What is a good sports bike to start on?

Question

I am a begining bike rider and I have heard a lot of interesting comments on this forum. I am 6'1 and 240 and have been told that a good bike for me would be a 1000cc. The guy who told me this is in a sports bike club and has a lot of years or experience. 30+ years. I am leading towards a 600cc myself. what do your guys think?

Answer 1

I can promise you the guy who is suggesting a literbike did not learn on a bike nearly that powerful. Today's 600cc sport bikes are more powerful than virtually any production bike he could have bought when he first learned to ride over 30 years ago. And a literbike? Those make more power than a 5.7 liter Chevy V8 did 30 years ago. That's not just too much power for a newbie; I'd say less than 0.5% of all motorcycle riders can push a literbike to its limits. I am proudly a member of the other 99.5%.

It's possible to start out on a 600. They aren't very forgiving machines, though, even for a heavy rider. It's like learning to ski by starting out on a double black diamond course. Sure, it's not impossible, but there are much safer choices.

I would start on something a little smaller than the 600, even. I'm 6'2", and a good bit over 200 myself (not to mention, I've weighted it down with saddlebags and such for my commute). I ride a GS500F. Believe me, a "little" 500 can get your weight up to highway speeds and well beyond. It's still faster than most things on four wheels; about the only car I've ever driven that was faster is a Corvette. But a 500 will be a lot more forgiving and predictable. If you practice on one of those and learn to ride it to its limits, you'll learn a lot faster than if you had started on the double black diamond... er, 600 cc machine.

If you're really worried that a 500 is too small, you could try for a 650 cc twin. Their power is in between the 500s and the 600 cc fours. The Ninja 650 and Suzuki SV 650 are in this category. I think they're pushing it if you have no experience with riding, but might be all right if you've got some good solid dirt bike experience.

And whatever you do, take some lessons from professional instructors. The MSF is the most widely known group to run riding schools, but there's a couple others. These'll give you a chance to familiarize yourself with the controls of a bike in a safe, car-free environment.

Answer 2

you going to buy whatever you want. I bet you will convince yourself to buy the 1000cc bike. I would recommend a Suzuki Katana/ Yamaha YZF600R to start on. You can always move up later on. The 1000's are not very forgiving, one little mistake will cost you your life. At least on a 600/750 you will have a better chance of regaining control in the unlikely event of a problem. Take the course, get comfortable.

Best way to get a honest response out of your friend is ask if you can borrow his bike for 2 weeks to learn on since thats what he recommends.

Good Luck, be careful

Answer 3

Here in PA they offer free motorcycle safety course and provide motorcycles for the course, They are 250's and most of them are Honda Shadows. These are good training cycles and are not very expensive. However, if this will be your first bike buy used and pay cash, get the experience of riding before moving up to bigger and more expensive bikes. I have had friends who bought big bikes like Goldwings and rode only a few times then selling them at a loss because they weren't ready for a big bike. Nothing wrong with starting small and working up to bigger later on. In fact the smaller bike will normally sell quicker when you are ready to move up, then use the money for your next bike.

Source(s):

25 years motorcycling, owner of Goldwing and Harley Sportster, member of "HOG" and Christian Motorcyclist Association.

Answer 4

Try to ride a dirt bike.I think that is the easiest bike you can ride.Be careful.I warn you.You might get hurt,but dont let that stop you from doing it. Just have a helmet and the proper stuff on.

Answer 5

The 600 is a better choice as it's not over powered. Over power is the main cause of crashes for a new rider. I also recommend a rider's safety course. And welcome aboard! Have fun bro...Rick

Answer 6

600 is good but with ur height and weight id go toward at least 750.

Answer 7

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-LAQY5ESc4 here's a good starter bike.....just kidding, lol

Answer 8

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