Good Beginner Bike??? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

54warrior · 06-25-2007, 01:10 PM

Ok, here goes...

Have not owned a street bike before. I really want a Roadstar Warrior, but having no experience, I feel it would be better to start on something smaller perhaps and the M50 is one of the better looking bikes out there (similar to the Warrior)

I am 6'8" and 275# though!!! LOL

I do have experience riding motorcycles though, growing up had an XR80, XL100, CR125, YZ426F, and I still have my Yamaha Warrior ATV.

What are anyones thoughts?? Thanks in Advance!!

tolsten82 · 06-25-2007, 01:35 PM

The M50 is great beginner bike. M50 is my first bike, and I have been having a great time learning how to ride one it. I too looked at the warrior, but decided against it. The warrior is a much bigger bike, it is heavier and harder to control. Also the way I was told by a friend who has been riding for over 30 years, all your errors get magnified proportionally to the power of the bike, so a slip up on a 1500+cc bike will be far worse then on a 800cc one. Too much power at start is not a good thing.

However I am 6'2" 200 pounds and times I feel like I am visually too big to be on this bike. So I would check yourself in the mirror to see if you like the way you look on it. The bike is pretty small, and light. Your weight however is not a problem, I have have my dad and me on it at 400 pounds combined, and the bike had no problem getting around.

I would also advice from getting this bike brand new, since you will definitely out grow it and will want something a little bigger.

54warrior · 06-25-2007, 01:48 PM

Thanks for the response. Yeah, I would probably buy a used one and it would be a "stepping stone" before I get the Warrior.

PhotoJoe · 06-25-2007, 02:13 PM

Search "Beginner bike" on this forum and be ready to read. Tons of good information already out there.

Smurf · 06-25-2007, 02:26 PM

YZ426F ???

Now that's a handfull of dirt bike.

BlaznBlu · 06-25-2007, 03:12 PM

I had an M50 for a year before getting a Warrior.

Would agree with Tolsten, it is a night and day difference. Power, handling, weight - no comparison.

I love both bikes, and have the luxury of being able to ride either whenever I want. But I would definately not recommend the Warrior for a beginner bike. The M50 is much more forgiving and is an excellent bike.

But I can also appreciate the dilemma of your height influencing your bike purchase. Can't help you much there other than to recommend forward controls on the M50.

digitalbroccoli · 06-25-2007, 03:37 PM

I would disagree with the M being a good "beginner" bike. Why spend thousands of dollars for a beginner bike, and then sell it later on and lose half of that money? Newer bikes don't make sense as stepping stones due to the inherent depreciation.

Buy something you can get for 2 grand, ride the snot out of it for a year, then sell it for 1800. Makes a ton more sense. Plus, if you dump it/scratch it/etc, there's no real financial issue, so it won't bug you as much.

shmedly · 06-25-2007, 04:59 PM

At 6'2" I needed forward controls on my M50, but I don't think they make a kit that will accomate your legs adequately. I think M50 is good beginner bike and a keeper in my case, but if you find one that really accomodates your height please let us know.

Smurf · 06-25-2007, 05:21 PM

On the other hand................

You do have experience with motorcycles, like I said "YZ426F?". No doubt you know how to ride, you just haven't rode on the street, and you haven't rode a bike of that magnitude and weight.

SNAFU · 06-25-2007, 05:41 PM

How about a DualSport ?

d_m50 · 06-25-2007, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tolsten82

However I am 6'2" 200 pounds and times I feel like I am visually too big to be on this bike. So I would check yourself in the mirror to see if you like the way you look on it. The bike is pretty small, and light. Your weight however is not a problem, I have have my dad and me on it at 400 pounds combined, and the bike had no problem getting around.

The M50 and the Warrior are extremely close physical size.
Warrior:
Length 93.9"
Width 36.8"
Height 44.1"
Seat Height 28.7"
Wheelbase 65.6"
Ground Clearance 6.1"
Dry Weight 613 lb.
Fuel Capacity 4.0 gal.

M50
Length: 93.3 in. (2,370 mm)
Width: 36.2 in. (920 mm)
Height: 44.5 in. (1,125 mm)
Wheelbase: 65.2 in. (1,655 mm)
Seat Height: 27.6 in. (700 mm)
Ground Clearance: 5.5 in. (140 mm)
Dry Weight: 544 lbs. (247 kg)
Fuel Capacity: 4.1 gal. (15.5 l)

Meanstreak 1500
Length: 94.9"
Width: 33.5"
Height: 43.3"
Wheelbase: 67.1"
Seat Height: 27.6"
Ground Clearance: 4.9"
Dry Weight: 637 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gal.

m109R
Length: 96.5 in. (2,450 mm)
Width: 34.4 in. (875 mm)
Height: 46.7 in. (1,185 mm)
Wheelbase: 67.3 in. (1,710 mm)
Seat Height: 27.8 in. (705 mm)
Ground Clearance: 5.1 in. (130 mm)
Dry Weight: 694 lbs. (315 kg)
Fuel Capacity: 4.9 gal. (18.5 l)

Wierd...the M50 is wider than the m109R

but I agree w/ digitalbrocoli...
buy a cheap sub 3k bike and learn/drop that one and when your read buy the bike of your dreams

**Clint** · 06-25-2007, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNAFU

How about a DualSport ?

Dual-sport, yes. Supermoto, no. He'd look like a grasshopper doing yoga on that thing. Try a DL if you can get past the cruiser thing.

palanon · 06-25-2007, 08:49 PM

LMAO !! grasshopper doing yoga. Nice imagery !

SNAFU · 06-25-2007, 09:17 PM

Yoga does the body good!

raycogxxx · 06-26-2007, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d_m50

Wierd...the M50 is wider than the m109R

Not when you figure in the width of those factory pipes-sit on one and see.

54warrior · 06-26-2007, 07:57 AM

Hey, thanks for all the replies everyone!!

Yes, my size is a bit of a hindrance. I do have motorcycle experience, but it's all been on the dirt. As someone else also stated, I've not ridden something of this size/weight before either.

Believe me, I love those dual sport/supermoto style bikes, but that's not really what I'm shooting for. I think, as someone suggested, getting an el cheapo "beater" bike first would be my best bet probably.

And yes, that guy up above is about what it would look like-LOL!!

BlaznBlu · 06-26-2007, 08:56 AM

Good luck with the search.

The best thing to do is go to the dealership and begin sitting on various bikes to see what feels best to you, too many styles to choose from. Once you have found what you like, then begin the search for a used one.

Regarding the specs posted by D_M50 earlier: it may look similar on paper, but the way the rider fits the bike, the weight distribution, the handling of the bike, etc. is completely different. Just speaking from experience.

Good luck and keep us updated.

digitalbroccoli · 06-26-2007, 09:45 AM

racog's right. Sit on an M and an M109, and tell me that 109 doesn't feel a lot fatter.

snowman671 · 06-26-2007, 10:12 AM

I'm pretty sure the measurements are at the handle bars for width.. therefore the seating area is probably fatter on the M109 but the bars are not out as far as the M50 so the overall width is larger on the M50.

d_m50 · 06-26-2007, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowman671

I'm pretty sure the measurements are at the handle bars for width.. therefore the seating area is probably fatter on the M109 but the bars are not out as far as the M50 so the overall width is larger on the M50.

that makes sense!

lol I suppose a 36" width at the body would be pretty hard to ride eh?

06-25-2007, 01:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
54warrior Newbie Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 3	Good Beginner Bike??? Ok, here goes... Have not owned a street bike before. I really want a Roadstar Warrior, but having no experience, I feel it would be better to start on something smaller perhaps and the M50 is one of the better looking bikes out there (similar to the Warrior) I am 6'8" and 275# though!!! LOL I do have experience riding motorcycles though, growing up had an XR80, XL100, CR125, YZ426F, and I still have my Yamaha Warrior ATV. What are anyones thoughts?? Thanks in Advance!!

06-25-2007, 02:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
PhotoJoe Third gear and cruising Joined: Mar 2007 Bike: Looking for my first bike Location: Santa Clarita, CA Posts: 505	Search "Beginner bike" on this forum and be ready to read. Tons of good information already out there. __________________

06-25-2007, 02:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
Smurf Quiche' King Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2005 Red Flamed M-50 Location: McDonough Georgia Posts: 4,359	YZ426F ??? Now that's a handfull of dirt bike. __________________ "I would rather be lucky than good!"

06-25-2007, 03:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
BlaznBlu Clutch Cadet Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 2008 Black/Silver GSX650F. 2005 Black M50 with blue ghost flames. Location: West Melbourne, FL Posts: 917	I had an M50 for a year before getting a Warrior. Would agree with Tolsten, it is a night and day difference. Power, handling, weight - no comparison. I love both bikes, and have the luxury of being able to ride either whenever I want. But I would definately not recommend the Warrior for a beginner bike. The M50 is much more forgiving and is an excellent bike. But I can also appreciate the dilemma of your height influencing your bike purchase. Can't help you much there other than to recommend forward controls on the M50. __________________ When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. So let's all get drunk and go to heaven!

06-25-2007, 03:37 PM	#7 (permalink)
digitalbroccoli U.B's LoveChild Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 06 M50 in Bluuuuuuuuue Location: Sodus, NY Posts: 1,059	I would disagree with the M being a good "beginner" bike. Why spend thousands of dollars for a beginner bike, and then sell it later on and lose half of that money? Newer bikes don't make sense as stepping stones due to the inherent depreciation. Buy something you can get for 2 grand, ride the snot out of it for a year, then sell it for 1800. Makes a ton more sense. Plus, if you dump it/scratch it/etc, there's no real financial issue, so it won't bug you as much. __________________ 06 Blue M50 - tattoo profiler and bags, pciii, hypercharger, cruzers, drag bars, lots of other goodies. 99 black bandit - winter project. mwahahaha.

06-25-2007, 01:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
tolsten82 In Training Joined: May 2007 Bike: 2006 Blue M50, 2002 Black Warrior Location: Manchester, NH Posts: 147	The M50 is great beginner bike. M50 is my first bike, and I have been having a great time learning how to ride one it. I too looked at the warrior, but decided against it. The warrior is a much bigger bike, it is heavier and harder to control. Also the way I was told by a friend who has been riding for over 30 years, all your errors get magnified proportionally to the power of the bike, so a slip up on a 1500+cc bike will be far worse then on a 800cc one. Too much power at start is not a good thing. However I am 6'2" 200 pounds and times I feel like I am visually too big to be on this bike. So I would check yourself in the mirror to see if you like the way you look on it. The bike is pretty small, and light. Your weight however is not a problem, I have have my dad and me on it at 400 pounds combined, and the bike had no problem getting around. I would also advice from getting this bike brand new, since you will definitely out grow it and will want something a little bigger.

06-25-2007, 01:48 PM	#3 (permalink)
54warrior Newbie Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 3	Thanks for the response. Yeah, I would probably buy a used one and it would be a "stepping stone" before I get the Warrior.

06-25-2007, 04:59 PM	#8 (permalink)
shmedly In Training Joined: May 2007 Bike: HD Electra Glide Classic, Suzuki Boulevard M50 Location: In a box in Connecticut Posts: 121	At 6'2" I needed forward controls on my M50, but I don't think they make a kit that will accomate your legs adequately. I think M50 is good beginner bike and a keeper in my case, but if you find one that really accomodates your height please let us know. __________________ Loud pipes sound cool! 2003 HD Electra Glide Classic 100th Anniversary Edition

06-25-2007, 05:21 PM	#9 (permalink)
Smurf Quiche' King Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2005 Red Flamed M-50 Location: McDonough Georgia Posts: 4,359	On the other hand................ You do have experience with motorcycles, like I said "YZ426F?". No doubt you know how to ride, you just haven't rode on the street, and you haven't rode a bike of that magnitude and weight. __________________ "I would rather be lucky than good!"

06-25-2007, 05:41 PM	#10 (permalink)
SNAFU Just Won't Go Away ! Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: '06 M50 Black Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 5,006	How about a DualSport ? __________________

06-25-2007, 08:49 PM	#13 (permalink)
palanon No Significant Other Joined: Apr 2006 Bike: 2003 Bandit 1200S Location: Newmarket, NH Posts: 2,326	LMAO !! grasshopper doing yoga. Nice imagery ! __________________ " In the name of the Speedo, the Tach and the Holy Throttle, amen. "

06-25-2007, 09:17 PM	#14 (permalink)
SNAFU Just Won't Go Away ! Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: '06 M50 Black Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 5,006	Yoga does the body good! __________________

06-26-2007, 07:57 AM	#16 (permalink)
54warrior Newbie Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 3	Hey, thanks for all the replies everyone!! Yes, my size is a bit of a hindrance. I do have motorcycle experience, but it's all been on the dirt. As someone else also stated, I've not ridden something of this size/weight before either. Believe me, I love those dual sport/supermoto style bikes, but that's not really what I'm shooting for. I think, as someone suggested, getting an el cheapo "beater" bike first would be my best bet probably. And yes, that guy up above is about what it would look like-LOL!!

06-26-2007, 08:56 AM	#17 (permalink)
BlaznBlu Clutch Cadet Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 2008 Black/Silver GSX650F. 2005 Black M50 with blue ghost flames. Location: West Melbourne, FL Posts: 917	Good luck with the search. The best thing to do is go to the dealership and begin sitting on various bikes to see what feels best to you, too many styles to choose from. Once you have found what you like, then begin the search for a used one. Regarding the specs posted by D_M50 earlier: it may look similar on paper, but the way the rider fits the bike, the weight distribution, the handling of the bike, etc. is completely different. Just speaking from experience. Good luck and keep us updated. __________________ When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to heaven. So let's all get drunk and go to heaven!

06-26-2007, 09:45 AM	#18 (permalink)
digitalbroccoli U.B's LoveChild Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 06 M50 in Bluuuuuuuuue Location: Sodus, NY Posts: 1,059	racog's right. Sit on an M and an M109, and tell me that 109 doesn't feel a lot fatter. __________________ 06 Blue M50 - tattoo profiler and bags, pciii, hypercharger, cruzers, drag bars, lots of other goodies. 99 black bandit - winter project. mwahahaha.

06-26-2007, 10:12 AM	#19 (permalink)
snowman671 In Training Joined: Aug 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: PA Posts: 120	I'm pretty sure the measurements are at the handle bars for width.. therefore the seating area is probably fatter on the M109 but the bars are not out as far as the M50 so the overall width is larger on the M50.

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