[crazydude]

QUOTE (Fido_SanAndreas @ Jun 8 2008, 00:37)

I am thinking about purchasing a bike, and I am definitley looking at the Yamaha YZF-R1 http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products.../6/0/specs.aspx

Hahaha, you wont last 10 minutes on that bike.

What makes you think you have the skill to operate a motorcycle capable of 0-60 in 3 seconds.

Listen, your best bet is to start with something small like a 250 or a ninja 500 like anuj. They are great starter bikes which will teach you how to handle yourself out on the road. What you need is experience and plenty of it. Once you feel comfortable, then you should consider moving up in displacement.

But then again, you probably just want the bike because its fast and it looks good, making you look like a badass and scoring all the chicks. At least, that's what most new riders want when thinking about purchasing a bike, with a 1000cc machine at the top of the list.

You can make the smart choice and start small and work your way up. Or, you can go all out just to look cool (and probably die).

[kevin2006rhs]

QUOTE (crazydude @ Jun 11 2008, 23:50)

You can make the smart choice and start small and work your way up. Or, you can go all out just to look cool (and probably die).

Like learning how to drive in an Enzo or having an F1 race car as your first car.

[Desmosedici]

QUOTE (kevin2006rhs @ Jun 11 2008, 23:09)

or having an F1 race car as your first car.

Did you know that Fernando Alonso didn't get his drivers license until after his first world championship?

[kevin2006rhs]

QUOTE (Desmosedici @ Jun 12 2008, 00:31)

QUOTE (kevin2006rhs @ Jun 11 2008, 23:09) or having an F1 race car as your first car. Did you know that Fernando Alonso didn't get his drivers license until after his first world championship?

Well I guess you learn something new every day...





But to argue that tid bit of information, I know he worked his way up from something like go carts or shifter carts and then, eventually, F1. And we know Fido is not Fernando Alonso, so he will die if he hops on something that strong.

[Doink]

Hey guys.

With gas prices and whatnot, as well as a growing interest in bikes, I have been considering getting a motorcycle license and a bike to last me at least through the rest of my college career (4 years).

One type of bike in particular that I have to oggling is the Honda CBR, preferably a 2004 and up model, and something at under a 600.

Any other suggestions, feel free to give them to me.

[crazydude]

QUOTE (Doink @ Jun 12 2008, 01:54)

Hey guys. With gas prices and whatnot, as well as a growing interest in bikes, I have been considering getting a motorcycle license and a bike to last me at least through the rest of my college career (4 years). One type of bike in particular that I have to oggling is the Honda CBR, preferably a 2004 and up model, and something at under a 600. Any other suggestions, feel free to give them to me.

The smallest CBR they make in the U.S. is 600 I believe. The motorcycle itself is still too powerful to be a starter bike, especially since it has a 100+ hp engine.

As a beginner I would recommend something in the 250-500 range. Kawasaki line of bikes have a great starter selection.

If I were you I would look into the new ninja 250. It was completely redesigned for 2008 and I gotta say, its a pretty sharp looking bike. It will do 0-60 in about 5.75 sec (that's 350z territory) and is capable of doing 120 on the highway. The bike starts at $3500 new, and it will do about 65-70 mpg. The suspension has also been updated, and the reviews say its the best handling bike out there. Sure, in a straight line, the 600+cc bikes would own it, but in the twisties, this bike is faster than all of them!

The baby ninja is the ideal starter bike. And while you may drop it, like most beginners do, you wont feel as bad because its not some $10K bike. And when you are ready to sell it and move up, you will get most of your money back, because they tend to keep their value, especially the new model.

The bad thing is: It may be hard finding one since they are in great demand right now.

This one is somewhat modded:

[Doink]

Hey crazy, thanks a lot for that. I am as newb to bikes as it gets, so all that info is MUCH appreciated.

Actually found an 01 model on craigslist right in town.

http://dallas.craigslist.org/mcy/688901421.html

Along with an 08 model asking for $4200

http://dallas.craigslist.org/mcy/697277538.html

[Picolini]

$3500.... 70mpg... 0-60 in mid to high 5's... I like all those numbers!
I've always been interested in bikes, "crotch rockets"/sports bikes mainly. With all the above it sounds like it might be a nice move. Thing is, it's bad weather about 50% of the year around here. Most of that being snow... the other being rain and cold weather I'd say. But, sh*t if I had a bike it'd pay off in the good season. I should really look into get a cycle license.

Question, how well do you think a bike like the Ninja 250 would handle a 300lb guy?
I know I'd look a bit funny anyways, but who gives a sh*t when I'm beating 90% of cars around here and getting 2x+ better mpg?

This post has been edited by Picolini on Thursday, Jun 12 2008, 07:37

[MaroonZ28]

I'm sure it could handle you. My Dad is about 260 and he used to ride a Honda VF750F Interceptor easily. That was up until he wrecked and broke most of his ribs and colar bone. Hes stuck with Harleys since then. I'd love to get me a bike in a few years but the problem with me is that i'm just too short (Only 5' 2"). I've sat on a MV Agusta at a bike show and felt comfortable on it but I still don't know how I would do riding. I need to get something soon. 15 MPG is killing me.

[Picolini]

Try 10mpg

I just got an online Geico quote... $150 a month pretty much, and my guess is actually getting will be more. I'd have to look around. $100 would be pushing it on any savings, as I'd still have to carry car insurance. I could probably get a summer thing though, so I'm not throwing money away during the winter, ya know. There's gotta be places that do that.

Doesn't help that I'm:

-Male
-Under 25
-Two tickets (speeding, improper lane usage)
-I'd get a sports bike


As for riding it, I'd hope it'd be able to carry all of me. I'm about 5'7"-8", so I'm probably fine standing on it.

[millsy]

my fav bike has 2b the kawasaki zx-6r the 636 model of course. even tho all 600 riders thinks is cheating i dont care

i mean for gods sake its called a ninja 4 a reason lol

[anuj]

What reason is that? Ninjas cheat?

I sold my 500 a few weeks ago. I'm aiming to pick up a model I had no idea even existed: A 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 650R. My god, this thing is sexy and gets up like nobody's f*cking business. Now that I've got two years under my belt, I've been riding friend's bikes, ranging from 600s to a ZX14R that someone was trying to sell. The 650 is a f*cking beast, I can't wait to pick it up. Only $6400 brand f*cking new aswell.

[anuj]

QUOTE (Picolini @ Jun 12 2008, 02:06)

Try 10mpg I just got an online Geico quote... $150 a month pretty much, and my guess is actually getting will be more. I'd have to look around. $100 would be pushing it on any savings, as I'd still have to carry car insurance. I could probably get a summer thing though, so I'm not throwing money away during the winter, ya know. There's gotta be places that do that. Doesn't help that I'm: -Male -Under 25 -Two tickets (speeding, improper lane usage) -I'd get a sports bike As for riding it, I'd hope it'd be able to carry all of me. I'm about 5'7"-8", so I'm probably fine standing on it.

Get a 500cc bike, don't tell them the model name, and get a quote through PROGRESSIVE. I've gotten two tickets and totaled a car when I was 17 and I still only pay $45 a month for full coverage. The problem with Geico is although they like to pretend they understand motorcycles, they don't understand that we don't want to pay out the f*cking ass for insurance.

I went through a comparison company and ended up with Progressive. I was paying $30 a month for liability insurance, and when I turned 21 I switched it to full coverage for $15 more/month.

[Picolini]

Why a 500cc? Sounds like it'd be a bit f*cking fast and strong, imo.
And is it easy to not tell them the bike model? I thought that was mandatory info.

[anuj]

QUOTE (Picolini @ Jun 12 2008, 10:18)

Why a 500cc? Sounds like it'd be a bit f*cking fast and strong, imo. And is it easy to not tell them the bike model? I thought that was mandatory info.

500cc is nothing. Don't get scared of numbers just yet, a 500cc engine won't rip you off the bike unless you plan on doing stupid stuff. In my experience, the 500 was a pussycat until you opened it up, and you had to have some confidence to do that. You're not going to have a muscle twitch and open the throttle all the way.

Insurance Guy: What type of bike is it?
You: It's a 2008 Kawasaki 500R.
Insurance Guy: K thx.

Don't mention things like "Ninja", "GSXR", "CBR", "Hayabusa (god forbid)" or "Monster". These small differences tend to freak out potential underwriters.

[Picolini]

Ah, makes sense with the insurance (edit: I just did a quote through Progressive and it was only $46 a month! f*ck Geico, lol).
You're probably right about me going with a 500 or so. My mom had a 150cc back in the 70s and she said she could barely cruise at 60, so with my weight a 500 would do just fine. At 300lbsor so, I weigh 90% +asmuch as the 250R
Edit: My boss recommended I get a 650, lol.

I think I'll look into getting my license this summer so I can get a bike next spring. A little late to throw in getting a bike into my finances right now.
Any recommendations on a bike around 500cc? Whats the best bang for your buck?

edit:
A question for those in the US. What I'd like to do is get my license out of the way so I have it ready next riding season, a little under a year from now pretty much. Mainly because it'll take time to actually get a bike.
My question, how will I take the tests and do the practice drives? Do the classes provide a vehicle, or do I need my own? If I need my own, I guess I'm f*cked for now. But how are they going to assume we have our own motorcycle BEFORE we have a license? Doesn't make sense to me.

This post has been edited by Picolini on Friday, Jun 13 2008, 03:01

[Beez]

Picolini, sign up for an MSF beginner course in your area. They provide bikes, fullfill the driving portion of the DMV test and should get you a 10% discount with your insurance. Here's a link.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Another good bike for you beginners to consider that is still sporty but in a different way is the Suzuki DRZ400 SM. This is the Supermoto/supermotard version of the dualsport DRZ 400S. It is a 400cc single cylinder, street legal, electric start but geared for the street and has 17" wheels (same size as sportbikes) with sportbike tires on them. Still faster than 90% of cars on the road and handles like it's on rails. Insurance is cheaper due to engine size and the fact that it doesn't have all the bodywork a sportbike has (one of the things that drives up insurance rates). So when you drop it, like all n00bs do, pretty much nothing will be damaged. It won't keep up with sportbikes on fast roads but a good rider can hang with them on a very tight twisty road. The single cylinder engine of the DRZ will not make the horsepower of a Twin or Four but it make good torque for its engine size and that's the grunt you feel off the line. Put an aftermarket muffler on them and they sound great too. For about $1000 buck you can buy a second set of wheels from the dualsport DRZ with knobbies and a quick swap will turn it into a dirtbike.

Other good beginner bikes are any street legal dualsport bike, Suzuki GS500, Suzuki SV650, Buell Blast. Great advice from the other posters on starting small. Better to go fast on a slow bike than slow on a fast bike. You don't want to be known as the guy with an GSX-R1000 who's afraid to lean it over and has 3 inch "chicken strips" on his tires. Beginner bikes are always in demand so you can usually sell them for what you paid for them if you take care of it (or buy a beater, fix it up and sell for more). But for a n00b is probably best to get one in good condition.

[Picolini]

Thanks Beez

Thing is, the closest and earliest courses I can sign up for is more than an hour away, and not until mid to late October
So are the classes only three days?? That's what it looks like from the dates posted (July 18-20; July 25-27; etc). Sounds like a short amount of time to learn to ride!

edit: Looking back, those are Friday-Saturday-Sunday courses, so it is just 3 days, but friday is 4 hours, and Sat and Sun are 10 hours, so 22 24 hours total.
Sucks though, I'm not sure if I can drive 2 1/2 hours a day for even just 3 days... it'd be hard to get weekends off at work as well. I might have to wait until next season for classes

This post has been edited by Picolini on Saturday, Jun 21 2008, 06:40

[Picolini]

Sorry for the double post bump here guys

So guys, I was looking into different kinds of bikes and "street fighter" styles are looking nice to me. Something about the exposed engine and the stances of them just look nice.
I was looking at Triumph Speed Triples but they look a bit plain, imo, and there kind of on the expensive side even for a used one. Plus, I don't think 100+hp will go nicely for me as a beginner.

Any suggestions on bikes with the street fighter look, around the 500cc area, and some pretty aggressive styling, at a decent price? I know 2/3 of those are all opinion, but post just what you think!

edit:

Maybe something like this Buell XB12S, except my guess is they're on the expensive side, and this one is modded like crazy. And it's probably a little too small (size wise, not sure about the engine), me being 5'8" and 300lbs or so. I don't want to be that fat guy you see cruising on a tiny little crotch rocket that he dwarfs.
But it gives you an idea of what I'm going for.



This post has been edited by Picolini on Friday, Jul 4 2008, 08:00

[Beez]

The Suzuki GS500 might fit all your current requirements. It's a very good bike for beginners, it's been around for a long time so you should be able to find a used one no problem. Has the streetfighter look and no bodywork to damage when you drop it (that will also keep insurance lower) and all beginners drop it.