Rook37 Posted April 17, 2014 Report Share Posted April 17, 2014 I'm starting to save up for my first bike. Are there any particularly good bikes for a person who's never ridden a motorcycle (and occasionally forgets how to ride a bicycle)? I was looking for a Ninja 300, but that's just because that's really the only one I've seen that seems like I'd like it and it'd be a nice balance of power and controlability as a first bike. I know I should probably go used, just because of the chance of dropping the bike, but I literally have no idea how to look for one. Or even what kind of bike I want - sport? dualsport? standard? - although I do know that I don't want a cruiser. Any help narrowing it down would be greatly appreciated as I save up! EDIT: Also, should I look for one with ABS or not? Quote "A strong man doesn't need to read the future. He makes his own." -MGS1"Building the future and keeping the past alive are one and the same thing." -MGS2"An amateur practices until he can get it right. A professional practices until he can't get it wrong." -Anon."Focus. Control. Conviction. Resolve. A true ace lacks none of these attributes. Nothing can deter you from the task at hand except your own fears. This is your sky." -Ace Combat 5"Too many people have opinions on things they know nothing about. And the more ignorant they are, the more opinions they have." - Fallout: New Vegas"Don't focus on words so much. Find the meaning behind the words, then decide." -MGS2 Link to comment
Groove Posted April 17, 2014 Report Share Posted April 17, 2014 Suzuki SV650 is a great all around bike that's both newb friendly and track worthy. Super fun torque down low where it's sane and legal. Quote Link to comment
Rook37 Posted April 18, 2014 Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 I found a '94 Kawasaki Ninja 250 on Craig's List for $1200. Good? Bad? Take someone who knows more than I do to look with me? I asked a friend who's been riding for a while to look at the ad, and he said that it seemed pretty reasonable assuming there's actually nothing wrong with it. Quote "A strong man doesn't need to read the future. He makes his own." -MGS1"Building the future and keeping the past alive are one and the same thing." -MGS2"An amateur practices until he can get it right. A professional practices until he can't get it wrong." -Anon."Focus. Control. Conviction. Resolve. A true ace lacks none of these attributes. Nothing can deter you from the task at hand except your own fears. This is your sky." -Ace Combat 5"Too many people have opinions on things they know nothing about. And the more ignorant they are, the more opinions they have." - Fallout: New Vegas"Don't focus on words so much. Find the meaning behind the words, then decide." -MGS2 Link to comment
sylph Posted April 18, 2014 Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 I found a '94 Kawasaki Ninja 250 on Craig's List for $1200. Good? Bad? Take someone who knows more than I do to look with me? I asked a friend who's been riding for a while to look at the ad, and he said that it seemed pretty reasonable assuming there's actually nothing wrong with it.In good condition/well kept that's a pretty decent deal. If you can't bring someone with you (always a good idea on Craigslist deals, anyway) do some googling for what to look at when buying a used motorcycle. There are some pretty good guides out there that'll help you with what to look for. Quote Link to comment
Caution Posted April 18, 2014 Report Share Posted April 18, 2014 My personal opinion is to take the MSF or other beginner rider course. In my state that qualifies you for a license plus you get 2-3 8 hour days riding around on a small 125-250cc bike. After that, go to several dealers and buy what you like. I did that then went and bought the Harley that I really wanted and had no problem riding it. See if the dealer will let you take a test ride or go to a bike show and try out several bikes to see what you like. Just take it slow and practice often. 3 Quote My Current Challenge Link to comment
Rosiesan Posted July 21, 2014 Report Share Posted July 21, 2014 My husband owns a Harley Streetglide and a Yamaha Vstar. This past weekend we finally had time for him to give me my first lesson!A month or two ago we took a trip 300 miles one way to a friend's baby shower on the Harley. It was such a blast! I can't wait to start riding on my own! Quote Rosiesan Battle Log | MyFitnessPal | @kari_renae Link to comment
AnnleaArtsy Posted July 22, 2014 Report Share Posted July 22, 2014 I WISH! They are a blast. I ride all the time on my husbands with him. My husband bought me a dirtbike and a motorcycle while I was still pregnant with our third lol. Honestly I don't feel like I am strong enough plus I breastfeed constantly and can't practice just yet. Here is what I am hoping for...while my son is in his breast feeding stages I can build up muscle. By the time he is breast feeding less I will be strong enough to actually hold up a bike Quote Link to comment
Oramac Posted July 22, 2014 Report Share Posted July 22, 2014 <----Jealous of all you people with bikes. My sister and bro-in-law both ride Harley's. But I've wanted a sportbike for as long as I can remember. Currently lusting after an MV Agusta Brutale 1090 Corsa. Course, I'd have to sell a kidney to actually afford one. Not to mention figuring out how to import one. Those pesky laws always getting in the way of fun! Quote "Someone ever tries to kill you, you try to kill 'em right back." - Captain Malcolm Reynolds Current Challenge Also, I Agree With Tank™ Link to comment
Purple_Panda Posted July 22, 2014 Report Share Posted July 22, 2014 Air-heads here. 76 BMW R 100 RT. Had a 72 BMW R 60/5, but; some jack-arse stole it off my front lawn. Had a desert tan paint scheme, based of the Wehrmacht's desert tank companies during WW2; even had 30cal ammo boxes for saddle bags. Go go a lot of work and in one night someone takin' it. :\ Dad is a gearhead, 2 Norton Commandos, Triumph Trident has a R 100 RT like myself for his daily rider, these just being his more notable motorcycles, he just got a Suzuki DRZ. Mom rocks a '09 Moto Guzzi Griso and a Kawasaki 750 Vulcan. 1 Quote -Purple_Panda Link to comment
Guzzi Posted July 23, 2014 Report Share Posted July 23, 2014 OMG Oramac! That's just porn right there... *drools* I may have posted these before but they're totally worth posting up again....Not mine, just the objects of my lust! 2 Quote Make Life Rue The Day Turning back the clock Recipe book 14 Life is far too short to take seriously Link to comment
Oramac Posted July 23, 2014 Report Share Posted July 23, 2014 OMG Oramac! That's just porn right there... *drools* And you're in a place where you could actually buy one! They don't sell em in the States, unfortunately. Loving that red/white Ducati too. Quote "Someone ever tries to kill you, you try to kill 'em right back." - Captain Malcolm Reynolds Current Challenge Also, I Agree With Tank™ Link to comment
Guzzi Posted July 23, 2014 Report Share Posted July 23, 2014 Really??? You poor bastards! 1 Quote Make Life Rue The Day Turning back the clock Recipe book 14 Life is far too short to take seriously Link to comment
Oramac Posted July 23, 2014 Report Share Posted July 23, 2014 Really??? You poor bastards! Tell me about it! I've found a few used ones online, but there's no official dealers at all on this side of the Atlantic. Makes me a sad panda. Quote "Someone ever tries to kill you, you try to kill 'em right back." - Captain Malcolm Reynolds Current Challenge Also, I Agree With Tank™ Link to comment
Rook37 Posted August 13, 2014 Report Share Posted August 13, 2014 Hey guys, it's been a while! I just had a quick question for y'all. I got a Ninja 300 in March as my first bike, and I'm already itching for an upgrade. I know that I'm still pretty wet behind the ears when it comes to riding (I think I've only put around maybe 300-350 miles on it. I've also taken the MSF Basic Rider Course, and waiting on the Sportbike course). I'm looking around for what I should start saving for as I get more experience under my belt, and was wondering what your thoughts are on where to go from here. There's a lot of choices on the 600cc-750cc range. I was looking mainly at the GSX-R600 (maybe 750) or the CBR600RR, but I'm open to any suggestions! I've yet to ride anything bigger than my bike, and I've sat on a few in showrooms. If there's anymore info that would help, just ask Quote "A strong man doesn't need to read the future. He makes his own." -MGS1"Building the future and keeping the past alive are one and the same thing." -MGS2"An amateur practices until he can get it right. A professional practices until he can't get it wrong." -Anon."Focus. Control. Conviction. Resolve. A true ace lacks none of these attributes. Nothing can deter you from the task at hand except your own fears. This is your sky." -Ace Combat 5"Too many people have opinions on things they know nothing about. And the more ignorant they are, the more opinions they have." - Fallout: New Vegas"Don't focus on words so much. Find the meaning behind the words, then decide." -MGS2 Link to comment
cracked_belle Posted August 15, 2014 Report Share Posted August 15, 2014 ugh, I'm so envious. I was in the process of buying my ex's Honda Shadow Spirit 750 a few years back. then he physically abused me, and I called the whole things off. my dad has a little 250 mini-crusier I get to ride once in a while. but what I really want is a beauiftul Rebel. I'm a 170lbs lass who's only 5'6", so anything over 500 is overkill for me. I don't like that most Rebels are only 250, as I think that's too little. you don't have enough to pick-up to get out of tight spots, and interstate travelling is rather frightful on a 250. however, I'm a Honda girl hard-core, so that's what I look into. Quote just another cracked southern belle, and a specialist in self-kintsukuroi. Current Challenge Accountability: Health & Happiness Are Hard: Wherein the Cracked_Belle Un-Dies Epic Quest: Adventures in Badassery [under construction] Spoiler There is never a sudden revelation, a complete and tidy explanation for why it happened, or why it ends, or why or who you are. You want one and I want one, but there isn't one. It comes in bits and pieces, and you stitch them together wherever they fit, and when you are done you hold yourself up, and still there are holes and you are a rag doll, invented, imperfect. And yet you are all that you have, so you must be enough. There is no other way. ― Marya Hornbacher, Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia Link to comment
sylph Posted August 15, 2014 Report Share Posted August 15, 2014 ugh, I'm so envious. I was in the process of buying my ex's Honda Shadow Spirit 750 a few years back. then he physically abused me, and I called the whole things off. my dad has a little 250 mini-crusier I get to ride once in a while. but what I really want is a beauiftul Rebel. I'm a 170lbs lass who's only 5'6", so anything over 500 is overkill for me. I don't like that most Rebels are only 250, as I think that's too little. you don't have enough to pick-up to get out of tight spots, and interstate travelling is rather frightful on a 250. however, I'm a Honda girl hard-core, so that's what I look into.They made a Rebel 450 for a very brief period, but it's only 250s any more. Honda has the CBR250R and is upgrading that to the CBR300R. They also have some 500 variations that are relatively new. However, none of this helps you if you're looking for a cruiser as they are faired, naked and adventure versions. At 5'6", you'd be surprised what you can handle, especially in the cruiser class. I'm only 5'3" and while my bike selection is limited, if/when I want something bigger than my current Ninja 250, I have a couple of ready contenders. Quote Link to comment
Dilnad Posted August 15, 2014 Report Share Posted August 15, 2014 Oh I love a thread full of bikes!!This is my baby. 2007 Honda VTX1300c Quote Hey. I've got a blog!! ----> The Dilnad Can! This is how I did it. This is how you too can do it! ----> http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2015/09/28/learn-how-an-office-worker-lost-100-lbs-saved-his-own-life-and-became-a-superhero/ Link to comment
matty_mcfly Posted August 15, 2014 Report Share Posted August 15, 2014 I don't have it yet, but this is the lady on my mind for the past year or so... 1 Quote "I can. I will. I must." 3rd Challenge - The One Where I Pretend To Be a Strongman; Spoiler 2nd Challenge - The One Where I Pretend To Be a Triathlete; 1st Challenge - The One Where I Move North of Vag; My Daily Battle Log Link to comment
cracked_belle Posted August 18, 2014 Report Share Posted August 18, 2014 They made a Rebel 450 for a very brief period, but it's only 250s any more. Honda has the CBR250R and is upgrading that to the CBR300R. They also have some 500 variations that are relatively new. However, none of this helps you if you're looking for a cruiser as they are faired, naked and adventure versions. At 5'6", you'd be surprised what you can handle, especially in the cruiser class. I'm only 5'3" and while my bike selection is limited, if/when I want something bigger than my current Ninja 250, I have a couple of ready contenders.okay, my dream bike is now officially the Rebel 450, lol. and like I said, I handled a 750 fine enough. I just felt a little awkward on it. Quote just another cracked southern belle, and a specialist in self-kintsukuroi. Current Challenge Accountability: Health & Happiness Are Hard: Wherein the Cracked_Belle Un-Dies Epic Quest: Adventures in Badassery [under construction] Spoiler There is never a sudden revelation, a complete and tidy explanation for why it happened, or why it ends, or why or who you are. You want one and I want one, but there isn't one. It comes in bits and pieces, and you stitch them together wherever they fit, and when you are done you hold yourself up, and still there are holes and you are a rag doll, invented, imperfect. And yet you are all that you have, so you must be enough. There is no other way. ― Marya Hornbacher, Wasted: A Memoir of Anorexia and Bulimia Link to comment
Dilnad Posted August 18, 2014 Report Share Posted August 18, 2014 ugh, I'm so envious. I was in the process of buying my ex's Honda Shadow Spirit 750 a few years back. then he physically abused me, and I called the whole things off. my dad has a little 250 mini-crusier I get to ride once in a while. but what I really want is a beauiftul Rebel. I'm a 170lbs lass who's only 5'6", so anything over 500 is overkill for me. I don't like that most Rebels are only 250, as I think that's too little. you don't have enough to pick-up to get out of tight spots, and interstate travelling is rather frightful on a 250. however, I'm a Honda girl hard-core, so that's what I look into.Check this video at 2:35 to see a woman 44'11" riding a Victory Vision (Big Ass Monster 1740cc touring bike ). She was one third the size of me and 3 times the rider I am. Don't let the displacement of a motorcycle mess with. If you've taken an MSF or ABATE safety course and your feet can touch the ground, I would trust you yuo ride my VTX 1300. Those are the two factors in choosing a bike. Can I hold the bike up on my own and do I have the skills needed to ride it. If yes, you're in. I'd look at Shadows, V Star 1100s, Yamaha Bolts. Don't pigeonhole yourself into a smaller displacement you will outgrow. Virtually EVERY rider makes this mistake. Thus why I just sold my year old V Star 1100 LOL Go to 2:35 or watch the whole thing as it's awesome. Posted in the other bike thread too.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NR_eEo9XpKw#t=162 Quote Hey. I've got a blog!! ----> The Dilnad Can! This is how I did it. This is how you too can do it! ----> http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2015/09/28/learn-how-an-office-worker-lost-100-lbs-saved-his-own-life-and-became-a-superhero/ Link to comment
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