New rider, a few questions

[cuyose]

My first bike is a Bandit 1200, I should have started on something smaller, but the deal on this used bike was incredible. I am not an aggresive rider by any means and was originally looking at cruisers before reading the reviews of this bike and it comfortable stance. So far I have not had any problems, and have learned how to respect the bike, at the same time trusting it to do what it does as far as leaning into curves and rolling off the throttle without worrying about dumping it.

Based on your friends initial advise I would wager that goup could be considered a bunch of show offs on thier bikes. That may be fine if they are experienced, however trying to keep up with them will kill you.

I think the best argument given that will sink home to you if you haven't already made up your mind that a bike capable of 150+mph is what you need, is the fact people with 250's and 500cc will run circles around you on your speed demon. My worry is that won't sit to well(I remember how I was in my teen years) and the drive to "keep up with the Jones's" will end up maiming you.

[Uncle_Bob]

But would a mild 650cc like the new Ninja 650R be ok?
Passed my MSF course today insuctor said it would be ok.

[cuyose]

No such thing as a "mild" 650 sportbike. However, if you respect its capabilities and take it easy, you can do fine. You twist the throttle on that thing and you are doing 80 before you know it, and there is nothing mild about wrecking at 80 regardless of what CC bike you are on.

Just be careful and ride your own ride,

[swatter555]

I have to agree, there is not mild 650cc sportbike. Even on a ninja 650, you can beat a dodge viper in the 1/4 mile. If your getting a new bike, then the break-in period is sort of a natural moderator.

[flynrider]

I suppose the Ninja 650R could be considered mild if compared to a similar displacement sportbike like the Kaw 636. The power band on it's twin cyl engine is going to be a lot more managable than the twitchy, full blown sport bikes. So, I'd say yeah, as sportbikes go, the 650 is probably a much better choice for the new rider than some of the others in that displacement range. It will still command a great deal of respect, though.

[TechTMW]

For your consideration

viewtopic.php?t=6435

[Uncle_Bob]

Thanks Ill stick with a Ninja 250 then, Im not a perfect driver or experienced for that matter. Ill get a new 250 keep off the highways and use it for several years.

[William]

For a starter bike I would recommend a Suzuki SV650. It is supposed to be a great handling bike, and while it is supposed to be quick, it shouldn't have enough power to get a beginning rider into trouble.

Katanas make good starter bikes too, but you will likely get tired of one quicker than an SV650.

The new Kawasaki Ninja 650 might be a good starter bike also, but I still would go for a SV650 if you are set on a sportbike, as it has a good reputation, while the Ninja 650 is new and hasen't been proven yet.

A Hayabusa and a GSXR750 are 2 totally different bikes, and really don't compare. I would avoid either one of them if I were you, keeping in mind that you are a beginner.

My Honda ST1300 is my 3rd bike, and between the GSXR750 and the Hayabusa, it would be a hard choice. For touring and top speed, the Hayabusa. For the best all around sportbike, the GSXR750. But I will keep my beloved ST1300 for now.

I started out with a Kawasaki KLR250 dual sport (street legal dirt bike), riding both off road and on road. I found out that I liked riding on the street more than I thought I would, so I bought a Suzuki Intruder VS800 (keeping the KLR250) as a second bike. I eventually decided that the Intruder was too uncomfortable (although it had good power and was reliable), and had too small a gas tank, and found out that ABS would be nice, and wanted larger saddlebags, so after 13 months of the Intruder I traded it on the Honda ST1300. And I still have the KLR250.

Anyway, you certainly don't want to get in over your head. You should learn on a bike that's easy to learn on. Safety should be your first concern over anything else (that's one reason why I have a bike with ABS). You definately want to learn to ride safely before you get a fast and powerful bike. Is the potental for losing your life really worth it?

Some people may say that you must die sooner or later. But what if you end up in a wheelchair for the rest of your life on life support, and have no quality of life?

And having a Corvette is nothing like having a motorcycle. There's just something about having a powerful motorcycle that doesn't compare to an automobile. So just because you can control the throttle on a Corvette doesn't mean you will do as well riding a sportbike. Motorcycles in general, and sportbikes in particular, seem to encourage the rider to use the throttle.