New Biker Looking for 1st Bike recommendations

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solarundies · Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:52 pm

I understand you guys get these questions all the time....but

I am 21 years old and I just completed the MSF course and I now have my license. I don't own a bike yet, but I've been looking at the Suzuki sv650s.

From what I understand it's a "higher level" beginner bike. I'm DEFINITELY open for other suggestions, I don't want to get something that I can't handle.

I'm 6'1" 190lbs. The only motorized cycle experience I've got is from the MSF course and a few years with an off road 3 wheeler.

Thanks for your help!

Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:55 pm

First of all.....

Second, Have you checked out the Beginner's Guide? There are also stickies and the Learn To Ride A Motorcycle page which is now downloadable in PDF format (Created and maintained by Dragonhawk).

Third, I think it was a very good move taking the MSF course. Don't forget to review your state’s (province’s/territory’s) DMV or DOT website for licensing information, guidelines and FAQ.

Fourth, Go to a variety of dealers and sit on all kinds of different motorcycles. Even if you don’t think you’d like the ride when you look at it. I was dead set on one riding style when I started and ended up buying a different type. You may surprise yourself as well.

Fifth, Good Luck, Have Fun and Stay Safe Out There! I hope you enjoy this site! Be sure to...

VermilionX · Mon Jun 12, 2006 3:55 pm

i'd say go for the SV650S.

keep it mind though that fairings aren't cheap. get some frame sliders for it and buy good riding gear.

and be careful whatever bike you decide to pick as your 1st.

good luck!

DivideOverflow · Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:10 pm

At 21, I started on a 250cc bike, rode it for a year, then I got a 1979 KZ650, and was very happy I started on a 250cc... haha. It was a lot different.

Then I picked up an 84 Interceptor VF700 and rode it for a few months, and I just sold it to my friend for his first bike.

Now I ride a 94 Interceptor VFR750. I would strongly recommend avoiding bikes like this one to start with.

I feel that an SV650 would probably be ok for a first bike as long as you don't ride like an idiot.

The SV650 is very similar to the VF700 Interceptor I had. I would say if you start on a bike of that caliber (they both have 70+ rwhp), be very careful and spend a lot of time in a parkinglot getting acquainted with the bike.

I wouldn't have wanted to start on the VF700 as a first bike, but it can be done, and it might be ok for you. You just have to be very honest with yourself about what type of rider you are going to be.

Other suggestions: Suzuki Katana 600 (cheap used.. I've seen a ton lately). Ducati Monster 620 or 695. Kawasaki Ninja 650R. The 650R is a bit more beginner friendly than the SV650. I would recommend that bike over the SV for a person brand new to motorcycling.

Of course, the obligatory Ninja 500R and Suzuki GS500F are always GREAT bikes for beginners. The Ninja 650R is actually lighter than the Ninja 500R though, but it has more horsepower, but it is also a lot hotter... Just don't drop it

Or you could try and find a beater UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle, from the 70's or 80's) between 500 and 750ccs. These are generally heavier than newer bikes, but have less horsepower.

solarundies · Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:48 pm

Thanks for the replies!

Yeah, riding like an idiot, I'm too scared to do that.....

I've seen, and heard of too many people getting hurt or killed. One of my friends actually killed himself the day he got his bike, going too fast.

Then I have idiot friends who get a kick out of doing stupid stuff. I'm glad they haven't gotten hurt yet, but.....

Thanks for the suggestions too! I'll definitely look into those bikes and go to the shops and feel them out.

VermilionX · Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:50 pm

solarundies wrote:Thanks for the replies!

Yeah, riding like an idiot, I'm too scared to do that.....

I've seen, and heard of too many people getting hurt or killed. One of my friends actually killed himself the day he got his bike, going too fast.

Then I have idiot friends who get a kick out of doing stupid stuff. I'm glad they haven't gotten hurt yet, but.....

Thanks for the suggestions too! I'll definitely look into those bikes and go to the shops and feel them out.

you should look for a diff set of riding buddies. keep them as friends if they're cool at other stuff but don't ride w/ them.

#7 Unread post by **bok** » Mon Jun 12, 2006 4:56 pm

after a few months of riding many people get over confident and do something foolish and give themselves a severe pucker.

it's good to be aware of the power of the bike you ride. being scared of it can be just as bad as being complacent about it.

and yeah, if your friends ride like idiots, ride by yourself or with other people

Lion_Lady · #8 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 1:55 am

AT 6'1" the SV/S is gonna be a bit cramped... go sit on one.

It has clip on bars which are lower than the 'plain' SV650. And the pegs are closer to your butt, which makes for severe leg cramping on longer rides.

Plus the /S has more plastic to destroy if you should drop it.

Yeah, it is a borderline beginner bike, but not totally unreasonable. Throttle and brakes are a BIT sensitive, but can be managed.

A smaller cc bike would be better, but they're hard to find.

P

roscowgo · #9 Unread post by **roscowgo** » Tue Jun 13, 2006 6:16 am

bok wrote:after a few months of riding many people get over confident and do something foolish and give themselves a severe pucker.

it's good to be aware of the power of the bike you ride. being scared of it can be just as bad as being complacent about it.

and yeah, if your friends ride like idiots, ride by yourself or with other people

I think the trick is, to learn from that "pucker" so that you dont become a particularly meaty skid-mark.