Seeking help selecting first bike

[Pane in the Glass]

Hey forum! I'm a brand-new rider looking to pick up my first bike. I have done (and continue to do) my research on the subject, but feel like I've gone as far as general advice will take me, and would appreciate some more specific feedback. Here are some of the bikes I'm looking at:

Kawasaki Ninja 250:
The ubiquitous starter bike, and with good reason. Unfortunately, all the decent ones I've been able to find have been more expensive than I'd like.

Kawasaki Ninja 500:
If it were up to me, this is probably the one I'd get. Unfortunately, the closest one I've been able to find is about 4 hrs away, and I don't have ready transportation for it. The other bikes are from private sellers, but this one is used from a dealer. I've also found one listed as new (from a dealer), which feels like a deal waiting to happen, but that one's even further away.

Suzuki SV650:
If I bought today, this is probably what I'd get. There's a modded one local that I could pick up for what I consider to be a reasonable price.

Suzuki GS500:
I also found one of these today. Haven't had time to do my research on it yet, but a quick look indicates that this could be a good choice too.

Yamaha FZ6:
Yes, I know, technically not a beginner bike, but hot damn they look amazing! I know that people have used this as their first bike, I also know that doesn't mean they wouldn't be better served with a different first bike. The reason I list it is because I feel like I have the self control to keep it under 6K RPM's for a good long while. I also recognize and respect the risk associated with having a higher performance ceiling. There are a few of these available local, though I may have to haggle the price.

I am a brand new rider. I came into this quite abruptly a couple weeks ago. I'm not even sure what triggered it, but one day I decided to look into getting a motorcycle, and did. I was fortunate enough to be able to enroll in, and complete the MSF BRC in very short order, but that constitutes the entirety of my riding experience. I'm not in any rush to make a purchase, but I am trying to familiarize myself with the market so I can tell the wheat from the chaff.

From what I can tell, I've completed all of the required reading (below 50 HP is good for beginners, make sure the seller has the title in-hand, look for a bike with a more upright seating position, sit on the bike to see how it feels, buy in the winter , etc.), and would appreciate some help in taking the next step from academic understanding to hands-on experience. Aside from the models listed here, are there any others I should be looking into? Aside from the Honda CBR250. I'm not a fan of their look, and even if I were interested, there aren't any around for me to buy.

As far as price goes, I'm expecting to keep it under $5K (just because used beginner bikes, as far as I can tell, are universally priced below $5K), but other than that, I'm willing to pay FMV for the right ride. That's where the Ninja 250 got into trouble. Personally, I'd put the FMV between $1500 and $2000, depending on year, mileage, condition, and gear/extras. Seems like all the decent posts in my area are starting around $2500. That's what caused me to branch out and start weighing other options.

As far as the other bikes, I'd put the Ninja 500 (w/o dealer premium), the SV650, and maybe the GS 500 in the $3000~$3500 range, and the FZ6 in the $3500~$4500 range. Please feel free to correct me on any or all of those numbers.

Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!

[goalie]

IMPULSE

You really do not know why you jumped headlong into taking the course and researching the various options available to you?

You seem to have already completed your research and are looking for validation.

BTW, this is not meant to be rude.

[Badlands-4-2]

So, I am lost, maybe it was in your post but I did not see it. Do you already have a motorcycle license and have you taken the MSF course?

[Dodsfall]

Originally Posted by Pane in the Glass

The reason I list it is because I feel like I have the self control to keep it under 6K RPM's for a good long while.

Whenever I hear this, it always reminds me of a guy who never juggled before firing up three chainsaws, tossing them high into the air and yelling "It's ok, I'll be careful!" as his arms fumble toward the blades.

It's not self control that is the issue. It's experience and what happens when the rider loses control.

[Pane in the Glass]

Sorry for the confusion. I have completed the MSF, but have not gotten my license; I'll be going out for it next week.

Originally Posted by goalie

IMPULSE

You really do not know why you jumped headlong into taking the course and researching the various options available to you?

You seem to have already completed your research and are looking for validation.

BTW, this is not meant to be rude.

Curt, perhaps, but not rude No, that is a fair observation. I admit I came to this abruptly, but I wouldn't say that I jumped in head first. It started as a general curiosity, I was curious what was needed to get a motorcycle license. The more I read, the more confident I became that it was something I could do, and something that I was interested in doing. I did quite a bit of self-reflection before enrolling in the MSF trying to determine if this was a passing whim or genuine interest. I even called up one of my friends who rides and had a half-hour discussion on that very topic. In the end, I decided it would be best to go ahead and enroll in the course, while keeping an open mind as to whether this was something I would like to pursue.

As far as seeking validation goes, again, you're right. If I could find something priced right in the 250 or 500cc range, I probably wouldn't be here. Since it seems like everything worthwhile I've been able to find has been +600cc's, I'm trying to give it some more scrutiny. Part of me says that I could manage it, another part of me says that I don't have the experience to make that call. More generally, I also wanted to be sure that I was on the right track and had reasonable expectations.

Right now I'm trying to decide which bikes I should be looking at, and which ones I should be giving a pass. I'm not in any rush to make a purchase, but I would like to be in a position to make one if something pops up.

[Pane in the Glass]

Guess I can't edit posts. Consider this a P.S.:

Originally Posted by Dodsfall

Whenever I hear this, it always reminds me of a guy who never juggled before firing up three chainsaws, tossing them high into the air and yelling "It's ok, I'll be careful!" as his arms fumble toward the blades.

It's not self control that is the issue. It's experience and what happens when the rider loses control.

Fair enough. Any thoughts on the SV650? Would I be juggling chainsaws with that one, too?

[goalie]

I differ from most in that I believe only you are able to guage what you are capable of handling as a beginner. I would seriously heed the advice of the more experienced riders when it comes to figuring out what I was capable of handling, though, but I tend to err on the side of bigger.

Reading between the lines, it sounds like you are interested in the excitement of the twisties and open air. I will assume you are of average height and weight.

I would be looking more at the 500 to 600 cc sportbikes. The simple reason is that I would be concerned about enjoying long rides that include highway travel. The honest truth, though, is that you will have no idea really what you want until you go and sit on a few bikes.

[Dodsfall]

Originally Posted by Pane in the Glass

Fair enough. Any thoughts on the SV650? Would I be juggling chainsaws with that one, too?

The SV650 is manageable for most new riders.

[ralphlong]

I got a sv650 in 2005 as a first bike. It was a good first bike for me, in fact there are times I wish I still had it. I rode that thing all over the eastern US, including a few week long trips with lots of highway riding. Great bike, very reliable, easily controllable by a new rider who is willing to take it easy. Easy to upgrade, which I did.

My SV was a naked bike with an upright seating posture. I think the new SVs are more like a sport bike with a small fairing, are they not?

Welcome to a great hobby / passion.

Stay safe out there.

Ralph

[gggval]

maybe you should go to a local dealer and sit on as manny bikes as you can till you find the perfect one for you.

[Pane in the Glass]

That, sir, is exactly what I need to do. There aren't a lot of shops nearby (I'm in a more rural area), but it would still give me more than what I've got.

There's an SV650, and an SV650S. The differences are subtle, and I still haven't found a good, comprehensive listing of them, but the S has clip-on handlebars, and more rear-set footpegs. In other words, I'd be looking for the non-S version.

It seems like I'm heading in the right direction. Aside from the FZ6, there hasn't been much criticism of my line-up, or my price expectations. I'm not trying to equate silence with agreement, but I still think a lack of outright criticism or public mockery is a plus

I think the Ninja 500 and SV650 are at the top of my list right now. Based on my limited experience with the MSF, I do feel like I could handle something larger than 250, and it seems like I could pick up one of these for a price comparable to what people are currently asking for a Ninja 250.

[goalie]

Remember, there are many differences between the bikes [I]on paper[I] that will mean nothing to you as new rider. Focus on the appreciable differences based upon what you intend to do on the bike. As a first bike, I would be damned certain to get one that is comfortable and is EASY for me to use in its intended purpose. Extra doodads mean nothing on a first bike.

[Massey]

Just so I understand... you have only ridden a bike durring the MSF course?

If so I would see about getting out on a bike like you are looking at before deciding on what you want. You may find that a 650 is more bike than you feel safe riding on the street.

I used to ride a 450 dirt bike around the woods and trails near my house when I was younger. That bike had a comfortable amount of power and handled really well. Fast forward 20 years and now I am on a CBR250R and quite happy with the bike. It has plenty of power and a smooth ride. I could prolly handle a 500 sized bike but knowing that my 250 should sell for close to what I paid, I feel good about starting small and not getting over my head where I will not have any fun.

Massey

[ralphlong]

The Ninja 500 or Suzuki SV650 are ok for a mature beginner with the self control to take it easy.

What you want to stay away from are the 600cc super sports, like the Honda CBR600RR, the Suzuki GSXR600, the Yamaha YZF r6.

Stay safe out there.

Ralph

[SpitefulHam]

My FZ6R is my first bike. I got it in August, have put right over 14K miles on it, commuting to work (55 miles on way, 50-50 highway and back road) and just tooling around the country side as much as possible. I personally don't understand the hype some people put on that bike for newer riders, and then turn around and recommend a parallel twin 650. If you actually ride it and compare it to one of the other popularly recommended midrange "beginner" bikes you'll see that it's almost identical in handling and brakes. It uses a different engine configuration that favors higher RPMs but it's almost identical in HP and torque. The best way I can explain it's engine characteristics to someone who hasn't ridden an I-4 vs a PT is it's like a small car with a turbo (like a GTI or something). Lower RPMs it feels sluggish and unresponsive. When you get it over ~6K RPM it finally picks up and behaves the way you would expect. ~9K RPM it wants to jump ahead and can surprise you if you're not ready for it. For reference, I typically shift around 7K RPM and I cruise at 70 MPH in 6th gear at ~8K RPM.

That all being said, I've only ridden a PT a couple of short times so I'm probably a bit biased...

[Pane in the Glass]

Thank you, everyone, for the help. I did stop by a dealer and sat down on several bikes. Unfortunately, I still haven't seen the Ninja 500 or the SV650. I was able to sit down on the GS500. It had a sportier seating position than I was expecting, particularly, the handle bars made me feel like I was reaching a bit too far. It wasn't a deal breaker, but it was notable.

I sat down on several cruisers, and basically confirmed that's not what I'm looking for. I also sat down on a Ninja 750, and though I'm not considering buying it, that was the bike on which I felt the most comfortable.

I've been keeping an eye on CL, but I'm starting to lean more towards purchasing from a dealership on the theory there'd be less uncertainty about the bike's condition mechanically. I definitely feel more confident about what I should (and shouldn't) be looking for. Ideally, yes, I'd ride around on one of these before making a decision, but I doubt I'll have that opportunity. Still, I think I'd be well served with any of these three, so I'm not too worried about making a "wrong" decision. After all, I'm shopping for my first bike, not my last.

[goalie]

Good luck and let us know what you finally get.

[distantThunder]

i would think that the Kawi 500 might work well for you.
but it's definitely a good idea to sit on one before buying.

My first bike was a Kawasaki 500.
But that was aeons ago, and the 500 was a totally different style of bike then. Just the same ... it's do-able.


cheers,
dT

[BioInclined]

Ham is right in comparing the Ninja 650r and the FZ6r. We had this before in a different thread I think, lol.
I have a 650r, I was looking at an SV650, Ninja 500 as well. I am a bit bigger of a person, did very well in my MSF course, have driven my car like you are taught a motorcycle(awareness). I was worried when people talk about 250r being too small and the highway driving, even though I barely do that.
The FZ6R is an Inline 4, higher reving motor with a more aggressive look, possibly a better aftermarket.
The 650r is a Parallel twin, torque heavy motor with a smaller power band and like to sit around 5K-8K RPM to do its "dirty work."
The main difference is weight, the FZ6R is a bit heavier and with the extra couple HP it has it becomes a negligible difference since I'm sure you won't be riding hard or tracking the bike.
Of all those, get what fits you. I would only recommend the GS500 not be in the running, I know the model has history but I have never heard much good about it.
I chose the 650r for the price I got and because a sporty standard is a good way to learn. I can decide if a more race inspired bike is ever for me.

[Massey]

Originally Posted by BioInclined

I was worried when people talk about 250r being too small and the highway driving, even though I barely do that.

I cant vouch for all 250s but for my little CBR250R it can get to 90 easy, feels stable at any speed and has no problem accelerating from 60-70. It is not like a 600 where it will fly out from under you if you twist your wrist too hard at 60 but it will out accelerate most cages between 60-70. I will say that from 70 to 90 was not a huge amount of acceleration but it made it there nice and steady. My bike is all stock and I weigh about 230ish.

Massey

[ken45]

If you can, check for a dealer having demo days. IDK but at least Yamaha takes a truck load of a dozen different bikes around to different cities and lets anyone with a mc license try them out. It was a great experience last year, I got to try the FJR1300 and soon after traded my Goldwing for it. They also had a FZ6R that I took a spin while waiting my turn on the FJR. I really liked that bike too!