Newbie looking for first bike

[calibroha]

hey guys! dont have abike just yet! looking very strongly into getting one.. looking to get either a gsxr or a cbr.. any suggestions? comments?! thanks for reading!

[Schneiderman]

To really help you, we need more information. One thing I can tell you off the bat is that if you have no prior motorcycle experience, a gsxr, cbr, r6, or any other 600cc+ inline-four cylinder motorcycle is a poor choice for a first motorcycle. You'd be far better off on a parallel-twin bike such as a Ninja 250, 500 or 650.

[calibroha]

To really help you, we need more information. One thing I can tell you off the bat is that if you have no prior motorcycle experience, a gsxr, cbr, r6, or any other 600cc+ inline-four cylinder motorcycle is a poor choice for a first motorcycle. You'd be far better off on a parallel-twin bike such as a Ninja 250, 500 or 650.


i really dont have that much riding experience, i just learned on my roomates cbr1000 and fell in love.. i know a sport bike is whats for me and i caught on really quickly even tho his bike has alot of mods ((deff. not a begginer bike)) thats why i was looking to get a 600

[Schneiderman]

I just want to make sure you understand the nature of this type of sport bike. Inline-four cylinder motors produce their peak horsepower at high RPM. They have very little low-end torque, which makes starts and low speed maneuvers relatively tricky. Combine this with the racing-style seat position, high rake angle and extremely effective brakes, and you have a motorcycle that is very unforgiving to mistakes.

One significant difference between that 1000cc bike and the 600cc bikes, which may seem counter-intuitive, is that the 1000cc is actually easier to maneuver slowly on. The 1000cc has more low end torque which makes starts smoother and lessens a rider's tendency to bring the RPMs up simply to get moving. This does not mean that a 1000cc is a better starter bike, I'm just making the point that inline-four engines are tricky things for beginning riders.

Also related to the nature of inline-four engines, but also due to the racing design of sport bikes, these bikes are meant essentially for one thing: to go fast. What I mean by that is, the bikes run poorly and overheat if they aren't traveling at high speeds. That means that if you're practicing slow maneuvers in a parking lot like you should be, the bike is going to overheat in less than half an hour. The bike needs to be traveling quickly and getting fresh air pouring through the radiator.

Everything on these bikes are meant for experienced, advanced riders to give them advantages on the race track. Unfortunately, Suzuki is the only manufacturer that advertises their sport bikes specifically to expert riders. The fact is, all of these bikes are intended to be ridden by experts and not beginners. They are street-legal race bikes.

You didn't mention a budget, but also be aware that everything costs more with a sport bike- the initial purchase, insurance, maintenance and repair. Insurance will be at least twice as much for a sport bike than anything else. Maintenance is significantly more expensive as parts wear out quicker, need more frequent upkeep and are more expensive to replace. Repair is more expensive because the parts are more sophisticated.

At the very least, take the MSF course. Especially if you're still going to get a sport bike, it could save your life.

[YamahaFan]

grxs might have too much power but a bit harder with handling? CBR's pretty comfy, though I've never tried any of them, but heard those from others.

An advise on sport bikes: take it easy, learn how to control it, don't be a hothead while at it, after that, I don't know, anything goes? BUT (I meant it in caps), I have heard of friends who GAVE UP biking after accidents, I guess those are ones that had too much pride in their abilities, so be confident but don't try stupid things, or if so do that in a safely manner.

[Schneiderman]

Ah, this is what I was looking for....

Everything you never wanted to know about getting a sport bike as your first bike.

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=151947

[calibroha]

oh yeah im not gonna be stunting the bike or anything like that.. just want to get something economical and fun at the same time.. i have 6k saved and i was gonna put it twards a new car but even with that much down my payment would still be at almost 500 for only a 20k civic si.. **** that, so i said id much rather not have a payment and just buy a bike.. fun, economical, and somewhat practical seeing as its just me