ya i wouldnt recomend a crotch rocket as a first bike, the ex500 is a good starter but its pushing it i think. the sv650 is a good bike for sure but more of a second bike i would say. the katana 600(my bike) would also make a good second bike or even a beginner bike in the right hands. its just to hard to recomend anything bigger than the ex500 or even ex250 just because noone knows how youll handle the power.
the small ninjas are a safe bet youll be able to manage the power and have a good time on them. you can move up later to the bike you really want when your ready.
i say buy a cheap bike with an up right riding position and learn the ride the wheels off it, then when you get on the sv650 or whatever youll handle it much more effectively.
i know alot of other people will say go ahead get the sv650 and youll be fine... but my opinion start old and slow and work up.
Help choosing a beginner motorcycle
IMO, look at either a GS500 or EX500, both are great bikes to learn off of and they still leave a bit more room to grow.
I personally bought a GS500 and have been very happy with it. Granted it's not the fastest, but it's gets the job done and leaves quite a bit of room to grow. It's ergonomics are good enough for a 6-8 hour ride, and it's potential is enough to introduce the owner into track days and/or racing.
Definitely a forgiving bike, I have made a few mistakes on the bike that would have normally pulled a wheelie or flipped me over the handlebars had I been on a 600cc sportbike, thankfully the bike wasn't such a handful so it never happened.
I personally bought a GS500 and have been very happy with it. Granted it's not the fastest, but it's gets the job done and leaves quite a bit of room to grow. It's ergonomics are good enough for a 6-8 hour ride, and it's potential is enough to introduce the owner into track days and/or racing.
Definitely a forgiving bike, I have made a few mistakes on the bike that would have normally pulled a wheelie or flipped me over the handlebars had I been on a 600cc sportbike, thankfully the bike wasn't such a handful so it never happened.
Well the sv650 was just a looker... You say all teenagers want a crotch rocket this may be true. But understand i am not an idiot or like most teenagers i plan on being responsible and respecting the motorcycle and my limits... The reason why sportbike for me is i plan on getting track time adn getting into racing and i want somthing i can get the basics to racing on. And something a lil sporty. I dont really care for the gs500 looks more like a standard the new ones look nice but then again i dont care for the ninja 250 and 500's that well either but its only a beginner bike. So what im basically asking is whether 250 or 500 ninja? And are there any others in this class that can be picked up for a decent price... Also some good info on both these bikes wold be nice any years that are bad or any important info/ tips i should know. Thanks for all the help.
Josh
If you're planning on getting into racing, you'd be better off getting a ninja 500 or better yet, an SV650. Ninja 500 would be good for track days and learning body position and to build technique and racing lines, but the SV is something that has very high potential to bring you into multiple race classes. Granted the learning curve on the SV is probably a little steeper than a ninja 500, but it shouldn't be terribly bad.
I'll give you fair warning, if you wanna get into racing, it's gonna cost you... A LOT. I personally wouldn't go into it without a 1-2 full years of track days, mind you, each track day is about $150 (at least here locally). Your expenses will be twice the amount you'll expect. You'll also need a trailor, bunch of spare parts, tires, 1 pc. racing suit etc.
As far as how you'll ride, don't take this the wrong way, but keep in mind, there's A LOT of people who have said they plan on riding sane and not getting all crazy because <insert excuse>, and they end up crashing or killing themselves. I'm not saying you'll be one of them, but really, it's hard for most people to know how they'll react when they ride something faster than most cars on the road, not to mention a lot more fun.
I'll give you fair warning, if you wanna get into racing, it's gonna cost you... A LOT. I personally wouldn't go into it without a 1-2 full years of track days, mind you, each track day is about $150 (at least here locally). Your expenses will be twice the amount you'll expect. You'll also need a trailor, bunch of spare parts, tires, 1 pc. racing suit etc.
As far as how you'll ride, don't take this the wrong way, but keep in mind, there's A LOT of people who have said they plan on riding sane and not getting all crazy because <insert excuse>, and they end up crashing or killing themselves. I'm not saying you'll be one of them, but really, it's hard for most people to know how they'll react when they ride something faster than most cars on the road, not to mention a lot more fun.
i agree track days alone will cost you Alot of money. if your lucky and have a track near you it will save some cash, but your still looking to spend a fortune its not a cheap hobby to get into, tires alone will keep your wallet empty.kwong2001 wrote:If you're planning on getting into racing, you'd be better off getting a ninja 500 or better yet, an SV650. Ninja 500 would be good for track days and learning body position and to build technique and racing lines, but the SV is something that has very high potential to bring you into multiple race classes. Granted the learning curve on the SV is probably a little steeper than a ninja 500, but it shouldn't be terribly bad.
I'll give you fair warning, if you wanna get into racing, it's gonna cost you... A LOT. I personally wouldn't go into it without a 1-2 full years of track days, mind you, each track day is about $150 (at least here locally). Your expenses will be twice the amount you'll expect. You'll also need a trailor, bunch of spare parts, tires, 1 pc. racing suit etc.
As far as how you'll ride, don't take this the wrong way, but keep in mind, there's A LOT of people who have said they plan on riding sane and not getting all crazy because <insert excuse>, and they end up crashing or killing themselves. I'm not saying you'll be one of them, but really, it's hard for most people to know how they'll react when they ride something faster than most cars on the road, not to mention a lot more fun.
also not sure how racing works, but i assume theres classes if your on a sv650 you might be put against some racers who have far more experience than you on bigger bikes and youll have no chance of winning. spending that much money to go and loose each time would get old. being on a smaller track bike would put you with more beginners.
03 katana 600
The SV650 is too big I think so im going to stick with something in the ninja 500 class. I really like the sprort bikes so itll probably end up being a ninja 250 or 500. I have tracks all around me im in ohio its pretty full of them... As far as getting into racing thats nothing soon there are people who have ridden all there life why would i race at all without atleast a couple years experience? And I might not even get into it its just a thought... Most I am attracted to sportbikes for there versatility... They look nice, stylish... There a fun bike on short trips and if the riders bareing long trips. And if you get into can be used on the track. So ya my main question now is ninja 250 or 500. Will a 250 or 500 even handle a passenger? And what about on the highway... Whats a good year for either of these models? Thanks guys.
Josh
take the msf they will most likely put you on a small 250 cruiser if it seems to small/slow for you then go with the ex500. chances are youll want the 500 though. although ive seen alot of 250 around recently i think gas prices are making Alot of people jump on those 250s. check the insurance for price differences in 250 and 500. also actual prices of the bikes if you go used.Josh wrote:The SV650 is too big I think so im going to stick with something in the ninja 500 class. I really like the sprort bikes so itll probably end up being a ninja 250 or 500. I have tracks all around me im in ohio its pretty full of them... As far as getting into racing thats nothing soon there are people who have ridden all there life why would i race at all without atleast a couple years experience? And I might not even get into it its just a thought... Most I am attracted to sportbikes for there versatility... They look nice, stylish... There a fun bike on short trips and if the riders bareing long trips. And if you get into can be used on the track. So ya my main question now is ninja 250 or 500. Will a 250 or 500 even handle a passenger? And what about on the highway... Whats a good year for either of these models? Thanks guys.
03 katana 600
They should both be able to handle a passenger, but the 250 will suck on the freeway with a passenger. Granted, i've never rode a ninja 250, but it can't have any passing power if you're doing 60-70mph.
The ninja 500 on the other hand, it should be fine for passing power on the freeway with a passenger. It shouldn't be spectactular, but it's enough.
As far as the year's, I can't tell you for sure, but I know the early models had a few problems here and there. Personally, if I were buying, i'd try to get something that's newer.
The ninja 500 on the other hand, it should be fine for passing power on the freeway with a passenger. It shouldn't be spectactular, but it's enough.
As far as the year's, I can't tell you for sure, but I know the early models had a few problems here and there. Personally, if I were buying, i'd try to get something that's newer.
My girlfriend found a deal on a 86 Honda 450 Rebel. IMHO, this is a great beginners ride. They only built the 450 2 model years, I believe, so they are kinda hard to find. It'll run 65-70 all day, but it DOES take it a wee bit o' time to get there, tho......Easy on the gas too....lo maintenance....nice 1st ride.
"There's nothing wrong with going nowhere, baby.......but you should be going nowhere FAST!" Fire Inc.,.... from the motion picture "Streets of Fire".