New Biker: Standard Questions

[Kbarnette]

Hey guys,
I'd like to start off by throwing out a big thank you to each and every one of you for putting in the time and effort required to help all those who are recently converted motorcyclists. I've been doing a lot of reading lately and I feel proficient enough to start asking questions. Most of them will probably be the standard questions most new riders post, and I've read through a lot of new rider forums, but everyone has a different story and I'd feel more comfortable getting answers detailed to my style.

As I mentioned before I have done a lot of reading. I've read about the mechanics of motorcycle engineering. I've read about the finer points of riding a motorcycle. I thoroughly understand counter-steering (which seems to be a hard one for new bikers to catch on to) along with other riding techniques. Also, I know enough about engines to be able to take care of a bike once I decide on one. I think I just need time on the road

I do have some experience on a 125 CC honda enduro trailbike. I drive a 5 speed standard transmission car so I understand the clutch work and shifting basics. I've wanted a motorcycle all 18 years of my life and I've been an avid cyclist to make up for that need, but it's time to fully realize the passion.

I'm a lanky 6'2" 160 lbs so I don't know if I'd be able to squish into a smaller bike. I'm not planning on going much past 500cc engines for my first bike. I'm restering for the MSF class and gonna hit the bookstore later today to look for some of the motorcycling books recommended in other posts of this forum.

This is some of the criteria I'm trying to fit a bike into...

I'm looking for a fun to ride, sporty bike that won't kill me while I'm learning. I'm also looking for a bike I can do some mods to. I'm an engineer, I like to tinker. I'd like something complicated enough to be able to mess with, but not a 1600cc firebreathing monster that requires serious mechanic abilities. None of my friends own motorcycles so I'm not really worried about being up to par with my first bike. Also, I don't really care if it looks great, although that's always a plus

So far from all the research I've done the Kawi Ninja 500R looks like a good bike for me. The Suzuki GS500F has also been recommended by multiple people for a starter bike so I'm looking at that one too. I'd like to know of any opinions out there on the reliability/riding experience of either of these two bikes. I'd also like to know of any fun things to modify on either of these two bikes, looks or performance, it's all interesting.

I don't think gear will be a problem. I'm planning on just going to the motorsport shop here in town, finding something light, yet protective, and getting it. I'm big into safety so any recommendations here would be gladly accepted also.

I apologize for the long post and the basic questions, it will just be comforting to have the answers directed towards me. Thanks again for the tremendous amount of info I've learned from all of you and I appreciate your patience.

[Soc]

Hi,

I'm a newbie too and recently passed my MSF class and got a 05 BMW 650 GS Dakar.

I would definitely recommend it. I'm 6'2 also and the Dakar fits me well since it sits a little higher than the GS.

It's a very easy bike for me to handle and can do some trail riding as well as street. Commuted with it in the rain today and it did fine.

[poppygene]

Hellooo! Welcome to the forum!

Lucky for you (and for us!) you found us! Lots of good info here for you to dig through.
Either of the bikes you mentioned would be a good bike to start with but there are some differences between the two. The GS is a very friendly bike and easy to handle while the Ninja is somewhat more sport-oriented (around 52hp, compared to the GS' 40). Of course, you'll find all this out during your research. Actually, I'd recommend you try to find a used one if you can. Really, any of the older, medium-displacement, standard-style Japanese bikes would be great to learn on and are still very satisfying motorcycles. Your initial cash outlay would be a lot less and you can get your hands dirty fixing it up to suit you (heck, that's half the fun!).

Either way, you should sign up for a MSF course ASAP. Sometimes there's a waiting list, and it's really something you don't want to miss out on.

[Kbarnette]

Appreciate the input. I'm planning on buying used since everyone tells me, you'll drop it...so I don't wanna drop a new bike So far I'm leaning towards the Kawi Ninja 500R. I'm really looking forward to riding. It's so strange seeing 52 horsepower after working with cars for so long. but I know it's going to be a lot of fun. I'm sure I'll have more questions later, thanks again

[jav27]

I just had a Monster 620 delivered. I passed the MSF course last year and now I'm reading everything on this site before going out there and practicing what I learned as I do not want to run into a tree like that guy on the video clip that was posted. I also picked up a helmet, jacket and gloves. I'm still looking for a good pair of boots, but for now I'll use a pair of construction boots.

Thanks for all the very helpful information.

[Kal]

Think thats freaky?

My bike is 11bhp and tops out at 70mph, thats with me on. I'm taller and slightly heavier than you.

Bikes are a whole different world to cars - without the weight of a cage around you a little bhp makes a world of difference.

Sportsbike-wise the 250cc Ninja has been recomended to newer riders on a regular basis. Parts availablity, insurance as well as good starter bike handling characterisitcs have been cited as reasons for it.

Its worth checking out bikes in a standard format such as the GS and earlier UJM's as again they are made to fit everyone - you arent forced into a riding position that may be uncomfortable for you, they have been made forever so parts availablity is good, insurance is damn good and you cant wreck a fairing that isnt there...

Emphasising what has been said elsewhere - This will be your first motorcycle, hopefuly not your last.

All that said you seem to have the right attitude so you should do fine. Get yourself the best and brightest safety gear you can afford - the single biggest factors in accidents is cagers claiming that they didnt see the bike they just hit, get yourself on a MSF course, build up your skills slowly and progressively and oh yeah - have fun.

Welocme, to the most fun you can have with your trousers on.

[DivideOverflow]

Especially since the Ninja 250 is reported to do 0-60 in 5.5 seconds, and the quarter mile in 14.6! I know that is nothing in the bike world, but for a beginner, that is pretty darn fast. Can you think of any 3000 dollar cars (brand new) that can do that? Didn't think so....
Good quote I read somewhere too: "It is more fun to drive a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow"

[Kbarnette]

Thanks again,

The main reason I was going for the Ninja 500R over the 250R is because of size. I don't know for sure but I have a feeling I'm going to be squished in a 250. I'm going to a bunch of used motorcycle dealers here in town to check out how the bikes really feel, so we'll see after today.

Also, I have another question. Am I wrong in assuming that since slightly older, smaller bikes are good for beginners, they should be in fairly high demand. Therefore, if I got a slightly older (1990 or newer probably) 250 or 500 CC bike, when the time comes to sell the bike it should bring in pretty close to the amount I paid for it....right?

Appreciate all the help

[Kal]

You are right entry level bikes do seem to hold their value quite well, as long as you take care of them, as there is always someone else looking for their first bike...

As for squished, well only you can decide that but you are smaller than me and I have no problem with the great majority of bikes regardless of their physical size. Personally right now its the bikes bhp at the rear wheel which makes it more or less comfortable to ride.

[Kbarnette]

Just got back from hitting a couple motorcycle dealers. I had the chance to sit on a bunch of bikes so I've narrowed down some more what I want. Sat on a 500 cruiser (can't remember make/model) it was at a kawi/suzuki place soo....anyway didn't really like it so at least that cruiser is out. I did like however, the suzuki GS500, fit me perfect, looked nice, and lots of people have recommended it for a beginner bike. I really liked it. I also liked the Ninja 500R but not as much. So one of those two will be what I really start shopping for.

I'm gonna start really looking deep into these two bikes but if anyone has any info they'd like to share on em I'd appreciate it. Stuff like problems prone to either of these two bikes, or good things, or whatever

Thanks again, you all have helped a lot.