Best learner Bike?

Question

Im in the market to start riding. I prefer a "crotch-rocket" because Im still young and dumb and can get away with it. I know the basics of riding but I've never owned a bike. What bike would be the best one for a beginner to start with?

My dad has almost always owned a bike. Ihave been around them for a long time. I was just never interested in owning one. When I mention knowing the basics i mean the very basics. I know how shift and ride around very slowly.

The Motor cylce safety course is a must. I have to have that in order to get the bike on to Ft Hood anyways, so I was planning on that. Do you take the MSC before buying or afterwards?

As far as me, Im 5'9 175 lbs. I would be getting the bike mainly for commuting and overall joy-riding (I guess you would call it that) They are cheaper on gas than my cars are.

I know Im not invincable. Been in the Army long enough to know that. Im on my third trip to Iraq each trip I am reminded that some of us may never make it home. I am however, still young and dumb. I have been looking into the MSF course in my area. Also, when I do buy my first bike, I will be seeking out other experienced riders to kind of show me the ropes. I just don't want to bite off more than I can chew with a first bike. These are the choices I have found online so far:
2000 SUZUKI GSF 600 BANDIT
1997 YAMAHA YZF600
Both are resonably priced. I am currently looking for a local ex250. However, I am limited to online shopping for now.

Answer 1

Without hurting yourself Just because of newbie riding issues, certainly none of the 600's or larger (yes, including the 650s that make less HP, still too much). They will all put you on your *** just because you're a newer rider and don't have the fine motor control needed to keep the throttle and brake from bitting you in the as s.

The ex250 is the SMART persons choice. And the beautiful thing is that it's NOT just for learning on. It's for Experienced riders who've 'been there, done that' and gotten Bored with the larger sportbikes out there. I fit that catagory, and bout the ex250 for my wife to learn on. She found me gone, on her bike (leaving a ZRX1100 and VFR750 in the garage) more often than gone on one of my bikes. It's also for people who want to tour, there have been 2 people who've completed the Iron Butt Rally (11,000 miles in 11 days) on it, and many more who've done coast to coast trips, as well as multi-thousand mile vacations.

If you're smart enough to ask this question, hopefully you're smart enough to do some research and find the right bike to start with. After all, a First bike is not a Last bike... it's something to Learn on so you can have the skills, experience and Confidence to move onto something else.

Hit up the "new riders" section of this faq:

http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Main_Page

And the forums there are handy too...

Answer 2

Welcome to the wonderful world of riding! Definately take lessons first as they help to make you aware of the many hazards of riding and give you practice in a controlled environment. Pay attention!

Personally I would not recomment any of the 600cc bikes. They are all inline 4's and have plenty of upperend power - the kind of power that can get a new rider into trouble in the corners.

The Kawasaki Ninja ex250 or 500 are great beginner bikes. Also consider the Suzuki GS500 (a great little full fairing sportbike). All three have plenty of power to have fun on and are parallel twins which helps ensure there are no power surprises with the throttle at any speed. They are 'new rider' friendly. My first bike was a ninja 500 - it was a great bike.

In Canada the 250cc bikes are much cheaper to insure than the 500cc so it may be something you want to consider looking into where you live.

If, for whatever reason these bikes are not an option the next logical choice would be a higher cc twin such as the kawasaki ninja 650, and suzuki sv650. They have lots of torque (lower end power) which are quick off the start but do not have the same upperend power as the inline 4's (but still more than the 250cc and 500cc).

When riding with others choose carefully. Make sure you ride with people you do not have to chase (don't chase them!). Ride with someone who is willing to go a reasonable speed and will let you follow his/her lines. Experienced trustworthy riders only. And wear gear. Your gear is the only thing between you and the road.

Of the two bikes you have listed I would think the Yamaha is the better of the two. It will be a bit more agile then the bandit. I still would not recommend either for the reasons listed above.

Even once licensed I still advise you to practice your low speed skills. Go to a parking lot every now and then and practice your emergency manoevers and emergency stopping. You will need these skills sooner or later (probably sooner though).

Good luck finding the right bike and have fun riding!

Answer 3

I'll give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you are asking a serious question.

If you don't own a bike, then how do you know the basics? If you borrowed one once or twice and the owner gave you a 30 second course on where the controls are and how they work, you have a long way to go.

I strongly urge you to sign up with a MSF course. Every state does it differently, but it won't take you more than 30 seconds even on dial-up to find one in your state.

You claim to "know the basics of riding", yet after the course you will soon realize that you know very little. That was my thinking too when I started.

You didn't provide enough information to properly address the question. Your choices are numerous. What do you intend to do with this bike? Cruise around ghetto picking up chicks? Commuting? Touring the country? How big are you? I'm 6'4" and would like a circus clown act on a crotch rocket. I use my bikes for commuting and long distance touring. somehow, the idea of having my heels folded up under my anus just doesn't appeal to me or look like a long distance comfort solution. But if it works for you, go for it. My choice is a 97 EVO ElectraGlide / road sofa.

I suggest you keep the displacement at or below 600 cc's as Asian bikes are great performers and have more power and handing ability than you can learn how to use for a long time.

Answer 4

My first bike was a 2000 600F4, I loved the bike, it was dropped and was scuffed on the right side so I thought if I dropped it no big deal.

I am about the same height and weight, and can touch the ground ok, the bigger liter bikes I can barely get my toes to touch. If you have never rode a bike just be alert, and remember my old F4 had 110hp and weighed 400lbs....so just be careful, get the feel of the bike before you try doing anything stupid....

If you havent rode a bike before then the 250ex isnt a bad choice. Its light, not much hp, but is faster then a 250 rebel and its still sporty lookin. Basically it is a great learner bike and is cheap espically if you buy one used.

Answer 5

Good call on taking the MSF class. For a first bike, I recommend one with under 50 hp and forigiving, predictable handling. You don't want to be out on a bike that can easily do a wheelie, or locks the brakes with no provocation, when you're just learning. So I would recommend a 250 to 500 cc sport bike. Kawasaki, Buell, and Suzuki all have bikes to offer in this range, and you can't really go wrong with any of them. I ride a GS500F myself.

Answer 6

The best thing for a beginner to start with is...
A motorcycle safe driving course.
You say you know the basics... but it's worth the money to take this course. even people that have been riding could benefit from it.
As far as a learner bike, start off with something like a honda nighthawk or a rebel, both i believe are 250 cc's. you can learn alot on them.

Answer 7

I been riden' for 37 yrs and I thought I knew how to ride till I took the basic and advanced course. SON LET ME TELL YA WHAT!!! This old dog learned a few tricks (quite of few as a matter of fact) I know how ya feel,young and invincible. Well your not!!!! Sorry to say ,but you can get killed crossing the street. You need to adjust your attitude before getting on a bike or we will be reading your OBIT within a year

Answer 8

I would personally have to recommend an off road bike first. It is one thing learning how to control your machine, but when you add in all the idiots out on the road...well...it's a whole nother ball game!! You could find a dirt bike for cheaper.....you can lay it over(which you will) and it isn't a big deal......take it slow, bro!

Answer 9

rider course great idea but learning to ride on a bike your not planning to ride hey learn on what yer gonna ride if you want to ride a 600 f3 train on a600f3 the power of a bike is all in your wrist you learn on a 250ninja and then hop on a 1200ninja and try full throttle yer gonna hurt you learn on a 250 rebel and get on an1100 shadow and try to handle it the same way your hurtin learn on your bike .

Answer 10

I would suggest any honda from the old hurricanes to an F3. They are great in handling and light enough to get used to being throuwn around. They also are easy to get parts for when you hit the ground. Have fun and be safe. Please ensure you get a mechanic to look at any used bike you purchase.