New rider....need advice on first bike

Post Reply
Message
Author
Scott314
Rookie
Rookie
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Apr 24, 2006 8:20 am

New rider....need advice on first bike

#1 Unread post by Scott314 »

Hi, I came across this forum this morning and after reading all the stickied threads and surfing around a bit I've already taken in quite a bit of information. This looks like a great forum 8)

I was considering getting a motorcycle this spring, so I'm starting to do some homework to find out which models to look at. I'm 19 and 6'3", 175 lbs., so I want something that I don't feel cramped on. It would probably be used for commuting back and forth to college, so I want something with a comfortable riding position. I also like single cylinders and parallel twins. I've been looking at bikes like the Nighthawk 450, Suzuki GS 500, and Suzuki Savage.

I'd like to hear any suggestions and input that you guys have to offer. Thanks in advance!
Top
User avatar
Shiv
Site Supporter - Silver
Site Supporter - Silver
Posts: 1281
Joined: Thu Sep 15, 2005 9:19 am
Sex: Male
Location: Texas

#2 Unread post by Shiv »

Well you're on the right track.

At least you're not another person wanting to start on a 600+


Be sure to sit on the bikes to see what you want. I was looking at both the GS 500 and EX500 but the GS is torture on my knees. The tank indentions are not enough to comfortably hold my knees.

The EX fit well though. Plus it looks better so win-win.
Have fun on the open /¦\


There's more to this site than just the message board.
www.totalmotorcycle.com

I know, I was surprised too.
Top
User avatar
Sev
Site Supporter - Gold
Site Supporter - Gold
Posts: 7352
Joined: Sun Jun 06, 2004 7:52 pm
Sex: Male
Location: Sherwood Park, Alberta

#3 Unread post by Sev »

I'm 5'8" and the savage fit me... might be a little small for you.
Of course I'm generalizing from a single example here, but everyone does that. At least I do.

[url=http://sirac-sev.blogspot.com/][img]http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a227/Sevulturus/sig.jpg[/img][/url]
Top
Jamers!
Site Supporter - Gold
Site Supporter - Gold
Posts: 1194
Joined: Tue Oct 04, 2005 5:06 pm
Real Name: James
Sex: Male
My Motorcycle: 2015 Yamaha VX950(bolt)
Location: Los Angeles (818)

#4 Unread post by Jamers! »

:welcome: those are all good starter bikes. Just sit on em and figure out which one is the most comfortable, which on you like the most. And take an MSF :)



JWF
Insert something clever and showing an understanding of motorcycle culture here

ATGATT

Sev wrote:What's a bike?
JWF505 wrote:its like a goat, but with two wheels.
JWF
Top
Scott314
Rookie
Rookie
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Apr 24, 2006 8:20 am

#5 Unread post by Scott314 »

JWF505 wrote::welcome: those are all good starter bikes. Just sit on em and figure out which one is the most comfortable, which on you like the most. And take an MSF :)



JWF
Definitely. I just went through a BMW Club driving school a few weeks ago in my 325. It's incredible how much you can learn, and how much safer you become.
Top
User avatar
camthepyro
Legendary 1000
Legendary 1000
Posts: 1478
Joined: Fri Jan 13, 2006 9:14 am
Sex: Male
Location: Atlanta, Georgia

#6 Unread post by camthepyro »

I like my Nighthawk 450 alot, it's perfect for me, but you won't know for sure unless you sit on it.
Member of DWPOMD and RATUBBAW

'80 Suzuki GS 450
'00 Kawasaki ZR7 ( Sold 09/08 )
'82 Honda Nighthawk 450 ( Sold 02/07 )

[url=http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/BBS/viewtopic.php?t=10838]My bloggy thingy[/url]
Top
User avatar
Dragonhawk
Legendary 500
Legendary 500
Posts: 501
Joined: Fri Dec 30, 2005 12:30 am
Sex: Male
Location: Los Angeles

#7 Unread post by Dragonhawk »

As others have said, you are off to a good start and are looking at some nice beginner bikes.

Check out this page I made for a whole slew of advice on how to learn to ride a motorcycle:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn

Again, as others have said, just go sit on the bikes. There is no way for any of us to tell you what you will find comfortable. Before I learned to ride, I was dead-set on getting a cruiser like a Harley. Then I learned to ride and now I love standards like my SV650. So, you need to get your butt on some bikes before you know what you'll really enjoy.
[b]Are you a beginner rider?
Have a lot of questions about motorcycling?
Not sure what bike to start with?
[url=http://www.wyndfeather.com/learn/motorcycle.htm]Learn To Ride A Motorcycle - A Step-By-Step Guide[/url][/b]
Top
User avatar
Myself002
Legendary 300
Legendary 300
Posts: 477
Joined: Fri Apr 21, 2006 11:59 am
Sex: Male
Location: MA

#8 Unread post by Myself002 »

SV650S :) thats what I say!
Top
Post Reply

Return to “Beginning Bikers”