Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey guys. I just have some input now about buying your first bike. I just got a CBR 600. From everything I've read on here about starting small......I agree with it. I started on the Vulcan 500 and moved up to the CBR 600. I have to be honest. If i didn't already have 3,000 miles under my belt i would not be able to handle starting out on this bike. Its very twitchy on the trottle. And whats more, this is an '87 model. The new bikes have more power and are faster than this one. So if you read somewhere to start small, Listen to it. For one you wil be able to upgrade and improve your riding skills as you go. And 2) it will Save you a lot of road rash. I've never dumped my Vulcan on the road(5 spills in the grass). Mainly because it isn't so speed crazy it will kill me. But now that i have some experience i know what to expect in everyday riding condition. This will help while I learn the ropes again on my CBR. I just wanna help any New Guys out. Be smart about your choices and your time on a bike will longer and much more fun. Ride safe God bless!!!
-Chris

From out of the darkness, the voice of reason rings out!!!

WELL SAID Chris!

The advice start small has been said by a number of people. I wounder how much does this apply to a new rider that is not "young" but is close to 50 and has a big respect for hazards out there (and is purchasing a crusier just to cruise, not at high speeds weaving around). I am looking at the Yamaha 1100 V Star Classic. I am also 230 lbs and six-foot two-inches. In my area I do not have to deal with a lot of traffic ( I live in a rural area).

It also has alot to do with what kind of bike your discussing, rgsp1. A sport bike will be much more sensitive to any and all rider inputs than a cruiser will. This applies to all engine sizes. The V-Star will be alot less high-strung than something like a R-1, and easier to ride without having to worry about the bike getting away from you.

I am close to 50. I was not a new rider, but pretty rusty after many years off. I last rode in the late eighties for a very short time (one day), and had not ridden for 12 years or so before that.

I found the kz650 to be a little tricky on gravel and oily intersections, but I was able to regain my skills with it after a couple of weeks. I still feel rusty if I go 10 days or so without riding, probably arthritis-related.

My bike was modified when I got it, and I'm not sure to what extent. It will do a second gear wheelie with no trouble at all, but rarely by accident (takes a bump in the road for that). The guy who owned it originally was a machinist, and two others owned it after him, so nobody really knows what he did to it, other than the exhaust, and probably jet work.

I said all that to let you know it can be tough if you start too big. Take the Msf first, and you might want a smaller first bike.

Hi everyone.

I'm 32 and I've had my first bike about 6 months now... a Honda Hornet (599) which is really a de-tuned CBR600 (90 bhp rather than 110) converted to street bike styling.
I've put over 3000 miles on it so far, mostly commuting in heavy traffic. Even so.... I've enjoyed it!

I think the Hornet's in a bit of a grey area since it's slightly overpowered for a beginners bike but its not quite a sports bike either...

Would like to hear opinions from experienced riders.

Really enjoying these forums!

I would of killed myself within 10 min on my SV1000 if I hadn't ridden before. I don't know if I'd even of lasted 10 min honestly. All I know is I was in a lot of scary situations on the Nighthawk as a beginner, and I'm glad they happened on that bike. I probably wouldn't be talking her today otherwise.

To: rgsp1
I think the main thing is EXPERIENCE. Though you may have the knowledge of time.....having experience is what will keep yo safe on the road. Populated or not. Some of the worst spills are ONE RIDER ACCIDENTS. Simply because they don't know what to do when a situation occurs. Also Deer might be an issue in Rural areas. what are you going to do with a 700 lbs+ bike if one jumps in front of you? Will you be able to react and swerve? Or stop in time? Knowing how bikes handle and manuever is easily learned on a lighter/smaller bike. But you are also a bigger guy, so what do you do? I would recommend a 750-800cc something. I hear they have good power and average comfort for taller riders. You might ask around. The point is all you are is older and wiser(maybe ). You skill is what matters.