I started riding in May 2010 when I took my BRC and got my motorcycle license the next day...my first bike was a 2003 Suzuki GS500. It's a great little commuter bike that is easy on fuel, cheap to insure and quite simple to work on. It has ample power with 45Hp and I think it's a great looking bike, so I put over 10,000kms on the bike that year...unfortunately at 40, I'm not that flexible and with a 32" inseam...I found the bike a little tight, so I sold it this past spring to another beginner rider...
So long "little guy"...
I replace the Suzuki with a 2006 Yamaha MT-01. This is a bike that was created from two very different parts bins...the frame, brakes and suspension is based on the Yamaha R1 track weapon, and the engine and trans were taken from the Star Warrior cruiser...the engine was tuned up an extra 20Hp & an extra 20TQ for totals of 90Hp & 110TQ...I call it "the BEAST", but Yamaha calls it Torque Sports...it's a muscle bike, but it can turn and stop quite well...the sound it makes is pretty impressive with the stock pipes, so I don't have any plans to change it...it makes some interesting pops and growls on the down shifts as well...puts a big ol' grin on my face everytime...
I just luv the bike...and so far I'm over 7,000kms...but I need to perform some maintenance...
Later.
to TMW.