Hi, New Member here

[cavscout]

Whats up guys? My name is Jon I'm a newbie to the bike world and I'm here to learn. So any inputs from you guys can help me out with will be helpful. So far I'm looking towards something in 600cc. I always hear people first bike should be a 500 then I also hear I will grow out of it in one season any fact to this.

Jon

[Dieseldan]

welcome to the forum

[mzdagrl]

Welcome! A 500 will last you as long as you are fine with it. If you are drawn to the 600s, the older 600s tend to be better for learning, as they are a little more forgiving than the newer ones. Late 90s CBRs (not CBR RR, but the F4 or F4I) have been good "beginner" bikes for many that last a few seasons. However, keep in mind that this is your first bike, and not your last, so get something cheap that you are willing to let fall over a few times, then get a great bike when you've been riding a while. Also, smaller bikes tend to hold their resale value a lot better than an old 600, so it is easier to sell a 500 after one season with a few scratches than something else. The Suzuki GS 500F has the look of a real sportbike, while still being inexpensive and forgiving.

[OreoGaborio]

I raced a 500 for 2 & 1/2 years.... you won't outgrow it if you're actually learning how to ride, as opposed to learning how to operate a motorcycle.

If you just wanna get on the highway, wack open the throttle & go as fast as your bike can go, then yeah, you're probably gonna outgrow it as people get used to power relatively quickly. But if you wanna become a proficient rider and learn how to handle yourself in hairy situations w/o breaking a sweat, then a smaller bike has a lot more to teach you than one may think.

Another benefit is that lightweight bikes hold their value pretty well... you can usually get a lightweight, ride it for a year, put 10k miles on it, learn a ton from it, maybe even drop it in the driveway (happens to almost EVERYONE) and sell it in a year for just about what you paid.

I started on an older 600 ('00) and looking back on it, there were days that I probably shoulda been on a bike that wasn't so quick to get me into trouble. I dunno how I survived sometimes when I think of the situations I put myself in with that bike.


So... CAN you start on a 600? Sure. SHOULD you? I dunno, that's your call. I don't really recommend it, but that's just my opinion.... and that's what this "Should I start on a 600" debate is all about... opinions. You'll never get a "correct" answer.

[Kenn157]

Whats up guys? My name is Jon I'm a newbie to the bike world and I'm here to learn. So any inputs from you guys can help me out with will be helpful. So far I'm looking towards something in 600cc. I always hear people first bike should be a 500 then I also hear I will grow out of it in one season any fact to this.

Jon

Welcome Jon! Your first bike should be the one you want, any style, any size you want. I'd keep in the range of a 500 to 750. You'll have a lot of choices. Do you want something new or used, what color, what brand... Italian, Japanese, German. I started off with a 4hp mini bike all the way up to a 1000cc. I have a 650 now. Just because you gain experience does not mean you get a bigger and bigger bike.

What I've said probably does not help you at all! Or maybe it does. It's May now, you better hurry up!

What have you looked at so far?

[DaSarge]

Hey Jon, welcome to the site! Are you a former Scout or are you still in? You and I might have an issue considering im Infantry

[cavscout]

DaSarge,
I'm prior service yes I was a scout. I swear you 11B's are everywhere I can't tend to shake you guys. I was stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga from 99 to late 03. But one thing I hate to admit I do have my EIB and my spurs (what really matters) lol. I have a buddy stationed at Hood I believe he's in the 4th

[cavscout]

Guys, that for the help so far.

[Vawn]

The Suzuki GS 500F has the look of a real sportbike, while still being inexpensive and forgiving.

I vote for the GS-500F starter bike. I know from experience. I loved it my first season I rode. It gives you that sport bike look and feel, whilst still not having you leaning over too far, so you can get used to riding. I had the 2004 model.

[Doc]

I raced a 500 for 2 & 1/2 years.... you won't outgrow it if you're actually learning how to ride, as opposed to learning how to operate a motorcycle.

If you just wanna get on the highway, wack open the throttle & go as fast as your bike can go, then yeah, you're probably gonna outgrow it as people get used to power relatively quickly. But if you wanna become a proficient rider and learn how to handle yourself in hairy situations w/o breaking a sweat, then a smaller bike has a lot more to teach you than one may think.

Another benefit is that lightweight bikes hold their value pretty well... you can usually get a lightweight, ride it for a year, put 10k miles on it, learn a ton from it, maybe even drop it in the driveway (happens to almost EVERYONE) and sell it in a year for just about what you paid.

I started on an older 600 ('00) and looking back on it, there were days that I probably shoulda been on a bike that wasn't so quick to get me into trouble. I dunno how I survived sometimes when I think of the situations I put myself in with that bike.

So... CAN you start on a 600? Sure. SHOULD you? I dunno, that's your call. I don't really recommend it, but that's just my opinion.... and that's what this "Should I start on a 600" debate is all about... opinions. You'll never get a "correct" answer.

To what Pete said. Another tip is that you are likely to tip the bike over as a beginner (low or high speed) and the bike will lose value if it has plastics on it. I know the feeling of wanting a nice bike. I think we all do. BUT I would rather ride a slow old small bike fast than a fast new pretty bike slow.

Oh and I side with the 11B. Spent my early years with them and now I am back with them.

Welcome to the site.

[DaSarge]

DaSarge,
I'm prior service yes I was a scout. I swear you 11B's are everywhere I can't tend to shake you guys. I was stationed at Fort Stewart, Ga from 99 to late 03. But one thing I hate to admit I do have my EIB and my spurs (what really matters) lol. I have a buddy stationed at Hood I believe he's in the 4th

Nice, there are a few military guys on here. How much you looking to spend on your bike?

[GixerJockey]

What up new dude?

[jayceenyce85]

Hi, I am new member too. Just joined. Met up with a few ppl on newbury street past friday who told me about the forum. So here I am. As to answer your question, If you are gonna just ride on street and no go on the track, yeah you will outgrow the bike quickly but if you smart and actually respect the bike the bike will respect will respect you back. In other words, don't be stupid and start stunting the week that you get the bike and go crazy feel the bike and get to know it for atleast one season and then start play with it. Hope this helps.

[OreoGaborio]

Hi, I am new member too. Just joined. Met up with a few ppl on newbury street past friday who told me about the forum. So here I am. As to answer your question, If you are gonna just ride on street and no go on the track, yeah you will outgrow the bike quickly but if you smart and actually respect the bike the bike will respect will respect you back. In other words, don't be stupid and start stunting the week that you get the bike and go crazy feel the bike and get to know it for atleast one season and then start play with it. Hope this helps.

Hey dude... How's your new friend w/ the metal foot?

-Pete (the guy on the Red Tuono)

[cavscout]

I'm looking to spend between 3000 to 4500 just trying to keep it under 5 grand. Just as everyone said I know I'm going to lay it down one day so I'm not trying to break the bank yet.

[mrezra]

Welcome! Enjoy bike shopping. As you narrow down your choices I'm sure you will find lots of useful (and some not so useful) info on here.

[Jim]

oh wait, wrong thread

[Doc]

I'm looking to spend between 3000 to 4500 just trying to keep it under 5 grand. Just as everyone said I know I'm going to lay it down one day so I'm not trying to break the bank yet.

Where are you located?

[cavscout]

I'm in Natick

[Doc]

For plasticy bikes

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/mcy/1175073424.html

http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/mcy/1174557104.html

I'd like to rip this one.
http://worcester.craigslist.org/mcy/1173169426.html

My Fav.
http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/1174574408.html

Or
http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/1175047675.html

Great racebike candidate.
http://burlington.craigslist.org/mcy/1174995764.html

Awesome old school bike.
http://worcester.craigslist.org/mcy/1173117141.html

[OreoGaborio]

Damn, Doc.... you made a good post!

[Vawn]

For plasticy bikes

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/mcy/1175073424.html

http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/mcy/1174557104.html

I'd like to rip this one.
http://worcester.craigslist.org/mcy/1173169426.html

My Fav.
http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/1174574408.html

Or
http://nh.craigslist.org/mcy/1175047675.html

Great racebike candidate.
http://burlington.craigslist.org/mcy/1174995764.html

Awesome old school bike.
http://worcester.craigslist.org/mcy/1173117141.html

DAMN those are some good bikes/prices! I like the price on that gs-500f. but the older 600's were nice as well. Have fun with the choices man.

[ff36buell]

http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...6r-4000-a.html

[underhillbu]

I bought a Ninja 650R last year and absolutely love it. It is my first streetbike.

[Doc]

I bought a Ninja 650R last year and absolutely love it. It is my first streetbike.

Then who is that in your avatar?