First Post. First Street Bike?

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Sharkbait · #1 Unread post by **Sharkbait** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 6:57 am

First time poster here! I know this has probably been asked a hundred times, but here goes.

I am a mid-40's offroad rider with a bunch of dirt experience but have never ridden a road bike. I ride a highly modified KTM with about 50 HP. I now have the bug to ride on the road. I am considering a naked bike or bike with a more upright posture and am not wanting to get into true sport bikes or cruisers. Bikes like the Triumph Speed Triple, Ducati Monster, Aprilia, MV Agusta and yamaha FZ1 are what really trip my trigger.

I know that most beginners are pointed to bikes with under 50 HP, but I think I may be capable of more given my significant experience offroading. I am considering an Suzuki SV650S on the low side and an 2006 Yamaha FZ1 on the high side. What do you think of these choices? Am I getting in way over my head and asking for trouble? What do you recommend? I want a bike that I can learn on, but would also like one that I can grow into as my skills increase. Thanks!

Lion_Lady · #2 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 1:32 pm

The dirt experience will certainly help. But there's stuff you can get away with on the little dirt bike that may get you in serious trouble if you try it on a street bike.

The Monster may suit... the SV650 comes in an un-faired version (no S on the end), but that is still leaned over pretty far. Have a sit on a V-Strom 650. Its a dual sport and may well fit the bill perfectly.

P

TechTMW · #3 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 10:08 pm

As Lady says, some street time is probably necessary before you jump on an fz1.

My biggest recommendation is that you get a bike that has a similar torque curve to the bike you are riding off road - in other words go w/ a v-twin. Inline four is a completely different animal.

Other than that, choose what suits you (and fits you) best. You are probably most comfortable with an upright seating position ... best to try them on before you buy, because streetbikes vary ergonomically - much more than offroad bikes.

sapaul · #4 Unread post by **sapaul** » Tue Jan 03, 2006 11:29 pm

Have a look at the BMW R1200ST

This has got to be the most gentlemanly bike you will ever ride, The control on the boxer motor is even more gentle than the SV or the V strom but there is no limit to where you go on this bike. If you can handle the aggresion of the dirt bike the ST will suit you fine and be a long term bike that you can grow into.

Sharkbait · #5 Unread post by **Sharkbait** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 4:14 am

Thank You for the replies so far. I will consider your recommendations. I am not sure all of the bikes you recommend are available in the U.S. but I will look into them. I have been visiting bike shops for the past 2 months and have sat on everything from Hondas to BMW's to Ducatis. I find the ergonomics of an more upright posture more to my liking. I really love the way the Italian bikes feel and look, but am not sure I am ready for the maintence required. That is why I was more seriously looking at the Yamaha or Suzuki. Not as stylish or cool, but very reliable and inexpensive.

I am currently signed up for an MSF course in Feb. and have already bought and am reading Proficient Motorcycling. I am really leaning toward a naked bike and am lately considering a dualsport such as the KTM 950 Adventure or BMW 1200. Any additional recommendations in these two areas would be greatly appreciated. I am looking forward to becoming part of the street brotherhood.

David

sapaul · #6 Unread post by **sapaul** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 6:13 am

Sounds like a Motard man to me, ever thought on the XT660 Yammy or SM610 husqavarna. Could well be your style

#7 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 6:22 am

I'll second the LL's V-Strom recommendation. Not as "stylish" as the Beemer, but inexpensive, versatile, and bullet-proof.

jmillheiser · Wed Jan 04, 2006 2:29 pm

I would third the recommendation on the V-Strom. It has a nice upright riding position. The SV is closer to a sportbike.

Though if you are willing to spend the money that BMW is really nice.

#9 Unread post by **Kal** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 2:59 pm

sapaul wrote:Have a look at the BMW R1200ST

This has got to be the most gentlemanly bike you will ever ride, The control on the boxer motor is even more gentle than the SV or the V strom but there is no limit to where you go on this bike. If you can handle the aggresion of the dirt bike the ST will suit you fine and be a long term bike that you can grow into.

You are the BMW pimp-meister

sapaul · #10 Unread post by **sapaul** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 9:01 pm

Kal wrote:
sapaul wrote:Have a look at the BMW R1200ST

This has got to be the most gentlemanly bike you will ever ride, The control on the boxer motor is even more gentle than the SV or the V strom but there is no limit to where you go on this bike. If you can handle the aggresion of the dirt bike the ST will suit you fine and be a long term bike that you can grow into.
You are the BMW pimp-meister

Yes indeed, I love my Beemers