Well I went into our local bike shop the other day for the first time... it was actually my finacee's idea. She wants to learn at the same time I do. (Gotta love her for stuff like this)

We were looking mainly at the Suzuki's and Kawasaki's as they had an abundance of them in the showroom at the time. With the salesmans help we were directed to a couple of bikes that would be good for both of us as beginers. We plan on taking the MSF course before we buy a bike and both plan on purchasing and wearing full 2 piece leathers when we ride. Anyways, I'd love to hear some comments about the follow products... any advice is welcome.

These are the bikes we're looking at (new if we must, but used is prefered).

Suzuki SV650S (new for 2k1)
Suzuki Katana 600
Kawasaki Ninja 500R
Kawasaki EX500

In this months FL Bike Trader they've got a 2k1 SV650S (Blue) with under 2k on it for $5500.

They've also got a 2k1 Katana 600 (yellow... damn it, want the blue one) with only 975mi. for $4995.


Not sure yet about gear... we've both heard great things about Vanson and Alpinestars... both for their jackets/pants and for Aplinestars about their Boots and gloves as well. Sidi and Teknic were also recomended for gloves/boots. It'll be a Shoie or Arai helmet depending on fit for us. Basically we're sure this is something we want to do and are willing to spend the money upfront for the saftey and comfort of good equipment.

So, any advice for the two of us would be appeciated.

Oh! Perhaps the most important thing... info about us.

I'm 5'10 and about 180lbs. Typical I guess... makes it easy to find bikes that fit.

She's 5'2 and about 150lbs. She's strong, so we're not really worried about the weight of the bike as much as the seat hight.

We're both about 15lbs overweight... I guess too much McDonalds. Anyways, we're working on that and should both be down to size by the time we have money this winter. We want to save up and do it right... damn, it's gonna be hard to wait but we both want to get into the sport at the same time which means twice the money.


Thanks,

- Yosho
'96 200SX SE-R
'00 Civic Si EBP

 

Congrats on having a partner to learn with! This way, you can examine each other's mistakes and (hopefully) learn from them.

Are the bikes you listed the ones both of you are considering? For your wife, I'd suggest either the EX500 or Ninja 500R. They're light, but with decent power. For yourself, I can't with good conscience recommend the "Can-o-tuna" (katana). I hate the looks and it handles terribly. However, they have moderately good speed and the handling will be more than enough for someone just starting out.

If you can find a Suzuki SV650 (no fairing), they're cheaper than the SV650S (half-fairing) and handle a bit better. Even better if you find a used Suzuki GS500E. If you've got to have some wind protection, though, then scratch the GS500E (and the SV650).

I'm assuming there's no other local dealers around (hard to believe), but it's a good idea to stick with a dealer for your first time. There's gotta be a Honda or Yamaha dealership nearby.

Glad to hear that you're planning on taking the MSF class, AND especially that you'll have good gear (although it's not required for the MSF class). When you start to look for gear, go to your local dealer and see what they have to offer. If they have some on the racks, try them on! That (obviously) goes for helmets, too. If it's uncomfortable in the tiniest bit, just imagine how it'd feel after riding for two hours.

Why would you need to have two bikes? I mean, ok, that's kind of a stupid question, but I would think one bike at first will suffice. You could switch off and learn, just riding in parking lots (not busy) or some roads that don't have a lot of traffic. You'd both be in the sport, and with one bike, it's less cost (at first) and you'll get into it sooner.

Besides, it's not like the other person has to sit around and wait their turn. The other could ride as a passenger! (although I don't suggest doing this til the rider is pretty confident...having a passenger can really screw up the dynamics of your bike)

 

Thanks for the response! The bikes I listed were suggested for the both of us, with an emphasis that the 500cc would probably be an easier bike especially for her.

For looks, I'm not really a fan of either of the Suzuki's... I'm not partial to only half fairing bikes, and niether is she. We both agree they look like a mutant cross between a standard and a sport (which I guess they basically are). The Katana looks OK, but nothing special. It's interesting that you'd mention that they don't handel well... that's good imput for someone that's starting off like me.

We both agree that we really want a sport bike that has wind protection... so that rules out the sport standards.

The dealership we went to sells Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha (and soon to be an Aprilia dealer)... the Honda dealer is about 15 mins away (we'll be checking them out soon). These are both in our suburb area... there are larger bike shops around the city (Tampa) that we'll be checking out as we get closer to making our purchases. The only problem is that I don't think Yamaha or Honda make a novice sport bike do they? Maybe other than the SECA II or some of the older VFR's but I don't know much about those bikes.

You bring up a good point about using just 1 bike when we start... my only concern is safty. It'd be nice to have someone else there to ride with incase anything happened (droped bike, accident, ect). The 1 bike would save money though and we both stated we wanted to put more of our money into gear than is normal. We figure the gear will probably stay with us longer than our first bike and if ever there's a time you need extra protection (for peace of mind if nothing else), it's when your learning. 1 bike would also save on scratched fairings.

I've been doing a lot of reading on the web and have come up with some general ideas about what type of bike I'd eventually like to own. From all the descriptions, it seems like the Aprilia SL1000 Falco would be perfect once I was an experienced rider. I've also come to the conclusion that just as you wouldn't throw a new car driver into a NSX, you shouldn't expect to drive anything other than the "used Honda Civic/Accord" of the motorcycle world. So it looks like it'll probably be a few years until I'm ready for an Aprilia.

I'm kinda leaning towards buying a used Ninja 500R now... they're the right price used and they have a full fairing for wind protection (and looks). It should be low enough for her and powerful enough for the both of us for awhile. Any advice about other bikes? What would be the next logical step up (second bike for me)? If we went the one bike route, she'd use the 500R exclusively when I bought my own (unless she wanted something different). So what would be the next bike in a progression towards the Aprilia SL1000 Falco?

Thanks for all your help,

PS, this is zapping my plans for hopping up the SE-R or the Si for at least another few years. Oh well... I probably won't be driving much of either on a nice day.

- Yosho
'96 200SX SE-R
'00 Civic Si EBP




[Modified by Yosho, 8:38 AM 7/7/2001]

 

When I stated the Katana doesn't handle well, I didn't mean you can't turn whatsoever. Obviously it's a decent bike, but if you were to compare it with more advanced weaponry (F4i, R6, etc.), then yes, it does seem a bit old. It's a little heavier (I believe mags say it's +500lbs wet), which adds to high speed stability, but make it somewhat of a handful in low-speed/turning situations.

In terms of a novice sport bike from the Honda camp, I'd suggest either the CBR600 F1, F2, or even F3. These are easy to learn on, but still have so much potential that you may never need to upgrade to another bike. The F1 were made from 88-90 (I think?), the F2s from 91-94, the F3s from 95-98. If you were to go with a Kawa 500R, then I would say this bike would be the next step.

As for a Yamaha, I'd have to say FZR600. These were made from 89-98 (I think it was 98...point being, they've been around for awhile) with no big changes (mostly cosmetic), so the FZRs are cheap and should have lots of parts around (spare fairings, wheels, etc etc).

Isn't the Aprilia Falco a half-faired bike? What happened to not wanting a "mutant spawn" bike? I believe Aprilia's make really great bikes, but they're expensive as heck. But, if this is what tickles your pickle, then go for it. Just keep an open mind, because a new bike is probably just around the corner.

And as for wanting to fix up your car, fuggedaboudit. No matter what you do in terms of horsepower adders, your bike will always be faster. Just make it a comfortable (and somewhat fast) car. Something for the rainy days or when you have to carry luggage/people.

 

Thanks for the imput... I have a friend that just got back into riding after a few years and he bought an F3. He really likes the bike and it is an amazing machine. It seems very well made and looks great. As you said, plenty of potential... I thought they'd be too much for a beginer, but a lot of people have told me no since it doesn't look like I'm a squid (does that mean idiot with a bike... like the kids with t-shirts/shorts/sneakers I see riding?).

I'll look more into the Yamahas... I forgot about the FZR series... I've always loved how they've looked and Blue is my favorite color!

As for the Falco... well, it's not a full fairing bike, but it's not a half fairing either. It's a mutant mutant. hehe... Close enough to a full fairing to pass my astetics test though. Here's a pic of it in blue (not out yet - I think) and another in red. The blue one really shows you the rest of the fairing because on this one it's not painted for some reason. On the red one, it is.

As for price, I figure I can just buy a used one when the time is right... but you're right in pointing out that evolution doesn't stop and there'll be new bikes out by then that may "capture" my attention.




With low mount Arrow cans...


With high mount Renegade cans...


Yummy... that bike is just so damn good looking to me (for a non sport only bike) and its supposedly well made and easy to ride (at this level of exp.).

Oh well... years before I have to worry about it.

I agree about the car comment too... I'm probably just going to focus on things that enhance the enjoyable driving experience instead of all out performance adders.

- Yosho
'96 200SX SE-R
'00 Civic Si EBP

 

I would stick to anything under 650ccs. The SV650 is a great bike as are most 600 sportys if you have the patience and the throttle control to learn on one. The biggest problem i see with the 500s is that they can grow tiresome very quickly and leave you wanting more. They are great to learn on but the limits of these bikes can be approached very easily causing either a crash and/or a desire to want more.

The Falco would be the bike to get after you learn how to ride. It is expensive and the parts are harder to come by since it is Italian. But it is an awsome machine. The motor is also just a de-tuned version of the Mille and Mille R V-Twin. The Mille R being a World SBK champion many times over. The best thing about Aprilia is that it gives you the exclusivity and design of Italia, with the reliability of a Honda. No valve adjustments everytime you ride the bike for 1000 miles like some other Italian bikes. (Sorry to say , buts it true. Ducs are notorius for maintance)

Also look at Joe Rocket leathers. They are alot cheaper in price than Vanson and Spidi and still give great protection. Their carbon knuckled gloves were rated 5 out of 5 recently. Alpinestars would be ok since both of you are pretty small, those Euro companies make things so damn small. Vanson is nothing short of awsome, but you will pay for it. Almost to the point where you have to take out another loan!!!

 

Do you want to ride on long trips taking the weekend to tour, or short trips? Standards are the best to learn on and are not specialized for touring or cornering like cruisers and sport bikes. Since they are not specialized, they are much easier to learn on. Since your first bike need not be the most advanced, I'd recomend something like a Honda Night Hawk for her and http://www.hondamotorcycle.com/model...l_number=CB250 and a Kawasaki W650 for you. http://www.kawasaki.com/motorcycles/...tro_index.html




[Modified by figment, 10:58 PM 7/9/2001]

 

Thanks for the reply. It's been recomended to me by a friend that I go sit on both the Honda F3 and the Yamaha YZF600R. Something around a used '97... any thoughts? I think the logic was that the F3 and the 600R were more friendly to beginers than the current F4i and R6... but still more than enough bike for the street. (One that I won't grow out of any time soon and never use to it's full capabilities on the street.)

My only concern is that those are pretty nice bikes to start with... I'd hate to wreck the fairings. Do tank and bar sliders really work? Any downsides? What about lowering bikes? My girl is only 5'2... I know you can get aftermarket seats and lower the seat hight that way. Any other options that don't screw up the ride?

Thanks for the tip on Joe Rocket... I'll try them on next time I go to the dealership.

Btw, do dealerships usually come down a bit off their prices on equipment? Will some of them match or try to match the web prices on equipment? I'd like to support my local dealerships but it's hard to vote with your money like that when you can find really good deals online.

- Yosho
'96 200SX SE-R
'00 Civic Si EBP

 

you will always find lower prices on the web, but think about the cost of shipping and the delay until you get it. I know that tire prices online look great. The last pair I bought I ordered and thought I was saving $100 on the pair. After shipping and paying $30 to have them mounted/disposal/balance I ended up saving more like $20 for the pair. Also they screwed up my order and didn't deliver it right away so I ended up having no time to scrub them in before I went to the track. Usually your local non-dealership motorcycle shop has prices that are pretty close to web prices, and they are much more willing to work deals. If you are a regular customer and easy going I have found that you can beat the web prices.

Dealerships that I have dealt with are not willing to make deals.

J

 

If the price is more than I can make up for in taxes and shipping, I go internet after using the brick and mortor store to check size . Never had a problem with it.

I can send you some links to reputable, friendy and low cost online stores. One I highly recomend is Chaparral.

Aplinestars boots I want at the local shop are $230. I've not found them for much cheaper on-line. After looking on-line though, I decided on the vented version which is more anyway and not at the local store. Another advantage to shopping on-line is the selection.

 

Great! I'd love any links that you might have... I'm trying to build up a list of links for when I'm ready to make my purchases.

Any good links you have for womens sport riding equipment would also be greatly appreciated. I've been trying to find companies to give my finacee options as well. So far I haven't found TOO much... Vance and Spidi come to mind. Not much else though.

BTW, any comments on the advantages of a '97 CBR600 F3 vs a '97 YZF600R? Remember, this is a bike for both myself and my fiancee... so lower bike hight is a plus. I know the R6 is about an inch lower than the F4i... not sure if this translates over to the F3 vs 600R.


- Yosho
'96 200SX SE-R
'00 Civic Si EBP

 

 

http://www.accwhse.com

 

This is one I've been to before. What do you think about those Alpinestars GP Tech FS boots? My SIDIs are banished now that I have scraped the bike cowling plastic with the steel fasteners on the shin guards.

 

They look like nice boots. I have the SMX and really like them. I had to buy mine spur of the moment and was only able to get the best that the local shops had.

They don't have any metal on them that can scratch your plastic.

How often do you go to the track? Or rather how often do you wear your boots?

J

 

I was wearing them 100% of the time until I noticed the small specs on the rear of the cowling edge in front of the foot pegs. I don't have access to a track here in the greater Dallas area.

The venting on those AS boots is what I think I might really like down here in the heat. I like the Doohan scheme the best.


How are yours for shifting and bracking? I notice the toe is larger than the SIDIs and the lasts are harder. They maybe harder to get under and over the controls easily.

Here are my next gloves, the Joe Rocket Speedmasters:





[Modified by figment, 10:11 PM 7/12/2001]

 

It takes a little getting used to having the thicker toe that is less flexable. It only took me a few turns to get comfortable with them. Now I don't even think about it.

The only thing to think about with those gloves is I have heard of people braking bones due to the hard knuckle guard. Then again who is to say that it won't save you from braking your hand.

I bought soft kevlar gloves, I would have to think about which ones I would get now.
Sorry to hear about no tracks! How are the roads. All my trips to Texas have been on straight roads. Arlington is where I have gone the most.

 

http://hometown.aol.com/DallasSTRider/hillcountry.html
There was a list site but apears to be offline now. To get to the good roads requires a liitle distance from most of the Dallas area. The whole metro area is on a large praire and has been subjected to much right-angle development. There are some very nice places to ride but they're not well-known. I went for a ride a few weeks ago and followed an intercepter from my neighborhood for almost a 100 miles of a course that I though I only knew about. I'm sure he thought I was just following him around. North of Dallas, there are a lot of good turns, but care is needed as asphault ruts can appear from large trucks and pavement buckling due to exteme seasonal temperatures here. Not good things to encounter durning a decreasing radius turn.

 

Figment, where in North Dallas have you found some nice roads? I am in Plano, and I have been exploring north of 121 and sometimes 380 for some nice and lightly traveled roads. I have been doing this in my integra, which is fun, but the MSF class and then a bike is in my future.

Joe