New to forums and not a rider [yet]

S_i_C · 03-01-2008, 11:54 PM

Hello, the thread title pretty much sums it up, I am not a very forum-savy person, and am not a rider. I am planning on taking an ABATE motorcycle safety course then purchasing a CBR 600RR afterwards, or possiblely a 600cc Shadow. I'm saying that mainly because I would like to "cut out the middle man" and get what I plan to end up with.
Anyways, that's pretty much it. If anyone has any suggestions, don't be shy to give me your honest opinion (sticks and stones). Thanks everybody, and be safe.

HondaGalToo · 03-02-2008, 7:43 AM

As I've said in many other threads where guys were talking about what to get for a first bike....get something smaller and used. Don't get the bike you want right from the start, particularly if it's a modern 600 cc sportbike. The 600 cc Shadow cruiser wouldn't be bad to start with. Those are two completely different types of bikes you're talking about. Do you want a sportbike or a cruiser? If it's cruiser style, a 600 is ok to start on. If you want a sportbike, I'd strongly recommend starting on something smaller...a Suzuki GS 500, a Kawasaki Ninja 500, or an SV 650 (it's a twin, so not as powerful as the in-line 600 CBR). When you're learning, you WILL drop it. If you buy a cheap, used bike, you'll get good experience and can resell it for close to what you paid, and then get what you want. If you start on a 600 cc sportbike, you'll spend a lot of attention controlling the power, rather than focusing on learning the basics of steering, acceleration, braking. Getting "what you plan on ending up with" isn't the best idea.

That's my opinion, anyway. If you have a lot of dirtbike experience, that may allow you to start on something a bit more aggressive.

There will be a lot of folks chiming in shortly saying to get what you want, even if it's a liter sportbike. Whatever. Good for you for signing up for a training course, that's the perfect way to start.

Good luck, welcome!

curt248 · 03-02-2008, 1:05 PM

The riding course will get you all of the basics. You will know how to turn, brake, use the clutch ect.

My gf did a course last summer and went from never riding a bike to being pretty good by the end of the 3 day course. I was amazed at how much she learned. That said, she still isn't super confident (she hasn't ridden a bike outside of the course she took last summer). From what I've seen her do, I'm pretty confident that she is competent to start riding on the street.

How much experience do you have with motorcycles in general? Have you ridden a dirt bike? An enduro?

A 600 Katana is what I started with 2 years ago. I have 13 years of motocross (dirtbike) racing experience though. The bike was easy enough to ride. It was also inexpensive and like the last post said easy to get my money back when I sold it. I paid $1250 for it and sold it for $2700 the following year with new tires and minor mods (took off ugly stickers, hacked off rear fender) and 7000 more miles on it!

I moved up to a 929 last year.

I would suggest a 600 if you are at all comfortable on bikes.

I would suggest a ninja 250 if you aren't very comfortable. I think the 500's are close in weight (maybe not power) to a 600. If you are thinking 500, you might as well make the full jump to a 600. The 600 would probably handle better and brake better. The only downside would be more power than you would need. If you are careful with the throttle, (you will learn that in the training course) you should be ok with a 600. You will also be able to grow with it.

You would be able to buy a 250 for cheap and sell it for about the same or more a year later. A ninja 250 is much lighter (100lbs or more) and easier to handle than a 500 or 600 (it's much closer to the ground which allows you to feel like you have better control of it when stopped). It really is a great beginner bike. It's big disadvantage is that it is only slightly quicker than an average sports car.

Bigtoe · 03-02-2008, 1:28 PM

jhonda41 · 03-02-2008, 6:06 PM

on HG2's comments.

to the .org

S_i_C · 03-03-2008, 9:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by curt248

How much experience do you have with motorcycles in general? Have you ridden a dirt bike? An enduro?

Well, in general I no riding experience at all. [Thus never riden a dirt bike/enduro.] So, yeah that's that. Thanks

Mr DB · 03-05-2008, 1:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by S_i_C

Well, in general I no riding experience at all. [Thus never riden a dirt bike/enduro.] So, yeah that's that. Thanks

I 100% agree with HG2. Ive taken the MSF course numerous times by choice. Most of the times I just went to help the instructors. Ive seen TOO MANY beginners get brand new bikes and drop them 2-3 times in that beginners course during that weekend class. Its a painful site. So, while I got what i wanted (00' 929) when I began, I was blessed to never go down and was surrounded by a lot of experienced riders, I would NOT suggest others to do the same. The bike's power has to be respected despite the fact that it does what the rider makes it do. Hope this helps as well.

Best wishes to you. Have fun