a good Motorcycle for a beginner?

i rode 4wheelers and dirt bikes growing up, but when i moved to CA, i got a street bike
started with the Ninja 250 for a year, then upgraded to the 636. I loved both, but was VERY glad i started small, you can always go bigger later.

And definitely taking the riding course. Even after riding for 3 years, I took it and learned a few little helpers.

 

Buy a cheap and used 600 to learn on, you can pick them up really cheap in california. Just take it to a mechanic to get inspected before you purchase ( alot of them are used for stunting and get abused) then once your comfortable with riding go out and get a bike that you like. If your wanting a perfomance style bike, you cant go wrong with a gsxr 750 ( ive owned a cbr 600, 900 rr, and ninja zx-9r). Because this is your 1st bike stay away from getting a hayabusa. ( seen to many 1st timers get hurt) But the biggest piece of advice I can give you, no matter what type of bike you get, is keep your head on a swivel, because the people in the cars arent looking out for you. Have fun and stay safe...

 

buy something you wont be to sad if you drop maybe a fz600, sv650 since they have less plastic to damage then the money you save on a used bike you can put toward a bike you really want when you outgrow it

 

After nearly 30 years and some 80,00miles. went back to a dual purpose bike. DR650 numble enough power to get in and out of trouble,been 500 mile day trips with more comfort than bigger cruisers. If you come up on a dirt road no problem.
But one day wife and I still want to go cross country on a couple of 250cc.

 

I rode for about 15 years. I rode motocross then bought a street bike. My first street bike was a CBR 600. If you have experience riding a dirt bike, I would say you could start with a CBR 600. If you know somebody, I would recommend getting their permission to ride for an hour or two. Just cruising on a crotch rocket is tough on the back and neck, and the right hand goes numb after a while. I wouldn't be too afraid of the 600. Remember, YOU are in control of the speed of the bike. It'll only go as fast as you twist the throttle. If you truly are looking to just cruise, I would recommend that style of bike.

 

Get a 600. As long as you respect the power of any motorcycle you can ride it. You will out grow the 250.

Rubber side down!

Turn 4 Laguna Seca

 

I would recommend the SV650. Go read some articles about it, everyone loves that bike and naked bikes have cheaper insurance.
and it kinda looks like a monster if you squint just right

I started off on a monster 800 but I am bigger than your standard joe so it worked out good for me. Great bikes, look awesome and that sound!

Not bashing anyone who starts out on a 600 but I wouldn't recommend it.

oh yeah and as always; take the course and wear your gear!

 

i just bought my first bike 2 weeks ago. A 2009 kawasaki ninja 250. Its a great little starter bike, its small and fun. It also gets 60 mpg. ya i will grow out of it, but for now its good. Plus they are cheap and resale is awesome.

 

I vote the SV650 or something similar (Katana 600, Bandit, etc). If you want something like the 250 to ride for a few months, then trade up, I'd go used. Unless you live in a city or are extremely small framed, you won't be happy with the 250 for long.

 

the point is the 250 is a good STARTER

 

Thanks for all the advise... it seems like the sv650 is a great starter bike. I won't be getting a R6 or CBR or any real 600 until I've spent some time on a beginner bike...

I think I might go with the Ninja 250R to learn on... probably pass it down to my little bro in a couple of years. I'm starting the BRC in two weeks, they have 250's so I'll see how it is. The Ninja 250R is just too damn cheap to pass up (new or used), plus if I don't like it I'll give it to my girl and plus up to a 650R or something else... she's going to the course with me.

I've always wanted a Ninja since I was a little kid... My Dad owned one when I was small and he used to cruise around everywhere on that...

 

so once I get set up with the right bike and the class done... what sort of gear should I wear as a normal commuting gear... obviously helmet, jacket, gloves, boots... but what else?

 

I wear SLIDERS jeans that have Kevlar reinforcement in them, good stuff but can get a little warm on hot days.
There are a few different places that make kevlar jeans you may want to check out if you are interested.

http://www.compacc.com/p/Sliders-Kevlar-Motorcycle-Riding-Jeans-3-0

 

do they make something I can wear over another set of pants... i.e khakis or a uniform

 

They make chaps to cover another set of pants but I have no idea how comfortable they are.

I'd get a set of gloves also, first reaction if you go down is to put your hands down plus they help cancel vibration from the bike. Also, get a good helmet and make sure it fits properly. Otherwise, like the other members said, jacket and long pants. I have a leather for the cold and a mesh one with sliders for the summer. The store you buy it from should be able to help you size your gear correctly. You'll learn a lot from the course about the bike and the proper gear.

 

IMHO the SV650 is not the best option as your first bike if you intend on going to a Super Sport bike like the GSXR's , CBR's or R6/1 in the future. The SV650 is a V-Twin and will perform quite a bit differently from a Super Sport bike. They are very torquey and feel completely different than an inline 4. I highly suggest you get an inline 4 like the super sports so you get a feel for how an inline 4 performs. The YZF-600 is a great starter bike. Yes, its a 600, but nothing like the super sports. It is a bit heavier and no where near as much power. You can pick one up pretty inexpensively and they still look pretty good. You will most likely drop your first bike and it will suck if it is a fancy new bike. Another similar option would be the katana's, but i think the YZF is a much better looking bike.

 

well, I think I've decided on the Ninja 250R for now... for four reasons

1. Dirt Cheap new
2. I can pass it to my little brother in 2 years when he is old enough... and will not be too much bike for a small 16 year old
3. great MPG, since I'll primarily use this to commute and weekend rides
4. I'll be gone for a year in Iraq and my GF will probably ride it (or buy her own)

When I get bored of it in 2 years (1 year in Iraq) and get familiar with riding I'll get something bigger...

but maybe I'll change my mind after taking the BRC w/ 250s

250R compared to 650R

 

Good luck! Someone on here already said it, but keep the rubber side down!

 

thanks...

 

I started on a CBR1000F then went to a hayabusa at the ripe ol age of 17. throttle management is the name of the game. doesnt matter how big the bike its ok as a beginers bike. its the rider that has to maintain control.