recommended SportBikes?

[Shorts]

I think the ZZR250 is a tame starter (which is a good choice). I looked at them a little bit when I was looking, but they were pricey. What I rememer most was how "low and long" it seemed, so in my thoughts, relatively stable for what it is. It is light which allows a new rider a chance to learn to handle the bike.

Everyone wants a "cool lookin' bike", and that's fine. But don't let form trump function, especially when its your first bike. You've got other things to worry about than looking good. Besides, cagers hit good lookin' bikes too. In fact, it'd probably be much safer for bikes if cagers actually noticed a bike that looked good....noticed a bike on the road, period.

[flynrider]

Qwertybo your posting history would suggest that your real knowledge and experience are limited to recognizing that motorcycles are the ones with two wheels, that go vrooom.

And I was watching a video of beginning bikes and the person said for a sportbike anything under a 1000 is good?

Quotes like that one make me wonder what planet you're posting from.

I'd recommend looking for something that ends in "250" and taking the MSF Basic Rider Course. That will get you started.

Ouch? That kinda hurt. I just don't usually post on forums.
I was thinking about this bike. It looks pretty good. Any comments?
http://www.kawasaki.ca/street_touring/ZZR250/
http://www.kawasaki.ca/street_touring/ZZR250/specs.html

I didn't mean for it to sting... OK maybe a little. Your post ranged from high-powered sportbikes to Harley Fat-boys. They didn't strike me as post from someone that had much experience with bikes. As such, I recommended the class and the 250. All of us have to start somewhere and those two bits of advice have served many other beginners well. By the way, the ZZR250 is an excellent bike to start on.

[bok]

ZZR is a nice starter. also check around and see if you can find an older used version of it or the EX250 (same bike, not sure which year they tagged them with the ZZR)

being in canada the ZZR new would be roughly 6000 but a used one might be 4000 or lower.
basic insurance is pretty cheap on them (depending on age/sex/province/experience) so expect to pay around 200-400 just for basic insurance...more if you have it financed and have to get fire and theft insurance as well.

[NJ-Pinay]

I'm a new rider and all I can really say is that I bought an 05 GS500F which looks great w/ the full fairings and I strongly agree that it is a great bike for new riders. My second choice was the Ninja 500.

[kabob983]

Oh, please. Pretend all you want, but the fact is nobody wants a balls-ugly bike.

I don't want an ugly bike but I'd rather take a little less aesthetic appeal than way too much power. There's nothing wrong with wanting an attractive bike, but when you sacrifice your safety it becomes a foolish move.

The ZZR 250 is basically the EX250. A very good starter bike there, as are the GS500 and EX500. If I had to choose though I'd probably pick the GS500. It really is the sweet spot for a learner bike. Not too much power to make it difficult to learn throttle control but enough to keep the bike exciting for a long time! The EX250 would probably be my 2nd choice.

Remember, not motorcycle is going to be "slow" when compared to a car. They race these three bikes in many different racing organizations.

[Lion_Lady]

I was wondering if anyone recommends a sportbike? I've ridden sportbikes before and I was thinking of getting one. Are their any recomendations? I know a friend that has a Suzuki Hayabusa 1300. Would that be good for on the street?

HOLD IT!!!! Do you have ANY experience riding? Have you taken the MSF Basic Riders Course or the Riders Edge class?

Until you've gotten some training under your belt, you've got no business on anything near as powerful as a 'busa. In short, you are likely to end up either severly injured OR out a lot of $$$. Maybe both.

Have a look at the sticky threads before you go any further. Better yet, get an insurance quote on the Hayabusa. Chances are that without any training, as a single male under 30, you'll pay about half the value of the bike per year to insure it. Statistics show that a brand new sportbike in the hands of a novice rider will be totalled within 24 months. You could end up paying for a motorcycle you no longer own.

Riding is NOT an idle past time, it can be as dangerous as hang gliding or flying. Take it seriously.

P

[icariz83]

Never ask your friends what bike you should get ever. All friends lack common sense about what's best for you.

[kabob983]

Which is why I love this picture:

[bok]

how true