Would you recommend a used motorcycle for a beginner and what should I look for when buying a bike?

Question

I am a new rider and want to buy a bike once I finish the training. I am looking to get a sports bike

Answer 1

I agree with NijaRacer. If you are looking for something sporty and fun and have never been on a bike before, I suggest the EX-500 (Ninja-500). It is a great little bike qith lots of pep and some really nice handling characteristics. They are cheap cheap cheap and can be picked up on the used market for very little. In addition, you will not "out-grow" the EX-5 right away, either -- this is a real problem with it's smaller sister, the EX-250. The EX-5 is a bike you could ride for a couple of years before the "found the end" of it (that means you have outgrown it).

Another good bike to start with is the Suzuki GS-500. They look SWEET (they are almost identicle to the larger GSXR's in appearance) and are very fun to ride. Again, not too much power and very easy to handle, but with a lot of "depth" -- You won't need to trade up right away.

I would avoid anything with a 600-cc or higher designation right away. Today's 600's are FAR more powerful and dangerous than the old 750's or even some of the really old 1000's. Stick to a bike that loves you and makes you feel confident before you try to tame bigger ones.

Lastly, the advise about learning a dirt bike is good, but watch yourself -- the AMA (American Motorcycle Association) states that a riding is TEN TIMES more likely to be injured on the dirt than the street. But at least no cars to hit you once you are on the ground. If you really want to learn to ride, buy the right bike, buy the BEST HELMET you can afford and take the Motorcycle Safety Course in your city. I take it every two years and it is always a good ecperience. I hope this helps and I hope to see you on the road soon. Ride Safe!

Answer 2

If you can, take an MSF course at a college or some other learning site that lets you use their bikes. Most places use between a 250cc and a 500cc standard bike. After taking the class, you should have somewhat of an understanding at what level bike you should start out with. The temptation is the knowledge that if you buy something too small, you might "outgrow" it too quickly. If you buy something to large, it might leave you on the side of the road attached at various places. I had my mind set out on starting on a Honda 1300vtx, after taking the class, the next time I sat on one, I was like, "whoa, this is way to big!" So I swallowed my ego and am now gunning for a Kawasaki Vulcan 900. If you are looking at a sport bike, a GSXR 1000 is probably not where you want to start out at. I agree for the most part about buying a used bike, because if you lay it down, you dont feel as bad for the bike, but unfortunately, most of the affordable ones, have already been laid down. I wish you luck and safe riding.

Answer 3

I would definitely recommend a used bike for any beginning rider, unless they aren't really a beginner, if that makes any sense...

I used to be a motorcycle instructor, and I have seen too many guys get all bowed up thinking they can ride the biggest baddest bikes right out of the chute, and they end up crashing, or hurting somebody acting stupid. Do yourself and those around you a favor, and learn to ride on an entry-level bike before going to a bigger, faster one.

I know the first thing you want is a nice fast bike, but take your time, learn about all phases of riding, you will enjoy it more, and you will be safer to those around you as well as yourself.

As far as what kind of bike, I suggest something under a 500 cc model, and there are lots to choose from. You can get a crusier, or a sportier one, but the size of the engine will determine how much the bike weighs, generally. Start off with a bike that has a manageable weight for your body type.

Have fun, and here's to bugs in your teeth!!!!

Happy motoring!

Stevo.

Answer 4

The first big thing I would say about a beginner on a motorcycle is buy a very DOT and Snell approved helmet before you buy a bike. 'Cause if you can't afford one of those helmets then you can't afford a bike. I'm seventeen and my dad bought me an '01 Ninja 500 for my seventeenth birthday (almost a year ago) and I'm just glad he got a decent helmet before I rode it (he has two old ones from when he had a bike back when I was a baby). First night I got on it I lot control and got scratched up bad. Only broke the break lever off (luckily we had an extra) but I learned quickly how much power and pickup they have compared to a car. It was also my first manual which also made learning the clutch kind of annoying. After my second lesson in my yard I had down basic braking and throttle control. So I spent four hours the next day in my yard (I have a acre of treeless yard around my house) riding in first gear circling my house. It helped me practice. A month later I had my first bad accident when I didn't turn hard enough and had to lay it down to prevent going into the ditch. It cost me 800 dollars and 3 months of time to earn the money to get it fixed. Then about a month and a half ago I was out with my friend and I dropped my bike when I hit some bad gravel (on the road) but I was wearing my helmet and didn't even have a headache and my friend said I flipped off my bike and bounced on my head. Overall I have two scars from my accidents, one next to my elbow and one on my shoulder. Luckily both times I was wearing a good pair of jeans and I landed on dirt. Bikes can be dangerous if you outgo your limits. Oh and if you're a teenager don't get one, they're way too expensive and addictive. I've only had my license since January with three tickets, two for speeding. So I know what high insurance costs and motorcycle insurance is about the same as car coverage if you want the same benefits. So don't listen to anyone who says they are cheaper.

MSF is the way to go if you are really wanting safety. If you want to learn on your own (though it's a bad idea) get a small 125cc dirt bike and start out slow. Before I had my bike back together I was already riding on the road without the instrument panel. It taught me one thing, PAY ATTENTION TO THE ROAD and not how fast you are going. 'Cause if you feel you are going to fast then more than likely you ARE. I've raced my bike and put it up to 125 mph and done wheelies and stuff but take your time and don't jump the gun.

So the two most important things are to wear a good helmet and to take your time learning because you'll get to the road fast enough.

P.S. does anyone have a GSX-R 600 they wanna sell? I'm really in love with the '01 blue/white one and trying to find one to buy.

Answer 5

Most modern 600 cc sportbikes have enough horsepower for a compact car. They can be a bit scary for a beginner, and there are more things that can go wrong if you start on one. If you must have something of that size, there are a few older air-cooled 600's that are all right for beginners, like the Yamaha XJ600 Seca II or the old air cooled Katanas.

You don't really need the power of a 600 cc superbike to enjoy riding. I've got a beat up old 500 cc Honda, and it's got enough power to ride around town or go on freeway trips without any problem. I could even see myself riding around town on a little 125 cc bike like the one I rode in the motorcycle class - if I could find one where the pegs didn't scrunch up my legs.

I've got to agree with NinjaRider and the others who recommended a Ninja 500, Ninja 250, or GS500 as good beginning sportbikes. Any one of these have no problem keeping up with freeway traffic, and are an absolute riot to ride when the road gets twisty.

Answer 6

My first bike was a 1100cc,650 lbs bike and i was a small guy. The dealer didn't want to sell it to me because he said i was going to kill myself. He finally gave in and i have not dropped any of my bikes yet. That was 5 years ago. I know i will drop it eventually.
Buy a bike that you can control physically and start slow. It's up to you if you want to risk dropping a new or used bike. Just because you are a beginner doesn't mean you will drop your bike right away. It's all on how fast you push your limits.

Answer 7

Try for Suzuki gsxr 600 or Yamaha r6 or of course Honda cbr600...that's only if you have money to be throwing around...if not try to get any older bike in good condition to ride only for a few months then upgrade to one of the above bikes good luck

Answer 8

borrow a dirt bike, its the safest and best way to learn to ride a motorbike
they are very differnt from cars
If you like it and can ride, and still want to play in traffic, there are plenty of good hondas and the like out there
be careful
cars will NOT see you
start driving in traffic on Sundays that are clear
even on a very light traffic day, you will see people just do not look for bikes

Answer 9

Kawasaki EX500 is the perfect starter bike for you, I think its called the Ninja500 now. Look for one with no oil leaks, starts on the first try, and has newer tires and brakes.

Dont buy one that has been left outside, or does not start, unless you are prepared for someone to fix it.

Answer 10

an older Honda touring or cruising bike of not too big of an engine .. more engine more weight , the harder to hold up ... wouldn't recommend a street bike or rocket type bike