help? new guy, juss turned 18, starters bike help

newguy90 · 02-26-2008, 12:49 AM

Well, I juss turnd 18, I have a 98 suzuki rodeo that I'm going to sell and hopefully buy a bike. What's a good starters bike? I'm not going to use it for racing...yet, I juss need a bike to get the feel of riding. I don't realy care about the "frame" I juss need something decent, something to get me started. Something smal, but not tooo small, help? And that has good MPG. That's my main request

rokitt51 · 02-26-2008, 12:55 AM

, go and find urself somethin that is used in nice shape.... Most will steer you towards a 600, i say get what you wanna cause ur gonna do that anyway.... Just be smart about what you do on it... Don move to fast and keep that gear on. Most are gonna mention an MSC also.. Happy hunting

jkobflys · 02-26-2008, 1:05 AM

gsxr-750, theres plenty out there for sale and its a perfect balance betwin a 6 and a 1k.
hell i have 2 of them...
i started on a 600 after 2 months got my 1st 750 and the diference is quite a bit.

ghbzorro · 02-26-2008, 2:19 AM

In my opinion the ultimate first bike is one that is easy to have fun on, is not intimidating when you first sit on it, inspires confidence because of its great handling, and you don't have to spend too much money to get one. I accepted what turned out to be really good advice and bought an old (they were only available new in 1988-1991, I think) Honda Hawk GT (NT 650). I often see them on e-bay in the Houston area.

I will never sell my Hawk.

HondaGalToo · 02-26-2008, 5:11 AM

My opinion is that a modern 600 cc sportbike is way too much bike for the average beginner, unless you have a lot of dirtbike experience. Even then... Don't even start with the "I did it and I was fine..." Some get lucky and do ok. You're much better off learning the basic skills on a bike that has less power, as you can focus your attention on learning the skills (steering, braking, shifting, balance, smooth throttle application, etc.) rather than trying to control the bike's power.

My picks? If you want a cruiser style, something 500 cc or less. For a sportbike: Kawasaki Ninja 250, Suzuki GS 500 or Kawasaki Ninja 500 (older models may be called the EX 500). Buy a used one. And, take an MSF (motorcycle safety foundation) course. A ~600 cc twin may be ok (as opposed to an in-line 4), so the above mentioned Honda Hawk or a Suzuki SV 650 would be ok, too.

After you've got a good season or two under your belt, then sell the first bike (probably for close to what you paid for it) and move up to something else.

Take it slow and smart, and you'll grow into a sport that you can enjoy for a lifetime. Welcome!

FB1000inPA · 02-26-2008, 8:51 AM

Let me come from a different direction at you:

How about you go to different MC dealers and sit on different bikes to get an idea what you are actually looking for?

I went out there and sat on different bikes and decided a CBR works fine for me. Just luck, it could have been any other bike as well.

jkobflys · 02-26-2008, 10:54 AM

08 zx10r!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

954rr Irl · 02-26-2008, 11:36 AM

welcome to the site.

HondaGalToo · 02-26-2008, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FB1000inPA

Let me come from a different direction at you:

How about you go to different MC dealers and sit on different bikes to get an idea what you are actually looking for?

I went out there and sat on different bikes and decided a CBR works fine for me. Just luck, it could have been any other bike as well.

So....if he goes and sits on a Haybusa and decides it looks and feels great, that's the bike he should then start on?

If you're suggesting that to give him an idea as to whether he wants a cruiser vs a sportbike, that makes some sense.

jkobflys · 02-26-2008, 1:46 PM

Hayabusa sounds great!!!!!!!!!

ghbzorro · 02-26-2008, 1:47 PM

Well, whatever bike you select, make sure it is a Honda!

Desert Blade · 02-26-2008, 2:28 PM

http://thekneeslider.com/images/08hayabusa.jpg ????!

jkobflys · 02-26-2008, 2:49 PM

ok ok ok gsxr1000r.

Mr DB · 02-26-2008, 3:28 PM

Hey HondaGalToo, what do all of those symbols under your picture mean? The female and medic symbols I know, but what are the other ones and are there different options of symbols I could get? Im new here and trying to still get educated about this forum. Thanks

HondaGalToo · 02-26-2008, 4:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr DB

Hey HondaGalToo, what do all of those symbols under your picture mean? The female and medic symbols I know, but what are the other ones and are there different options of symbols I could get? Im new here and trying to still get educated about this forum. Thanks

This site used to sponsor a trackday once a year, and every time you attended, you got a little symbol. The green ones are for Grattan, the other is for Jennings. I think there's the year of attendance on them, but it's really small!

CBR929RE · 02-26-2008, 5:00 PM

HGT is always spot on with her new bike advice.

when I was looking for my first bike in the spring of 03 I was looking at a CBR1000F, I think it was a 91. The salesman asked if it would be my first bike, yup. He flat out said he wouldn't sell it to me. and that was a bike that had barely over 100hp which is about the same or less than current 600s. granted it probably had a little more torque but it also weighed a ton.

check into some older 600s such as a CBR600F2/F3.