I've been to this forum and other motorcycle-related forums before when I was younger and I learned a lot about motorcycles. I know about all the pros and cons of new vs. used, sportbike vs. standard, 600 vs. 900, etc.
I will be completing my senior year in high school in the near future and I'm pretty much guaranteed a scholarship to an anonymous college. Anyway, I already have a car (and it runs, too) and I hope to get a bike as well.
Now that I'm older and "wiser," I need some opinions on a certain few questions:
1) New or used? - As I mentioned above, I know of all the pros and cons on this subject (insurance, price, etc.). I should also point out that by "used," I mean 97-00.
2) Full or not-so-full fairing? - Bikes without full fairing are cheaper and better on the wallet when you crash, or tip, or whatever - but, IMO, they are usually uglier, as well. On the other hand, the new Suzuki SV650S looks pretty cool.
3) Third, and probably most important: displacement? - I could go on and on about this one, but I'll try to simplify it - 500? 600? less? ........I know going above 600 would place me in the "squid" category.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by scotty: You didn't mention whether or not you already know how to ride. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Get a used EX500, or a GS500... something that's light, handles okay, and has enough horsepower that you can eventually push it's limits around a corner.
Once you can ride that bike to it's absolute edges (and thus learned how to ride fast with technique rather than a throttle hungry right-hand), you'll be all the more faster and a bigger bike.
I seriously recommend the SV650 as your second bike... if you can put your ego in check and not go after the latest and greatest bikes.
I've got one, and it's been more fun to ride than my '93 Gixxer 1100
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Yes mom, I promise this is the last bike I'll buy (this year....)
Over here in the UK we have the option of 2 strokes (can't believ that you guys can't have them - jeez, a standard car has a displacement of about 3 litres - thats huge over here!)
Anyway - Im gonna go for a Aprilia RS250 cos its quick and nimbel and light - Id try to apply the same logic - get something not to fast but light and easy to ride - the SV sounds ok - although having never ridden on i am no expert but if it handles, has power and you can move by hand it sounds good to me
Above all, unlike me, don't have a go on your freindss zx6-r and drop it - you will feel like a right prat!
Don't be such a fairy! Get a Busa or a R1 !!
Small bikes are for losers! If you can't afford a new bike get the biggest bike you can afford ... You can always scrimp on helmets and gear.. that stuff is just a scam anyways , The bigger bike you get the better rider you'll be!! Just so long as you continually push beyond your limits !
If you need anything don't hesitate to ask me! And don't listen to anyone else in here most of these guys are POSERS!!
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Watch out where those Huskies go , Don't you eat that yellow snow ....
ummmmm... I was joking ??? Oh ya , right ! I was joking!! Thats right GreenNinja I WAS joking
Hey Qu7!
Enough fooling around!(I'm talking to myself)
What kind of riding will you be doing ?? Do you plan on doing some long hauls ?? Do you want a bike that has the ability to do everything ?? like a VFR800?? (Maybe a little big) or an ex500 is a good bike too ... How big are you ??
I would say in my SERIOUS opinion a yzf-600R not an R6 or a cbrf4 are good bikes to start with..
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Watch out where those Huskies go , Don't you eat that yellow snow ....
the sv650 awesome, if you can afford it, buy it thank us later.
if you can't get the sv, a 94+ex500 is an awesome choice.
then the gs. there are other awesome starters, but you wanna stay fairly new.
used is the way to go on a starter bike. many people buy them, think they're too good about 1 month of riding for a starter bike and buy a nice r1 to crash. they usually aren't thrashed. make sure it has service records.
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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.
Buy a used EX500, ride it for a couple of years and then make a decision on which direction you want to ge. The EX is cheap to own, insure and handles well. Not great power, but not everyone needs an R1...though it isn't a bad idea!
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Richard M. Poniarski
'00 Kawasaki ZR750F2, a.k.a. ZR-7
AMA #674623
NY S666C
ZR7OA #3
Get yourself an older katana 600, reliable
bike handles well and its a good first bike to learn to ride, and you can find them priced pretty reasonable and insurance would be cheaper too.
Get a Hayabusa and put a Mr. Turbo Kit in it right out of the box. Drink at least 8-9 beers(9-10 if they're light). Do 5-6 bong hits. Then hit the twisties to learn how to ride. Screw the MC Safety Course-that money could be spent on your funeral arrangements.
If you last 6 months you'll probably live to ride another 6 months at least. Good luck.
Seriously, the SV650 article in December sportrider compares the SV650, ZR7, and Bandit 600. Zook wins again!
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Squidwannabe: What kind of riding will you be doing ?? Do you plan on doing some long hauls ?? Do you want a bike that has the ability to do everything ?? like a VFR800?? (Maybe a little big) or an ex500 is a good bike too ... How big are you ?? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
If it helps to narrow the choices..........
I won't be doing any long hauls. Type of riding - well, I guess I'd be using the bike just for fun, but also for commuting to and from work, school, etc. I'm looking for something light and maneuverable - not a heavy tourer or anything like that. I'm a little over 5'9" and about 170 lbs.
BTW, what are the major differences between the Yamaha R6 and the 600R (besides price and riding position)?
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[This message has been edited by Qu7 (edited October 07, 2000).]
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