Sport Bike
Hey guys I'm looking into getting a starter type sport bike to ride around the city, Anyone have any great recommendations for a great beginner sport bike? I'm looking into buying something used about around 3-5K.
Some I've found.
Yamaha R1-6
Honda CBR
Kawasaki Ninja
Any ideas?
stay away from 600... i laugh at those boys
GSXR 750
then in two years
R1
you will never go wrong with this plan...
i have owned a gsxr 750(carb), gsxr 750(FI), cbr 900rr and 748s
Nice. I have no experience on a bike at all. I've just always wanted to get one and so I've started looking into them. Are the smaller beginner bikes pretty easy to learn?
if you can get it over 25 mph you can kill yourself.. so dont go with no bike under 750 unless your getting track time.. a well tuned r6 is pretty close to a stock bike
No sportbike experience + riding in a city = Kawi Ninja 250
Pros - You can get a used one for the lower bound of your price range (I see low mileage models go for $2800 regularly) - Not heavy - Great handling -- you can whip it around - Unbelievable resale value (usually 90%-ish) - Doesn't look half bad - Won't kill you if you pop your wrist in a pothole (can't stress how important this is in the city) - Easy to get parts if you get in trouble
Cons - You will grow out of it in 1-2 years
I honestly think that every beginner should start on the Ninja 250 -- it's really the perfect starting sportbike. Don't get caught up in the "monster engine" battle - safety MUST come first when riding. There's no need for a beginner riding in the city to have a 750cc bike.
If you REALLY want a 600cc bike to start with, then go with a bike with a lot of tangible power (i.e. power is not only accessible at 100+mph). Here are my recommendations: - Yamaha FZ6R - Yamaha YZF-R6 - Kawi Ninja 650R
Test drive a Yamaha TMAX when you're at the dealer. I've ridden a lot of bikes in my day, and I can honestly say that the TMAX was one of my favorites. It's extremely practical (enough under seat storage for a helmet + jacket + gloves), it's extremely easy to drive (automatic transmission is a wonderful thing in the city), and it provides a very comfortable ride (you can put your legs up cruiser-style or down scooter-style). 500cc engine isn't a slouch either.
Also -- if you're even CONSIDERING getting a bike, then go take the MSF RiderClass (http://online2.msf-usa.org/msf/Default.aspx). You'll get to ride around on bikes for a few days, see if you really like motorcycling, and get your motorcycle license all at once. It's a blast.
As a background, I've ridden on a lot of different bikes, including: - Yamaha TMAX - Yamaha R6 - Kawi Ninja 250 - Kawi Ninja 650R - Kawi Ninja ZX-10R - Suzuki GSX-R600 - Random Harley hog (I don't even remember what it was)
(Note -- I'm assuming that you're in a big city such as NYC, Chicago, San Fran, and that you generally stay in the city)
Monty's advice is good to follow for working your way up the power chain. Although, personally I'm not a Kawasaki fan and would never buy one but my reasons why are pretty hollow. (You'll be fine with a GSXR, it's a quality bike.)
yourdreamtheater has some good words too.
Also, I wouldn't view smaller displacement as emasculating in any way and don't focus on displacement figures too much when purchasing your bike. You want to make sure your first bike fits your body type and size because one day you may be going around the city in some slick looking bike but it will be to no avail if you are uncomfortable riding it. Make sure the dealer (or seller) lets you sit in the bike for a long time so you can get a feel for it, get in the slip-streaming pose if they have a proper bike stand too; you'll look funny doing it stationary but it's better to find out then before you realize it's an uncomfortable position on the interstate.
If you are new to bikes I'd definitely recommend shopping around for a long time to test what fits you. When you say smaller beginner bike I think of the something like the a smaller displacement version of the Honda CB. The smaller versions of the CB are excellent bikes and very fun for beginners (and experienced riders alike) but I'm sure this it's not what you had in mind when you created this thread. However, smaller bikes like these are great to use before your start jumping too the larger sport/super bikes because it gives you a good feel for what it's like on the chassis and if you trash it due to inexperience you won't be out a lot of money.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure you shop around a lot and feel extremely comfortable on a bike; this might require a few riding lessons but it will be well worth it for you and the others you share the road with.
I started with a Ninja 250 back in May, got bored after 2 months, and now Im on a brand new R6. Although gixxers are nice bikes, they are personally not for me, hence why I didnt go to a 750.
And although monty has a point ("if you can get it over 25 mph you can kill yourself"), starting with a 250 was the best thing I did. There were MULTIPLE instances on my Ninja250 where I could have killed myself, and if I had been on a 600cc+ bike, it could have easily become fatal. yourdreamtheater mentioned "- Won't kill you if you pop your wrist in a pothole (can't stress how important this is in the city)"...which is EXACTLY what happened to me...it also gave me a nice nut shot haha
I built up my confidence on the 250 and "graduated" to a 600. I'm pretty satisfied with the power it provides and the only reason I'll move to a bigger bike is if I can get my hands on a Ducati 848 or higher (most likely next summer).
very good points... my first bike was gsxr 750 and i almost killed myself more then enough times..i was also 17... i wont ride one now as I am not as crazy anymore
very good points... my first bike was gsxr 750 and i almost killed myself more then enough times..i was also 17... i wont ride one now as I am not as crazy anymore
Ninjas have great handling, Id go 250 or 650 but no more.
Awesome advice guys. I'm really liking the advice on the GSXR 750 and the ninja. The only thing with the ninjas, is they look very cheap with the plastic/bright colors..The GSXR is very nice looking, and they're are some really decent prices thats I've been looking at. @yourtdeamtheater thanks for the advice on the class, I will surely look into that.
ducati monster or triumph street triple r
I'm thinking about getting a bike too,but haven't looked all too seriously. My problem is that i'm 6'5 and need something to fit me... Does anybody know where I should start looking?
Right now I just ride around on my dad's KTM 990 adventure when i'm back home, and it's a lot of fun, but I'm looking for something closer to a street bike.
To the OP, don't get too big of an engine on the bike you start riding with, because you will probably kill yourself. Every time I ride the 990 (with performance enhanced exhaust and all that good stuff) I get off it fearing for my life, so I'm definitely happy to go with a ~600 give or take
It's one size fits all but each bike has different adjustments to make ride quality a little better. Being 6'5 is going to be a hassle no matter what, but I wouldn't let that stop you in your search for a good road bike. It really comes to just shopping around a lot and finding what suits you but realizing that no matter what you find it will always feel a little cramped. Expect too look something like
when you're on the road. He's well above 6' and has done pretty well for himself competitively in recent years.
Be persistent (and safe) and you will enjoy your road bike experience.
id think you would outgrow the ninja way too quickly. i have a honda 600rr and i love it. started riding this past summer.
Which bike to get? (Originally Posted: 12/23/2011)
WSO,
I am planning to get a bike. I live in CA and am thinking of doing the highway patrol highway course which is like $250 here. I used to ride my buddies 120cc bike and I loved it. Some guys in my office have bikes. One has a r6 and the other has a Suzuki 750cc. One told me to get Kawasaki Ninja 250 and grow from there while the other advises I should get 600+ as its not about the power but the rider.
Should I get dual-purpose or super sport and how many CC's??
Honestly, this hobby is too dangerous. I'm a stickler for risk but the downside for motorcycles is too extraordinary.
Take less risk and buy way-out-of-money put options. Your life > dangerous fun.
Seriously it's not fun buying a bike to go 80 mph on the highway. Do you really want to go 140 mph and risk killing yourself during a blink of error?
It's not? Speak for yourself. It isn't as exciting as red lining the bike, but it isn't just about that.
To the OP: Ninja 250 is a good learning bike, but is way too light for regular highway riding and should only last a season learning curve wise (it would be more appropriate for city riding.
I started with a Ninja 650r and it is a very reasonable starter bike in terms of power, weight, price, etc. If you are a bit more free with your cash, you could even look at an older model Monster 600.
If you're looking for your balls, they rolled behind that garbage can over there.
I ride a cruiser myself, but am also interested in sport bikes. Everyone who has a honda absolutely loves them, but all of them are great bikes. You don't need anything above a 600cc. A 600cc is on a sport is still much more powerful than any cruiser.
Don't be such a freaking panzy
OP I have been riding my whole life and also I race on the weekends for fun. I am a huge proponent of GATT (Gear all the time).
Get yourself a 250cc to start out - I am going to speculate that you barely know how to ride, let alone even lift. WIth that said if you have a 500 you will flip it
I went 250r (which I had for 2 months) -> R6 -> looking to get a Duc 848 this summer.
Start with a 250. All it takes is 2 fingers to kill yourself on a bike...starting on a 600 sports bike will only quicken the process.
I started on a '06 GSX-R 600 and haven't been down once (Knock on wood)....
I wouldn't waste my money on a 250...Go for a 599cc bike at first. Just don't be an idiot. The new CBR 600's are nice and I'm always an advocate of GSX-R's.
just curious...anyone know what a fair price would be for an older Ducati Monster? I love the naked bike look.
around 5G's for the 00's model..but its all relative to the miles and location etc.. man ducati's part are too expensive
What do you consider old though? My friend just bought an '01 600 for like $4200.
Also, if you are looking for a specific model, http://www.cycletrader.com/ isn't a bad resource.
Ducatis have a lot of maintenance attached to them though, I love the look of the newer Ninjas or BMW F series. That said (to the OP), I don't know anyone who started with a high powered bike- I just wouldn't try learning on a 600cc. Like some of the others said, just go with a 250 for a few months, you can probably get it really cheap (year old 250r for like $5.5k or older for ~2k), and then step it up. I was looking into buying one recently, even though it didn't go down.
I just got a Ninja 250 in September. I'd already like to move up to something bigger, but it is a great starter bike.
go.with.the.flow -
Every new rider faces this question when they are getting started. I think a super sport bike will be a lot more fun than a dual-sport or sport-touring bike, but the latter two will be more comfortable to ride. It's really a question of personal style and taste, though.
As for engine size, stick in the 250-600 CC range. Anything larger than that and you are asking for trouble. Personally, I went straight to a 600 because I didn't want to have to trade up within a year. You don't need anything bigger than 600 to start, or maybe ever, because 600s are faster than you'll probably ever need. If you are a little more risk-averse and comfortable with upgrading within a year of getting the bike, go for a 250. If you are smart, disciplined and will always ride within your limits, you can start with a 600. Of course, if you don't have the there aforementioned qualities, you can get killed on any bike.
Definitely do the class you are looking at; I believe it's the MSF Basic RiderCourse. I thought it was very valuable and I plan on taking their advanced class in the near future.
My first bike was the 2009 Honda CBR 600 RR and I love it. I rode it today, in fact. Consider getting a brand new bike that is not the current model year. Mine is a 2009 that I got brand new from a dealership a few months before the 2011 models were to be released. You can get a nice little discount that way when they are trying to clear their inventory and still get a premium quality machine.
Good luck. Just remember, they say there are two types of riders: those who have been down and those who are going to go down.
I agree with the Ninja 650r, very good all around bike. You could also check out it's main competition, the SV650. I owned an SV and it was great for city or highway riding. It's a V-twin so you won't have as much horsepower as the other inline four sportbikes (cbr600, r6, gsxr600, zx600r), but you do have a fair amount of torque which makes the bike lots of fun to ride.
It's lightweight, rock solid mechanically, and really the lacking characteristic is suspension (Suzuki cut costs on the model by dropping in sub par suspension imho). But you won't even notice the shortcomings of that system until you are an experienced rider anyway.
Whichever bike you decide, it is paramount that your safety riding equipment is top notch. Spend money on leather reinforced with armor, boots and gloves made for motorcycling, and a helmet that is either DOT or SNELL approved and fits you properly.
I didn't read most of the replies so forgive me if this is already the consensus. I think 250 is way too small (I rode 250 dirt bikes when I was like 12). 600-650 is a great starting range. My roommate just decided he wanted to start riding, so he picked up a gixxer 600 and says it was a great starting choice.
You can learn to ride on a 600 (and many people do), but I'd argue that you learn way faster on a 250 or 500. Why? Because any modern 600cc sportbike is going to be twitchy as hell and all it takes is one bump for you to accidentally twist the throttle and you'll be on your ass. I know I did that my first month of riding and had I been on a more powerful bike, I probably wouldn't be here right now. Being scared of the bike constantly will hinder your progress as a rider.
My first bike was a ninja 500 and in a span of 2 months, I put on 8,000 miles on the odo. Sold it (beginner bikes are easy to sell and don't depreciate much) and got an R6. Really glad I did it that way as I think I'm a better rider for it (though goddamn I was such a stupid rider back then).
Now I'm riding a gixxer 750 and it's easily my favourite bike especially when carrying passengers.
Other stuff: - Wear your goddamn gear. I went down doing 100 and was lucky to walk away with stitches and sore ribs thanks to my gear. - Safety course is a great start. If you can, take an advanced course on the track. - MotoGP gearing rocks (reversed). Once you try it you'll never go back
Thanks good advise here..right now I am torn between a Ninja 250r and Ninja 650r...only if i could test ride em
Hey Guys,
Thanks for all the info. Its always good to soak info from more experienced bikers. I am torn between Honda 600 CBR and 250 CBR. I think I need to ride them to make my mind. Any comments will be appreciated. Also, how many of you ride on the freeway? Any tips for survival?
don't follow semi trucks and don't linger in blind spots.
Guys thanks for all the info. I have decided to go for a used Ninja 250r and will upgrade it to 650r whenever i feel ready.
this will do
Great choice. I've ridden a number of bikes -- I started out on an R6, rode it for a year, and realized that I didn't know shit about riding because the bike was too much power for a beginner. I then sold the R6, bought a Kawi 250R and rode the hell out of that thing for a year. I then moved on to a CBR600RR, and I can tell you that I am much more capable and confident riding, and it is all based on my time on the 250R.
The 250R is agile (even relative to the supersports) and fast (relative to other cars on the road), and it is plenty of power to learn on without getting you in trouble. Beyond that, the damn thing will probably depreciate about $150 in the year you own it, and if you do mess things up, the parts are plentiful and cheap. Insurance is absurdly cheap, even for a new rider, and the gas mileage is great.
The TWO reasons I'd recommend anything other than the 250R for a first bike are: - If you weigh a lot (250lb+) - If you need to spend SIGNIFICANT time on the highway.
If either of those are true, get the Ninja 650R, as it doesn't have the dangerous power of the supersports.
Trust me, a year from now when you are alive and thinking back to all those potholes you smacked in to while learning, you'll be thankful you got the 250R. Hitting a pothole on a supersport as a beginner = jolting the throttle = you're getting thrown from the bike.
Thanks for the info brotha. How does the 250r fare on the highway? I don't want to ride with the traffic, can I accelerate in front of cars? Here in CA, people drive around 60-85mph. Also how does the 650r compare withe 250r in power displacement? If I crank the throttle will I accidentally be in the gutter? I'm still leaning towards 250r because of the aforementioned points in your response.
To clarify -- riding a 250R on the highway isn't really fun. Like I said, it's fine speed-wise, but the weight of the bike makes it feel somewhat unsteady at that speed. I'm more than happy to hop on and off the highway for 15-20 minute periods (max time I've spent on the highway was about 2 hours, but I wouldn't want to do that again), but if you're looking to do any sort of highway commuting, then get the 650R. Just don't expect it to act like a sportbike -- you won't be able to throw it around too much.
Thanks for your detailed reply, I appreciate it. Also the out the door price from the dealership is around $5k and most people on craigslist are demanding $3500 for a used 250r. You are right this holds its value unlike other sport bikes.If the little Ninja can handle 30 min of highway abuse , I can live with that. Safe riding and keep the rubber down!
Get comfy on the Ninja 250 if you're not an expereinced rider.
I've been riding/racing motocross since I was about 12 years old and my firs street bike was a 600cc sportbike, however I wouldn't suggest any sportbike to a new rider.
To be honest, you should consider getting a trail bike like a Honda XR200 or CRF230 and learning to ride trails off-road, it's much safer.
If you're feeling ballsy, get a motocross bike :)
Nah ima stick to the lil ninja for the time being. A lot of youtubers have started vlogging on the ninja 250r and most of them love it as a commuter. Wish Kawasaki launched the ninja 500 again :( anyways to give myself a lil boost im thinking of addinf brothers exhaust, KN filter, sports bars, comfy seatr, removing the snorkel and adding a jet kit! im so bloody excited. Just waiting for a good deal on craigslist.
Out of curiosity, I'm not a new rider, but I don't ride a sports bike and I know from a cruiser to sports bike there is a big jump in difference.
Should the same be suggested to me about the 250 to 650? I'd much rather just get a 650 ninja.
Am I the only person under 50 in finance that is into Harley's? Planning to get a Softail in the spring.
I'm surprised that no one has mentioned Triumph's either pertaining to this matter. A lot of bike's power isn't derived from cc's, but instead of how the bikes are geared. For example, my first new bike was a Triumph Bonnville. It is a 899cc, however the gearing of the bike makes it extremely beginner friendly. I guess you could call it a cruiser, however it picks up fast enough for me. In terms of a Ninja 250r, those things are practically scooters. I'd suggest getting a NON super sport 600+ and learn that way. If you like the feeling of riding a motorcycle, you will grow out of a 250r quickly. If anything, pick up an older, bigger bike, so that when you fall/drop it (which you probably will), you won't feel nearly as bad fixing it. My learning bike was a 1982 Suzuki 650 GS, which almost killed me, however it was something great to pick up.
Actually the power is derived from a bike's hp and not the cc's. Although I love the Triumph Boneville the reasons I'm not buying it:
I'm with you on Triumphs...cool bikes. I've loved Harley's since I was a kid, but if I was more open minded, I'd consider a Triumph. I'm not a fan of crotch rockets. They're fun to ride, and I've ridden plenty...have had my moto license for 15 years. The scene that surrounds them isn't me, plus I find the risk reward on a big, slow handling, loud bike to be a lot better. Guess that I'm too old.
I'm looking into learning and getting a bike and it's either the Ninja 250 or Honda CBR250R, but I'm learning toward the Ninja. If I upgrade from that, it'll probably be the CBR600RR
I hope you have disability insurance. That is HUGE step regarding power. If anything, start a little bigger than a 250 to have a more progressive acceleration upgrade to the 600RR
250r looks crap..i went to the showroom and saw no difference between 250r and the 650r. After the 250r Im thinking of upgrading to the gixxer 600. That bike has all the records on the track and is a true track bike. But if i still want to commute i'd go for the 650r, fzr5
http://www.bikeforest.com/large_wheel_unicycle.jpg
I startd on a GSXR 750 then a CBR 900 to a 748s which I loved..... I had the 750 for two years the 900 for 11 months and the 748s for 3..
very few hobby, only went down once but you have to be very careful....
Fuck you started on a 750? I have 2 months of dirt bike experience. Do you think I'll be ok on a Ninja 650r??
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bb/Ducati_748_-_02.jpg
how i miss the single sided swingarm
yes i did.... bike was my step fathers who didnt like it anymore so i rode it....
I'm contemplating getting into bikes, not for commuting, but rather for track days and weekend riding. Any options other than the Ninja 250r as a first bike to learn? Should I consider Aprilia or are the lower models too underpowered?
I love the way the MV Auguta's and Ducati's look, but knowing my personality I will kill myself trying to learn on a powerful machine. I need to learn how to ride and get my skill level up first. My goal is to work up to the level where I can ride a Ducati Superbike properly on the road and on the track (within 2 years from now).
Also, is a Ducati Monster a viable intermediate bike as a stepping stone towards a Superbike after 6 months of riding something smaller or is it too different?
Really depends on how much you are willing to spend. Ninja 250 is a great beginner bike because its inexpensive and it actually looks like a 600cc bike. But if you are into Ducati's and can afford it. I would recommend you to go for Ducati Monster 696. Its beginner friendly and I know a lot of ppl who started on it. But if you really want to learn, go for Ninja 250. Reason being, the Ninja 250's handle bars turn more than the Ducati 696's and also take a MSF basic rider course. You might get exempted from the riding and written test (depending on state)
Thanks for the feedback.
Cost won't be the issue as long as i don't buy more than one bike this year...
I'm leaning towards the Ninja 250r over the Ducati though as I'm a novice and it seems that the Monster is a lot more powerful so more appropriate for when I get the hang of things. I guess the next step for me is to get licensed / lessons and track instruction to test out the bikes and then decide.
Novice question...
Do you guys do track days? Is it better to learn how to handle a bike on the track or on roads? I don't like the idea of slamming into some soccer mom's Range Rover while I'm trying to learn.
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