I want a motorcycle

RememberThisTitan · 08-14-2004, 08:17 PM

I know this dosnt deal with the Titan, but more people check out general discussion than the off topic link. I know a couple of people on here have bikes. I know nothing about them and am looking for some non biased opinions. Looking at Suzuki, Kawasaki, or Yamaha sport bikes. Around 600cc. Used and nothing over $3200. What has the best reputation and is the better bike. Any help would be great. I cant seem to find any websited that gives me the comparisons of sport bikes. thanks

Slurppie · 08-14-2004, 08:23 PM

For a beginner I would look into a CBR F3+. IMO, the CBR's have the best all around ride, not a pure race position and not a pure touring position, just an overall comfortable position. All bikes are great when it comes to reliability. If you are buying a used bike I would suggest having a mechanic perform a leak down test.

LordMuut · 08-14-2004, 08:32 PM

No offense, but if you are a true beginner, I would stay away from sport bikes period. The 600s are very fast for their size. You will almost surely drop your bike at least once while you are learning to ride. Dropping a sportbike, with all of the included bodywork, is expensive. Just my .02.

Slurppie · 08-14-2004, 08:36 PM

Good point LordMuut, even with a used bike replacing the plastic is not cheap.

RS250R · 08-14-2004, 09:04 PM

ex500, gs550, or even a kx250 ninja are the best starter bikes. lots of parts available and not much plastic on them. you will drop your first bike, whether it is a parking lot thing or otherwise... get a small one, used but mechanically sound. learn to ride and move up when you are ready. today's 600 cc sportbike is like the '90s 1000cc bikes. but they handle better. it makes you feel like you can do more than your current skills will allow. new rider.... 0 real skills. makes for real trouble.

there are lots of m/c forums and just about every state has one. thay way you can meet up with folks in your area and maybe an experienced rider will help you. I saw you were in PA and I do not know of a board off hand in your area but I am sure you can do a search and find it. In GA we have lots one is www.georgiasportbike.com and they have what are called newbie rides where they assist new riders to learn the right way. if you don't do something like that at least take an MSF course...

Good luck

TitanIam · 08-14-2004, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RememberThisTitan

I know this dosnt deal with the Titan, but more people check out general discussion than the off topic link. I know a couple of people on here have bikes. I know nothing about them and am looking for some non biased opinions. Looking at Suzuki, Kawasaki, or Yamaha sport bikes. Around 600cc. Used and nothing over $3200. What has the best reputation and is the better bike. Any help would be great. I cant seem to find any websited that gives me the comparisons of sport bikes. thanks

Your best bet would be a Ninja EX500. Fairly upright riding position and reasonably priced at $5000 new. Quick enough to have fun on but not enough to scare you sh1tless. I have the $3000 Ninja EX250R and it is a high reving blast around town. 0-60 in 6 seconds and +100mph top speed. Moved down from a VF500FII Interceptor can you believe it!

MotorCyclist rates these two bikes as the best entry level sportbikes.

Check out www.traderonline.com for a Ninja 500 and you should find a late model for around $3000. Stay away from the 600's as they are the best way to hate biking quickly. Iron Maiden torture racks anyway.

Safe riding and try and wear safety gear. Nothing worse than road-rash, brain damage or a missing limb. Not to mention death.

Budweiser · 08-14-2004, 09:43 PM

I went a little different route. Found a Ducati Monster 750 for $5000. Has more than enough power, but still very forgiving. You can wack the throttle wide open with out crazy wheel spinning power as some of the 600 sports bikes can do. So its not the fastest but it will play. Also being a Ducati, draws alot of attention from people.

Nevadadrifter · 08-14-2004, 10:59 PM

I strongly agree that if you're a newbie you should start small. You can buy a used Ninja 250 for less than 2500.00, ride it for a year just to get comfortable with sport bikes, then turn around and sell it for damn near what your paid for it. Think about it, you have a great little bike to learn the basics on, and then you can go buy that big monster CBR that youve been drooling over and not worry as much about dropping a brand new shiny 8,000 sport bike! Hit the forums over at www.beginnerbikes.com they are an absolutely awesome group of riders who will definately head you in the right direction. They also have a very nice listing of bikes they reccomend for new riders. Let us know what you think!

*COTitan* · 08-14-2004, 11:30 PM

i have a fZ1 which was my starter bike
but for a starter bike i would suggest a SV650

RememberThisTitan · 08-15-2004, 10:15 AM

thanks for the words of wisdom. i am thinking about buying in the off season to save a few bucks. going to look for a place around town that gives lessons too. thanks again for the help.

nopstar · 08-15-2004, 10:17 AM

RemeberThisTitan-

I've had several bikes, my only suggestion is that you take a MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course they are essential. I think on completion of the course you qualify for a discount on your insurance.

From a reliability standpoint, you really can't go wrong with any modern bike. If your worried about dropping the bike, get some frame sliders they'll save you money.

As far as bike suggestion I completely agree with COTitan. The FZ1 has great ergo's and isn't "over powered". This SV650 has good ergo's, great price point, and an engine you won't get bored with.

Good Luck

LikeaRock14 · 08-15-2004, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Budweiser

I went a little different route. Found a Ducati Monster 750 for $5000. Has more than enough power, but still very forgiving. You can wack the throttle wide open with out crazy wheel spinning power as some of the 600 sports bikes can do. So its not the fastest but it will play. Also being a Ducati, draws alot of attention from people.

We've got an 04 749s in the garage, pics coming soon

I'd say even a 620 Monnster would be a good bike to start on!

*COTitan* · 08-15-2004, 11:50 AM

monsters are always expensive to repair when droped though and all starters drop there bike. It's not if but when

mtyson227 · 08-15-2004, 12:48 PM

If you are a beginning motorcyclist, I strongly recommend taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundation training course. Since you live in PA (as I do) you can take it for free. Thats right....FREE!

All you need is your motorcycle permit which cost $7. Then you just sign up for the course. It is two evenings of classes and two full days of riding. The motorcycles are provided. Looks like you have Philadelphia listed as your location. I took the course about 5 years ago in King of Prussia.

At the end of the course, (if you pass), you will have your motorcycle license. I think this course is invaluable for the beginning road rider.

My $.02. Good luck!! I love my new Titan, but nothings better than a ride on my Fatboy.

the head · 08-15-2004, 02:20 PM

Another MSF plug here - great for starting out.
Whatever you decide to go with, buy it used (cheaper) since you may wind-up dropping it while getting used to it. Another big piece of advice is price insurance on anything you want to buy FIRST. That sportbike sure might look nice for the dough but you can easily spend an obscene amount on insurance, especially if you have no previous experience.