First Motorcycle Buyers Guide! [Please Read before posting]

[Paradon]

Im 6'1 190, And I am wondering what bike i should start out on, I realize that im probably going to fall and make other mistakes on the first bike i get so does any one have any suggestions for a cheap new bike that would fit me.

I planning on working my way up to a gsxr 600 eventually.

I ve taken the MSF course but other than that i have little exp.

Thanks for the help

PS: wheres a good place to buy used bikes?

First off, where do you live?
Secondly, are you planning on using duel carriage ways, motorways or highways regularly?

For the UK I'd recommend a nice 125 (Honda) or a 250, in America a 250 or 600 is more suited thanks to the roads. It all depends on what you'll be using it for. A good 250 duel bike is always a nice starter due to being lightweight and the ability to go off road and hone your skills falling into muddy ditches.

Any way you go, used is always the better option for a first bike, you never know when you may drop it and scratch that nice new paintwork as well as the fact they hold their value when it's time to move up and get your second bike.

[Lance890]

Hi I'm looking to get my first bike and was wondering if a 600 would be right I know it a lot over my skill level but right in my weight and size class.

I'm 6'4'' and weight 250lb I plan on driving it back and forth for work so mostly State highway driving.

My experience with bikes is very minimal mostly quick dirt bike rides on a dirt track. 

[Duke18]

Would it be better to go cheaper insurance. Or expensive insurance if im 17 with not a whole lot of money?

[L7squared]

Story: 2 Wheel Noob, 5'6", 170lbs, 28 years of age. Never been in a major car accident and I like to consider myself a very observant driver. I'm the guy who goes the speed limit on the right lane and maybe 5mph faster on the left when passing. I'm also don't like to spend allot of money on cars, because I see vehicles as transportation and a means to an end. When car shopping, I think Kia Soul, not Ford Mustang. Lame, I know, but that's who I be.

Lately, I've been looking into other forms of transportation, which are more practical and light on the wallet (gas and maintenance). I've looked at motorized bicycles, 50cc scooters and so on, but many of the roads I take in Austin/Round Rock are 45-55mph and I often take the highway to work or when visiting family (short trips). So, I came to the conclusion that I should probably get something in the 250cc range, at least.

I have $4000 in my "motorcycle fund" (already bought gear and signed up for class), so the ones I like are the Ninja 250r (shocker, I know) and the Honda CBR250r (can't seem to find yet). However, I discovered a nice 2005 Ninja 500r for sale, with only 220 miles on it. They're asking $3000, so this seems like a great deal and I've heard they make good starter bikes (I think even M13 mentioned it in one of his videos).






I know it doesn't look as "cool" as the new Ninja 250r, but it's got a bigger engine (no worries on highway) without going into super sport 600 range and I think it only weighs about 20lbs more than the Ninja, so the weight is decent as well. Same design for years, so parts are easy to come by and I hear they're easy to maintain.

My concern, however, is that it may be too much for someone my size, so I was wondering if anyone had any advice they could lend me: their opinion of the bike and what not. I'm a sucker for a deal, so it's hard for me not to pounce on this lol.

[YuDaMan]

Hey that 500r looks real nice. The closest one I saw to that was a '09 model for $4300 when I was looking for a new bike...and I still am...

I recently clicked an ad while looking at best beginner bikes' website and saw some motorcycles that were in the $1800 price range. They are Dong Fang motorcycles with 250cc engines. I'm not sure whether its just a crappy scooter engine in a motorcycle body or not. If it turns out to be reliable, then it would really be nice as a beginner bike for me...

Anyone have any ideas or experience?

Links:
http://www.scooterdepot.us/product.php? ... =41&page=1
http://www.scooterdepot.us/product.php?productid=744
http://www.scooterdepot.us/product.php? ... ge=1#pTab2

[Jesus_Shuttlesworth]

Hey that 500r looks real nice. The closest one I saw to that was a '09 model for $4300 when I was looking for a new bike...and I still am...

I recently clicked an ad while looking at best beginner bikes' website and saw some motorcycles that were in the $1800 price range. They are Dong Fang motorcycles with 250cc engines. I'm not sure whether its just a crappy scooter engine in a motorcycle body or not. If it turns out to be reliable, then it would really be nice as a beginner bike for me...

Anyone have any ideas or experience?

Links:
http://www.scooterdepot.us/product.php? ... =41&page=1
http://www.scooterdepot.us/product.php?productid=744
http://www.scooterdepot.us/product.php? ... ge=1#pTab2

I have no personal experience at all...but I've read dozens of posts that say to "stay away from stuff like this". And from the looks, it's prolly a crappy chinese product....u get wat u pay for

[YuDaMan]

Yea, it does sound too good to be true. I am Chinese and I am not particularly proud of most of the products coming from China. Thanks for the reply.

[Elvis]

Can we have a 350 to 400 cc area please

[Thefoodman52]

I'm looking at either a new 250r or a 650r ninja.

However, I realize this is probably a pipe dream to start with.


Background: Literally next to none. I think the closest thing I have to any experience riding was on a little cheapo chinese 49cc scooter.

Reason as to why I'm looking into a motorcycle versus a car...
I joined the armed forces (Navy). There's a good probability that I'll get stationed over-seas, and having a car overseas seems like it's more hassle than it's worth. On top of gas prices, there's the transporting it, maybe having to convert to right hand drive (that's a bit of a stretch, but you see where I'm going), etc. Motorcycle just seems like it'd be the more economical and smart thing to do.


I know there's more risk involved, and I know I'm bound to get hurt in some way learning, but it's all a part of it.



Anyway, back to the bike. I'd be perfectly fine with grabbing a used 250cc bike, but I'm not exactly sure how well I'd fit into one. I've heard (mom rode for about 6 years, she knows some about it, as well as some other family) that someone of my stature *6'2'', 208lbs* will fit on a 250, but I'll definitely be cramping up more than I would on a bigger bike after a longer trip. That's literally about the only reason I have for even looking at the 650r. I know myself, and I would definitely want to 'test' out the limits of anything I'm on. I just don't want to hop into anything right off that bat that's gonna put me into major trouble. I'm not looking for some supersport, murder myself on my first ride bike. I want one that I can get around on, have some fun riding, and not be cramping up.

Personal preference, I like the look of the newer bikes, but I would defintely suffice for a used one.

I have ~$9k, no gear right now, and need to find out where I can take a class to get me started in riding.

[cyan]

So i have a lot of experience riding ATV's, with the same clutch/shifting patterns as a motorcycle, would this be a good enough reason to start out on something higher than a 250?

[tricky]

So i have a lot of experience riding ATV's, with the same clutch/shifting patterns as a motorcycle, would this be a good enough reason to start out on something higher than a 250?

A 250 is still a smart choice. It's not so much the shifting that's the problem.. riding a bike is a whole different animal. I'd say ideally get a 250 sport bike, but I started on a 500 cc standard bike so what do I know. A 250 sport will have ~30 hp. Mine has ~50 hp and can still catch me off guard once and a while with it's power if I'm not paying attention. A sporty 600cc can have upwards of 100 hp. I've been riding for 3 or so months - everyday - and I don't think I would feel confident on a 600+ cc bike.

But ultimately it's your decision. If you get it narrowed down to class of bike, ask us and I'm sure we'll be able to point you in the right direction. Keep us posted on your decision!

[h0ax]

My concern, however, is that it may be too much for someone my size, so I was wondering if anyone had any advice they could lend me: their opinion of the bike and what not. I'm a sucker for a deal, so it's hard for me not to pounce on this lol.

To be honest you will know if you will or will not feel comfortable on the bike, like everyone normally says, "don't let your ego take control when you purchase a bike". With that said I know many people that start out on a 500c and they love it but on the same hand know a ton of people that start with a 250 and love it also. In the end I think its probably personal choice, confidence in yourself and finances. I have always said I doesn't matter what bike your on from a 50cc scoot to a 1400cc super sport you can kill yourself just as easy if your a moron and ride like a douche.

Can we have a 350 to 400 cc area please

If I'm not mistaken I think Kawi came out with 400cc bikes this year just for that exact reason that there isnt a mid level bike. Although I haven't a clue if they are available or if they are where about they are being sold. Or I might be on crack and they released a 400cc bike this year showing that they will have this mid ranged bike coming to the market.....I can't remeber and can't be fucked right now checking the net. Although it would be something to look into if your hell bent on a 400cc bike.

[dayulohoyka]

ok i have read all of it and now i have made up my decision :D thanks to this forum and m13's suggestion(to visit his forums XD ) since i had background of driving a yamaha dio star (i thinks its 20cc+) and a yamaha mio sporty (which i think is 50cc +) now i think im ready for 600cc's bike but idk which style do i take and its kinda hard to choose a style, but oh well ill see it when i get to the motorbike market ( like an auction place for motorbikes )

[h0ax]

Two good starter 600cc bikes are the Kawi 650r and the Suzuki SV650. They aren't in the super sport league but they still have more then enough power to get yourself into trouble.

If you wanted HP ratings for the bikes I think its about 71hp for the Kawi 650r and around 73hp for the Suzuki. So they are fast enough thats for sure, I just call them the younger brother bikes of the ZX6R and GSXR-600 which both have around 105-108hp.

[dayulohoyka]

Two good starter 600cc bikes are the Kawi 650r and the Suzuki SV650. They aren't in the super sport league but they still have more then enough power to get yourself into trouble.

If you wanted HP ratings for the bikes I think its about 71hp for the Kawi 650r and around 73hp for the Suzuki. So they are fast enough thats for sure, I just call them the younger brother bikes of the ZX6R and GSXR-600 which both have around 105-108hp.

yes i had a confuzzled choice about those two (coz of style and exhaust i like the exhaust for sv650 but hate the stock for the kawi)