, and nobody has ever approached me about being a wussy for lack of plastic on my bike. On the EX, I believe the clip-ons are at almost bar height anyway (at least on my wifes 250 they are).

I would suggest buying used, but not salvaged (and for the veteranos, I'm only saying that because he/ she may not recognize if something is way out of alignment, with nothing to base it on). If your gut tells you won't be happy riding something because of the way it looks, well then find something that fits.

Your question on cost:
Breaking plastic on the EX500 vs. CBR600 f2,3,4 - You can find cheap plastic for both in the event of a tipover. Pretty close.

So what it boils down to, is buy what makes you happy, learn to ride, and ride well.

Good Luck!

[Antinomianist]

My advice is get something that you have some confidence with, hell even start with a EX250, and just plan on upgrading in a little while. My experience when starting out, that there was a lot of turn over on these beginner bikes, and you can find one easy, and sell one easy.
My first bike, which I still have and has been my commuter for the last couple of years, is a 98 Suzuki Bandit. In retrospect, it was probably too heavy to be a good beginner bike, but it is cheap, simple, easy to work on etc. My wife and many of my friends started out on EX250s and upgraded after 3 to 12 months with a lot of confidence.

Some others that can be added to the list for completeness are: Katanas, Seca II, FZR 600

If I had it to do over again, I would go with the SV650. A used one.

[56cbr600rr]

My very first bike was a 87 ex500----Excellent starter bike . You can pick one up cheap and resell it to get all your money back. Ane it's true, you will probably get tired of it quick---but at least you will be alive. I went a year later up to a cbr600F2. The cbr600's are in a differnet league to the F2 and F3's. I'd wait for one of them and play the safe route--get teh EX500. Plus if you drop it very little plastic damage. Plus they'll take a beating and keepo on running---FOREVER. I feel sorry for my old bike----I sold it to a fat kid who made the suspension sag--he put over 50.000 miles on it---poor thing lookied like a swayed back horse!!!!!!

[Mo Noyz]

My first real bike was a 1986 GS550ES.

I don't know, nor care, whether I looked "gay" or not. That little bike was a blast to ride!!

I second the GS500 or the EX500. Both would make excellent starters.

[ebunz]

I know this thread is really old, but I'm gonna drop in my two cents. I found this thread from doing a google search, and it's completely possible someone else will because they're evaluating this bike.

First off, I have to say, without a doubt this is a solid bike. It hasn't changed in a billion years because you don't fix what isn't broken. This bike is tried, tested and true.

That being said, I bought it (my first bike) thinking I wouldn't outgrow it. I was a timid rider in my classes, and had very limited sportbike riding experience prior to buying it. I was hard on myself as a rider, and I just thought...as a chick, I probably be happy with this bike for a few seasons.

Well, I'm either a) stupid, b) stupid crazy, or c) a better rider than I thought, because within a couple months, I felt I outgrew the bike. That being said, she still hauls ass, she's a steady confident ride, and she's bought and paid for. (This bike is WAAYYYY cheaper than other sportbike competitors on the market. There's something to be said for that).

When I ride with my buddies who are all on the latest sport bike rides, they accelerate faster than me, they get more looks going down the street than I do, and they can feel confident that their purchase is going to last them a few years, but I can keep up well enough. This 500 is not a piece of **** by any stretch of the imagination. I also feel good knowing that if I drop this thing, (so far I've only gently laid her down doing minimal damage), I am not going to cry myself silly. I bought this bike BECAUSE I'm a first time rider, with the expectation that a) I will outgrow it, b) I may bang it up a little first c) it will be cheap to maintain and d) it will be easy to unload when it's time.

It's a tough call - I say if you're a guy, and you're feeling pretty confident, go for a 600, either an SV, a GXR, an R6 or a CBR. Spend the extra money upfront. Chances are you won't regret the decision. If you're a girl, DON'T SELL YOURSELF SHORT EITHER, but don't be stupid. Evaluate your riding skills and your riding aggression. Not every girl is going to have my same story. Some girls are even better riders than I and wouldn't have bought anything less than a 600 for their first ride, it's all relative.

Happy decision making.

[schnogg]

GS500! W00t!

[slorider18]

my first bike is my my F3. i really enjoy it. i had been riding off road for a while so i wasn't as new to the sport. I was considering the ninja 500 but i'm a little chuby and wanted the extra power. my buddy picked up the 500 at the same time. we have a blast riding together. he has dropped it once, my was dropped before i got it. both have been easy to get parts for. my buddy is getting ready to sell his and move up. i'm going to stick with mine for a while. i think both are great options. what every you chose make sure you can be comfortable. the worst thing is to be intimidated by your bike. first off just make sure to take your time and learn to ride well. make sure to be safe and enjoy yourself.

[SamoanzRR]

I have a friend thats looking for hi first bike. I told him just get a beater for now until he learns how to handle it and then get a better bike.
SLO, hit your friend up on how much for the 500.

[Smitty]

This is an OLD thread & posts, but take it from an old timer that has been in & out of the m/c business a number of times like from the late 40s on & off, in other fileds, to the late 80s.

I have always tried to advise riders to LEARN on a bike that is not to powerful. When Suzy & Kwacker came out with the 500cc parallel twins I then changed my mind from the twins of 400cc to what Kwacker & Suzy offered & have stuck to them for they have proven to be bikes that are commong first step bikes to where in some cases the riders have hung onto them for two seasons. Not all the great things of the 600cc sports, BUT how can a beginner put a 600cc sportbike to its full capabilities? Probably many a sportbike rider with some yrs under his belt still has not felt the full potential of the 600cc four & might not unless he gets into good track days or actually racing the bike.

[ebear]

My first bike is a CBR600F4i. I've only had it for about 2 weeks. I've only really driven it in parking lots and the streets around my neighborhood. (MSF class on the 27th ) I haven't taken it passed 10kRPMS yet and dont plan to for a while. Once its passed 8k it starts pullin pretty scarily-fast. It doesnt seem like to much for me to handle (SO FAR) so i'm happy with the purchase.

[blackbird1.0]

I have to agree with REAPERAZ it's cool that you are using your head when considering your first ride, instead of buying a bike that you can't possibly control. . It's a pretty decent list you have to choose from. I would also consider a Katana 600. It's reliable and it looks pretty damn good. But the SV 650 would also be a good choice, great looks, awesome sound, tons of aftermarket parts. Ah hell you've got your work cut out for you in picking a ride.

Good luck dude!!

P.S Pay no attention to the comments posted by a certain member on this thread. 99.9% of the people here are hear to help, and will offer good advise. Others offer their bigoted opinions , which by the way they are entitled to but you know what they say. "Opinions are like *ssholes, everybody's got one" But then again that is just my opinion.

[tonga3]

I have a little different advice. Whatever you get you have to be responsible on and watch your right hand. Take the MSF course. My