|
|
| *Vultures Knob>>>Sport Bike |
Good bike (motorcycle) for a beginner? |
I am 17 about to be 18 and I want to get a good starter bike to take to college. I have only rode a motorcycle a couple times but I love it and my budget is about $5000. Any suggestions? I want a sports bike and I have been looking at the suzuki Katana model. Any suggestions? I have been riding for over 30 years. I currently own a 1990 Katana 1100 that a bought new. At the risk of sounding like a parent I have a few bits of advice: 1. DO NOT start on a sport bike. I tell everyone I meet that is interested in riding to buy a used bike small bike, something in the 250cc range. Used because it won't break your heart when you lay it down (and you will lay it down). 250cc because the bike will be lighter and while plenty responsive it will be controllable. You can pick up a used 250cc for almost nothing and if while learning to ride if you don't destroy it you can re-sell it. 250cc and used to keep your insurance cost down, many insurance companies charge a higher premium for inexperienced riders and the cost is directly related to the power of the bike. 2. Spend some learning time away from traffic. You should spend 2-5 hours just practicing starting, stopping, turning, up shift and down shifting (while going straight and in turns). These initial practice hours should be done in a vacant parking lot, preferably one without parking stops and not too many light poles. 3. You should buy good safety gear (it鈥檚 cheaper than skin grafts). Spend some of your money to buy a high quality full coverage helmet ($300-500), a leather jacket with ballistic pads ($400-700), a good quality pair of gloves ($70) and a sturdy pair of shoes or boots. You might think this is a bit of overkill but in the 30+ years I have been riding l have had several spills and with each one I learned something. 4. When in traffic ride your bike on the conservative side, use you signals and avoid rapid accelerations and rapid lane changes. 5. The last bit of advice is more or a warning or maybe a prediction; after you have been riding a while (the while varies for each individual) there will come a moment when you will think "hey I have the hang of this" when you think this you should treat it as a warning alarm of a pending accident. It may not sound like it but I do love to ride and I encourage you to ride as well, just don't let the thrill override your sense. As for a recommendation on your second bike, I am a fan of Suzuki - they seem to be the best value for the bucks. I have owned a Hondas, Yamahas, and my Suzuki they are all good bikes but I prefer my Suzuki. Good Luck. Kawasaki Ninja 250, nice beginner sport bike. Get a used Ninja 500. A real sports bike will cost money to insure! I am in the same boat as you, however my budget is much more strict. I would have to suggest a Ninja 250 as a first bike. Everywhere I seem to go no matter the site, the bike is listed for its light weight, decent power, and fuel economy. Many owners i have talked to says it'll cruise very nicely at 65 all day long. To me it is a solid first bike, and I will be going to sit on one very soon at the dealer down the street from me. Katana is heavy, think about a used CBR 600 r so if ya lay it down its not a big deal, ride the summer or year away then step up with the big boys.... Sport bikes are way fun, but think about a Harley, chicks love em!! Me raced MX, Desert, worked for HD, Motoworld, Baja Designs..10 years exp... Dont go with the 250 unless you are short and are just looking for a motorcycle to ride. If you want a true sport bike, the 500 is also not a good choice but much better then the 250 and you wont outgrow it in a days riding. You can get a used one cheap. Your best bet, if you can afford the insurance, is to look into a good used 600cc bike, preferably something fuel injected. Maybe its already been dropped and has a few scratches. All the better cause 95% chance you will drop it at least once. Make sure you get all your safety gear and take a safety course and ride safe. |
| Tags |
| Pocket Bike Mini Bike Chopper Bike Pit Bike Dirt Bike Sport Bike Street Bike Exercise Bike Stationary Bike Recumbent Bike |
Bike Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster |