[WingZeroX5]

S1000RR

[ORIGIN M.]

Zero S

[The Automotive Enthusiast]

Originally Posted by zx10guy

I'd get a 250. You're going to want to upgrade eventually anyways which after you really get some seat time and sharpen your skills on the 250, you can get a bike you want without worrying about killing yourself on the bike or dropping it because of rookie mistakes. The 250 will allow you to get comfortable with throttle control and counter steering/leaning into corners. You'll not take a hit on insurance. After a few months of seat time on the 250, consider going to some sort of structured riding class with the money you've saved from buying a bigger bike and paying insurance. Despite the universal snubbing the 250s get, there's a cult following and they tend to have very good resale value. I was contemplating going backwards and getting a 250 or 500. But I already have two other bikes and got rid of a FZR400 track prepp'd bike a couple of years ago.

But if you think a 250 is too "small" of a bike for you, the SV650s as mentioned are also a great bike. The funny thing is depending on your weight, 250s can still get you up to just north of 80 MPH. So it's not like you're going to be a speed bump on the road. But it's always funny to see someone who jumps on a big displacement bike only use that horsepower in a straight line and can't corner worth a damn.

I agree with EVERYTHING here. I jumped to an 09 ZX-6R only after riding 250/300's for like two and a half years.

[to_riffic]

Get a FZ-07. Got my license in Dec and it is such a great starter bike. Both feet on the ground coming to a stop, it's sub 400lbs, and easy to maneuver around town and freeways because it's so nimble.

As a naked bike though, you'll want a windscreen right away, because anything over 40mph you'll feel the wind hitting your chest and it can get tiring/taxing on you quickly as a newb rider. Divert the air up and over your shoulders and you'll be fine afterwards.

But I also just got into an accident, fcker clipped me splitting lanes on the freeway (CA) and turned into me w/o looking. Won't know status of the bike until the shop has a chance to look it over with the adjuster.

If/when a decision is made about repairing it or making it a total loss, I would totally get a '17 FZ-09 if they scrap it.

[Ickdeep]

Thanks for all the advice people, I'm currently looking at a few GSXR 600's; Might get one pretty soon (before weather clears up and everyone wants one)

[to_riffic]

Get an upright bike.

I'm 31 now, if I was 21 I would have looked at CBR's or GSXR's, but I'm not interested in being in the tuck position while I ride. But that's personal preference.

Whatever you get, pay for the ABS if it's an option.

[mantis]

buell

[c1pher]

To the people saying don't buy used is like saying don't buy a used car. If you are buying from someone you know or a dealer who has done an inspection, you should be fine. Like I said earlier, there is a glut of lightly used bikes simply because people like the idea of riding and then realize it's not for them or not convenient. That includes you.

Not everyone who is riding is trying to low side their bikes lol. With that said, it's your money and you should spend it how you want. I'm just trying to tell you what I've learned from years of riding and talking to other riders and people who tried to ride. I hear lots of the same themes. I work with a guy who buys a used motorcycle each late Winter and then sells it late Fall. He has never bought new and never had a problem.

[48Laws]

Great suggestion on the Duc.

[obert]

Originally Posted by MGM135is

To the people saying don't buy used is like saying don't buy a used car. If you are buying from someone you know or a dealer who has done an inspection, you should be fine. Like I said earlier, there is a glut of lightly used bikes simply because people like the idea of riding and then realize it's not for them or not convenient. That includes you.

Not everyone who is riding is trying to low side their bikes lol. With that said, it's your money and you should spend it how you want. I'm just trying to tell you what I've learned from years of riding and talking to other riders and people who tried to ride. I hear lots of the same themes. I work with a guy who buys a used motorcycle each late Winter and then sells it late Fall. He has never bought new and never had a problem.

I have to agree with buying a used bike. Buy from a dealer and they fix and do all necessary maintenance before they will sell a used bike. I have sold a couple of bike to dealers and I am always coming out of pocket to get the bike up to their selling standards.

[Viffermike]

Count me as the fifth endorser on this thread of the Suzuki SV650. It was my second bike back in 1999 -- first was a used Ninja 500 that I pretty much hated because it was uncomfortable, underpowered, and difficult to upgrade. The SV, with the right mods (or even without, really), was the antithesis of all three of those things.

The positives to the SV are many ... but the biggest one is the type of engine it uses: a V-twin with a relatively square bore-stroke ratio. Basically, for its size it's got torque for days, which means it will accelerate harder at lower RPMs compared with the garden-variety straight transverse fours used in many other mid-sized sportbikes. With those, you have to rev the snot out of them because their compression ratios are relatively high and their strokes are very short -- which means high horsepower, low torque. It makes them slightly more controllable at lower speeds, but they run out of steam at those lower speeds quickly.

If I had to recommend a second option, it'd be the Triumph Street Triple. It's a compromise -- a 675cc straight three -- but significantly more expensive. Great bikes, though. The Duc Scrambler is a good suggestion as well, but it's not for everyone.

OP, I would steer completely clear of any Gixxer as a first bike unless you know you have the skills to handle what is essentially a racing bike on public streets. And don't even think about a 250cc bike. You will outgrow it in about two weeks.

[c1pher]

Ducati is not the bike it used to be. I have owned my Diavel for almost 4 years and not even thinking about getting rid of it. Great riding position, more power than I'll ever need. Ability to ride with bags if needed and that ass.

I've only had oil, brake fluid and tires replaced over 10,000 miles. I couldn't ride as much as normal last summer since I moved from Raleigh to D.C. Area but looking to pick back up this spring.

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by Viffermike

Count me as the fifth endorser on this thread of the Suzuki SV650. It was my second bike back in 1999 -- first was a used Ninja 500 that I pretty much hated because it was uncomfortable, underpowered, and difficult to upgrade. The SV, with the right mods (or even without, really), was the antithesis of all three of those things.

The positives to the SV are many ... but the biggest one is the type of engine it uses: a V-twin with a relatively square bore-stroke ratio. Basically, for its size it's got torque for days, which means it will accelerate harder at lower RPMs compared with the garden-variety straight transverse fours used in many other mid-sized sportbikes. With those, you have to rev the snot out of them because their compression ratios are relatively high and their strokes are very short -- which means high horsepower, low torque. It makes them slightly more controllable at lower speeds, but they run out of steam at those lower speeds quickly.

If I had to recommend a second option, it'd be the Triumph Street Triple. It's a compromise -- a 675cc straight three -- but significantly more expensive. Great bikes, though. The Duc Scrambler is a good suggestion as well, but it's not for everyone.

OP, I would steer completely clear of any Gixxer as a first bike unless you know you have the skills to handle what is essentially a racing bike on public streets. And don't even think about a 250cc bike. You will outgrow it in about two weeks.

I like the Scrambler if you're mainly doing urban riding. It seems a little bouncy. I think another good suggestion is a Monster 696 or 796. You just have to make sure the valve check was done if it's over 7500 miles and if it isn't 7500 miles yet, be prepared to pay the money to get it done. Realistically though, I don't know anyone who actually needed anything done other than a check. So I think it's a bit of a BS PM check.

[c1pher]

And this may be sacrilege but am I the only one who thinks riding a BMW is like riding a sewing machine? I haven't ridden the RR though so maybe I've tried the wrong bikes. I know the touring bikes are supposed to be awesome.

[48Laws]

BMW makes great bikes. I have GS1200 Adventure. My favorite bike hands down.

[vsix]

I don't like modern bikes, if anything I build café racers. You really should check out those kind of toys.

My latest is an CBR 900 RR SC33 café racer

[Pig Farmer]

Originally Posted by vsix

I don't like modern bikes, if anything I build café racers. You really should check out those kind of toys.

My latest is an CBR 900 RR SC33 café racer

Did the SC33 come with a 16" or 17" front wheel? Those 16" fronts were f-ing scary! Highly NOT recommended as a first bike.

[Ab28]

I will also suggest the SV650. Never owned one, but have ridden them.


Easy to handle, plenty of power, cheap to maintain.

Do not suggest a 250. You will get bored after one weekend. I'm aware speed isn't everything, but some of them just feel anemic.


The scrambler is a nice bike too. Have not ridden one of those yet so I cannot comment.

Currently have a Monster 696 and I love it. Maintenance is straightforward, lots of power, and comfortable.

I don't think it would make the best starter bike, but something you should look into after a year or two.

[wjones14]

Originally Posted by to_riffic

Get an upright bike.

I'm 31 now, if I was 21 I would have looked at CBR's or GSXR's, but I'm not interested in being in the tuck position while I ride. But that's personal preference.

Whatever you get, pay for the ABS if it's an option.

+1 on the upright bike. I got back into riding in 2009 after not having a bike for 20 years. Bought a Kawasaki Ninja 650. It was a great bike to get back into the sport. Low seat height and high handlebars. The equivalent of the SV650 that everyone here is raving about.

The next year I upgraded to my current Z1000. Whoa. It's almost too much. I've never driven a car that I didn't think could use more power, but I don't feel that way about the Z1000. The front wheel comes off the ground under full throttle in both 1st and 2nd gear, so you have to be careful. Would not recommend it as a first bike.

Kawasaki is extremely reliable - no issues with either the Ninja 650 or the Z1000.

[vsix]

Originally Posted by Pig Farmer

Did the SC33 come with a 16" or 17" front wheel? Those 16" fronts were f-ing scary! Highly NOT recommended as a first bike.

16" but I swapped it for 17".

[48Laws]

Originally Posted by vsix

16" but I swapped it for 17".

That's more of a naked than a Cafe'. Cafe' racers are light and traditionally don't have a lot of power. Tanks are longer and they aren't too comfortable for long distances. Just saying. The term is used more loosely these days. I also have a Monster 1200s and I consider it a naked.

[zx10guy]

Originally Posted by MGM135is

And this may be sacrilege but am I the only one who thinks riding a BMW is like riding a sewing machine? I haven't ridden the RR though so maybe I've tried the wrong bikes. I know the touring bikes are supposed to be awesome.

I've ridden a GS for a short spin. It was nice being able to ride in a upright comfortable position for a change with my 6'5" frame. Didn't get to really ride it as it was my buddy's bike and I have this complex of riding someone's ride due to the what if thing....

I have ridden the S1000RR on the track. Have done so for a few years now. I've said if I had ridden the RR before buying my Duc, I would have an RR in my garage now.



BTW, the OP has already made up his mind on what bike he's getting. And on the topic of buying used, just get the bike inspected at a reputable bike shop. The one thing a bike shop may not pay close attention to is if the frame has been tweaked. It's too bad it seems there are less and less GMD Computrack facilities in the US now to check frame specs. There used to be one in Maryland that shutdown and then the closest was Scranton, PA which now apparently has stopped doing the work.