First Bike Choice

Message

andreis · #1 Unread post by **andreis** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 1:14 am

Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum, so be patient with me if I do all the classical mistakes

. I was thinking to buy a Kawasaki ZXR400 for a first bike. It's got around 50bhp, and I've read about it that it is quite manouvrable and has decent braking.

I now it's not a 600cc, but it still is a sort-of sport bike, so it might still be a bit too dangerous for me. Not having any experience, I don't know if it's a decent first bike, soooo... could you give me your opinions? I would greatly appreciate it

P.S. I don't live in the states..

MTexile · #2 Unread post by **MTexile** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 2:36 pm

First off, welcome to the site. This place is golden for information about all types of motorcycle advice. Regarding your question, does your local government offer any sort of motorcycle safety class? In the States, you have to take and pass a riding course to get your license. If not, perhaps a local dealership will offer courses. You might want to take a course and see how you feel before putting down cash on something that may not interest you. Saw a Harley for sale once with only 42 miles on it, owner got too scared.
Many of us started out on 250-400 cc bikes. Let the 600+ wait until you get a few miles under your belt. Good luck!

andreis · #3 Unread post by **andreis** » Sat Apr 04, 2009 2:27 am

Well, I do have my license, but unfortunately there is no extra safety course where I live (that would be Romania), so I have to rely solely on friends and books that I read.. I know it's not much, but it's the best I've got available..
On the bike that I've got my license (an old Minsk), I did feel good. And I did sit on the bike I'm talking about (the Kawasaki) and I felt good with it, but I did not ride it yet. As a matter of fact, I don't know pretty much anything about riding (except from what I've read, but too little practice - just what I needed for getting my license), so what I would like to know is if anyone started on this bike, and how was it

XB08 · #4 Unread post by **XB08** » Wed Apr 08, 2009 7:01 am

In real life there is no bad frist bike to own. There are just too many young riders who think they can push what ever bike they get to it limits. No matter what you buy if you ride at your limits and ride safe, you be safe. Some time a more powerful 1200cc is better then a 600cc, that's because the rider will have fear of the bigger bike and never bring it to its limits. It's up to you on what you want, what you feel good on and how safe you are going to be.