Motorcycle?

Question

I am just away to pass my bike test what bike is it advisable to get. Cheers

Answer 1

One that you can afford.

Answer 2

I suggest one that follows three rules:

1. Avoid anything that's so heavy you will not be able to pick it up if it falls over.

2. Avoid anything that's so tall that your feet can't reach the ground when you're sitting on it.

3. Avoid anything with too much horsepower.

And a bonus rule - get one that feels comfortable to you. This is very different for different people - some like cruisers, others like a more sporty riding posture. Common good choices are any single-cylinder dual-sport (basically a large dirt bike modified to be street legal), cruisers of 750 cc's or less, or sport / standard bikes of 500 cc's or less. Sit on a few at your local dealer and see what you like. And don't let him talk you into a bike that violates one of those three rules I listed - many of those bikes are more expensive, so more commission for the salesman.

Most of the 600 cc sportbikes out there have around 100 hp or more - that's easily enough to do unintentional wheelies, or otherwise get into trouble. If the bike test you took had a lot of supervised instruction, you probably saw one or two of your classmates accidentally wheelie a bike with 125 or 250 cc's. Imagine the trouble you can get into with four or five times the horsepower.

Some people have started off on such things, but it gives you more things to worry about and makes it harder to build up your confidence. You don't really need that power for everyday riding. I've got a bike with half that horsepower, and it has no trouble keeping up with freeway traffic.

And if your test didn't involve hours of riding in a controlled, supervised practice environment like an MSF course, I would advise you to take such lessons before getting a bike.

Answer 3

Obviously this is your first time. I don't recommend getting a new bike. And nothing to big (stick to 750cc or smaller). This way you can handle the bike as a newb, and if you drop her (and everyone always does at least once) you won't feel so bad. And it costs less. Plus insurance will be cheaper on an older bike. The type of bike (crotch rocket, street, or cruiser) is all up to you.

When you get more experience, and gain the confidence to ride like it's second nature. Then buy the bike you really want.

Good luck. Have fun!

Answer 4

The first bike that comes to mind is the Honda Rebel.with a displacement of 250 cc's. It has a low center of gravity and offers a low seat height allowing the inexperienced rider to keep both feet on the ground. As a new bike it comes with a relatively low price tag, check with your local dealer on this one. This is not a bike that you are going to grow old with, it is however a good and safe {relatively speaking,} bike to learn and PRACTICE on. I suggest looking for the "twist of a wrist" books on how to start out

Answer 5

Just to follow the last answer, you do not need either "Twist of the Wrist" books. They are written specifically for racing, and have very little to do with riding normally. Go get "Proficient Motorcycling" and read it cover to cover. Then read it again to be sure you understand it.

Hopefully your test involves an MSF course...

DO NOT get a 600cc sportbike for your first time. Stay under 600cc if you can help it, though I started out on a Suzuki SV650 which is a small v-twin standard. Very easy to ride.

Check out this link:
http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/forum/lobby/16580-newbie-looking-advice-getting-sportbike-first-bike-please-read.html

Learn for a year or two before you get the bike you want. Trust me on this one.

Answer 6

Based on your style of speech I would guess that you might be British. Don't they have tiered licensing over there???
You might get a good deal from someone who is upgrading to a bigger bike. Get something comfortable and don't buy your "dream bike". there is a good chance that you may drop your "new" bike as your develop your riding skills. Also, your idea of the perfect bike may change once you have a little experience.

Answer 7

I had taken my first test in 1971 on a 1971 Yamaha 360 Endura. Last year I tested on a Suzuki Intruder 805 cc. With the different turns and stops that you will have to make you might want to go a little smaller. It also depends on how long you have been riding. I've been riding since 1971 now I own a 2005 Suzuki Boulevard 1500 cc.

Answer 8

Try having a look at some of the older jap bikes.Go for anything Honda 400cc-600cc.Reliable.Cheapish to buy and run.Cheaper insurance if its over 10 year old.Watch out for ex courier bikes though as they are normally wrecked.Good luck .Ride safe.Stay safe

Answer 9

Get a toy for a started then when you grow up get a Harley

Ya gotta walk before you can run with the big bikes

Answer 10

I love my 2004 Honda Shadow Sabre

Answer 11

suzuki bandit 600,very forgiving,bomb proof,ideal first bike,keep it for twelve months then get something fast as f..k and frighten yourself silly on a daily basis.