i'm pretty new to the forum, i've been in love with sports bikes since i was about 8 and now after turning 22 i finally think i'm mature enough to own one, i didn't want to get one at too young of an age bc i know i'd get myself or others injured, i plan on taking the MSF course next month and then buying a bike probably a yammi or suzuki i'm not sure yet really. The question i have and i know i'm going to get different response from this, is on the 250 and 600cc bikes, is one bike more feasible to start on than the other? i always hear 250 for a starter, but i've been riding dirt bikes since i was 16 so do u think a 600 would be ok? i've very open to suggestions and critcism just let me know something.

 

Here are some good articles to consider
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">After a rash of posts about what bike to get as a first bike, and a lot of posts defending the reasoning behind "only a 600" or "having respect", or "too big to ride a small bike"....

Why not a GSXR/R6/ZXR/CBR/996 etc?

Well, I am not sure that the fact that these are "only 600's" means a great deal, they are seen as "slow" by newer riders, and therefore easier to master than the 1000cc versions. Many people have said that they feel a 750 would be fine.

I guess that your idea of slow, is a fair bit different to mine. My idea of slow is something that accelerates like, say, a Geo Metro, not something that accelerates faster than a Dodge Viper.

Lets face it, the modern 600 is faster than a 750 of six or seven years ago, in a straight line, up to about 130mph.......

Six years ago the 750 class was in the middle of open warefare season, the (then new) SRAD 750 was the king of the beasts, trouncing the CBR900RR, and the FZR1000 or Chunderace) and destroying everything else in its path. Not just in a straight line either, but the 96 SRAD was a marvellous corner carver.

In its day, it was brutal - it still is, wild head shakes, inadvertant wheelies, and an utterly brutal rush beyond 10K RPM.

The latest 600's whilst just as fast, are only slightly more civilised, the power is not as brutal, but there is still a huge rush, and on the dyno they are only a couple of HP short of the benchmark.</TD></TR></TABLE>

http://www.gixxer.com/ubbthrea...47029


http://totalmotorcycle.com/BBS/viewtopic.php?t=583

 

get a 600 and be careful.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by VvPeachyvV &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i'm pretty new to the forum, i've been in love with sports bikes since i was about 8 and now after turning 22 i finally think i'm mature enough to own one, i didn't want to get one at too young of an age bc i know i'd get myself or others injured, i plan on taking the MSF course next month and then buying a bike probably a yammi or suzuki i'm not sure yet really. The question i have and i know i'm going to get different response from this, is on the 250 and 600cc bikes, is one bike more feasible to start on than the other? i always hear 250 for a starter, but i've been riding dirt bikes since i was 16 so do u think a 600 would be ok? i've very open to suggestions and critcism just let me know something. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Statistics show that the average age of motorcyclists that die in an accident is about 35. So to respond to your maturity level comment.. um.. no, we're never mature enough. Imagine walking around a mine field. You've always gotta keep your eyes open.

As for starting on a 250 or a 600. I'm sure it's much easier to learn on a 250. Chances are, you'll get bored and annoyed with it real fast. But a lot of people will recommend it. Use your judgement. After all, whether you're on a 250 or a 600, death is right around the corner. Many people start on 600s and are still alive to talk about it. It's just how you are as a learner. And how much you respect your bike.

Single vehicle accidents (rider error) happens usually because lack of experience. Take your MSF course, get your license and ride as many miles as you can.

Don't use your experience on riding dirt bikes as a starting point. Riding on the streets is much more dangerous. Most of the danger is out of your hands. It's in the hands of other drivers. Make sure to treat other vehicles as if they're out to get you.

That's all I can think of for now. Be careful each and everyday you ride. Good luck on your bike purchase and enjoy.

 

thanks for the support guys, on speaking about the maturity level i was talking about being mature enough for the responsiblity on my own i.e-finances and things of the sort, also i have a couple of friends i can always ride with to be safe and not ride alone, i'm leaning towards a 600, but i'm still really not sure no one in my family is really for me getting a bike its been that way since i was 16

 

This is the first bike you're buying, not the last. I'd suggest starting out with a GS500 or an EX500. Ride it for a year or two and then sell it. If you've maintained it well, there's a good chance you can sell it for what you bought it for. They'll both be plenty fast for your first year or two, and will teach you a lot without biting when you mess up. The older GS500's don't having plastics, so you can drop it without screwing much up. Riding a 600ss after a couple years on 500 and you'll be much more comfortable on it, and be more comfortable pushing the bike.

Also, don't forget to set aside money for gear!!! You'll need a helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots. A lot of people skip pants and boots, but that's a huge mistake. If you go for a slide, you're pretty much guaranteed to be sliding on your pants, and denim simply doesn't hold up. Boots as well, shoes come of extremely easily in a crash, and a screwed up foot or heel can mean up to amputation below the knee to allow you to walk well again (with a prosthetic).

 

Hey Peachy, welcome!

The above advice is best, and I hear what you're saying about financial maturity and responsibility ... just try to keep an open mind with this especially as your first ... and consider something used that's maybe a bit below your dream bike, but that you'll be proud of and yet not be too bent out of shape if it gets bent out of shape. Insurance, maintenance and accessories can be manageable, but give yourself some growing room.

Also, you might want to compromise with a 500? I learned on a 600 myself, but I've heard from friends they're great starters, too, and less expensive obviously.

Anyway, keep us posted and good luck!

 

I swear we need a sticky on the neverending cc n00b question.

to OP for understanding the responsibility of owning and riding

 

depends how mature and respectful u are. 600 should be fine. if ur not to sure get an older one. i rode dirtbikes since i was 11. took the msf course baught a 93 cbr 600 and it was fine for me for a while. then i baught a newer one.

sounds like ur know what ur doing so 600 should be fine. 250 u will get bored most likely but if u just want to learn the basics and then sell it get a 250.

 

yeah i'm definately getting an older bike bc chances are i'll drop out regardless of the course, i know ppl on the road are idiots, so you gotta think ahead

 

Go with the 600 . . . take the MSF course and learn the correct ways to ride and you will fine. . . Ohh and respect the bike.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I swear we need a sticky on the neverending cc n00b question.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I thought there was?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Mr Hammond &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I thought there was? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Well if it doesn't specifically state "Which size bike for n00bs" in the title then they're never going to see it... because people are blind and stupid.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Well if it doesn't specifically state "Which size bike for n00bs" in the title then they're never going to see it... because people are blind and stupid.</TD></TR></TABLE>

arent you past caring if a spotty yoof buys a gixxer and sticks it into a hedge, I am

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Luke &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

arent you past caring if a spotty yoof buys a gixxer and sticks it into a hedge, I am </TD></TR></TABLE>

At the risk of sounding like a self centered uncompassionate *******, yes. Because that's one more nice bike out there that I can't buy. With each one that goes down, the rest of them rise in price a few dollars and become that much harder to find.

 

If I had to do it all over again I would have started with a 250r ninja. They're nice because you will learn how to manuever the bike much easier and faster. Also once you get a bit comfortable on the 250 you can really man handle that thing and you will feel in control of the bike and not your bike controlling you. Once you obtain some sound fundemental riding skills on that 250 you should be able to get a 600 and ride that with no problems. But that's just my opinion.