Triumph Street Triple for newbie?

[AxelF]

Hi all,

I am turning the big 40 and wanted to get myself a present. I've never ridden before, but in order to spend more time with my bro who has 2 bikes, and because I keep dreaming about riding, I'm pulling the trigger finally next month.

So my question is this: Is a Triumph STREET Triple a good bike to start out on? Not the Speed Triple, I'm not completely nuts. Just want to get some real comments from more experienced riders, outside of my bro who has 10 years on me and has a Moto Guzi v11 or something.

I'll be taking the motorcycle class to get my license (class - 5 hours, riding 10 hours) next month.

Thank you,
Axel

[AxelF]

Oh, I'm also 6' 2", have sat on one, but don't know if it's too low or not.

[Jeff10236]

I can't really comment on your question being a newbie myself, but I wanted to welcome you to the forum. I also turn 40 this coming summer as well and will be finally getting my motorcycle license and buying my first motorcycle.

[Schneiderman]

The Street Triple is still a very powerful machine intended for expert riders. If you want an exotic looking bike for starting out on you could check out the Ducati Monster 696- but with 80hp coming out of the latest version it is on the very edge of what I would ever recommend to a newer rider, and I would only recommend it if you get some level of experience first, such as taking the MSF course.

The newer 650cc twins from Kawasaki and Suzuki are also pretty stylish, and good for beginners.

[AxelF]

The Street Triple is still a very powerful machine intended for expert riders. If you want an exotic looking bike for starting out on you could check out the Ducati Monster 696- but with 80hp coming out of the latest version it is on the very edge of what I would ever recommend to a newer rider, and I would only recommend it if you get some level of experience first, such as taking the MSF course.

The newer 650cc twins from Kawasaki and Suzuki are also pretty stylish, and good for beginners.

Thank you. Those look more like pure sport bikes. Anything less dangerous than the Street Triple and still look like it? More upright. I'll have to look at the specs to see why the others you mention are more tame for a newbie.

Best,
Axel

[justin68106]

I would have to agree with Schneiderman, the Street Triple would be a perfect second bike though! Get something a little smaller with 2 cylinders for a season, used, sell it for the same / near the same as you paid for it, then get the Street Triple.

On a side note, I'd LOVE to get my hands on one of those myself.

[AxelF]

I can't really comment on your question being a newbie myself, but I wanted to welcome you to the forum. I also turn 40 this coming summer as well and will be finally getting my motorcycle license and buying my first motorcycle.

Hey Jeff,
Let me know what kind of bikes your looking at. I've been told by some that I'm not giving myself enough credit (nervous about getting a Street Triple) and others that say it's probabaly too much bike for me. I hate sport bikes, even if the Triple is close. I guess I like stripped down look. Although the Speed Triple looks good to me too. Just have to work my way up.

Axel

[tom10167]

Street Triple is a great 2nd bike. I wouldn't even recommend a 696 as a first bike. Magazines can say what they want, but a $9,000 motorcycle made in Italy is a terrible first bike and it's pretty hard to argue with that.

Honestly a 650r is probably more your speed and you can get them used for a reasonable price.

[primalmu]

How about an older naked Suzuki SV650?

http://classicrider.dk/galleri/suzuki/SV650N.jpg

Or better yet, what kind of bikes does your brother have? Perhaps he could let you borrow one of his for a few months before you get your own (assuming he has one suitable for a beginner).

[Jeff10236]

Hey Jeff,
Let me know what kind of bikes your looking at. I've been told by some that I'm not giving myself enough credit (nervous about getting a Street Triple) and others that say it's probabaly too much bike for me. I hate sport bikes, even if the Triple is close. I guess I like stripped down look. Although the Speed Triple looks good to me too. Just have to work my way up.

Axel

I'm looking at the cruisers primarily. They seem to be a different animal- it seems with sport style bikes people say newbies need to stay at 500cc or less, and for standards and dual sports people seem to max out the recommendations at around 650cc. With the cruisers, I guess they are geared and tuned differently, so the suggestions seem to go a tad higher. Anyway, I'm looking at everything from 500cc to 900cc cruisers. If I go new, it will probably be a 2007 Yamaha V-Star I've seen online for $4199 which would be about $4800 OTD including taxes (I've talked to the dealer, they are 200 miles away so I still need to find if they guy they use to transport would be willing to ride it this far and for how much), a 2009 Honda Shadow, a Suzuki S50 or a Kawasaki Vulcan 500. A Triumph America or a HD Sportster 883 are wildcards if I go new. If I go used, pretty much everything in the 500-900cc sized cruisers will be an option, I'll just be looking for my best overall deal. Used, I will be maxing out around $3K (I can't really go higher if I pay cash) and I'll try to be closer to $2K so I'll probably go mid-90's through early 2000's model year.


As for the bikes you are looking at, that Triumph looks a lot like a standard or a dual sport. From this and other forums I've noticed that those categories are usually listed as good beginners bikes.

Keep in mind I am just as new as you, I am just parroting recommendations I've seen before. That said, some bikes in that category I've seen recommended more than once for beginners, that will give you the looks of that Triumph you want, and maybe some of the performance, are:

-Kawasaki Versys
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?id=433&scid=6

-Suzuki V-Strom 650
http://suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/V-Strom%20650/2009/DL650.aspx?category=dualsport

-Suzuki Gladus
http://suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/Gladius/2009/SFV650.aspx?category=standard

-Suzuki SV650
http://suzukicycles.com/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/SV650/2008/SV650.aspx


Personally, if I was looking at dual sports and standards I'd probably check into the BMW F650GS and G650GS. Mind you, I have no idea if they are good beginners bikes. That is one of the things I'd look into. However, they aren't that terribly expensive and BMW bikes seem to have a great rep for quality, reliability, and fun. If either wouldn't be too much for a beginner, and I was looking at that class of motorcycle, I'd definitely look into them (heck, I was tempted to when I'm not even looking at that class of motorcycle).

[Ramsfan87]

I think Jeff's recommendations are above are good in the standard/naked style. While the street triple is a real nice looking bike (and something I may look at one day) it puts out too much power for a newbie to comfortably handle, imho. It would be a great 2nd bike. I'm sure you could do it if you really wanted to, but why risk getting a bike you may have trouble controlling? Its just another thing you'll have to worry about while getting the mechanics of riding down. Once you get those mechanics down, such as starting in first gear, throttle control, shifting, countersteering, low speed parking lot manevers, etc. on a bike you can handle, then you can go ahead and get a more powerful bike. I have a V Star 650, and it has plenty enough power for me right now and probably the next year. After that though, I will probably be looking for another.

Paul

[AxelF]

Thank you for all the suggestions. Quite good and appreciate the effort. I'll definitely take a look at all of them. I did see a Suzuki SV650 at one place and thought it was close to the Street Triple.

My brother rides a Moto Guzi v11 I think, a few years old probably. He's selling the other bike which was also over 1,000 cc's I believe. so that's out.

He just recommended to me the Ducati Monster. How is that less powerful than the Street Triple I wonder? Off to research it....as well.

Just signed up for the riding school. Class is Wednesday. April 8/9 for the range session. Getting jacked...

Axel

[primalmu]

The Duc has a v-twin engine for starters.

[justin68106]

The MSF is fun, you'll enjoy it and learn a lot!

The Monster is probably less powerful due to the way it is tuned. Also it being a 2 cylinder engine could have something to do with it.

[tom10167]

Thank you for all the suggestions. Quite good and appreciate the effort. I'll definitely take a look at all of them. I did see a Suzuki SV650 at one place and thought it was close to the Street Triple.

My brother rides a Moto Guzi v11 I think, a few years old probably. He's selling the other bike which was also over 1,000 cc's I believe. so that's out.

He just recommended to me the Ducati Monster. How is that less powerful than the Street Triple I wonder? Off to research it....as well.

Just signed up for the riding school. Class is Wednesday. April 8/9 for the range session. Getting jacked...

Axel


Air cooled L Twin vs liquid cooled inline engine. That simple. Personally I think all these bikes are real iffy and personally I think allowing yourself to get in iffy situations isn't really worth it. This is just my opinion though. Just always felt "better safe than sorry" I remember after testing a 696 out thinking to myself "wow that is definitely not a beginner bike."

[primalmu]

Oh, one thing that I should mention. Ducatis are very expensive to maintain. Their valve train is a money pit, costing something like $600-1000 to adjust them every 6000 miles.

[AxelF]

I'll keep it real and definitely take them out for a run once I think I know what I'm doing.

There is also the Kawi ER-6N. I've got a bony butt if you know what I mean, so I'm thinking whichever I get I'll be upgrading to the gel/or padded seat when offered.

Here is a video review of the Suzuki and Kawi: (note I removed the www since not enough posts yet)

Mod note: I removed the link since not enough posts yet

So what I can tell is forget the Triple and Monster for now. Making headway. :-)

[AxelF]

Street Triple is a great 2nd bike. I wouldn't even recommend a 696 as a first bike. Magazines can say what they want, but a $9,000 motorcycle made in Italy is a terrible first bike and it's pretty hard to argue with that.

Honestly a 650r is probably more your speed and you can get them used for a reasonable price.

Tom,
Just confirming all bikes mention prior were still iffy to you for a first bike. If yes, what 650r's would you recommend I add to my research/tests?

Thank you again,
Axel

[AxelF]

Also, what about the Aprilia Shiver? Handlable?

[Ramsfan87]

Also, what about the Aprilia Shiver? Handlable?

IMHO, 95 hp is way too much for a beginning rider. Also, why do you really want those italian bikes? The japanese make some great rides that are probably more suited to a beginner.

[tom10167]

Tom,
Just confirming all bikes mention prior were still iffy to you for a first bike. If yes, what 650r's would you recommend I add to my research/tests?

Thank you again,
Axel

This is just me but personally I think a V star 650 is about the only 650 I'd get as a starter. I've ridden the fz6r and tested an FZ6 as well as the 696. Those bikes have lots of guts. They'll hang with Corvettes up to about 100mph. Serious stuff.

The star 650 loses power bigtime near redline, also, more importantly, it has a 27" seat height. The only time I ever dropped a bike was when I had the fz6r. Going from 5 to 0 on a bike with an outrageously low seat height pretty much assures you that you aren't going to drop it.

I'm probably biased, though, as it is my current and first bike. I'd trade it for a 696 in a heartbeat though, but I'm still glad I started on what I did. Your mileage may very, I'm just one noob.

I say if you really need to have something that looks cool, grab this.
http://www.technical-specification.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/windowslivewritersuzukigs500fspecs2008-13024suzuki-gs500f1.png

To anyone who doesn't ride they're going to think this is a literbike. Fully faired, 500cc twin puts out very decent but not outrageous power, and I'm sure it's a blast to ride. With an msrp below 6k it's a good buy. Sit on it first though, a 31" seat height is getting up there for sure.

[andymac63220]

I recently went through all the research that you're doing now. It seems like we have similar tastes as well. If I've read right you're looking for a naked bike with a standard/upright seating position, and with enough power to get the job done without getting you into trouble too quickly.

I kept my search under a tight budget, so I won't be able to help with any of the more expensive companies. Suzuki offers the SV650 (also comes in a faired version: the SV650SF) and the Gladius. While these do have an upright riding position, I'd consider them on the aggressive side of upright. The SV650 also seems to be tuned more aggressively compared to the Kawasakis.

Kawasaki offers the Ninja 650r (fully faired), ER-6n (pretty much the same bike as the ninja, without the plastics), and the Versys. All three of these have the same parallel twin engine, but they vary in height. The ER-6n is the shortest (I'm 5'11" and can flat foot it), the Ninja is taller by 1.5 in, and the Versys is taller than the Ninja by 2 in. All are said to be reliable and relatively tame bikes.

I looked around for a couple of months, did the research, and decided on an ER-6n. I haven't once second guessed my decision because it meets my needs exactly. It has plenty of power, a comfortable riding position, and a great look (some people might disagree with that one).

-Andrew

[markk53]

Hi all,

I am turning the big 40 and wanted to get myself a present. I've never ridden before, but in order to spend more time with my bro who has 2 bikes, and because I keep dreaming about riding, I'm pulling the trigger finally next month.

So my question is this: Is a Triumph STREET Triple a good bike to start out on? Not the Speed Triple, I'm not completely nuts. Just want to get some real comments from more experienced riders, outside of my bro who has 10 years on me and has a Moto Guzi v11 or something.

I'll be taking the motorcycle class to get my license (class - 5 hours, riding 10 hours) next month.

Thank you,
Axel

At 40 if you have a bit of self-preservation in your being, you might do fine on the street triple. If there's even the slightst doubt, go less horsepower.

My suggestion if you can, is to go with a dual sport to start out. A 250-400 is perfect, especially a DRz400 wither dual sport or supermoto. The when you are comfortable on the street, get the triple and keep the dual sport if you can afford to and have garage space. They are a complement to each other.

I'm speaking from experience on this one. I rode the dual sport for everything up until about two years ago (I lived in a hilly area with a lot of winding roads) getting the middle weight street bike when I move to the flat lands of central Ohio. I am 56 and have over 40 years on two wheels, I did it because I love doing back roads, but I also like having a more comfortable street bike when the roads are flat and straight.

I didn't see where you're from, but you might find the light weight single really fun on back roads and end up getting your brother to get one. My brother rode a single and I got one, took me a year and a half to get my close friend and #1 riding buddy to get one. When he did, he started asking, "Why did it take us so long to get into this?" That was over ten years ago and we're still running around the back roads. Brother has a Ulysses for general road use among others and friend has a ZX14 among others.

[AxelF]

Everyone, once again, great stuff.

I'm in MA, so have lots of flats, hills, rivers and floods (at the moment).

The Kawi ER-6n appeals to me as I do like a stripped down looking bike without the plastics.

I guess I like the Italian bikes because my bro likes his Moto Guzi, as do I for the looks, and after doing my OWN research BEFORE people gave me opinions, I chose the Benelli TNT Sport (too much bike as I learned, darn), and the Aprillia Mana 850. Before I knew anything, just going on looks and not wanting what the kid across the street has. If there were a kid across the street.

How realistic is it to 'test drive' the bikes (reasonably tame ones) after the motorcycle class only?

I am willing to buy new, but hope to 'find' a used local one when I finally choose make and model.

The Street Triple got bike of the year last year or year before and I just thought it would be cool to have one for its looks, rarity (as far as I've seen locally), etc.

At 6 2, the higher the better for comfort, no? 36 inch inseam. As long as the bike is fairly light, I'm guessing it wouldn't be too much of a handling issue for a newb?

Thank you. You're making this more fun and me way more knowledgeable.

Axel

[Jeff10236]

Everyone, once again, great stuff.

I'm in MA, so have lots of flats, hills, rivers and floods (at the moment).

The Kawi ER-6n appeals to me as I do like a stripped down looking bike without the plastics.

I guess I like the Italian bikes because my bro likes his Moto Guzi, as do I for the looks, and after doing my OWN research BEFORE people gave me opinions, I chose the Benelli TNT Sport (too much bike as I learned, darn), and the Aprillia Mana 850. Before I knew anything, just going on looks and not wanting what the kid across the street has. If there were a kid across the street.

How realistic is it to 'test drive' the bikes (reasonably tame ones) after the motorcycle class only?

I am willing to buy new, but hope to 'find' a used local one when I finally choose make and model.

The Street Triple got bike of the year last year or year before and I just thought it would be cool to have one for its looks, rarity (as far as I've seen locally), etc.

At 6 2, the higher the better for comfort, no? 36 inch inseam. As long as the bike is fairly light, I'm guessing it wouldn't be too much of a handling issue for a newb?

Thank you. You're making this more fun and me way more knowledgeable.

Axel

I've been asking around, and most of the dealers I've asked around here told me you need your motorcycle license for 2-5 years before they'll allow a test drive (I haven't checked with the Harley Davidson dealer for the Sportster yet though). You might get lucky around you, but it doesn't look realistic for us beginners who want to test drive first if you are going through dealers. Individuals who are selling usually seem to want 100% of the asking price in hand as a deposit first (I guess it makes sense, they don't know you and they are handing over the keys to their motorcycle) but they may allow a beginner to test drive.

Nothing wrong with setting your sights high on the bikes you want. Eventually, I want a Harley Davidson Road King. I get that you like these European sports bikes. It may only take 2-3 years riding experience to get to where we can handle what we really want. Buy something that will be safe and easier to handle while learning. Buy used if you are worried about losing too much money on the resale. Another option (I am considering this as well), buy something that is inexpensive and substantially different from what you want to end up with so when you are ready for what you want you can keep it and have two different bikes that fit different needs (i.e. a cruiser and standard; whatever full-sized bike and a little high MPG 250cc or 500cc commuter; a dual sport and a sports bike or cruiser; a cruiser and sport bike, etc.).

You really seem to like the European bikes. Have you looked at the BMWs or looked into whether any of the smaller ones would be suitable beginners bikes?

[67fire]

My eldest Son just bought a 2010 Triumph Street Triple.
I put the first 400 miles on it for him to break it in as he didn't have his license yet.
I also am 6'2" tall.
If I were to get one for me, I would prefer the seat from the Street Triple R model as it is gel, more comfortable and slightly taller.
Link to me riding it on one of our best local roads: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tI24txUZlV4
I had to slow down for the cameraman behind me on a faster bike.

Eric :)

[tom10167]

I've been asking around, and most of the dealers I've asked around here told me you need your motorcycle license for 2-5 years before they'll allow a test drive

Really? I thought it was standard policy to not allow test rides. The Ducati/Triumph/BMW place in Scottsdale allows them, I had only a few months of a MC license.

All the other dealerships will not allow them unless you put up 100% of the cost of the bike.

[bobthalamu]

Newbie here too. I'm ~6'4" and I bought a "standard" style and it fits me well. I purchased mine used and most listed on CL will let you test with cash. I too completed the MSF course and it was a little tenuous testing a bike with only a few hours on a tiny 200 dual-sport, but fun and enlightening, I'd hate to buy something without testing it first.

[AxelF]

My eldest Son just bought a 2010 Triumph Street Triple.
I put the first 400 miles on it for him to break it in as he didn't have his license yet.
I also am 6'2" tall.
If I were to get one for me, I would prefer the seat from the Street Triple R model as it is gel, more comfortable and slightly taller.
Link to me riding it on one of our best local roads: link removed. I had to slow down for the cameraman behind me on a faster bike.

Eric :)

Eric, firstly, you suck. haha Seriously though, has your son experience on a bike of any kind and how do you feel about the Street Triple for him (and what's your own experience on it been like?)

The video was cool, thanks for sharing. I actually sat on the Triple for about 20 minutes at a dealer while talking to him and felt my bony azz needed a gel seat too. ;-)

Class tomorrow. Looking forward to it.
Axel

[AxelF]

I've been asking around, and most of the dealers I've asked around here told me you need your motorcycle license for 2-5 years before they'll allow a test drive ....

Nothing wrong with setting your sights high on the bikes you want. Eventually, I want a Harley Davidson Road King. I get that you like these European sports bikes....

...Have you looked at the BMWs or looked into whether any of the smaller ones would be suitable beginners bikes?

Hey Jeff,

I haven't looked into the BMW bikes yet, but did see one at the gym that was pretty cool (probably too much for me though power wise). I'll check em out for the heck of it. This thread will hopefully turn out to be the go to place for others interestd in Italian or stripped down sport bikes and beginners.

Axel

[AxelF]

Newbie here too. I'm ~6'4" and I bought a "standard" style and it fits me well. I purchased mine used and most listed on CL will let you test with cash. I too completed the MSF course and it was a little tenuous testing a bike with only a few hours on a tiny 200 dual-sport, but fun and enlightening, I'd hate to buy something without testing it first.

Newbier nube here. Yeah, not getting to test it out first would stink, but I'm sure my bro will just love testing them for me. grr If I buy used, as I'm hoping I will, I am sure I will find a way to test it first. :71baldboy:

[67fire]

Eric, firstly, you suck. haha Seriously though, has your son experience on a bike of any kind and how do you feel about the Street Triple for him (and what's your own experience on it been like?)

The video was cool, thanks for sharing. I actually sat on the Triple for about 20 minutes at a dealer while talking to him and felt my bony azz needed a gel seat too. ;-)

Class tomorrow. Looking forward to it.
Axel

My Son has been riding since he was 12. He is currently 25.
He has riden all of my bikes including a few 1100's. The Street Triple has plenty of power and plenty of low-end torque.
If you look at it's torque "curve", there is none!
It is flat as a board from 3-9,000 rpm. Sweet!
It is a bike that you could learn on if you have some common sense.
From idle through about 6,000 rpm, it is a very user friendly bike.
The seat could be about an inch taller and the bump could go back about 1-2" for my taste.
Not uncomfortable to ride at all though. I am 6'2" with a 35" inseam.
The bars are somewhat like a dirt bike so the control is easy.

Here is a link to a review: http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/triumph/2008-triumph-street-triple-675-review-85074.html
Another: http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/triumph/best-of-2009-motorcycles-of-the-year-88656.html

Eric :)

[Romanus]

The Shiver actually has a throttle by wire with different modes. The rain mode cuts it down to about 60hp. I have heard of some using this mode until they felt comfortable before moiving to the sport or touring modes. Not sure how easy it is to resist :) the bike looks cool too. I was torn between that and the street triple R, but after a testing both, chose the Triumph, but the Shiver was a great ride also.

[AxelF]

So I found one of the bikes I've been researching, used and local.
The Gladius from Suzuki. It's being sold by a girl. Maybe it's her estranged husband's bike, maybe hers, who knows. But see what I'm competing with:
My bro said, Axel is buying a chick bike na na na na na naaa. ;-)

If I can't test drive the bikes I'm interested in:
Triumph Street Triple
Kawasaki Versys and ER-6n both
Suzuki Gladius and SV650 (the latter felt more on the belly and not upright and more street bike vs. stripped to me).

I'd rather just get the Street Triple with a padded/higher seat and take it easy for the first few months. Then when I feel ready, can start using some of the higher RPMs.

Talk me into the Triple please. Or tell me the Gladius isn't a chick bike if you can. ;-)

Axel

[67fire]

Re-read the second link in my post above. :wink:

Eric :)

[tributary87]

everything should be fine, sounds great, start ridin!!!

[AxelF]

Re-read the second link in my post above. :wink:

Eric :)


"The motor, re-tuned from the Daytona, has a predictable but powerful output that makes it accessible and unintimidating to riders of all skill levels yet is satisfying for even the saltiest veterans." ??

Sold. Now if I can't find a black one used around New England/MA, I'll keep my options open.

[AxelF]

I may have been a bit hasty in my last reply and just wanted everyone to know that I am keeping my options open, and realize that the 'get your legs first' people outweigh the 'go for it' people by about 5:3. I am on another forum as well for Kawi's to learn more about the ER-6n and Versys. One said if the Street Triple is on my list to get it vs. the others, while some others said, get the ER-6n first, etc.

It will probably come down to availability/value, and how I feel after taking the MSF riding part next week. I know it's only a 250, but hopefully I'll get a sense as to whether I'm 'comfortable' or one of those 'which is the brake again....oh no...that's the clutch, aaaaahhh, boom.' I realize driving and riding are different beasts and I'll use my better judgement in the end.

Learning is half the fun...can't wait until I'm actually riding and sharing my first experience with you all.

Axel

[Jeff10236]

So I found one of the bikes I've been researching, used and local.
The Gladius from Suzuki. It's being sold by a girl. Maybe it's her estranged husband's bike, maybe hers, who knows. But see what I'm competing with:
My bro said, Axel is buying a chick bike na na na na na naaa. ;-)

If I can't test drive the bikes I'm interested in:
Triumph Street Triple
Kawasaki Versys and ER-6n both
Suzuki Gladius and SV650 (the latter felt more on the belly and not upright and more street bike vs. stripped to me).

I'd rather just get the Street Triple with a padded/higher seat and take it easy for the first few months. Then when I feel ready, can start using some of the higher RPMs.

Talk me into the Triple please. Or tell me the Gladius isn't a chick bike if you can. ;-)

Axel

I'm probably not telling you anything that you don't already know, but the heck with what anyone else (even your brother) thinks. Heck, he's your brother- it's his job to give you a hard time. If you get the Street Triple you'll be a poser, or compensating, or something- that's his job :D .

The Gladius looks like a nice bike if you are looking in that class (personally, the looks aren't for me). Good power, but not too much for us beginners, and the handling and dynamics sound quite manageable as well. It sounds like exactly what a lot of us newbies are looking for (and old timers give us a hard time for looking for instead of just a good starter bike)- a decent starter bike that we can manage while we are new that still has enough power and response to not bore us a year or two into it.

As for the "chick bike" stuff, no bike is a chick bike, or a guy bike. My boss and her "wife" (quotes because legally they can't be wife and wife in MD, but she considers her to be her wife) ride/share a Harley Davidson Road King. Because women ride it (two in this example) would you consider a Road King to be a "chick bike?" At any rate, I'd bet if you somehow did a survey of Gladius owners you would find the majority are guys (just because the majority of motorcycle owners are guys).

[AxelF]

Hey Jeff,

I read a few reviews of the Gladius and saw a couple videos, and they all say the 'low seat' and 'power' etc. make for a great ladies bike. But I know, and he's just having some fun at my expense.

After seeing a Youtube review of the Monster, ER-6n, and SV650, I'm now leaning heavily (counterweight steering) closer to the Kawi ER-6n...like how it looks more and it won. I probably still can't post the link here, but you should be able to find it using keywords
MCN Roadtest: 2009 Kawasaki ER-6n group test
:-)

Now for the fun of it to see if anyone has one around here used. I'll probably stop posting my indecisions for a while so as not to bore anyone. When I get closer to reality, I'll be back unless I have a specific question.

Axel

[Jeff10236]

Hey Jeff,

I read a few reviews of the Gladius and saw a couple videos, and they all say the 'low seat' and 'power' etc. make for a great ladies bike. But I know, and he's just having some fun at my expense.

After seeing a Youtube review of the Monster, ER-6n, and SV650, I'm now leaning heavily (counterweight steering) closer to the Kawi ER-6n...like how it looks more and it won. I probably still can't post the link here, but you should be able to find it using keywords
MCN Roadtest: 2009 Kawasaki ER-6n group test
:-)

Now for the fun of it to see if anyone has one around here used. I'll probably stop posting my indecisions for a while so as not to bore anyone. When I get closer to reality, I'll be back unless I have a specific question.

Axel

Usually in those reviews, I've noticed the low seat, etc. makes them term it a great lady's bike as part of the description (usually they say it is great for shorter people and beginners too). Most "beginners" bikes that aren't the little 250cc ones are also good lady's bikes and short person bikes because they are shorter and lighter (traits that make it easier for us as beginners to handle them as well).

As for the ER-6n I occasionally hear that suggested as a beginners bike (usually as the top end of what we can probably handle). If you like it, that may be the way to go. Though, if you are buying used, you can greatly open up your options by picking 2 or 3 models that would be acceptable and look for the best deal you can in one of those models (that's what I'm doing with the cruisers).

As for your last part, hmm, if you look at my prior posts and threads you'll see I'm definitely not worried about boring people by thinking out loud about the bikes I'm considering :tongue: . I figure that the people that are bored by it will skim over it, the others may give me some good advice.