Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Yes the GS500F is a good beginner's bike. I know because it's my first bike. I'm 5'7" and I can put my feet down flat while sitting on the bike. I have to put the foot pegs up to move the bike backwards though...

This bike has a gentle torque curve but still plenty of pep in the low gears (although you may want to downshift). On another note, it's easy to stall and subsequently drop your bike if you don't know your friction zone. So master it!

hello everyone, i just read through this. because i will be a beginner. i've an atv once thats about as close as i've gotten to any riding experience. i was looking at an r6 as a first bike, and after reading this, i guess thats frowned upon. my next choice would be a sv650. i just like the way they look, and it just so happens that my drummer is selling his for 3k. is that a good one to start on?

Start a new thread in this forum and ask your question...

P

wow, i really love this forum , and im not even a reader . anyways , thanks for the advice and tips, but what how would one know when its time to get on a second bike ?Cause im thinking of going in for the GSX600R first time , i do have riding expierence , but never really owned a bike . Now my minds twisted !

Teddy wrote:Now my minds twisted !

That, sir, is obvious.

After reading the posts on the 600 Supersports I will definatly not be picking one up. Perhaps I'll actually try and sit on a Ninja 250 and see how it feels before I try I make the ritual suicide attempt with a 600 (Was considering the FZ6). Thanks for the great advice you have given me alot to think about as far as a my first bike goes. Definatly taking the MSF course this coming spring and start to get my feet wet.

dkpdude wrote: On another note, it's easy to stall and subsequently drop your bike if you don't know your friction zone. So master it!

The best way I have ever seen to master your friction zone is an exercise in the MSF Basic Rider Course (BRC). It is a matter of rocking the motorcycle in place. Start the motorcycle (in neutral). Put the motorcycle in first gear. Keep the clutch squeezed. Rock back on the heels of your boots. Eaaaaaaase the clutch out so the motorcycle starts to move. Let it pull you forward until you are flat footed and then squeeze the clutch again. Rock back on your heels and do it again. Do not engage the clutch fully.
Another friction control exercise comes in the same MSF exercise. Straddle walk the motorcycle. With your feet on the ground, and the motorcycle in first gear, ease the clutch out so the motorcycle moves while you walk along with it (seated). Do not engage the clutch fully. Ease the clutch out to make the motorcycle go faster, squeeze it in to make the motorcycle go slower. Do this in an empty parking lot. When you get to a stopping point, put the motorcycle in neutral and turn it around and do the same thing back to your original spot. These two exercises will make your takeoff super smooth.
Seems pretty fundamental and kind of boring. If you want to spice it up, keep track of your posture while you do it. Keep your head and eyes up, and your back straight. Try to keep a lower wrist position on the throttle. What a great site this is. I hope to be participating quite a bit.

Hey really great info in here
I've just upgraded to an r6 but am really worried about dropping it as I am rather short & tend to push things...
Looking at oggy knobs, whats the difference between genuine oggy knobs ($170) & just plain old crash knobs ($60)

Also are they worth it?? some people say yes, other say nooooo

I love these forums!!!
Super helpful to us noobies...

Yes, this forum is great and very helpful in choosing dream bike.