Total Motorcycle Community Forums

A quick background of me. I'm 6'1 180lbs. Never riden a motorcycle (lots and lots of bicycling, but I'm sure it's a different ball game) and am about to take a MSF course. My girlfriend (who likes motorcycles even more than I do) tells me not to get a sportbike because I'll kill myself ever so speedily, which I agree with. So, now that I've seen some suggestions about what bike to get, I have a question:

How long should I ride a "learner bike" before stepping it up to my dream sportbike? Is there a general time frame or is it more of a "comfort level" thing? What happens if I think I've hit that comfort level in my first month (not that I'm saying I will).

Also, if I plan on buying my dream gixxer 600 someday (in the distant future unfortunately) what is a good bike to learn on to make the transition as easy as possible?

Thanks!

gixxer 600 someday? it's little brother, the GS500F should do fine for that. When it comes to how long you should ride your beginner bike before stepping up, I'd suggest a season at least, but really, when you think you can handle the power and performance of an RR, go for it. My friend's roomate rode a GS500E for 2 years before stepping up to the gixxer 600. But if you're on the GS500 and guys on cruisers are smoking you in the twisties, I'd wait til you got better before you got the faster bike.

kabob983 wrote:A quick background of me. I'm 6'1 180lbs. Never riden a motorcycle (lots and lots of bicycling, but I'm sure it's a different ball game) and am about to take a MSF course. My girlfriend (who likes motorcycles even more than I do) tells me not to get a sportbike because I'll kill myself ever so speedily, which I agree with. So, now that I've seen some suggestions about what bike to get, I have a question:

How long should I ride a "learner bike" before stepping it up to my dream sportbike? Is there a general time frame or is it more of a "comfort level" thing? What happens if I think I've hit that comfort level in my first month (not that I'm saying I will).

Also, if I plan on buying my dream gixxer 600 someday (in the distant future unfortunately) what is a good bike to learn on to make the transition as easy as possible?

Thanks!

Looks like you are on the right track. The MSF course will most likely save your life, and your GF has her head screwed on straight, too (good for both of you! ).

I think stepping up is more of a comfort thing than a certain amount of time. Sure, you could put in 20,000 miles on your starter bike but not learn anything over the first couple thousand miles. Or, you could have 5,000 intensemiles on your starter bike and you will know it's time to step up.

I believe almost any of the approved starter bikes would be a decent bike to learn on to progress to a gixxer, later on. That said, you probably want to look at the more "sport" oriented bikes, such as the Ninja 250, 500 and, say, an SV650. I think the 500 would probably be the best bet - it'll have just enough grunt to haul you around, plenty of fun in the twisties and will get you ready for the gixxer.

The best part about riding one of these "underpowered" bikes is once you learn to keep up with the guys with double and triple your bike's HP... imagine what you'll be doing when you have the same amount.

Skier wrote: The best part about riding one of these "underpowered" bikes is once you learn to keep up with the guys with double and triple your bike's HP... imagine what you'll be doing when you have the same amount.

This is so true. I spent a lot of time on bikes that were underpowered, compared to those I was riding with. You really learn a lot about riding when you have to make up for raw hp with some skill and finesse.

After having spent years riding UJMs with around 50 hp, marginal brakes and suspension, I took my first ride on a track with a brand new 900 Ninja. After the 1st lap, I thought to myself, "This is just way too easy".

Confidence and respect are the keys to stepping up. Most guy's ego's are bigger than the ability and you have to learn to be honest with yourself. I think it is oldnslo that say's its more fun to ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. Flynrider makes a valid point as I have head this comment so many times before. I have also seen the other side where guys have bought way over their abilities, have scared themselves and GF's S*%tless and given up riding bikes for good,

Skier wrote:I believe almost any of the approved starter bikes would be a decent bike to learn on to progress to a gixxer, later on. That said, you probably want to look at the more "sport" oriented bikes, such as the Ninja 250, 500 and, say, an SV650. I think the 500 would probably be the best bet - it'll have just enough grunt to haul you around, plenty of fun in the twisties and will get you ready for the gixxer.

You say the 500 would be the best bet, I'm assuming that's the Ninja 500? Which would be better to learn on, the Ninja 500 or the GS500F mentioned above??

Also, what year's model should I be aiming for?

kabob983 wrote:

Skier wrote:I believe almost any of the approved starter bikes would be a decent bike to learn on to progress to a gixxer, later on. That said, you probably want to look at the more "sport" oriented bikes, such as the Ninja 250, 500 and, say, an SV650. I think the 500 would probably be the best bet - it'll have just enough grunt to haul you around, plenty of fun in the twisties and will get you ready for the gixxer.

You say the 500 would be the best bet, I'm assuming that's the Ninja 500? Which would be better to learn on, the Ninja 500 or the GS500F mentioned above??

Also, what year's model should I be aiming for?

I personally like the styling on the 2004 GS500F better than the 05 or 06 style. And better than the ninjas. I'd just go with what ever one you can find cheaper, i don't imagine there's much of a differance between the way the two feel and perform.

What will I be looking to pay for an '04 GS500?

depends. ive searched for them on ebay and you can find them for 1-2 thousand, or 3-4 thousand. it all depends... have they customized the bike before selling it to you? what condition is the bike in, whats the bikes track record, stuff like that.

i think you could ask for a trade in for a decent price from a dealer, but im not sure, and dealers vary. look around online, im sure you'll find something to clue you in. and if your gf likes bikes as much as you say, talk to her about it, maybe she could point you in the right direction.

check this out. i found some site while looking for my bike... which is pretty much the same as your bike.

http://www.mcnews.com/mcn/usedbike.asp

http://www.cycletrader.com/index.html

hope these help.