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Is this a good choice for a first bike? I love the look/feel of it and have ridden my mates around the block a couple times. If this is not a good choice... do you have any naked bike recommendations other then the SV650? Thanks all in advance!

Please note that I have also already passed the MSF course.

Are you planning on buying new?

Mintbread wrote:Are you planning on buying new?

No dice, going to get one used.

dial911 wrote:Is this a good choice for a first bike? I love the look/feel of it and have ridden my mates around the block a couple times. If this is not a good choice... do you have any naked bike recommendations other then the SV650? Thanks all in advance!

Please note that I have also already passed the MSF course.

At 107HP the Kawasaki Z750S is really WAY too powerful for a beginner in my opinion.

Keep in mind that a Honda Civic has 110HP and weighs 3000 pounds.

Now you want to start on something with 107HP that weighs 300 pounds.

Any interest in the Honda 599? I think that this bike has more than enough horses, yet is forgiving enough for a newer rider. The bike looks and feels very sporty. I’m glad I didn’t start off on a 750, you’re looking at a lot of horses there.

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... a-599a.jpg

Here's that pic... I'm thinking that the 599 has the same motor as a CBR (inline 4cyl) but it's a little scaled back.

[img]http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2 ... a-599a.jpg
[/img]

the 599 is still a bit much for a beginner. It has 95hp

I would try a used GS500e (non-faired). It would be a good starter. Maybe an older UJM, or something of the like. Try to keep it around 50hp for a first bike, you will be glad you did. When you move up to a bigger bike, you will have a lot more control.

On the high end, a Ninja 650R, or a suzuki SV650 would be acceptable for beginners. Where the ninja 650 has about 66hp, and the SV650 has about 73hp. You might also look at a Ducati Monster 620 or 695, which is comparable in performance, but is an oh-so-sexy naked bike.

I think the 599 is a great second bike.

ducati 620 dark is neckid and looks bad assed. its not generally considdered too mcuh for a beginner.

BigChickenStrips wrote:ducati 620 dark is neckid and looks bad assed. its not generally considdered too mcuh for a beginner.

Actually I don't know which forum I was reading this on but the Duc 620 is definitely in the top 5 learning bikes... Although I think that list consisted mostly of standards' not sport bikes.