Hey guys...well...I guess you could say my boss has finally talked me into buying a bike. And the fact that the turbo GSR just doesnt quite blow my socks off anymore...sooo...

He has a Moto Guzzi that does the quarter in some odd 11 seconds, my other co worker has a suzuki "monster killer", and another guys got a beemer. Im only 18, and my tastes lean towards race bikes...out of the ducati 748s, CBR 650Fi, and Suzuki GSX750, what do you boys recommend for a first bike? Money isnt TOO big of an issue...what do you think of the aprillia?

Im totally serious here, im not trying to slam myself into a wall or ride around like an idiot...I just want something thats a good learning base, and can still shock me when I get experience...

Oh, and looks do matter.

Thanks guys, much appreciated.

Alex

 

All-out race bike? Or do you mean a streetbike with occasional trackdays? Please clarify.

What're your dimensions? If you're around 5'7"/135lbs, then my suggestion would be the GSXR600 or 750, or an R6. Actually, any of the new (and even some of the not-as-new...a la F3, YZF600, etc.) bikes would be more than enough for you at any skill level.

As for looks, well, that depends on you. I love how the Ducati 748/996s look, but I don't like the riding position. Aprilias can go either way for me. I hate Bimmers (that boxer engine makes the bike look like crap). Just my opinions.

And save some money to buy some gear, too. I hear those skin grafts are real costly...if you're lucky and don't wrap yourself around a pole first.

 

since it'll be a first...600cc's? or 750? R1..

 

if its your first stay away from the 1 liters. They can be killers. Stick to a 600 or 750. Anyone will be a great bike. I liek the honda the best and the R6 second.

As for Aprilia, stay away until you get some experiance. If you crash it, its going to be expensive to fix. Very expensive. I can get almost any parts for it, but they are some bucks. They are sweet bikes, but are hard to get parts for.

 

go with a suzuki GSXR750 2000-2001 model. This bikes got more than enough power for street or track use, and you can pretty much do any kind of tricks with it. Minor tweeks and add-on's will result in more usable power. If you are a big guy (over 5'10") then stay away from the 600's. You'll be tired of it within 6 months.

PS: GSXR's have an aggressive seating position. If you dont like sitting up high, and hunched over, then go with a Honda 929RR.

 

If money isnt an issue then get hold of a 996SPS or Priller SP. However, if i were you and you wnat to go fast and learn all about falling off! then a new Gixer 600 should suffice, nearly as quick around most things without the Italian er lets call it character!. If you are a learner then you wont need more than a 600 anyway apart from to impress your mates, learn to ride then trade up. As for BMW, not a contender in the sports league, Guzzi sub 11 sec, maybe but how much money has been thrown at it and does it need a strip down every 6 months?

 

I have to agree. Since sportbike popularity has exploded around here in the past year or so, I 've know of at least 4 rookies who are now deceased. All started out on R1's, etc. They were in their early 20's.

I really suggest something with less than 70 HP. Low HP does not equal slow laptimes. Go to any club race and you'll see guys on 400's smoking guys on new 750's. The slower the bike, the harder you have to work, the more you learn.

Whatever you decide, just make sure you always wear a jacket, helmet, and good gloves (not dirt bike gloves like lot's of squids like to wear). Another guy I know went criusing in his tanktop...his whole left arm & side looked like hamburger after he went down.

Goodluck!

 

http://www.msgroup.org/SAFETY.html
Buying an SB with no experience is a little like buying a tenspeed without learning to ride a tricycle first. It can be done, but not recomended.

 

Yep, there is the truth...horsepower and inexperience = hospital, dont fall into the ego trap

 

its glad to see some people with good advice around here. i got flamed on another board for discouraging this new kid to do wheelies while others were explaining how to do it. grrrr

 

I believe those people who flamed you assumed that no one would be stupid enough to ask how to perform a wheelie/stoppie/burnout/whatever unless they had SOME experience already with motorcycles...boy, are they ever wrong.


[Modified by marmaladeboy, 1:51 AM 9/29/2001]

 

i think that you will know how to wheelie when you figure out how to control the bike well enough. if you have to ask then you arent ready...thats my opinion.

 

i dont think HP and inexperiance lead to acidents. I think having the throttle connected to your ***** and not your brain is what cause accidents.

I rode a 175 once, then I took up a 600 once. Then i was on a 1000. Its all about putting the ego down and not letting people egg you on. I still say to start with a 600 because its easier to get out of trouble with, but if you honestly think you can posses the control to ride a 1000 then go ahead. I did and Im fine. But remember its you rass in the sling.

 

First of all take the MSF course!
Get a bike YOU feel comfortable on!
No matter what size because I believe once you learn throttle control you can ride anything!

Most important use your head and have fun!


Ohh! Yeah! Get a Gixxer! (750)

 

[Modified by KJEG94, 6:13 AM 10/4/2001]

 

i agree with loco, those litte moped things are insane. a buddy of mine had a old honda trail 90. i remember messing around on that, and having that rear end whip right out from under me on a turn. it was enlightening to say the least. even something that small can fuçk you up! so dont get in over your head! take the saftey course!! and start with a 600 at most. my .02

 

I look at it this way...what the hell is the point of doing a wheelie or an endo? Either the people around you are going to give you a thumbs up or be like " what an idiot." besides once your on the ground bleeding cause you were showing off...the people who were giving you the thumbs up will be saying "what an idiot." and the people who said you were an idiot to begin with will say " you don't look to cool now." This is not a flame but if you think about it...it's true. I started on a kawi 250 had it for about 1 year then moved up to an R6....I'm still here....but the bikes gone. I agree with B-DIDDY if the throttle is conected to your ***** you will have an accident....and if it is conected to your ***** you won't need a girl...cause you already fucked yourself.


aurbocoupe, 7:56 AM 10/7/2001]


[Modified by turbocoupe, 7:58 AM 10/7/2001]


[Modified by turbocoupe, 8:00 AM 10/7/2001]