1st bike

exactly.. what is it that you get out of a 1000? Its not speed. Not real numbers worth mentioning. It rides different, but that's a matter of preference. Even pulling 1/4 mile times on a few bikes. You're talking a few tenths, not real road power difference.

 

Nope not in commutes, but I did doing stupid crap

 

This.

 

There is never any reason to lay your bike down. Will you crash? Probably. But there is never a reason to "lay'er down".

 

I can think of many many reasons you might lay down your bike.
Soap or oil in the road. Hitting a dog, getting a flat tire, falling asleep, hitting a car, riding off the road. Too many to list.

What I was saying was.. he started on a 600, and survived. I asked if he ever "crashed" using the euphemism "lay it down". Surviving and not crashing are 2 different things.

 

Just because you're a beginner doesn't mean your going to drop your bike atleast "this" many times...

That said you don't want a bike that's brand new for that reason and for others. Take the safety courses and do a lot of research on how to avoid being roadkill.. Their are alot of people who don't like sharing the road with cycles, but thats just something you'll have to get use to.

Only other advice I got is always be mindful of your surroundings it can save your life.. riding on street is a whole new ball game compared to dirt trails


Have fun =]

 

None of these are reasons to lay your bike down. You might crash when you hit a car (or it hits you). You might crash if you fall asleep but if you are in control, these are not reasons to lay your bike down.

Let's take your soap or oil example. With proper training, you'll learn how to identify stuff like that in the roadway. Make decisions about what to do then do it.

"laying it down" implies the rider made a conscious decision to crash instead of ride the motorcycle.

 

Believe me. When you crash.. your bike will lay down. I also don't say "pop" for soda or bubbler for water fountain or "broke da mouf" for good.

Good thing I took the time to explain that .. it seems to have taken.

Best way to crash is to have a friend teach you, second best way is to teach yourself. That's according to the hurt report.

 

Thanks for all the input guys. I've been researching and I'm starting to lean more to a dirtbike. I think ill be able to use it more since all of this stupid snow doesn't seem to want to leave. And they seem a lot cheaper....

 

Look into the 650 v-strom then. Very utilitarian motorcycle yet still fun to ride.

 

At your size I certainly wouldn't recommend a Sportster. I'm 6'1, 220 and I felt cramped on my 1200C, with the front wheel in my crotch. Mine had a stage 1 kit, so it was plenty quick, but the bike is not meant for distance riding.

I'd tend to agree that a sport bike might not be your best move... I find myself much more comfortable on cruisers. My next bike will most likely be a Victory Cross Roads.

 

my friend just got a ninja 650r and its his first bike. excellent starter bike.

 

x2

Lay down like in this situation (newbie)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR2UfJcyETw


I never did that. One is crashing and the other is like in the vid above


EDIT: I did lay it(crash) doing stupid stuff like this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AhiL9DKzFA&feature=related

 

Definitely check out the dual sports. V-Stroms are popular, as are the BMWs (the 650 single has been redesigned this year. I have the previous gen.). KLR is another good choice. Lots of aftermarket support for each, and plenty of good forums, too. Check out the Chaingang at f650.com.

Dual sports are what motorcycles used to be. Practical, easy to ride, and versatile. The cruiser riding position is just stupid, IMO, and uncomfortable, too.

 

where are v stroms popular? I've seen maybe 2, both parked.
THey don't sell a 650 single anymore do they? THey sell 2 800 parallel twins calling one the f650 (street model) and one the f800(offered as GS and sport models).

 

I see a lot of Vs around NW Arkansas. I guess it depends on where you live. They do still make the 650 single. It's now called the G650GS. It got updated body panels and gauges for 2012, as well as a switch to cast wheels from spoked. The motor is assembled in China from Rotax parts (same company that makes the 800 twin motors). The motors are then shipped to Berlin for final assembly. This puts off a lot of BMW purists, but they are great bikes. Not perfect, but reliable and fun. Mine came with ABS and heated grips standard. Not sure what the new edition has as far as options.

 

totally off topic but I have to ask; Hog is that really your license plate in your avatar?

 

Sv 650, ninja 650r, er6n
My first bike was a honda 600 f4i. It had around 105hp and was ALOT more than i needed. That being said, i never laid it down or had any crashes on it. You can buy a 600rr and not crash but you have to have respect for the bike, because they are serious race bikes with lights on them. I don't recommend getting one. They are not really designed for everyday riding in mind. They are not comfortable at all to ride. If you just crazy about getting one then get one, but be careful on it until you get the hang of it. Don't be like some guys and think your Nikki Hayden after the first week of owning it!

 

Your always going to get mixed opinions on what size bike you should start at. IMO if you were to buy a 250 you would learn the fundamentals of riding a motorcycle but unfortunately after a season or two your going to outgrow the bike and get bored of it. You said your 6'6 and I forget the weight and to lazy to check again ha but you would definetly be able to handle that bike. A 600 is what I see as a great starter bike given you have the ability to control urges and not blip the throttle every time the car in front of you changes lanes. You also said you're leaning towards a dirt bike. Go and snag a dirt bike and get use to the feeling of 2 wheels and go rip on that thing and build up some confidence. Like i said at the beginning everyone has there own opinion

 

Yep. Luck of the draw back in 1995. They've changed the plates several times since then, but I hung on to this one for obvious reasons.