Beginner bike?

[ae]

I feel like I am wasting too much time without buying a bike and come next paycheck, I plan on definitely buying one. I have a few questions and considering the expertise and awesomeness of the NESR folks I assume this would be the best place to ask. So...

I read a lot about beginner bikes and it seems like a lot of people have different opinions. I have previously ridden 150-200cc motorcycles for over 6 years (in India). I think that a 500-600cc sport bike (that I shall ride cautiously for over 6 months) might be a good thing. i.e. (Yamaha yzf-r6 etc). Some tell me I am better off with a 250cc but I am not sure about this. Do you guys have any tips for me?

Secondly, the NESR for sale forum seems to be the best place to find good deals by good people. If I am having trouble accumulating funds.. should I seek financing options or am I better off finding a dealer who sells pre-owned motorcycles?

These two questions are bugging me day and night and will continue to do so until I get a bike. So any help is appreciated.

[DoubleRGirl]

1. the best beginner bike will depend on you. i started on a 600 and now ride a 250 on the street. it's a great bike and i can see why it would be good for a beginner, but i also see benefits of me learning on the 600 as well

2. shop/call around

[Variablevalve]

I've only been riding a few years so I'd wait for some of the more experienced members to chime in as well.

A 150-200cc bike is pretty different thing all together from an R6. The weight, geometry, power-band, etc. Something to consider. Although India seems to be a bit of a jungle in terms of driving, there's also experience that needs to be gained in riding around here. Theres more to riding safely than being able to handle your bike.

Regarding financing, if you're this strapped to purchase a bike, financing will only increase the burden as you'll have to get more insurance to also cover the bike in case of an accident, since there will be a lien on it.

Regarding the purchase of a sport bike, if you're going to buy one, you're going to buy one. If you're posting hoping for validation of your decision, don't be surprised if people don't agree with your decision, just a warning. At the end of the day, it sounds like you've already made up your mind.

[TheIglu]

If it is a beginner bike, engine size matters a lot less than geometry and style of bike.

I personally would not recommend starting on a supersport.

I'd aim for a dual-sport, a naked standard or even a smaller sport touring bike. You will be more comfortable, they handle a bit more forgivingly and your insurance will not be as high.

[12Pack]

Its all about self control. Doesnt matter the size of the bike, I know guys starting out on r1's and busa's and havnt crashed yet. Take the MSF and be safe!

[scottfromboston]

Its all about self control. Doesnt matter the size of the bike,

No.

I know guys starting out on r1's and busa's and havnt crashed yet.

Yet.

Take the MSF and be safe!

Yes.

[scottfromboston]

Don't ignore the current crop of 650cc twins out there, right now. There's some great bikes that are perfect beginner machines that will take you a lot further than a 250.

[drowe531]

Don't ignore the current crop of 650cc twins out there, right now. There's some great bikes that are perfect beginner machines that will take you a lot further than a 250.

How far does a 250 take you?

[SRTie4k]

If you really want to jump on a 600cc sportbike or sport tourer, I'd look at a cheap, older one to get a feel for it without all the power today's 600's offer.

Something along the lines of a GS500F, SV650, FZ6, F4i or thereabouts.

[scottfromboston]

How far does a 250 take you?

Pretty far, IMO, depending on your weight, but it seems that a lot of people move on to something bigger after a year or two.

[drowe531]

Pretty far, IMO, depending on your weight, but it seems that a lot of people move on to something bigger after a year or two.

Sorry for the rash comment on my part, it just seems everyone says the 250 only goes so far. Don't get me wrong I like the 650's and think they make reasonable beginner bikes as well, but I'm now on my third year with a 250 and it does everything I need it to do.

[ae]

I've only been riding a few years so I'd wait for some of the more experienced members to chime in as well.

A 150-200cc bike is pretty different thing all together from an R6. The weight, geometry, power-band, etc. Something to consider. Although India seems to be a bit of a jungle in terms of driving, there's also experience that needs to be gained in riding around here. Theres more to riding safely than being able to handle your bike.

Regarding financing, if you're this strapped to purchase a bike, financing will only increase the burden as you'll have to get more insurance to also cover the bike in case of an accident, since there will be a lien on it.

Regarding the purchase of a sport bike, if you're going to buy one, you're going to buy one. If you're posting hoping for validation of your decision, don't be surprised if people don't agree with your decision, just a warning. At the end of the day, it sounds like you've already made up your mind.

I do wish to buy an r6 but if I can find a slower bike under $1500 (yeah I'm broke) I am sold. I haven't made up my mind yet but I tend to get impatient sometimes as I wait to buy a bike.

[ae]

If you find a Ninja 250 for $850-1000 - can you please contact me?? I am dying to get a bike, but apparently too poor....

lol.. let me know if you find one as well

[scottfromboston]

Sorry for the rash comment on my part, it just seems everyone says the 250 only goes so far. Don't get me wrong I like the 650's and think they make reasonable beginner bikes as well, but I'm now on my third year with a 250 and it does everything I need it to do.

Hey, I've got one in the garage, and I did a track day on it earlier this year. Had a blast. It just seemsto me that most people consider them to be a stepping stone, where something bigger is the ultimate goal. I'd sooner recommend something in the 650 category (Ninja, SV, or my favorite the Versys) to someone who has that in mind.

[drowe531]

Hey, I've got one in the garage, and I did a track day on it earlier this year. Had a blast. It just seemsto me that most people consider them to be a stepping stone, where something bigger is the ultimate goal. I'd sooner recommend something in the 650 category (Ninja, SV, or my favorite the Versys) to someone who has that in mind.

Ya I understand that thought process and like I said I don't think the 650s are that bad of beginner bikes either, especially someone that has rode a bit in the past. Nice thing about the 250 is you can buy it, ride it two years and more than likely sell it for what you paid for it.

[drowe531]

To both you and Sheila, if you haven't been told yet searchtempest.com can be a big help. It lets you search all craiglists posting with a certain mile range.

[06gixgirl]

[QUOTE=drowe531;1058511]How far does a 250 take you?

Maybe to the corner
The 600 will take you a bit further.

[ae]

[quote=06gixgirl;1058576]

How far does a 250 take you?

Maybe to the corner
The 600 will take you a bit further.

[Doc]

I have been riding for a number of years and I am looking to get back into a VTR 250..

Geometry, weight and throttle response are all important things to look at with a bike.

You need to flat foot it, feel comfortable and not do a wheelie when you don't mean to.

[dsmclown]

How far does a 250 take you?

Maybe to the corner
The 600 will take you a bit further.

I was thinking something like first base, and a 600 will get you to third maybe even home... depending on the color

[BLACK SQUIRREL]

Have some Confidence Get whatever bike you want. and Take the MSF. Learn to ride it safely and You will have a blast. Its only 600 cc Not a Bomb. Use your head and enjoy. If you are a knucklehead you are gonna get screwed up on any bike no matter the size.

[ae]

I was thinking something like first base, and a 600 will get you to third maybe even home... depending on the color

Just read the title TL;DR ... but... .....

...

Bahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahah

[BostonSVkid]

I started on an sv650 and to this day never regretted it. Great bike, naked for drops and not a ton of power.

[06gixgirl]

I was thinking something like first base, and a 600 will get you to third maybe even home... depending on the color

maybe...but if he had the 750 or 1000 that would take him on a home run for sure.

[Jaynnus]

To both you and Sheila, if you haven't been told yet searchtempest.com can be a big help. It lets you search all craiglists posting with a certain mile range.

Well, fuck a duck and see what hatches!!

I never knew!