New Rider... Need Advice on what to get

[Chic_Rider]

Hi everyone. I'm going to be a new rider after Oct. 04 ( getting my liscense and classes done). I need some advice on what bike to get. I don't know much about bikes, but I'm researching and learning. I've gotten different responses from friends that ride, but I still am unsure what is reliable and such. I'm a pretty small chic ( 5'3 and about 112) so yea, no 750cc for me. What do you think? 250, ex500, or 600cc? And what is a good one? R6, Ninja, CBR?

[remusR6]

Welcome to the club!

That's great! ..We need more female riders.Do you have any more girlfriends??:-))
Sounds like, you're going to be a new rider and I'm pretty sure everyone in here is going to recomend you to start on a 250cc!
That's going to be a perfect bike for you..since you're small and perfect for your weight! You don't want a heavy bike to start with. If it's your first bike...you DON'T need a 600 FOR SURE! They're super fast...more like the 900's or 1000's used to be 6-7 years ago. You want this to be a pleasant experience.....and believe me: 250 is the way!
Everyone in here is going to tell you the same thing.

TEAM GREEN KAWASAKI!

Good luck!~

Remus

[YuJinha]

Well an ex500 works well too. But like Remus said, 600's today have way too much juice under the hood. Most 600 sportbikes today have more HP than my bike.

[Robert]

I think the EX500 is some good advice. If you do go with a 600, get yourself and older one. It's true these new 600's are fast to fast in my opinion for an unexperienced rider? Do you have any prior riding experience, I.E Dirt bikes?

[Ninja Girl]

As a fairly new chic rider to a nother, I suggest the Ninja 250. It is fairly cheap, low to the ground (5'3" as well), keeps you from getting yourself into a lot of trouble and insurance is fairly cheap. Simple mistakes like popping the clutch or twisting the throttle too fast do not result in wheelies or much more than just a nerve racking jump forward. They are also in pretty good demand, so it's not an issue to sell it when you decide to upgrade to something with a little more power. The thing I like the most is that it still looks like a sportbike, so when I drive by non-bikers, I still get a lot of "nice bike" comments.:)

[BioTek]

Get a 250 or maybe the little SV650.
The 250 is the ultimate learners tool but you might outgrow it quickly.
The SV on the other hand is a great learner as although it has 650cc's it's a v-twin and has got less power than an I-4 600cc and there isn't as much risk for dangerous errors, (you can still get in trouble if you do something stupid tho). Once you've learnt the what to do's and what not to do's the SV still has plenty more to offer. When I ride mine on a Saturday and get everything right I dont ever dream of selling my SV as it's so much fun. Ask Jiggy and Burst (both on this site and socalsvriders.org) and they'll tell you that on the twisty stuff a well ridden SV can kick some serious ass. :D
Welcome to the world of 2 wheels. :cool:

[Philo]

Here's an awesome resource with lots of MANY smaller and more manageable bikes to start on.

http://www.beginnerbikes.com/

Welcome BTW.
:cheers:

[AWP]

250 hands down. Had one for a while, and made a smooth transition to a r6 with no problems - feel free to PM me if ya got specific questions.

[deno]

Originally posted by BioTek
Get a 250 or maybe the little SV650.
The 250 is the ultimate learners tool but you might outgrow it quickly.
The SV on the other hand is a great learner as although it has 650cc's it's a v-twin and has got less power than an I-4 600cc and there isn't as much risk for dangerous errors, (you can still get in trouble if you do something stupid tho). Once you've learnt the what to do's and what not to do's the SV still has plenty more to offer. When I ride mine on a Saturday and get everything right I dont ever dream of selling my SV as it's so much fun. Ask Jiggy and Burst (both on this site and socalsvriders.org) and they'll tell you that on the twisty stuff a well ridden SV can kick some serious ass. :D
Welcome to the world of 2 wheels. :cool:


+1

yep, the SV is ideal if you don't want to grow out of your first bike too quick.


welcome
:D

[nikzoom]

I'd say get a ninga 250 or EX500 because they have a lower seat height. The SV650 is a great choice too, and you won't get tired of it fast. After 2.5 years, I'm still having fun on mine! :D

[R1nation]

'04 GSXR 600.. but that's just me =)

[oceanbeachcfi]

Hello Chic Rider, welcome to the room. I think the EX500 would be a good place to start. It isn't significantly heavier or more cumbersome than the EX250 (aka 250 Ninja), and you won't outgrow it anytime soon. I had an EX500 back in the day and had a blast on it.

[spy98]

Originally posted by AWP
250 hands down. Had one for a while, and made a smooth transition to a r6 with no problems - feel free to PM me if ya got specific questions.

+1

I went from a Ninja250 to a f4i with no problems.

[cbr619rr]

i vote for the ex250... i recently got one for my girl (she's currently taking the MSF class)... she feels very comfortable on it and not alot of power to scare her... another thing too, is that the bike is low enough that she can put both of her feet down to the ground and that helps/gives her more control of the bike = more comfortable... another thing to consider... the price tag of the 250 is waaay cheaper than the sv or the ex500 ... and it makes a big difference... would you want to invest on something that you (lets be realistic because it will happen - happens to EVERYBODY) will, eventually, drop? my gf already dropped the bike, not too serious tho... just going about 3mph LOL, and in the back of my head i was saying "thank gawd, that bike's only $$$$"...
oh and i love riding that thing... gives you great gas mileage and its soo light that you can flip it around easily... you can ask anybody who's seen me cruisin around on the 250...

[gahonee]

Welcome Chic Rider! I was going to get a used R6, but I'm might not sure if I'll be around. I sat on Marvins 250 last Thursday, I was able to hold it up. I keep holding off on the MSF course, too many functions goin on for me.
Good luck with finding a bike that you feel comfortable with and one that you are able to handle. You can always start with a smaller bike and work your way up to a bigger one.

[GPTECHMAN]

I say get whatever you can get the best deal on
something beat, you are gonna drop it, its just the way it goes

SV, FZR, CBR, EX250, EX500, VTR 250, YZF....whatever
just dont buy new, get a used bike and preferably go with someone who knows what they are talking about

[CBR250RR]

After the MSF course you just need to feel around. Check out the classifieds, go to some dealerships and sit on some bikes! No one can really tell you what bike is right for you. These are all great suggestions... take your time. And as stated before: Don't buy NEW! Shop around and don't waste money.

I got on a quite a few bikes and I only felt comfortable being able to put both feet flat on the road. I shopped around for literally months!

[badiozam]

As a fairly new rider I'd have to second the used bike comment. You will drop it, and you don't want to feel bad for doing it. Welcome, btw.

[Padu]

Welcome!

Being a new rider myself (bought my first bike 2 years ago), I suggest you to buy a used bike. As others suggested here, the SV650 is great for beginners, as it is not as powerfull and not as punisher as the new 600's (gixxers, ninjas, r6's, etc), it is a bike that grows with you and very easy to learn.


As a coincidence :) I do have one for sale (even if I didn't have my advice would be the same).


Check it out here:
http://www.hypercycles.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2513

[honeyRR]

Cool! Another chick rider! (no pun intended heheh)

I'm a newbie too and dropped my bike several times in the learning process (still in the process) and I've already spent a lot of money trying to get everything back to near perfect condition on my bike. I wish I had a beater bike to learn on... I'd have more balls that way.

nice bike = small balls
beater bike = good amount of balls
750+ bike = mucho cajones!

[cbr619rr]

Originally posted by honeyRR
Cool! Another chick rider! (no pun intended heheh)

I'm a newbie too and dropped my bike several times in the learning process (still in the process) and I've already spent a lot of money trying to get everything back to near perfect condition on my bike. I wish I had a beater bike to learn on... I'd have more balls that way.

nice bike = small balls
beater bike = good amount of balls
750+ bike = mucho cajones!

u wanna trade 250s? :D

[honeyRR]

Originally posted by cbr619rr
u wanna trade 250s? :D

Hahah.. I'll keep my small balls for now, thank you..

[cbr619rr]

Originally posted by honeyRR
Hahah.. I'll keep my small balls for now, thank you..

ok ok ok... trade + lunch and dinner for you and vic... wherever you want :)

[honeyRR]

Originally posted by cbr619rr
ok ok ok... trade + lunch and dinner for you and vic... wherever you want :)

todai's + bRRiana? ;)

[cbr619rr]

Originally posted by honeyRR
todai's + bRRiana? ;)

u trippin!... "say no to drugs" LOL

[gixxerx8]

Originally posted by R1nation
'04 GSXR 600.. but that's just me =)

I hate to disagree, but this bike is not an acceptable beginner bike. A bike that can run 10.5 sec quarter miles stock is a death sentence to someone new. Plus, I'm 5'6" and I can barely touch the ground myself.

+1 on the 250

[AWP]

Try checkin out this article, its got good stuff -
http://www.beginnerbikes.com/editorials/spinning0904.htm

[Chic_Rider]

Thanks everyone for your help. Just checking out the bikes makes me drool.....Hopefully I get all the stuff together and take a ride with all you :D . But also, if you have any suggestions on what type of gear I should get ( good brands, etc), please drop a line! Thanks.

[deathblow]

Welcome aboard! I think the 250 would be a perfect bike to start on! Alpinestars makes a good line of womens gear. Check with www.buymoto.com ;).

[greenFUGU]

anything as long as its a 1000cc bike... dunt be skerd. u'll have more than enuff.. who sed u HAVE to go about 2 gear??? lol... might as well keep iit in 1 gear

[GPTECHMAN]

Originally posted by greenFUGU
anything as long as its a 1000cc bike... dunt be skerd. u'll have more than enuff.. who sed u HAVE to go about 2 gear??? lol... might as well keep iit in 1 gear

:blink:

[Trinity]

I HAVE BEEN RIDING (AS A BEGINNER) A YAMAHA R6. IT IS VERY EASY TO HANDLE AND ONCE YOU PASS BREAKING IT IN, YOU WILL NOT BECOME BORED WITH IT'S POWER, LIKE YOU MAY FIND WITH A 250cc. I AM 5"7 and 113lbs AND I CAN HANDLE THIS BIKE WELL. IT CAN BE A LITTLE LIGHT IN THE FRONT, SO WATCH OUT FOR POP UPS. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR SEARCH AND HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE ROAD.. :D

[YuJinha]

Originally posted by Trinity
I HAVE BEEN RIDING (AS A BEGINNER) A YAMAHA R6. IT IS VERY EASY TO HANDLE AND ONCE YOU PASS BREAKING IT IN, YOU WILL NOT BECOME BORED WITH IT'S POWER, LIKE YOU MAY FIND WITH A 250cc. I AM 5"7 and 113lbs AND I CAN HANDLE THIS BIKE WELL. IT CAN BE A LITTLE LIGHT IN THE FRONT, SO WATCH OUT FOR POP UPS. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR SEARCH AND HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE ROAD.. :D

I don't mean to attack you personally but 5'7 is a completely different ball game compared to 5'3. For me personally, the amount of confidence I have when riding on the streets is exponentially greater when I know I can place both feet firmly on the ground. At 5'4, I can't even really comfortably flat foot one foot on my brother's 04 R6. For me personally, riding isn't the problem, it's stopping (especially on the street with dumbass drivers) where I run into some :eek: experiences. Because when it comes time to panic stop, those of us shorter riders aren't afforded the luxury of just being able to put whatever foot we so choose as we have to plan this out in advance. At 5'3, I suspect this will be a problem for this new rider as well.

And what are you doing to wheelie a 600cc bike? I didn't even know you could wheelie 600cc bikes unless your high on the rpms and using the clutch. Maybe the 04 600's have the much juice under the hood now that your can, go figure.

[GPTECHMAN]

most 600s can get light in 1st and even second gear, depending on your gearing, my F3 came up as well. 5'7 may be different but 113 pounds is still jockey weight. On my gixxer I can't flat foot anything. My rear is jacked up 14mm and I tippy toe my bike, and have almost dropped the thing on a couple of occasions. I never use have both feet on the ground when stopped, Im either on one foot or the other depending if Im using the rear brake to keep me from rolling or using the gear shifter to get me into neutral or into first. I guess its all relative.

[YuJinha]

Originally posted by GPTECHMAN
most 600s can get light in 1st and even second gear, depending on your gearing, my F3 came up as well. 5'7 may be different but 113 pounds is still jockey weight. On my gixxer I can't flat foot anything. My rear is jacked up 14mm and I tippy toe my bike, and have almost dropped the thing on a couple of occasions. I never use have both feet on the ground when stopped, Im either on one foot or the other depending if Im using the rear brake to keep me from rolling or using the gear shifter to get me into neutral or into first. I guess its all relative.

I hear ya. Nowadays I don't even bother attempting to put both feet down either.

But speaking from past personal experiences, it may be a little disconcerning for a brand new rider. When I got my first sportbike, it was just an additional thing I had to think about just to stop on top of learning how to handle a 600cc bike and avoid other motorists. And no one wants to embarass themselves and drop a bike at a stoplight/stopsign because you put your foot down in the wrong place only to find out the road isn't where you thought it was. And then not be able to pick it back up without help :errf:.

[Trinity]

OK, OK...JUST ATTACK ME..):

I KNOW I HAVE NO ROOM TO TALK, BEING THAT YOU GUYS ARE MORE EXPERIENCED, I WAS JUST PUTTING MY 2 CENTS IN ON MY OWN EXPERIENCE. I UNDERSTAND HER HEIGHT IS GOING TO BE A CHALLENGE, BUT I HAVE WORKED ON A FRIENDS BIKE BY TAKING OUT PART OF THE SEAT AS WELL AS ADJUSTING THE SEAT HEIGHT. I DO UNDERSTAND WHERE YOUR COMING FROM BY BEING ABLE TO BE FLAT FOOTED. IT CAN REALLY THROW YOUR BALANCE OFF, BEING THAT THE BIKE IS NOT LIGHT WHEN THE WEIGHT TAKES OVER. THANKS GUYS..TALK WITH YA LATER.

[cycle_chick]

Don't get a 250!, I started on a 750 (and I know your not as big as me) but your bike only has as much power as you let it have, your hand is on the throttle, you have control of the power! If you get a 250 now you will only get board a few months down the road. Get something you can progress with. try the SV 650 (at the very least) I hear they are great bigginer bikes and they have enough power to keep you satisfied for a long time. (just remember, bikes are like men...bigger is better ;)
-S

[cycle_chick]

Don't get a 250! You will be board in a week. I know I'm bigger then you but I started on a 750 and it was great! Just remember, your bike only has as much power as you give it! Your hand is on the throttle, you have control of the power! Your not going to spontaniously pop a wheelie just because you have a powerful bike your going to do that because your trying to do it. Try a SV650 they are great begginer bikes but have anough power to keep you satisfied and let you learn with them. Remember, bikes are like men...the bigger the better ;)
-S

[cycle_chick]

ok I posted it twice because I thought it didn't work the first time...I hope it just drives my point home!!!

[gixxerx8]

Remember, bikes are like men...the bigger the better ;)
-S

In that case, anyone want to hang out with my lil pocket bike? J/K

"It's not the size of the wave, but the motion of the ocean," right my asian and pacific islander cousins on here? You know what I'm talkin about (holding up pinky).

But honestly, do you really want to listen to someone who rides a Harley?

Get the 250. You may get bored with it after a while, but the key thing is YOU'LL LIVE!

[Philo]

(just remember, bikes are like men...bigger is better ;)
-S

Word.

[Sentinel]

Originally posted by Philo
Word.

BIG Word! (pic BY JesseJames, not OF JJ)

[pDawg22]

EX250

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/mcy/42744853.html

2002 Kawasaki Ninja---PICS Today--BIKES in AWESOME conditon!!! - $2600

858-518-1404 (Charles)

This bikes in awesome condition. It is registered through March 2005, I have the title in hand, and it's never been downed. I have also spent time installing a fender eliminatior kit, and reinstalling the turn signals in the red sockets to make the bike look sportier. It's cared for mechanically and externally each week, without failure. This bike keeps up with most most upper end sportscars off the line, and has the same excellent handling as RR bikes. The bike has about 21,600 miles on it, and runs like brand new. The KBB value for this bike is $2305, which is why a full fairing kit, a decal kit, new grips and a tank gaurd are raising the price to $2600 firm. This bike will not dissapoint you, come check it out. Cash only--First $2600 rides off with the bike.

[Philo]

Originally posted by pDawg22
EX250

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/mcy/42744853.html

2002 Kawasaki Ninja---PICS Today--BIKES in AWESOME conditon!!! - $2600

858-518-1404 (Charles)

This bikes in awesome condition. It is registered through March 2005, I have the title in hand, and it's never been downed. I have also spent time installing a fender eliminatior kit, and reinstalling the turn signals in the red sockets to make the bike look sportier. It's cared for mechanically and externally each week, without failure. This bike keeps up with most most upper end sportscars off the line, and has the same excellent handling as RR bikes. The bike has about 21,600 miles on it, and runs like brand new. The KBB value for this bike is $2305, which is why a full fairing kit, a decal kit, new grips and a tank gaurd are raising the price to $2600 firm. This bike will not dissapoint you, come check it out. Cash only--First $2600 rides off with the bike.

Is that your ad pdawg???

[pDawg22]

Philo...

nope...not mine. Just happened to stumble on it while I was looking for some parts.

[Philo]

Originally posted by pDawg22
Philo...

nope...not mine. Just happened to stumble on it while I was looking for some parts.

Oh. That's way too much for that bike. And why does he raise the price for a "full fairing kit"?

[kc1717]

yeah, the ex500 is a better choice than the 250, just no torque at all, and on the streets, that can hurt you.

i would get anything 500 or under that you can stand on.

you can even lower it for a few months to help with getting the controls down, and slowly move it back up as your confidence rises, and you lean angle gets larger.

[pDawg22]

Originally posted by Philo
Oh. That's way too much for that bike. And why does he raise the price for a "full fairing kit"?


I was guessing that was a bit much but then again I don't know as much as the veterans. Hes prob trying to rake someone to get a better bike.

[cycle_chick]

One...I do NOT ride a harley!!
two...I was just kidding about the bigger is better thing (for men) but I stand by it for bikes. I'm not saying buy an 1800, I'm just saying don't let the fact that your a small female intimidate you into getting a little bike that will become boring eventually.

[kc1717]

hmm,...cycle chick.... so you are 6'2" and love motorcycles.

i better not let my GF know. (im 6'7" btw)

[gixxerx8]

Originally posted by cycle_chick
One...I do NOT ride a harley!!
two...I was just kidding about the bigger is better thing (for men) but I stand by it for bikes. I'm not saying buy an 1800, I'm just saying don't let the fact that your a small female intimidate you into getting a little bike that will become boring eventually.

I was just funnin' with ya cycle chick.

[ducati619]

Welcome Chic_Rider,

Easy pick..get a Ducati...

[remusR6]

:-)) Sweet! In that case Sandhal...I'm sure there are quite a few guys in here that can:(your words):clap:

keep you satisfied for a long time. (just remember, bikes are like men...bigger is better ;)
-S [/B][/QUOTE]


I'm out of practice and I can use some riding...and even an oil change!:banana:
When do you want to meet????????????:wub:


Remus

[Chic_Rider]

Oppps...I realized I posted in the wrong forum....opps. hahah. but yea, Thanks for the advice guys. I know you are just trying to help I appreciate it all. All love, no hate for the riding world. I plan to try out a 250 at the msf, 500ex and a 600cc from my friend next week. Ya, I plan to get one that I can be flat footed on to. I can always just lower the bike if its too big. :)

And oh yea...that craiglist posting for the 250 has gotten so much ish from people because he is over charging it, and doesn't want to change it.

Oh, and what does it mean to squid? lol, my friend told me not to be one or something, but I dunno what that means.

[cycle_chick]

Wow, talk about being direct!
Originally posted by remusR6
:-))

I'm out of practice and I can use some riding...and even an oil change!:banana:
When do you want to meet????????????:wub:


Remus

[remusR6]

:-)))))) Yeah...I'm confident.You asked for it:-)

I'm glad you have a sense of humor, like Olga,Kelly and not getting upset.
That's the way shoud be.We're all friends in here after all.

Pool party time!! Yeah....I'm out like trout! Be back later!
It's a beautiful day...go out,don't seat in front of the computer:-))


Remus