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I agree. I would go with the F3, but with you being a college student, I would price out the insurance first. In my case, I am paying less for my TL1000 than I did for my GSXR-600. Go figure.

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G

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Without throwing other choices into the mix, I concur with HySyde's vote - the F3.

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Pete
"The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of
age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers."
 

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I tried to post this question earlier but I do not see it so forgive me if this question appears twice.

I'm a 23 yr old college student. 5'10 180lbs and looking to get a first bike. I'm getting conflicting views about the kind of bike I need to get . Some say get a used cbrF3 and others say get a EX500. I'm leaning towards the CBR F3 because it feels a bit more sturdy and less likely for me to get bored with quick. I would like to hear any input on the subject especially from those who have had a similiar expirence (with their first bike). I don't want to grow out of a bike too quickly as I don't have the funds or time to be selling and buying bikes. I want something to last me for at least two to three years. I'll be taking the MSF course just as soon as a class is open here in Atlanta. And will be getting a bike just as soon as I get that taken care of. Any input would be helpful.

Thanx in advace,

The ATLien

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Hello. You didn't specify whether or not this is your first street bike. Dirt bikes don't count, as dirt riding techniques are very different from the techniques you will need on the street. Assuming both bikes are in the same shape and mileage, the F3 is the better bike. The EX500 is a great bike, but the F3 is better. If this is your first streetbike though, take the EX. It is not a fully faired bike and your wallet will appreciate this fact when you drop the bike in the parking lot at 10mph. And you will drop the bike. Also, half-faired, or non-faired bike are far cheaper to insure than fully-faired bikes. All things need to be taken into consideration. Either bike is an excellent choice though. It's up to your skill level and wallet ultimately though. Good luck.

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Cosmo
"Do you know how fast you were going, son?" "Gee officer, if I guess right, can I go home?"
 

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Between the 2, the Honda is a much better bike. I wouldn't worry too much about getting bored.

P.S. Hysyde, is Lime Creek road still littered with the plastic pieces of bikes whose owners managed to find a spark of very intense excitement in an otherwise boring ride??

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G

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hey there leon,

when was the last time u been out on lime creek??? if it's been a while, the road has been re-paved in the last few years and is actually a got some stretches on it...

of course ppl still go there to race or get carried away and end up in the trees!

some of friends like to hit it out there, but i don't frequent it cuz it is just too easy to slip up and get hurt.



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FASTER THAN A SPEEDING TICKET!!!

Austin Sportbike Board
 

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Aril, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Leon90zx11:
is Lime Creek road still littered with the plastic pieces of bikes whose owners managed to find a spark of very intense excitement in an otherwise boring ride??

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Leon, I was just telling Todd about that road. It's short but very sweet. Not exactly a Dragon but surely a bad ass firefly. O yeah, Honda F3 all the way. If your in college you don't have enough spare drinking money to be fixin' a Kaw :D

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neither.

the ex isn't as good as the sv.

the f3 isn't as good for a newbie as the f2 (though it is a better sportbike). either honda needs a manual cam chain tensioner (saves head aches).

you and arif, should pay attention to this and compare to an f3 (in md or va, i forget).

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Aril, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR> posted by kOOk elsewhere:

Comments
1994 F2, Track/street 6500 miles, 500 of them track(this season), rest is street. Streetable with addition of turn signals (still have). OEM bodywork (R/W/B) All track mods done this past winter, and include:

Race-Tech Gold Valves and springs (.95’s).

Ohlins shock (with ride height adjustment)

520 conversion (Vortex, D.I.D.)

Vortex Clip-ons

CFM rearsets

Braided lines

EBC HH pads

F3 rear wheel

Slip-on (still have stock can)

Factory jet kit

Frame sliders

Bike was lowsided once at Summit JC – damage limited to scraped frame slider, mid panel and footpeg. Still have all the OEM stuff that was removed. Also includes a spare set of wheels.

Last time at Pocono East, I ran consistent 1:14’s with this bike.

Got an R6 – was planning on keeping F2 as back-up track bike. But, if I can sell it for what I want, I will unload it.

$3500 firm. Pics available.

mailto:[email protected]

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

kOOk is good friends with a buddy of mine and we've talked a few times. he's a stay up guy.

as for the question at hand. for the newbie, the sv650 is best, then f2.

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Tony

the views and opinions expressed by tony (cbrf2boy) are the ramblings of a total idiot. sbw.com, it's administrators, moderators, and members don't necessarily agree with and are not responsible for anything this idiot has to say.

for more ramblings try cbrf2boy
 

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Aril, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Cosmo:
Dirt bikes don't count, as dirt riding techniques are very different from the techniques you will need on the street.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not entirely true. Many of the skills required to ride a dirtbike transfer over to street riding as well.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Aril, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Cosmo:
If this is your first streetbike though, take the EX.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

A good point. If you have experience with dirtbikes, you might want to lean towards the F3 (it's a very good bike). But if this is your first bike straight out, I'd consider the EX. You're likely to learn more on it becuase it doesn't go quite as fast and it handles a bit more easily for a beginner. It's also cheaper - straight out AND when you drop it.

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SR
 

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Forget the f3 Id recommend an f2

Its less expensive, a GREAT bike, it was king of the heap when it was new. It is probably less expensive to insure then the f3 and is a bit more "friendly"

The EX/Ninja500 is the best beginner bike out there, but if you are afraid of getting "bored" i would avoid the them.

Of course there will always be differing opinions, but again, i say look for a good old f2 and you will be very happy.. (I still love the look of the 93 Silver w/ Red f2!! Beautiful bike!)



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Fear Green.
 

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The EX is a great bike. I had mine for over two years as a "returning" rider and it kept me happy for the entire time. Good power and handling, light and easy to maneuver. There are part galore and it is easy to customize as well.

The Honda is a great bike, but I have a special place in my heart for the EX500.



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Richard M. Poniarski
'00 Kawasaki ZR-7
AMA #674623
NY S666C
Moderator, ZR-Riders Mailing List
 

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I am leaning towards the F3. I haven't gotten a good chance to evaluate my skills since I haven't taken the MSF course yet. I called the office here in Atlanta and they claim that there booked for the year. Now that has put a serious dent in my plans. I can't understand why they dont have enough room for students. The lady said the've been full since june. WTF?? How come so few spots. Anyone here took the MSF course in Atlanta. If so who do you have to bribe to get a spot. I'm going to call the number for courses in Alabama to see if they are offering any courses in Birmingham or something. Thanx for all the input and if anyone else has any opions please post them so that I can have a clear idea what I'm getting into :).

Thanks,

The ATLien

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Aril, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Cosmo:
Dirt bikes don't count, as dirt riding techniques are very different from the techniques you will need on the street. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ha! Then explain why top road racers spend thousands of dollars to go to training camps where they slide around on XR100's. Dirt riding is the BEST training for street riding .



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'98 Superhawk
 

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I bought my wife an EX500(1993) as her first bike, but since she has been too busy to learn, I have been riding it.

My first impression was that it was too small for me (6'1", 220 lb.), but I have been putting some miles on it lately, and it is a lot of fun! It is not sophisticated, but that means that maintenance (2 cylinders, screw-and-lock-nut valve adjustment) is easy, and you can save money by doing it yourself.

Someone posted on another forum that it is better to learn to ride full out on a less powerful, less intimidating bike than to learn to ride at quarter throttle on a full-out sportbike. I don't know your riding experience, but you might keep this in mind.

That said, I would agree that the F3 (or F2) is a smoother, better-suspended, better-braking bike with more power, but may not be the best bike if you are just starting out. Used EX500's seem to be going for about $2500, and they seem to be pretty stable price-wise from year to year. You might be able to get one and trade up after a year or two with little loss. I got my wife's for $1800, with less than 7K on the clock.

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got to add my 2 cents on the dirt bike topic yes it is true that dirtbikes do require a different riding style however if i did not have the experiance on a dirt bike i would not be here to reply to this post dirtbiking teaches you what to do if say the front pushes or the back slides or there is a big hole in the road in your path {i had a run in with a hole } it teaches you how to react and correct not pacic and hit the brakes everyone should be required to ride a dirtbike before they jump out on the street !!!!!!

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Did you put a aftermarket powerband in your bike or is yours stock ?????
 

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Oh, don't bother taking the MSF course, you don't want to have to wait.

Skill level, schmill level. Go take out some more student loans and get the ZX-12R. That bike's so badass it'll make you a great rider.


(Hey someone was gonna say it.... )


Seriously- find an F2. Great bike, you won't get bored with it too quickly. My friends' '93 with the silver, red, and black paint still looks the biz and goes like stink. You can probably score an F2 for a little less than the F3 anyway.

Good luck and be safe-

'cane

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I've owned both an EX500 and an F3. The F3 is my current rig and I love it. The Kawi was a great bike to get refamiliar with riding. I hadn't ridden in several years when I bought that bike. It was a great ride to get back in the swing of things. They are good looking and have enough performance to keep you interested. It certainly isn't a screamer, but it does everything decently and is perfect to learn on. As others have said, there is also a ton of aftermarket stuff to modify it if you choose. I don't think you can go wrong with either one, but I think that the Kawi is more mild mannered and less likely to get you into trouble. Good luck.
Mark

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Hysyde, Rugburn, it's been 4 years since I rode down Lime Creek. I preferred the road that led to it, the one that goes from IH35 through College Park. I can't recall the name of it, but it was a wonderful road, just too heavily enforced to have any real fun! There was another good road, to get to it you went down to the west end of 6th street downtown, got on the highway heading north, and got off
about a mile or so down the highway, and went south. The road went up over a mountain, and on out into the hill country. The road that goes through Florence on the way to Killeen is nice too, just over-enforced!! I got a ticket on that one for going 72mph, and the trooper who gave me the ticket couldn't figure out why I was so happy to get it. Little did he know that I was slowing down from 160 when he clocked me!!

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