Good starter bike (Full Version)

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Good starter bike

  

slayer_Zeus -> Good starter bike (7/26/2005 4:25:42 PM)

Do you guys feel a 2000 honda cbr f4 is a good starter bike. Im 18 and I know to define a beginner bike its based on the rider and how he can control himself on the bike, but id wrather not take my dads older bike, he has a mint 1978 honda cb750k so ya, heka heavy. This one is only like 400 pounds wet, much lighter than my dads which is like 500ish.thank you for any input.

  
chainstretcher -> RE: Good starter bike (7/26/2005 5:01:40 PM)

F4 would be a decent starter bike. Can prolly find a decent one for $2500ish. If this is going to be your first bike ever make sure to put frame sliders on it. And the MSF course is a wise investment of time.

abadfish -> RE: Good starter bike (7/26/2005 5:17:33 PM)

IMHO, a 600 sportbike (regardless of year) is NOT a beginner's bike. I would suggest getting something smaller (e.g. Ninja 250, 500, etc) and work your way up.

ChrisMcD -> RE: Good starter bike (7/26/2005 5:21:05 PM)

Hold on there Junior Biker, I disagree....How "beginner" are you? Any dirt bike or scooter skills? First bike period? Or just first street bike? Eitherway thats alot of bike to start on! Go back a few more years and find a '92 or '93 cbr 600 and you will be fine. They don't make 600's like they used too!! You are talkin' 156 mph out of the box! If you want something newer go with a can-a-tuna (Katana) they are pretty timid and it wont hurt your wallet or heart "WHEN" you crash it! Then after you learn you can upgrade to honda's bullet! My first bike was a honda interceptor 500. If you can find one of those in decent shape that would be a great beginner bike and would be pretty cheap, maybe 13-1500 in cherry shape. Whichever way you go brotha' be safe and be careful, you wont have any fun sittin' in a hospital watchin' everyone drive by on thier bikes wishin' you were out there! Welcome to the club!

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slayer_Zeus -> RE: Good starter bike (7/26/2005 6:25:47 PM)

Ya, never used dirt bikes or anything. I just hate the fact that id have to buy a smaller bike, i dont really rake in the dough at age 18 lol. My dad also told me f4's are not a beginner bike at all.... well, i guess i can check out a kitana or something. I am definetly taking that riding class b/c no dmv test and lower insurance, plus the knowledge. How long shuld i ride before i upgrade myself? like 6 months to year? thanks for the responses btw.

abadfish -> RE: Good starter bike (7/26/2005 6:29:12 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: slayer_Zeus

long shuld i ride before i upgrade myself? like 6 months to year?
Only you can answer that. The whole point of starting on a smaller bike is to learn to ride and have confidence/competence in your skills that you can handle a larger, (and presumably) less forgiving bike.

chainstretcher -> RE: Good starter bike (7/26/2005 6:56:23 PM)

O.K. call it a brain fart but I swear I thought he put 600F not F4.

ChrisMcD -> RE: Good starter bike (7/26/2005 8:58:30 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: slayer_Zeus

How long shuld i ride before i upgrade myself? like 6 months to year?


Fish said it perfect! No one can tell you how long before your ready. Just don't expect to be riding like they do on all those trick DVD's very quickly. That takes years of practice and alot of money to fix what you break! Just be happy ridin' and ride cool. Chicks dig the bikes, you can be parked and get the looks and admiration everyone at 18 wants! And practice makes perfect! Don't rush it! Safer is better than crashin'! I am sure everyone will agree it just takes time. Riding is a new life in itself...you will feel free! Then; as Fish said; You will feel "confident & compatent" and can try some of the tricky stuff. And alost as important as your own skill, watch out for other drivers! Take it from me, if they don't ride they can't always see you or just aren't looking for you. I spent 3 weeks in a coma, and 6 months at a brain rehab clinic healing after a 55 year old woman pulled out in front of me. She never saw me until it was too late. You may feel it, but you are not invincable on a bike! And always wear your helmet! After the crash I am extreme PRO-HELMET! it saved my life so I could ride again! Good luck Jr. (That just sounds good for a rookie rider! lol) any questions don't hesitate to ask!

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slayer_Zeus -> RE: Good starter bike (7/27/2005 1:24:15 AM)

Well thanks again for all the advice. Ive been scouting out kawasaki ninja 250's because these are not too expensive. What do you guys think of this model? any recommendations for better years or .....?my budget... well hopefully my dads :-D is around 2500-3k max, cheeper the better. I hope i can learn lots from this and get a cbr or possibly a r6 next once i feel confident [:)] Now any real suggestions for riding gear? Ive got a helment.. full face, brand new, dad bought it like 10 months ago for me. gloves, pants, jacket? thanks again.

ChrisMcD -> RE: Good starter bike (7/27/2005 9:33:44 AM)

A good mantra to follow is to "Ride for the crash" if you are ready when you go out you will be safe. So Helmet is great, just be sure it is DOT & SNELL approved. If it isn't SNELL approved it isn't a great helmet. HJC makes some great products, thats what saved my ass! Gloves are esential, be sure they are padded. Not just any gloves will work. Knuckle and palm pads or even skid plates are needed. ICON makes a great glove. They can be pricey but I am sure your dad wont mind spending a few more bucks to protect his son! TEKNIC and Joe Rocket are good as well. All of these brands make jackets as well. As for pants and boots just be sure you've got pants on and not shorts, jeans are perfect. ANd shoes make sure they tie and are not slip on or sandals. You want good traction and they should be high enough to cover your ankles.

As for the bike, if you want something BRAND NEW and CHEAP the 250 is perfect! # grand will just about get you something off the floor! I was curious...should have asked this earlier...are you riding alone? Any of your friends ridin' right now too? and where do you live? The city? The country? Smooth roads? Hills and bumps? All this stuff comes into play. And dending on some of those answers you may want to consider dropping a few years off the bike and picking up an EX500. Still safe and will last you alot longer before you get bored. Check out these pics just to compare a few models:







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slayer_Zeus -> RE: Good starter bike (7/27/2005 2:56:38 PM)

My helmet that i have is a hjxc and it is dot and snell approved. I live in Redwood City California, the roads are prety much smooth, i am going to improve my skills hopefully in this VERY popular biking area, Skyline. This place is very hilly and lots of cornering, so this might be a place to slowly work my skills up SLOWLY lol. You probably dont know where this is, buts its like a 10-15 min drive. I will be riding alone, maybe with my friends older brother, but i dont know of anyone that rides except dad, friends brother, and my nextdoor neighbor. So an ex500 seems more plausable for my situation? I will definetly get some good gloves and a jacket, again thanks for your support and pictures!

sirlimpzalot -> RE: Good starter bike (7/27/2005 5:44:09 PM)

in 1999 when the F4 was released it was not suitable for beginners, and now that bikes are faster...that doesn't change the fact that the F4 is fricken fast!!! maybe not as fast, but still good for 0 to dead in a matter of seconds!!
So a used EX500 or something like that interceptor 500 is a GREAT suggestion

chuey -> RE: Good starter bike (8/1/2005 12:04:30 AM)

If you buy any beginner bike like a ninja 250 or Gs500, I highly suggest you upgrade the front fork springs. My first bike was a GS500 and the front fork pogoing really scared the life begeezus out of me! Other than that I don't suggest getting used to riding any bike with over 70 ponies. Maybe find a Yamaha Seca if possible or a bandit. The throttle response is a little tamer while still givng you better power curves than a ninja 250. GS500 is tops especially for city riding. Upright ergos enough power to get you to 80 if you have to be on a highway. Forgiving throttle. Non adjustable suspensions suck but just pop in some progressive springs and a good fork oil and it will improve its handling greatly. If you like to tune you can also swap a GSX front end and rear shock for not a lot of money. Or just take you pops!!! If he offered, hell its free and cash is tight.

abadfish -> RE: Good starter bike (8/1/2005 1:44:51 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: slayer_Zeus

I live in Redwood City California, the roads are prety much smooth, i am going to improve my skills hopefully in this VERY popular biking area, Skyline. This place is very hilly and lots of cornering, so this might be a place to slowly work my skills up SLOWLY lol. You probably dont know where this is, buts its like a 10-15 min drive. I will be riding alone, maybe with my friends older brother, but i dont know of anyone that rides except dad, friends brother, and my nextdoor neighbor. So an ex500 seems more plausable for my situation?
The Santa Cruz hills tend to attract a lot of throttle jockeys. IMHO, its not the best place for beginners because you'll get a lot of other riders egging you on to go faster.

I suggest riding in Marin instead. Less bikes and less traffic in general. Yeah, its a little further away but you can really do whatever pace you want there. If you're really intent on riding in the Santa Cruz hills, take the lesseer used roads such as Pescadero and Hwy 84. Or go at a time when there are less bikes on the road. I would avoid Hwy9 like the plague since as too many idiot bikers treat it like their own MotoGP.

Fortman133 -> RE: Good starter bike (8/1/2005 3:09:31 AM)

a 600 probably isnt a great beginner bike however.

i am 21 and 5'5 and weigh 140 lbs. I'm by no means big and i started on a 99 600. Ive been riding for about 3 months now. This bike is pretty big for me, should i get it lowered it will fit me much better but i make do. I had a buddy who had rode for a while take me out and probably spent a good 7 or 8 hours with me on how to ride, turn, ect. I feel confident on the bike now however they are pretty quick and i have a good taste to go slow. i was told by my friend the bike will hit 160+ But ive never been faster than around 80 on it. Its more about the person, if yo ucan control yourself and you know what your doing (take the test/Class) have someone go out with you and spend time with how to ride and just spend some time riding on some roads that arent packed with people i would think you would be alright. However like i said, you gotta keep your head on, don't try to show off on a 600 because them babies will get up and go.

  

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