What bike should I use to learn on ?

Question

I was thinking of a Ninja 250 but I really can't see myself riding such a small bike. I've seen women riding 250's that looked like it fitted them well yet I have seen a 6' man who looked ridiculous. Do you think a 600 is too much for a beginner.Thank you.

Answer 1

Get an old Virago or something like that. They ride themselves and they will keep you from being stupid and doing 120 mph. And if you dump it it will hold together better then a crotch rocket. Be Carefull

Answer 2

A couple of good answers here first of all do a course!I've been riding for years and there is still stuff to learn.As far as the bike goes any of the midrange twins 500 to 750cc would be ideal the SV650 mentioned would be great but any of them will do the jobThe 600 class is pretty much dominated by the sports bikes and there not ideal for a beginner,they need to be revved to get the best out of them and if you are are learning it's easy to get caught in the wrong gear,sometimes just embarrassing occasionally fatal.Plus the riding position doesn't lend itself to comfort or relaxation especially on a learning curve.
If looks are important the SV is a real nice looking bike I personally like the functional look [just what u need]the suzuki gs series or kawasaki er series are great most manufacturers have something in that size range.Just remember the more plastic doodads it has the more stuff youll break when it falls over,and it will fall over!.
When you have a few miles up and your feeling pretty good about how fast you are SLOW DOWN this is your most dangerous time on the road.This is the time when you find out how much more there is to learn.
Remember to do a recognised course, 20 years on the road and I still do a riding course of some kind every year.You learn something every time but most of all it's fun and you will get to meet people that are interested in the same thing that you are and thats always a plus.
Good Luck hope this helps

Answer 3

I would get something that has a relatively low center of gravity (not turny like a sport bike) and relatively light (not a Harley or an old Norton or similar). I learned on a Honda V35 Magna (35 cubic inches = 500cc). It's really less about the size of the engine than the style of bike.

In any event, consider taking the beginners course from the AMA (American Motorcycle Association), see the link or call 1-800-CCRider. It will most likely lower your insurance rates, and California will waive the ride-test at the DMV for taking it. It's well worth the time.

Good Luck!

Andrew

Answer 4

A race-level sportbike is too much for a beginner. You could try an SV650 (that's what I learned on) or a Ninja 500F or maybe even a Ducati Monster 620. Whatever you get, buy it used. You WILL drop it, so as long as it is mechanically sound you can take the time to learn without feeling too bad about looks.

Take an MSF course, and remember that it takes YEARS to become proficient at riding. It is one of the best things you can do while wearing leather, and it's worth the time spent.

Answer 5

As a newbie, you shouldn't be concerned with "how you look" & just concentrate on learning to handle a bike safely. Believe me, a 250 will get you going fast enough to kill you if you don't know what you're doing just as fast as a 600 will. Learn how to handle the 250 & gradually work your way up to the size bike you'll eventually buy for your own.

Answer 6

I went out and bought an 1100 yamaha, the bike of my dreams and learned to ride it. I bought what I wanted first. Am now in my third year of riding and no problems. Am 5'2", small woman 55 yrs, old. I would not have been happy for long on a 600.

Answer 7

600 is fine but it is a smaller bike why not get a dirt bike like a 250 or 450 dirt bikes are the best learning tools because on a dirt bike your bad habits gets magnified, and it doesn't hurt as bad to fall in dirt as it does on the street into a curb

Answer 8

yeah that type of attitude will get you wraped around a pole..some 250's are faster than 800's what you want now is a nice easy bike to learn on or you will get hurt..you will look geeky at first but if your goal is to get a bike caus you wanna look cool its probably not a good idea

Answer 9

starting on a sport bike is fine, but i recommend starting on a 'naked' bike instead of a crotch-rocket. the kawasaki zr7s (zr750) is a great beginner bike. truly its not really all about the size of the motor, its more about how the bike is tuned and how its set up to handle. finding a good "Standard" is going to make the learning curve alot easier. and buying one without fairings is going to make it a lot cheaper to fix for when you dump it.

Answer 10

Take a motorcycle course, and see how you feel on that particular bike (they usually supply the bike). Good luck on riding