Choosing my first Motorcycle...Help Needed.

[Windex]

So I'm interested in buying my first motorcycle this summer but I'm absolutely clueless on what would be considered a good deal, how many km (miles) I should be looking for, year, etc. My budget is probably going to be somewhere in the range of 5-10k, although I think I may want to find something on the low end for my first buy ? Furthermore, used vs new, whats the goto ? I've been mostly browsing absentmindedly on Kijiji so far (not sure if you Americans have that website). As well, the bike is going to be just for me and I'd probably like something sporty and without those leather side compartments. Finally, I heard Honda and Kawasaki are good brands to look out for ?

Attachment 119879

Something of that look is what I've been geared to so far but I'm open for all suggestions.

[gixxerboy1]

Def get a used.
How big are you? Have you ever rode anything before?

[Shol'va]

[Windex]

Def get a used.
How big are you? Have you ever rode anything before?

I'm ~190 lbs right now (And 14% BF to boot ;P ). I have never rode anything before aside from quad a few times and typical mountain biking. I'm getting my M Lisense in the summer. Also I'm only 20 so insurance is gonna eat me alive unless I'm able to convince my parents to buy it and have me give them the cash then have them register it as a company vehicle to evade an insurance premium. Also, no clue if it's relevant but in terms of the car I drive, it's a Benz Slk 55 AMG so I think I could handle a middle-ranged bike, but may just be my ego getting the better of me.

[Coolhand5599]

With no riding experience, get something less powerful. Anything you get will be very fast enough to die. More power will only get you in more trouble. I have lost three friends from getting to much bike. You better start becoming more aware of your surroundings as you drive a car. Always look into side roads alleys and driveways.

[Windex]

With no riding experience, get something less powerful. Anything you get will be very fast enough to die. More power will only get you in more trouble. I have lost three friends from getting to much bike. You better start becoming more aware of your surroundings as you drive a car. Always look into side roads alleys and driveways.

Noted and thankyou for the tip. So I want the most beginner bike for a few years and then look into upgrading?

[Times Roman]

First bike?

Everyone dumps their first bike. Be ready for it. Make sure you aren't doing 90mph when it happens. Remember, no matter who's fault it is.....

.....you lose!

[Ladyblahblah]

With no riding experience, get something less powerful. Anything you get will be very fast enough to die. More power will only get you in more trouble. I have lost three friends from getting to much bike. You better start becoming more aware of your surroundings as you drive a car. Always look into side roads alleys and driveways.

I have to agree with this.

I got a Kawasaki Ninja 250 for my first bike. I weighed between 118 - 122 and only 5'5" so the power and seat height was perfect for me, especially being a beginner. Bought mine new because it was less than $5,000 and I didn't want to risk buying one from someone claiming it's never been dropped just to find out later that it had been.

First bike?

Everyone dumps their first bike. Be ready for it. Make sure you aren't doing 90mph when it happens. Remember, no matter who's fault it is.....

.....you lose!

Exactly! I occasionally get a smart arsed comment from someone (that doesn't even ride) about it being a 250 and asks why I didn't just get a scooter. Lol. But if I'm gonna drop I'd rather drop a $5,000 bike than one that's 10K or more anyday. But I'd rather not drop AT ALL!!

For you, I'd go mid-range and look at the 650's if you're looking at the Kawi's.

Good luck and post pics when you decide what to get. : )

[DIESELPWR]

If you are going to buy used, I would get a Honda.. 600rr would be good.. Hondas are pretty reliable.. I have a Honda 1000rr and I also have a Yamaha r6.. The zx6r is a pretty nice bike by Kawasaki too

[Honkey_Kong]

Seriously, for a first bike, you might want to go with the ninja 250.. It's got a small motor, but it's still enough to kill you. I mean it'd probably be a good city cruiser and when you get better at riding then I could see upgrading to a bigger bike. What's the top speed of those anyway? Like 65?

[DSM4Life]

Stick to a 600cc to learn on. I would never spend over 2-3K for my first bike.

[DIESELPWR]

No the Kawi 250 will hit 100.. Its a great bike, I have nothing against them. They are good for learning especially for a girl.. I just feel that if you are close to 200 pound you could definately learn on it but I feel once you learn u will want something bigger do I usually suggest getting the 600 and just starting slow..

[alexISthrowed]

I started on an sv650. It was enough power to have fun but not too much to handle.

[gixxerboy1]

with out a doubt get a used bike
do not by a 250 or 500. You will regret it 2 months later.
get a 600. Insurance is cheaper on 600 then 750's or larger bikes.
honda's are more forgiving and comforatble to new riders.

[V-ROID]

I have a lot of motorcycles, dirt and street, race and ride. Probably can't change your mind but I believe you should ride on the dirt before you get a street bike. It is fun riding on the street, until you slide under a car or get T-boned. Riding on the street is mentally exhausting if you are paying attention. You have to be able to react instinctively, which is best learned on the dirt where you can eat it a bunch of times without too much damage. Good gas mileage and zipping through traffic is great. Super dangerous if you don't have a lot of experience. Crotch rocket not a good first choice, even a Ninja 250 can move when you get the RPM's screaming. Maybe get a good deal on a used dual-sport to learn on. Then sell it for what you paid in 6 months or so and get something shinier to commit suicide on. JK. Good luck!

[redz]

First bike?

Everyone dumps their first bike. Be ready for it. Make sure you aren't doing 90mph when it happens. Remember, no matter who's fault it is.....

.....you lose!

I didn`t but I sold mine after 1 season lol. I sugest you look in to the suzuki GS500F not a bad looking bike and very nimble. About 50hp which is great for learning and very forgiving it didn`t do me wrong and I sold it for the same as I paid after 1 season.

[evander87]

I started on an sv650. It was enough power to have fun but not too much to handle.

This^^^

Learning on a twin as opposed to a less forgiving I4 is a good way to go and don't think it's a "p***y" bike there is an entire race series built around the Suzuki SV650 I think it's called "The Suzuki Cup". The bike has a sporty look, tons of parts out there if you want to customize, there are a lot of them out there so finding one in your price range should be easier and if you buy used after a season of two if you want something different it will hold better resale value.

You're smart looking for a bike now prices on used bikes will go up a bit in the spring when people really start thinking about riding. Good luck and welcome to another addiction.

Another hot bike style you might consider google "super motard" I swear to god they put helium in those front tires, It's impossible to keep the damn things on the ground, well about as difficult as it is to keep from riding on the sidewalk. Doesn't "look" as cool as a sport bike but damn if you wont have much more fun IMHO.

[Honkey_Kong]

I started on an sv650. It was enough power to have fun but not too much to handle.

I fell off an sv650 in Vegas. First trip ever there and that curved road behind the Hilton. I came within inches of hitting that brick wall. I was going like 40 and all I got was a lot of rash and some bruises.

[Windex]

Thanks a lot for all the replies so far. So it seems people are advocatin the "Ninja 250" or" Honda 600", or is there a "Ninja 600" - sorry not up to all the lingo so far. Also, how much am I looking to pay for a jacket, helmet, and gloves ? Anything in particular I should shop for ? Also would it be better to not skimp on the clothing as I will have it for a long time ? Finally, @ Gixxer why do you say no to a ninja 250

[gixxerboy1]

i think you are going to be board of a 250 in a month and wants something else. Especially if you start to ride with other guys who have bikes not glorified scooters

all the manufactures make a 600, honda, kawi, Suzuki, Yamaha

[DeadlyD]

I agree, don't buy a 250, used 600 is a safer bet, easy and light and when your ready lots of power. Also if your not dead set on a sport bike, look into the KTM super motard 600 very easy to learn on and you can take it anywhere, sport bikes bug my wrists in traffic, not comfortable!!

[DIESELPWR]

Agree with everything gixxer said as I stated in my previous post.. I would start with the 600.. And everyone makes them.. The price on helmets and gloves and jackets vary. But I prefer arai helmets and alpine stars jackets and gloves.. Just make sure u get good gloves because getting your hands cut up is terrible n takes forever to heal.. But arai helmets are expensive.. From 400-600.. But shoei helmets and Suomi helmets too.. Icon seem to be getting popular too..

[bubsy]

Bro i painted a few bikes and i tell you there are some crazy colours for motor bikes out there! no matter what u ride u must get a mad colour, makes or the difference!

[Windex]

Thanks everyone, I will try to browse 400-600 CC bikes.

My follow up issue is bike gear - Any specific brand name companies that produce higher quality ? Also, aside from the basics, is there anything specifically I should be on the look out for when picking up a pair of gloves, helmet, and jacket?

[gixxerboy1]

i always used shoei hemlets. Aria are a great brand also. I hate hcg helmets

[evander87]

Make sure the helmet fits!!!!

If you're going to buy online make sure you at the very least try the same model on in real life. Personal perference but I go by the Euro safety standards BSI and ECE as opposed to Sneel and DOT. All BSI and ECE far exceed DOT standards but there is a little disconnect between the way snell and the euros test. for me I perfer the euro but more importantly get one that fits. Brands I recommend Suomy and Shark. I had a 100mph+ get off in a $100 KBC and walked away. Well as best I could on a broken leg and ribs, the head was fine.

As far as gloves, jackets, pants etc. You kinda get what you pay for. There is going to be vast differences in build quality even with in brands. a*'s makes entry level gear all the way up to pro racer. I've had friends crash in Joe Rocket gear and one walks away just fine the other had his gear virtually explode on him and he was rashed up. My advice, buy what you'll wear right now. Get a few thousand miles under your belt and you'll figure out what safety gear will suit you best.

Hands down the best safety gear you have is your head. Use it. I recommend taking the MSF to get your license. You'll get some seat time and some very basic instruction and at the end of the class if you pass you'll be licensed. Best money a new rider can spend.

[Windex]

i always used shoei hemlets. Aria are a great brand also. I hate hcg helmets

I assume these are also available in Canada and I'll do some more digging. I'm in Michigan in three weeks if anyone knows of any stores I can visit (Specifically will be in Boyne).

Is anyone familiar with Alpine Stars and what kind of quality are they?

Also, I will definitely not buy online, simply cause of my frame it's impossible to gauge my size (huge shoulders/traps, small waist but big quads, typical bodybuilder )

[DIESELPWR]

Yeah as I said in my post earlier, I prefer alpine stars jackets and gloves.. But he is right, u do get what u pay for

[wmaousley]

Ok so dont make the mistake of buying a 750cc when you can buy a 1000cc. My first bike was a Suzuki GSXR 1000 and I loved it. All my buddues bought 750cc and hated it when they are damn near the same price.

Second, make sure its a japanese bike, I prefer Suzuki as they have a great resell value and great service location who are performance audited by suzuki annually. Other brands arent this structured.

[gbrice75]

Also, I will definitely not buy online, simply cause of my frame it's impossible to gauge my size (huge shoulders/traps, small waist but big quads, typical bodybuilder )

First, be a real man and get a Harley - don't listen to the other GB!

Second - can you send me your workout routine and diet? If your above self description is accurate, and based on the last pic I saw of you, you must have made some amazing progress - spread the wealth!

[BG]

^^^Hehehe

[Windex]

So I've been presented with a pretty decent offer guys, what do yall think ? A close friend of mine started riding last year and picked up a 250R Ninja, 2011 brand new and put 2200 km on it (dont ask me how many miles that is) and would want to resell it to me so he can upgrade to a bigger bike. He told me $3.5k (a brand new 2011 ninja would go for 5k and on kijiji i see alot being sold at the 4k mark). It's in perfect condition and I'm buying from a friend instead of some joeblow who could lie about it never being dropped or something and could easily resell it after one season and break even (people are hot and bothered in this area for Ninjas).

Thoughts? Also, the price difference for insurance on a 250CC bike compared to a 500CC + bike is about $900.00 for me unfortunately (basically because of my age and driving experience since I'm only 20). So I think I could suck it up for 1 season (which is only 7 months) and that way my insurance will drop since I can get my M and have a year with insurance and another extra year of driving.

[gixxerboy1]

i would rather have an older 600 then a new 250. I'm telling you, you will be bored of it in a month.
insurance wont go down cause you have more experience. There is usually a flat rate for age and bike size. like it will be 20-24 is x amount for 599 and under, x amount for 600 to 749

[evander87]

I say go for it. Learn how to ride then upgrade to the bike you know you want. This is your first bike, not you last. And who knows after you learn the mechanics of riding you might find you want a sport tourer, cruiser, duel-sport, SUPER MOTARD, or a bigger sport bike. And because the 250 is used it will hold its resale value. You could get a whole riding season under your belt for a couple hundred bucks when you sell the bike next year for $3300.

[Times Roman]

Mate,
after you've made your decision, you should post up a pic so we can see what you decided.

....another thing, just from personal experience, your first bike should be as close as stock as possible. too many times i"ve seen someone purchase a motorcycle with aftermarket add-ons, only to find out later that the bike is a maintenance nightmare.

[Standby]

man have you even got a quote for insurance on one of those? oim 21 and live in canada and its like 7k a year. which how much of the "year" will you be riding. and id go with a gsxr600 or R6

sorry i noticed you did get a quote i think. i have a 2007 vstar 1100. much cheaper on insurance but not a sport bike

[AvMouse]

From my own experience, consider something used (600cc) and not so high priced. If its your first bike, with no experience riding you MAY have a good chance of laying it down or just even dropping it. Although i do know people that got their first bike brand new straight from the dealer and have never dropped or crashed it.
I bought my first bike used(2002 Yamaha r6) in still good condition and flipped the bike clipping a curb. Very glad I did not buy something too expensive or brand new otherwise I would've been even more pissed.
You will get bored of a 250, it's a cool bike I have one myself but trust me even my wife grew tired of hers and started riding my bike. In the end I found out I liked how the Yamaha r6's looked but the ride height was too high so I bought a Suzuki gsxr which sits a bit lower and more comfortable for me. Have fun, and ride safe.

[TheClinch]

So I'm interested in buying my first motorcycle this summer but I'm absolutely clueless on what would be considered a good deal, how many km (miles) I should be looking for, year, etc. My budget is probably going to be somewhere in the range of 5-10k, although I think I may want to find something on the low end for my first buy ? Furthermore, used vs new, whats the goto ? I've been mostly browsing absentmindedly on Kijiji so far (not sure if you Americans have that website). As well, the bike is going to be just for me and I'd probably like something sporty and without those leather side compartments. Finally, I heard Honda and Kawasaki are good brands to look out for ?

<img src="http://forums.steroid.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=119879"/>

Something of that look is what I've been geared to so far but I'm open for all suggestions.

I owned the 2008 model of that Kawasaki zx-6r. Great bike for anyone. The handling is great and the slipper clutch is perfect for newb riders. GTG!

[TheClinch]

i think you are going to be board of a 250 in a month and wants something else. Especially if you start to ride with other guys who have bikes not glorified scooters

all the manufactures make a 600, honda, kawi, Suzuki, Yamaha

^^ this

At 190lbs dont get anything less that a 600. Take is easy and you will get more enjoyment from the 600cc motor.

[wmaousley]

^^ this

At 190lbs dont get anything less that a 600. Take is easy and you will get more enjoyment from the 600cc motor.

Go with the 1000cc, I did and loved it. 750cc as I said is a waste of money, and dont waste your money on a 600cc moped. Suzuki GSXR 1000