So I'm considering getting a sport bike.

I'd buy one used, but would prefer to buy it through a dealership so I could get financing and build credit because I currently have almost no credit history (just got first credit card a month ago and that was damn hard to do in this ####ty economy).

Since I've never rode a motorcycle before, but have been interested in getting one for a couple years now, I've been told that I should get something with a lower CC (no more than 600) and go used so it won't be so bad if I crash and burn... or kill myself :whistle:

I was looking at a Ninja (250 or 500 version), which are relatively inexpensive and smaller sized, but was wondering what y'all think is a good beginner bike.

Thanks.

650 Yamaha......for sale. Not a sport bike, though.....

Off topic. Good late evening BSG.

Off topic. Good late evening BSG.

Hey you. Rough week. Cancer showing (bloodwork) has doubled in three weeks. Sux. New chemo on Thurs.....

Hey you. Rough week. Cancer showing (bloodwork) has doubled in three weeks. Sux. New chemo on Thurs.....

No words, just :huggy::huggy::huggy::huggy::huggy::huggy:

So I'm considering getting a sport bike.

Since I've never rode a motorcycle before,

Get a dirt bike first. Learn to ride trails and hills then a little bit of dirt track then after a year or so, then consider getting a street bike.

The get offs, crashes, fall overs at 3 mph, various mess ups and brain farts and all around learning curve on a dirt bike can cripple or kill you. However, if you survive that, you will have learned how to ride on dirt, around trees, hills, whoops, bumps and other dirt bikes; loving, gentle, natural things, not asphalt, buildings, curbs, pot holes and cars and trucks and buses that are actively, incessantly trying to kill you.

Dirt bike riding is very different from street in some respects but, it is, in my ever so humble opinion, a great first step in learning how bikes work, what makes them stay up, turn, balance, start, stop, slow down, speed up and so on.

I have no doubt you can successfully learn to ride street from scratch. Plenty of people do. I just think the dirt learning curve is...less severe when things go "This is gonna hurt..."

:buddies:

You will get bored with the EX250 fast and it will be harder to sell...

I recommend both the SV650 and EX500. Lots of decent used ones out there and easy to find parts for. Big internet following for advice on modding/tweaking/repair. You can ride these bikes for years and not get bored with them.

If you like something a bit more exotic try the Ducati Monster 620 (or similar sized bikes)...

older Yamaha FZR 600's are decent if you can find a nice one.

newer 600's tend to have high peak horsepower that's snappy for newer riders. the older ones were a bit tamer.

It all really depends on your maturity level though. I knew a guy that had gotten 3 speeding tickets on an EX250.

for the credit thing,... see how much you can get a personal loan for through your bank/credit union. you can build credit that way too.

beware that insurance prices are much higher for popular 600cc sportbikes than other equally as fun bikes like the EX500. get some quotes done through your insurance company for two or three bikes you are interested in. the insurance prices alone may sway you toward one bike or another due to the cost.

I would also recommend the EX500 (I had one way back in 94:)) or the SV650. Choosing a 250 or a 500/650 (I also concur with the idea of staying away from the 600 class supersports) depends on your personal self control level. If you think you might be tempted to get nuts real easy, stick with the 250, harder to get into a part of the envelope you cant get out of.

You can still kill yourself on a 250, its just harder to get there. On an EX500, 125mph is VERY easy to get to.

You can still kill yourself on a 250, its just harder to get there. On an EX500, 125mph is VERY easy to get to. good point!
also you are probably just as likely of being rear-ended at a stoplight by a car, or a car turning left in front of you, on a 50cc scooter as you are on a 1000cc sportbike

good point!
also you are probably just as likely of being rear-ended at a stoplight by a car, or a car turning left in front of you, on a 50cc scooter as you are on a 1000cc sportbike

Not here!

Tomahawk MX (http://www.tomahawkmx.com/) :yahoo:


:lol:

Since I've never rode a motorcycle before, but have been interested in getting one for a couple years now, I've been told that I should get something with a lower CC (no more than 600) and go used so it won't be so bad if I crash and burn... or kill myself :whistle:

I was looking at a Ninja (250 or 500 version), which are relatively inexpensive and smaller sized, but was wondering what y'all think is a good beginner bike.

Thanks.

FIRST THING -----> TAKE THE MSF BEGINNERS COURSE


The SV650 and the DL650 are both good choices from Suzuki that will keep you happy for years. Check the classifieds on here, Ebay and Cycletrader.com. Some will let you search by type and engine size. An older multi cylinder bike in the 350 - 550 cc will give you plenty of fun. I'd suggest you start on a standard, adventure touring or sport touring type. They're a lot more comfortable

Get a dirt bike first. Learn to ride trails and hills then a little bit of dirt track then after a year or so, then consider getting a street bike.


Works great if you live on a farm.
If not, first buy a pickup or a trailer to pull behind you car, then get a dirt bike. If you don't have a friend with property to ride on, you can go to buds creek and pay a fee to try and learn how to ride on a race track with riders of various skill levels all around you attempting to go as fast as possible.

Agree with APS 100%. Safety course first. I personally would never recommend a Ninja or other sport bike as a learner bike. WAY too easy to get sucked up in the culture of speed and recklessness. A touring bike will give you performance and be forgiving enough to learn with. IF you have access to a dirt environment, learning on dirt is excellent. You can push the bike to the limits, understand how it will react, and you're usually going slow enough not to kill yourself. I learned on dirt, and the transition from dirt to asphalt was actually a let down.

Works great if you live on a farm.
If not, first buy a pickup or a trailer to pull behind you car, then get a dirt bike. If you don't have a friend with property to ride on, you can go to buds creek and pay a fee to try and learn how to ride on a race track with riders of various skill levels all around you attempting to go as fast as possible.

I hear you. It's not a perfect solution. :lol:

As a total beginner, it is my view that he's gonna have some...boo boos. Banged up is one thing, including the inconveniences of dirt biking. On the street is, to me, a higher risk.

I also said people do it, go straight to street, all the time. It can be done, just fine.

Agree with APS 100%.

now available as a quote, suitable for use as your signature :yay:

now available as a quote, suitable for use as your signature :yay:

:lmao:

As a total beginner, it is my view that he's gonna have some...boo boos. Banged up is one thing, including the inconveniences of dirt biking. On the street is, to me, a higher risk.


:lol: agreed that asphalt is harder than dirt and that's why safety equipment is important. I wear a full face helmet, a jacket with armored sholders, elbows and a spine protector and gloves when I ride.
Never thought much about gloves till the first time my foot slipped on some sand and the bike and I fell over. Not even moving and I put my hands out to catch my self. Since then I prefer gloves to picking little rocks and gravel out of my palms. :lol:

Good place to get cheap protective appareal is New Enough Motorcycle Apparel sells motorcycle jackets, pants and suits, boots, gloves, helmets, etc :: New Enough, LTD (http://www.newenough.com)

:lol: agreed that asphalt is harder than dirt and that's why safety equipment is important. I wear a full face helmet, a jacket with armored sholders, elbows and a spine protector and gloves when I ride.Never thought much about glove till the first time my foot slipped on some sand and the bike and I fell over. Not even moving and I put my hands out to catch my self. Since then I prefer gloves to picking little rocks and gravel out of my palms. :lol:

Good place to get cheap protective appareal is New Enough Motorcycle Apparel sells motorcycle jackets, pants and suits, boots, gloves, helmets, etc :: New Enough, LTD (http://www.newenough.com)

I agree with aps, 100%


:lol:

Wow, great advice thanks y'all. Lots of things that didn't occur to me. (i.e. insurance on popular bikes like the Suzuki GSXR-600, etc.) I'll definitely look into that.

While it may be ideal to learn on something like a dirt bike, I don't have a pickup or trailer to haul it with (have a hatchback)... or live on a farm or know anyone with land to ride on. So I doubt I'll get a dirt bike. But it was a good suggestion, as my friend who does ride started out on a dirt bike back when he was 14 also said learning on one made the transition seamlessly easy too.

But I'll definitely look into other types of bikes... although I'm really partial to getting a sport bike.

Oh and thanks for referencing the MSF beginners course APS, I'll definitely want to do that. I haven't checked yet to see if the MVA offers it here, but I know that when I lived in VA the DMV offered a motorcycle class.

Time to do some more research.

Wow, great advice thanks y'all. Lots of things that didn't occur to me. (i.e. insurance on popular bikes like the Suzuki GSXR-600, etc.) I'll definitely look into that.

While it may be ideal to learn on something like a dirt bike, I don't have a pickup or trailer to haul it with (have a hatchback)... or live on a farm or know anyone with land to ride on. So I doubt I'll get a dirt bike. But it was a good suggestion, as my friend who does ride started out on a dirt bike back when he was 14 also said learning on one made the transition seamlessly easy too.

But I'll definitely look into other types of bikes... although I'm really partial to getting a sport bike.

Oh and thanks for referencing the MSF beginners course APS, I'll definitely want to do that. I haven't checked yet to see if the MVA offers it here, but I know that when I lived in VA the DMV offered a motorcycle class.

Time to do some more research.


Whatever you do, GEAR UP! :buddies:

Sport bikes are the hardest to ride. I don't know why anyone rides them.

Sport bikes are the hardest to ride. I don't know why anyone rides them.

'Cus they got 'lectrolytes.

Oh and thanks for referencing the MSF beginners course APS, I'll definitely want to do that. I haven't checked yet to see if the MVA offers it here, but I know that when I lived in VA the DMV offered a motorcycle class.

Time to do some more research.

College of Southern MD, they provide the bike and when you pass, just take the course certificate to MVA and smile for the picture they take of the motorcyclist to put on your new license.

http://www.csmd.edu/Training/PersonalEnrichment/DriverTraining/Motorcycle/

'Cus they got 'lectrolytes.

I think it's 'cus they got's knees and spines that still work.

I think it's 'cus they got's knees and spines that still work.

And that bothers them eonough to break them riding sportbikes?:)

And that bothers them eonough to break them riding sportbikes?:)

Don't think that crashing and burning is the intent.

Sport bikes are the hardest to ride. I don't know why anyone rides them.

i always tell people to buy a used japanese bike, no bigger than 700cc, ride it for a summer, then if you like riding and want something different, you can always sell the used bike for around what you paid for it and buy one you like.

So I'm considering getting a sport bike.

I'd buy one used, but would prefer to buy it through a dealership so I could get financing and build credit because I currently have almost no credit history (just got first credit card a month ago and that was damn hard to do in this ####ty economy).

Since I've never rode a motorcycle before, but have been interested in getting one for a couple years now, I've been told that I should get something with a lower CC (no more than 600) and go used so it won't be so bad if I crash and burn... or kill myself :whistle:

I was looking at a Ninja (250 or 500 version), which are relatively inexpensive and smaller sized, but was wondering what y'all think is a good beginner bike.

Thanks.

the first thing you should do is take the course that the college has!!

Don't think that crashing and burning is the intent.

I was just referring to the posture:)

I was just referring to the posture:)

I like the comparison to horse riding styles. The riding position seen on thoroughbred horse racing is very similar the the sport bike position, affording the most control by centralizing and compacting the riders mass to produce large control/direction changes with minimal input from the rider.
English riders are similar to the standards and tourers while the western seating is a little more slouched like the cruisers.


I understand the attraction, but I've already had knee surgery :lol:

Had an older model Honda Shadow 700 and currently have a Kawasaki Ninja 250.

The Shadow was too big (tall & heavy) for me to learn on. I tried to learn to ride on it for two years without much success.

Love the Ninja! It is nimble, flexible and forgiving. It took me all of 30 seconds to make learning progress ~ the fit of the bike was right for me, with a weight that I could manage! Last year the dealer couldn't keep them in stock, so they should fetch a good resale price.

I took the CSM class and learned a lot. I also ride with full gear, every time that I go out.

Best of luck to you!

Sport bikes are the hardest to ride. I don't know why anyone rides them.

Because they out-perform every other class of bike in handling, acceleration, and braking. :shrug:

Because they out-perform every other class of bike in handling, acceleration, and braking. :shrug:

And I can't tell you how many sport bike riders I see, trying to sit up, one hand on their hip trying to get some relief from that position.

Because they out-perform every other class of bike in handling, acceleration, and braking. :shrug:

'Cause everyone needs to do 180mph and carve the traffic on 235?

End of season (for most) ride??

ANyone??

What's up with the BMW bike seen today having a cut down windshield in the top center?

And I can't tell you how many sport bike riders I see, trying to sit up, one hand on their hip trying to get some relief from that position.

'Cause everyone needs to do 180mph and carve the traffic on 235?

Pete said he didn't know why anyone rode them. I told him why. :shrug:

What's up with the BMW bike seen today having a cut down windshield in the top center?

The R1200 CLC had that.
Heard it wasn't real popular :lol:

What's up with the BMW bike seen today having a cut down windshield in the top center?

Can you give a better description?

Are you sure it was a cut down, or was it adjustable?

Or was it an aftermarket for a naked bike?

Color?

Originally Posted by struggler44
What's up with the BMW bike seen today having a cut down windshield in the top center?Can you give a better description?

Are you sure it was a cut down, or was it adjustable?

Or was it an aftermarket for a naked bike?

Color?

I was struggling to try to figure where else the windshield might be. :killingme

End of season (for most) ride??

ANyone??

Every day, baby, at Gude Downs Dirt Track, Hare Scramble, Boy Scout Camp, Trap Shoot and Pansy Farm.

:lol:

Every day, baby, at Gude Downs Dirt Track, Hare Scramble, Boy Scout Camp, Trap Shoot and Pansy Farm.

:lol:

Do a forum RTE-L to your place..

Have to get a scabbard for the shotgun for the trap shooting.

Do a forum RTE-L to your place..

Have to get a scabbard for the shotgun for the trap shooting.

That might be fun! About 120 miles from the bridge.

Do a forum RTE-L to your place..

Have to get a scabbard for the shotgun for the trap shooting.

What is a RTE-L?

End of season (for most) ride??

ANyone??
I'm think of riding down to Meadows of Dan next Thursday, back the next day.
It's about 350 miles, and 180 miles of Blue Ridge Parkway.
On a Thursday, the 45 mph speed limit is mostly a guide line :lol:

Can you give a better description?
Are you sure it was a cut down, or was it adjustable?
Or was it an aftermarket for a naked bike?
Color?

BMW CLC

I'm think of riding down to Meadows of Dan next Thursday, back the next day.
It's about 350 miles, and 180 miles of Blue Ridge Parkway.
On a Thursday, the 45 mph speed limit is mostly a guide line :lol:



BMW CLC

I'll be riding to New River NAS next week.. Be out on Emerald Isle


and I know what a CLC is, was just wondering about a description of the bike other than "Cut down windshield"

That's the James Bond Special bike... all 49 HP..

What is a RTE-L?

Ride to Eat- LUNCH!!

That might be fun! About 120 miles from the bridge.

Which bridge?

Which bridge?

The TJ

Do a forum RTE-L to your place..

Have to get a scabbard for the shotgun for the trap shooting.

You can't just get a sling and ride on down the road with it on your back?

Don't forget the bandolier of shells, too.

You can't just get a sling and ride on down the road with it on your back?

Don't forget the bandolier of shells, too.

I used to strap a SCUBA tank to my back and ride down the trails to the beach... :shrug:

yeah, stupid 15 y/o...

I used to strap a SCUBA tank to my back and ride down the trails to the beach... :shrug:

yeah, stupid 15 y/o...

:killingme

End of season (for most) ride??

ANyone??

What day did you have in mind?

I'll be riding to New River NAS next week.. Be out on Emerald Isle


and I know what a CLC is, was just wondering about a description of the bike other than "Cut down windshield"

That's the James Bond Special bike... all 49 HP..

Folks that don't ride usually can't see bikes at all so "windshield cut down in the middle" is amazingly accurate and descriptive

I was struggling to try to figure where else the windshield might be. :killingme

Could have been cut out on the side near the top, or on the side of the side:killingme, figured i would state " top center" because there would be at least one a$$ jack who would get lost without the detail :buddies:

Can you give a better description?

Are you sure it was a cut down, or was it adjustable?

Or was it an aftermarket for a naked bike?

Color?

Not sure Bob, it had compartments on the side like saddle bags, luggage rack on the back and the windshield had a little smoke color to it but it looked like a solid,factory windshield with about a 2"-3" dip right in the middle where the guys eyes were lined up; never seen it before.

I'm think of riding down to Meadows of Dan next Thursday, back the next day.
It's about 350 miles, and 180 miles of Blue Ridge Parkway.
On a Thursday, the 45 mph speed limit is mostly a guide line :lol:



BMW CLC

That looks like the bike APS but the windshield didn't look as contoured as the one in your picture does, seems if the cut out wasn't as rounded. Guess I should have paid more attention to it.

Folks that don't ride usually can't see bikes at all so "windshield cut down in the middle" is amazingly accurate and descriptive

I have a FXDLI and the windshield is shaped like an old tombstone, square across the bottom and rounded at the top, the BMW was cut down in the middle, just looking for an answer as to why it would be like that.

Could have been cut out on the side near the top, or on the side of the side:killingme, figured i would state " top center" because there would be at least one a$$ jack who would get lost without the detail :buddies:

Oh, I thought you were talking the location of the windshield itself.:killingme

Oh, I thought you were talking the location of the windshield itself.:killingme

Any idea of why it's like that? I figured that would be the last place you would want to reduce the height, right where your eyes/forehead are.

Any idea of why it's like that? I figured that would be the last place you would want to reduce the height, right where your eyes/forehead are.

Probably for better vision. I know I don't like looking through my wifes windshield. Mine is a shorty and doesn't totally block the wind, but I can see over it.

I have a FXDLI and the windshield is shaped like an old tombstone, square across the bottom and rounded at the top, the BMW was cut down in the middle, just looking for an answer as to why it would be like that.
Sorry :flowers:

Any idea of why it's like that? I figured that would be the last place you would want to reduce the height, right where your eyes/forehead are.

So you can see over it and still keep the wind from beating you on the head

Probably for better vision. I know I don't like looking through my wifes windshield. Mine is a shorty and doesn't totally block the wind, but I can see over it.



So you can see over it and still keep the wind from beating you on the head

The top edge of the screen on my Goldie was right in the middle of my line of sight and it drove me nutz. I took it to the glass place on GMR and had them cut 3" off the top. Now I can see over it, which I prefer, and still get the advantage of the windbreak.

Probably for better vision. I know I don't like looking through my wifes windshield. Mine is a shorty and doesn't totally block the wind, but I can see over it.

I was thinking that it could be for aerodynamic reasons. My windshield has weird curves on the sides to create votices that prevent buffeting. It's much better than the stock shield. :yay:

Any idea of why it's like that? I figured that would be the last place you would want to reduce the height, right where your eyes/forehead are.

It's actually preferred to not look through the windshield but over it.. When my windsheild is all the way up, it's about 4 - 6 inches below my head, and I'm in perfectly calm quiet air, when it's all the way down I'm totally in the air, nice for cruising around.. get up to about 50 MPH and the windshield goes up.. and peace and quiet.

If you've ever ridden in the rain, you'd know why you don't want a windshiled that you are looking through, let alone the the idea of aerodynamics..

Folks that don't ride usually can't see bikes at all so "windshield cut down in the middle" is amazingly accurate and descriptive

Good point..

I've seen pictures of a Hells Angel on a BMW LT with a cut down windshield.. thought that was pretty funny.. Like 3 inches of windscreen was doing him any good..

Any idea of why it's like that? I figured that would be the last place you would want to reduce the height, right where your eyes/forehead are.

My ex customizes his windshields. I think his theory is to get it short enough so you can sit up a bit and peek over it if you are caught in a rain shower. For a while, his nickname was Doppler!

What day did you have in mind?

Any SUnday but this one.. Or maybe two Fidays from today..

Any idea of why it's like that? I figured that would be the last place you would want to reduce the height, right where your eyes/forehead are.

Motorcycles don't have Windshiled Wipers on their windshields, and looking through two layers or plexiglass/plastic in a rainstorm, well you should just park the bike.

Having the windscreen come up to your chin puts you in clean air (usually) and provides the same amount rain protection as having one that is 6 inches over your head.

When I adjust mine just right in the rain, it actually keeps my visor clear by driving the rain straight down the visor. No more turning my head left to right to clear my visor.. I just have to watch out for slow moving cars in the rain, and I keep my vision crystal clear.

What do you all think of the TW200 for a young, sort of small rider. Say 5'2" and about 120lbs. I'm thinking tossable, lightweight, not enough top end to attract dumbassedness.

I appriciate the answers, actually all make sense. I have never ridin in the rain so I guess I am a fair weather rider but can understand it now. The other day was the first time I had ever seen it(or noticed it)

I have never ridin in the rain so I guess I am a fair weather rider

Never been on a trip and have the weather turn bad?



... or never been on a trip with your bike?

Any SUnday but this one.. Or maybe two Fidays from today..

A Sunday will work.

I won't be able to ride two Fridays from today.

Never been on a trip and have the weather turn bad?



... or never been on a trip with your bike?

Nope. Been riding a little over a year and plan around it if I can. I live in Hollywood and work in NOVA so riding to work is an event, think 3 times this summer but it's usually on a Sat. or Sunday to my daughters ball games or putting around on my Fridays off. Got my neighbor who rides but other than that I'm kinda on my own. Live near Toot's too so I see the bikes there all the time but I don't really drink so hanging at a bar doesn't make much sense. Maybe as time goes on I will pick up people to ride with.

Nope. Been riding a little over a year and plan around it if I can. I live in Hollywood and work in NOVA so riding to work is an event, think 3 times this summer but it's usually on a Sat. or Sunday to my daughters ball games or putting around on my Fridays off. Got my neighbor who rides but other than that I'm kinda on my own. Live near Toot's too so I see the bikes there all the time but I don't really drink so hanging at a bar doesn't make much sense. Maybe as time goes on I will pick up people to ride with.

Sounds like a perfect commute for a bike.. I'd be all over it.

Get some good rain gear, a real helmet and go for it.