beginner questions

[etherdog]

I recently decided to get a motorcycle as my primary mode of transportation. I have never ridden anything other than a dirtbike, and that was only a couple times. I want a good all-around-bike that I can keep for a while and will enjoy taking trips out in the country but I also need it around town for general transportation. I have been looking around and it seems the honda nighthawk has very few riders saying anything bad about it, and it is very reliable (reliability is important to me since I have to use it to get to work in the morning). But, i saw that beginners are being dissuaded from getting sport bikes over 600cc. People are saying this is a "custom sport standard mix" bike. Does the under 600cc rule apply to this style or is this style different than a standard sport bike? I found a '95 for $1900, good shape, 11k, with helmet and jacket.

I am also looking at cruisers. I found what I think is a good deal on a 99 Suzuki 800cc Marauder ($2500). Does the 600cc rule apply to this bike?

I really don't know much about motorcycles. Can you give me some direction in my search? Thanks for helping out another novice.

[mgdavis]

Meh, the 600cc rule mostly applies to bikes like the CBR, GSX-R, Ninja, etc. The Nighthawk is a standard, makes (IIRC) 70hp or so. They are good bikes, it might be on the heavy side for a beginner.
The 600cc rule applies even less to cruiser styled bikes with V-Twin engines. These bikes are torquey, but don't make as much horsepower as a similarly sized I4 would.
*These are my opinions. I take no responsibility for you getting hurt. I don't know what your experience and comfort level is. Take the MSF class, it's worth it.

[VermilionX]

yes... it's all about hp not cc.

although, if you wanna get more technical... it should really be about power-weight ratio.




anyway, for cruisers.. even 1100cc cruisers are still under the beginner friendly power range.

like this one... http://www.motorbikes.be/en/Honda_VT_11 ... _2005.aspx


i would also like to say that some insurance companies only go by cc's. so even if you're bike isn't very powerful, if it has a big engine, the insurance will be higher.

[Scoutmedic]

Warning ahead….

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 also recommend an MSF or other reputable safety course and reviewing 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!

[logitech104]

also try http://www.californiabikenights.com/learn/ created by another member here.

I wouldn't say the 600cc thing is a rule, more like a really big discouragement to get one. But yes, the CBR, GSXR etc. is death on two wheels for a beginner.

Also check the next pages in the new bikers forum and total motorcycle talk to see if any questions are answered there. Others ask the same questions, so they are probably buried somewhere.

[Wrider]

Hey, I'm still on my first bike, which is a 800cc 2001 Suzuki Intruder Volusia, like my sig says... Anyway, it's got enough power to make you realize what it could do to you, but is forgiving enough to let newb mistakes go... Take it for what it is, but I really do like my bike, granted I want more speed, but hey,
Wrider

[MotoF150]

$2500 is too much for a 99 Suzuki Marauder, I know cause my 2005 M50, that replaces the Marauder is worth the same amount. A sport bike only produces the power and the speed at high rpm, on any 600cc sport bike riding it under 4000 rpm it has the same speed and power as a 250cc street bike. I would suggest the perfect bike for you would be any of the 650cc dual sport bikes such as the kawasaki KLR650, the Suzuki DR650, or the Honda 650L, all are road worthy bikes with more than enough power for any speed limit or highway, they have a normal seating and footpeg postion, easy to ride and handle cause they are lightweight. plus the added advantage of taking these bikes off road. A cruiser bike is uncomfortable, heavy and slow acceleration, its a lazy mans bike, a dual sport or a sport bike is fun to ride, easiser to handle and ride and better for a beginner.

[Wrider]

One other thing, disregard just about EVERYTHING that MotoF150 says... Every once in a while he says something worthwhile, but it's VERY rare... Anyway, a cruiser is fine for a first bike, or a last bike, so is a sportbike, so is a dual-sport, so don't worry about it. As a sidenote, my chickenstrips on my tires are narrower than most sportbikers I know, I take corners faster than my riding partner does on his GSXR-600. Just so you know, alright?
Wrider

[storysunfolding]

Both bikes are great for beginners with some dirt experience. Still an MSF is a good idea.

I would never use a used helmet, i value my noggin at more than the $200 for a great new one.

For a true year round primary mode of transport I'd get a ural... but i guess snow and ice aren't as big a deal in TN. At the same time a ural has the extra room for more groceries and beverages... and by beverages I mean a keg

[ninja79]

CB750 makes 75HP @ 8500 RPM. That's more than the 50HP recommended for a beginner, but still a far cry from GSX-R 600. However, one disadvantage of CB750 is that it's very heavy (474 pounds). I wouldn't recommend this bike, but but it's not as crazy a choice as a 600cc race replica.