Hello,
Im wondering what kind of bike to get as a beginner bike. I dont care about speed as much for the looks off the bike. And also not a agressive riding position either. Im really into Ducati's so I was thinking of getting a Ducati 748s. You guys think I'll be able to handle a 748,749s ??
2006-09-01 06:10:58 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Whoa! Slow down a minute.
Key words: "First bike".
Keep it smaller, lighter, cheaper. It's much easier to learn on a bike where that:
- lets you comfortably reach the ground
- you're not worried about the $major$ repair cost if you drop it (and yes this happens at slow/no speed to many new riders)
- can easily manage the weight of it (makes for easier cornering)
Depending on your height and preference, I would suggest a Ninja 500, a Suzuki GS500, or maybe even a Suzuki SV650. The SV650 is at the outside.
Ride safe!
2006-09-01 06:22:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you MUST have a Ducati as a first bike, STAY AWAY from any of the sportbikes like the 748, 749, etc. They are made for RACING and will be too much for you to handle as a newbie. They also have an extremely aggressive racing position, which you have already said you didn't want.
Though some may still consider it too much bike, a Ducati Monster 620 would be OK to start out with as long as you are VERY careful. Even though it's a standard bike with a relatively small V-twin, it can still get the best of you with little or no effort.
If all you want are the looks, though, somehow I don't think you'll be wearing full protective gear when you ride. It's not a toy, Junior, and it's not a fashion show, so do us all a favor and stay away from motorcycles if all you want is a piece of Butt Jewelry.
2006-09-01 18:19:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Duke is a great bike but most responses have been on the money. Besides being beautiful, it's expensive and particular like all Italian habits.
Buy a 80's or 90 era GS Suzuki 750 or similar for well under a grand. Own it till you feel completely comfortable then look at your dream bikes.
On your first bike you will learn that;
it drops because of melted asphalt when on the kickstand, accidentaly leaving the disc lock on warps the rotor, maintenance intervals are laws not suggestions.
Learning any one of those simple lessons the hard way on a Ducati would cost you as much as the entire purchase price of a old Japanese model. None of those lessons are really riding type issues, you'll experience stuff like those things often on any bike.
And, most important, a new rider should start out on lower cc's engines. If you love riding you will want an upgrade pretty quickly. Starting too big too soon can kill you.
The investment on a low end Ducati eg "Monster 620" leaves you with the worst of the best. Save that cash for when you are ready for a 748, 916, 996, or a 998.
These are the holy grails of Bikes and anybody who says they don't like them is a liar or a fool or both. Welcome to the world of riding- I have a Hayabusa, cause I can't fit on a Ducati.
You should always have the best gear you can afford too, the kind of helmet you can wear comfortably depends a lot on wind protection, buffeting, sound and other intangibles. Set aside cash for gear first then think about the bike.
2006-09-01 13:24:01 · answer #3 · answered by Rob G 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've been riding for 30+ years, so PLEASE read this and let it sink in.
For a first bike, get yourself a used, 3-5 year old Japanese sporter in the 600cc range. If you like to sit upright, get a used Harley Sportster. Keep it awhile, and get used to it. Then, you'll know what you like and can make a wise buying decision on your next bike.
Now for the important stuff:
Like the other girl said, take an MSF course. You will learn a lot that you don't know, in a seting where you don't feel embarassed to ask a dumb question. It's time and money well-spent.
WEAR A HELMET and eye protection everytime you put the bike in gear. Also, long pants, boots, and a jacket.
Remember, dress for the crash, NOT the ride! The kids I see on sport bikes these days scare me to death. tank tops, cutoffs, and ratty tennis shoes. The first time they lay it down at highway speeds, they'll be scarred for life, if not worse.
Now, and this is important: Every car you see on the road has the potential to kill you. Pay attention to them all. Try to see what the driver of each vehicle around you is doing. The guy talking on his cellphone or the lady putting on her lipstick is most likely the one who is going to mess you up. Stay away from them.
Follow this advise and you'll be fine.
2006-09-01 15:22:55 · answer #4 · answered by Rusty Shackleford 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, Ducati's are sweet but if you have never rode before and you are truly beggening then get an old beat up something. That way when you crash you arent upset about wrecking your nice new expensive bike.
Just know that every bike rider crashes at some point, its not "if" its when. When I was going to get a bike I asked my friends and husband who all own bikes and that is what they recomend. Each of them has been riding for about 10-15 years.
So hope that helps/
2006-09-01 13:17:16 · answer #5 · answered by Baby Girl 1214 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First before anything, take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course! It will help you immensely. Then get smaller bike to practice like a 300-400. After a few monthes, you will be able more skilled and then can sell the practice bike and get a larger one. Finally go to the safety foundation course after a year of riding time (some people even go annually) to hone those skills and keep bad habits away.
Ride in a group, don't ride at night, assume you are not being seen by surrounding drivers, don't do stupid stunts!
have fun!
2006-09-01 13:18:45 · answer #6 · answered by island3girl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No.
A 750 cc sportbike - or even most 600's - is not a good bike to learn on. They've got enough horsepower for a small car. You will have a much easier time learning on something smaller. I would say get something like a Ninja 250, Ninja 500, Buell Blast, or Suzuki GS500F. Those are some fairly easy to find, cheap, and forgiving sportbikes. And if you accidently drop it, you won't care so much, because you haven't scratched up your dream bike. Ride it for a year or so, and then you'll be ready to get the bike of your dreams. And you won't take much of a hit on selling one of those, either.
I've got to add a "me to" to everyone who suggested the MSF class. Definitely get some lessons from a pro.
2006-09-01 15:50:54 · answer #7 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would get a Honda street bike with a smaller motor.
Maybe a 500 .
2006-09-01 13:14:51 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a small older *** bike for your first bike. Ride it for a year or 2 then get the bike you want. Chances are if you end up dropping your bike, it will be during the first year of riding.
2006-09-01 13:17:37 · answer #9 · answered by Sportsterjohn 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
ducatis are NOT beginer bikes. if this is your first bike and your looking at ducati then you have more money than sense.
2006-09-01 14:12:55 · answer #10 · answered by j t 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋