So I have a little riding experience under my belt. I got my license last fall, and at the end of this summer am looking to purchase my first motorcycle. I want a sport bike, looking to spend $4-$6k depending on how much I make for the bike alone in addition to a helmet and other gear. I do want something decently quick, but I am not looking to kill myself anytime soon. The most powerful bike I've ridden is a 1970's Honda CB360, and I can handle that bike fine. However I am hoping I can practice on my friends' faster bikes, 500 and 600 cc's, but still 80's bikes so not comparable to new bikes with the same displacement.

I was thinking the best choice for me, including price, fun factor and the need for better gas mileage than the 25 I squeeze out of my Volvo would be something like a Ninja 250 or something comparable. Though I've never ridden one, but hear they are pretty quick and still manageable for a fairly new rider. I think I would just kill myself on a 500 or 600cc bike.

I am still uncertain about what I would get depending on the availability here but I would like some advice about how you guys started riding and your first bikes/experiences.

FYI: firt = first

 

The new Ninja ZX250R would be an awesome platorm to get your motorcycle legs on. They are definately faster than the CB and look really good. They have aftermarket goodies for them and there is a cult following for them. A lot of people say that they grow out of the level of performance that they offer rather quickly though. Highway speeds are possible on the 250 but tae forever to get there. A Civic probably has faster accelleration at highway speeds.

I would not get any newer supersport, they would likely be too fast for your skill level. You could get a mid 90's 600 Katana and it would be all you could handle and would be very cheap to maintain and repair. They use skinnier tires so they would be cheaper. You may also want to look into a 90's GS series sportbike. There are tons of optios, it is up to you to decide what you want to get.

As always, wear your gear (boots, pants, jacket, gloves and helmet) and take the MSF.

 

I would say any of Honda's F series supersports (Hurricane/F2/F3/F4/F4i) are great for first bikes.
Smokin' Joe F3's make the girls drop their panties.

 

250r would be a kickass bike. I've ridden a GS500F, also very comfortable with enough torque for pork.

 

Yamaha WR250X; I want one badly for a 13th or whatever I'm at bike.

 

I'm glad new riders are starting to recognize that starting on something other than a 600cc SS can be a good thing. I'd say go for a pre-2008 Ninja250 if you can find one for under $1500. Later on sell the Ninja for what you paid for it and move onto a Ninja 500/650, SV650, or a 600. Take it all in steps and you'll thank yourself later.

 

I like my ninja 650r as my starter. Decent looks, decent power and usuable torque (still PLENTY of scoot), but yet still very manageable and newbie friendly. Low seat height, comfortable riding position, and 55mpg to boot

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Quiks66 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'm glad new riders are starting to recognize that starting on something other than a 600cc SS can be a good thing. I'd say go for a pre-2008 Ninja250 if you can find one for under $1500. Later on sell the Ninja for what you paid for it and move onto a Ninja 500/650, SV650, or a 600. Take it all in steps and you'll thank yourself later.</TD></TR></TABLE>

So I SHOULDN'T get a 'busa for my first bike? lol


I am looking at the newer (not brand new probably) Ninjas, they look nice, and probably got enough power for me while still being manageable. What do you guys think I can get in the price range of about lets say $4k?

 

Max, you haven't even begun to tap the CB360s potential. Before stepping up the ladder in speed/power/handling, first master a simple and relatively safe bike. Spending $4-6k on a first motorcycle is rediculous IMO, and serves no purpose but to show off money.

If you really want a sportbike, first try riding one and see how you like it. Clip ons are hell around town, they are narrow and make the steering heavy. Traffic is a pain as well, as the pegs are set back, making putting your feet up and down a hassle. Doing any sort of maintenance is complicated by having to get around the fairing and everything being packed in extremely tightly. If you drop a faired bike, a cracked fairing will cost hundreds if not over a thousand to replace.

If you're willing to deal with all that, then I'd say an older Ninja 250 is your best bet. Plenty powerful on the top end, 100+ top speed, fuel efficient, and cheap and easy to come by.

Have you considered dual sport/ish bikes? They're light, easy to handle, very efficient, and cheap to insure, and durable as hell. Not to mention, on twisty back roads they can really surprise the sportbikers . If I had the money to buy a bike right now, a DR650 or a KLR650 would be near the top of my list.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CivicWagonRUS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Have you considered dual sport/ish bikes? They're light, easy to handle, very efficient, and cheap to insure, and durable as hell. Not to mention, on twisty back roads they can really surprise the sportbikers . If I had the money to buy a bike right now, a DR650 or a KLR650 would be near the top of my list.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Always a good choice, Dualsport or Supermotards are so much fun and they're great starter bikes. Light, not too much power, very reliable and tough, if you go down most of the times there's no need to replace anything (These are bikes that were built with a lot of falls in mind so they're pretty durable). I started on a XT225 and I really liked it, with street tires it has plenty of grip and I was able to catch up with faster bikes on the backroads.

Besides, try to ride different types of bikes before buying your own. Not every rider needs to have a sportbike, there are many types of bikes and they are all great (Except customs ), and are aimed at different types of riding/needs.