I'm trying to get into the sport. I am as beginner as you can be. I'm reading as much as I can, and I signed up for an MSF course in a month or two (gives me more time.) I've got some friends with bikes, but I would also like to ask the H-T opinion.

I'm 19, 6'3, about 190 lbs, and I wear a size 13 shoe (will big feet make it hard to shift?) I need to be somewhat comfortable, and be able to ride for an hour or two or three. I would like to keep the cost of the bike around $5000 (or less) and I don't want to pay a lot for insurance. I have had 1 ticket, which was over 2 years ago, for 5 mph over, and was 0 points. No accidents. I am a cautious driver, I predict and think rather than just react to what is a head. I don't street race.

So of course I'm asking people's opinions on bikes, and each person has their own ideas. I don't have enough knowledge yet to develop an opinion of my own. My taste in bikes will be similar to my taste in cars. I would prefer a 240sx over a Civic, a MR2 over an Integra, etc, etc. Something different, more unique, more softspoken, etc. I don't know what that would be as far as bikes are concerned.

I know I will be told to get a beginner bike. But I really think something less than 500 will be out of the question. I will take my time learning, and I will be responsible with the Bike. I will try my hardest not to ask more of the bike than I am ready to handle.

With the reading I have already done, 1 bike that seems to be a good beginner bike for somebody like me would be a Yamaha YZF600. Now, my friend recommened the Honda VFR750 to me. He thinks it suits my desires and personality well. A VFR750 is comparible to what other bikes?

I've pretty much decided to stay away from an R6 and R1, probably even a GSX-R.

I would really appreciate your feedback and ideas on my thoughts. I have lots of time, and I always research any purchase (especially a big one) thoroughly.

Thanks for any help you can offer me. Thanks for reading through this, if you did.


[Modified by nerdish, 11:31 AM 6/26/2002]

 

Well, since you've never ridden before, buy a bike that you wont cry about when you lay it down. Im not saying you will lay it down, but plastics on beginer bikes are bad news. I learned on a 22hp single cylinder 1982 bike and LOVED it. I had a blast. It kept my interest for a year (and i never layed it down. It maxed at 75mph). I bought it for like $800. It wont win any races or pop wheelies, but it served its purpose. Ive always stuck behind the idea of slowly working your way up the bike heirarchy. start small and work your way up as you gain the skill to do so. Just my opinion. Most people will tell you thats stupid and to buy a bike you will be happy with for a long time. It's your money (and body), not mine. Also.... TAKE THE MSF COURSE!!!!

HTH,

-Nick-

 

I am already signed up for the MSF course.

Is it possible to eventually grow into a bike such as the VFR750? I would love to skip the intermediate step of having a bike that I wouldn't be happy with.

 

Like i said, you can skip straight to a Hayabusa if you really want to,but its your body not mine. I recommend the tier that i mentioned for safety and enjoyment. If you jump right to a high performance bike, what do you have to look foreward to? Ive ridden a 2000 VFR and it was great. Perfect riding position and great performance. Its not a GSX-R750, but i liked it a lot.

-Nick-

 

I understand your point, but no I don't think I would ever be able to handle something like a Hayabusa, and I'm not saying I want to skip straight to that.

I guess one thing I'm asking is if the VFR750 (or a bike similar to it) has an easy enough learning curve where I can slowly and gradually get more and more out of the bike. This might be a stupid assumption, but I guess I'm trying to find a more user-friendly bike. I've read that R1's and R6's are too 'race-oriented' with a touchy throttle, etc.. I would like to avoid that.

The beginner bike I constantly hear that is great is the YZF600. How is that comparible to the VFR, as far as the ability to learn and handle the bike?

I do appreciate your feedback, Nick. Thanks.

 

The VFR750 is a nice bike...I love my '96 (in bio)! Comfortable, more than fast enough, good mileage, decent handling, and would fit someone your height quite well. They can also be found for under $4500 most of the time. It has its share of fanatic owners, and plenty of internet resources. You'd be better off getting a smaller bike for your first, but you knew I was going to say that. The VFR will not kill you, and it's not really the sort of bike that tempts you to do insane stuff. If you can physically handle the bike's size and weight, as well as control your right wrist, you will do ok.

 

may i recommend

 

Falcon is right, that is a nice bike too. Not much plastic to F up. I strongly urge to get a bike with as little plastic as possible.

 

phew thanks man. i posted that pic about 20 times and i finally got some props for it. i really love my bike.

 

You have that bike? I love it! Ive always been a fan of half fairings. Nice choice!!