Rookie Driver - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

zuki gs500f · 07-25-2006, 12:01 AM

Hey guys, I am a complete rookie when it comes to motorcycles. Have been looking into getting a bike. Im pretty sure of going with the Zuki gs500f, another option is the Ninja 500. Any advice??? Yes I know where all my gear which I can assure you I will always do. Helmet, jacket, gloves, jeans. But just some heads up on what to expect. Im 21 5'11 and 230lbs.

**Clint** · 07-25-2006, 05:48 AM

You're off on the right track. Welcome to motorcycling! There are thousands of threads worth of advice already here, so grab a beverage and a comfortable chair and help yourself. If you have any specific questions, fire away.

HAMMERPETE · 07-25-2006, 05:52 AM

Have you thought of throwing in a Motorcycle safety course?
Education and experience will go a long way. Alot of people will say start small. Sport bikes..it might be a good idea to stay under 750 cc. A cruiser could be slightly different. All depending on if you plan on having a passenger.

Apertureguy · 07-25-2006, 06:52 AM

Yeah, the course will help you more than you know...don't miss out on it.

As for starting out, smaller is easier. It will allow you to gain the confidence and help with the experience you'll need.

Don't worry about "what" you're riding, just that you're riding. Other bikers won't pick on you if you don't have the coolest, fastest bike (yet). Most of us are just happy to see someone riding, regardless of what it is.

Plus, we'd all rather see someone riding something they can handle.

So buy used at first & something small...then work up to a bigger bike.

**Louis** · 07-25-2006, 07:30 AM

Welcome to our club!

As Rowdy said, the GS500 or the Ninja 500 are great first bikes.

GABRIEL · 07-25-2006, 07:40 AM

Get the GS500 you wont be upset.

Rockhead · 07-25-2006, 08:42 AM

Macn900ss · 07-25-2006, 09:11 AM

The GS500 and Ninja500 are both great bikes. IMO, just go with the one you like better and can get the best deal on. Enjoy!

robertc729 · 07-25-2006, 04:15 PM

Welcome

POE-BOY SAMICH · 07-25-2006, 07:37 PM

As others have already suggested...take a good motorcycle safety training course. The class is great.

Since your looking for your first bike, DO NOT limit yourself to only one or two models. Take a look here in the forum and you will find LOTS of recommend 1st bikes. Make a list of all the makes/models that appeal to you and sit on as many of those bikes as you can.

Don't worry about what others will say/think. Make sure it's a bike you are comfortable on AND a bike that can be forgiving to someone just starting out.

zuki gs500f · 07-25-2006, 09:18 PM

Thanks guys. Me and 2 buddies are all going to get bikes so we are pretty much going to get what we can get the best deal on. Hopefully purchasing in Oct/Nov/Dec sometime. And yes I will definately be taking a Motorcycle Safety class...added bonus is if you pass you have an automatic license. Hoping to take the class in early Sept. And I have read quite a bit on this site and thats how I knew not to get a 600 for my first bike...although the Katana 600 is the most comfortable bike I have sat on. But we are going to stick with 500's for AT LEAST 6-12 months. Then I will look into a 600-750 range. But I know that all you guys said dont get a 600 so Im taking that adivce to heart and going to stick with the gs or the ninja. So any advice on what tricks to start?? Im just kidding im not going to be doing anything stupid like wheelies or stoppies.

**Clint** · 07-25-2006, 09:20 PM

LOL. Smartarse.

zuki gs500f · 07-25-2006, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

LOL. Smartarse.

St. Cloud eh? How much riding you get up there? lol.

Im from Burnsville but moved to Phoenix 8 years ago.

Rickster · 07-25-2006, 10:37 PM

I'm in St Paul, and well over 15,000 miles for the year.
Welcome!

blackie1491 · 07-25-2006, 11:19 PM

07-25-2006, 12:01 AM	#1 (permalink)
zuki gs500f Newbie Joined: Jul 2006 Bike: TBD...Zuki GS500F or Katana 600 possibly??? Location: Arizona Posts: 8	Rookie Driver Hey guys, I am a complete rookie when it comes to motorcycles. Have been looking into getting a bike. Im pretty sure of going with the Zuki gs500f, another option is the Ninja 500. Any advice??? Yes I know where all my gear which I can assure you I will always do. Helmet, jacket, gloves, jeans. But just some heads up on what to expect. Im 21 5'11 and 230lbs.

07-25-2006, 05:52 AM	#3 (permalink)
HAMMERPETE Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Oct 2005 Bike: 2005 HAMMER Location: SOCAL %%%%%ES Posts: 2,878	Have you thought of throwing in a Motorcycle safety course? Education and experience will go a long way. Alot of people will say start small. Sport bikes..it might be a good idea to stay under 750 cc. A cruiser could be slightly different. All depending on if you plan on having a passenger. __________________ "There's not a whole lot ways this can go right" - Johnny Knoxsville "I did something in a previous life that must have been spectacularly good, because I'm getting paid in this life just magnificently, more than one would dare imagine or hope for." - RIP George Carlin. Life's Journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, But rather to skid in side ways, totally worn out shouting HOLYSHI$T What A RIDE!!

07-25-2006, 07:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
Louis Administrator Joined: Sep 2003 Bike: SV650S '05 (Blue) Location: Gatineau, QC, Canada Posts: 10,652	Welcome to our club! As Rowdy said, the GS500 or the Ninja 500 are great first bikes. __________________ Louis

07-25-2006, 07:40 AM	#6 (permalink)
GABRIEL Third gear and cruising Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 2006 GSX-R 600 Location: Washington, D.C. Posts: 544	Get the GS500 you wont be upset. __________________

07-25-2006, 07:37 PM	#10 (permalink)
POE-BOY SAMICH U.B's LoveChild Joined: Dec 2005 Bike: '07 Harley Road King Location: San Antonio, TX Posts: 1,212	As others have already suggested...take a good motorcycle safety training course. The class is great. Since your looking for your first bike, DO NOT limit yourself to only one or two models. Take a look here in the forum and you will find LOTS of recommend 1st bikes. Make a list of all the makes/models that appeal to you and sit on as many of those bikes as you can. Don't worry about what others will say/think. Make sure it's a bike you are comfortable on AND a bike that can be forgiving to someone just starting out. __________________ http://www.lonestarmotorcyclealliance.com/

07-25-2006, 06:52 AM	#4 (permalink)
Apertureguy Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: 2006 Blue M50 Location: New York Posts: 3,071	Yeah, the course will help you more than you know...don't miss out on it. As for starting out, smaller is easier. It will allow you to gain the confidence and help with the experience you'll need. Don't worry about "what" you're riding, just that you're riding. Other bikers won't pick on you if you don't have the coolest, fastest bike (yet). Most of us are just happy to see someone riding, regardless of what it is. Plus, we'd all rather see someone riding something they can handle. So buy used at first & something small...then work up to a bigger bike.

07-25-2006, 08:42 AM	#7 (permalink)
Rockhead M-J.Com Master Poster Joined: Jan 2006 Bike: M50 Location: 1060 West Addison, Chicago Posts: 3,758

07-25-2006, 09:11 AM	#8 (permalink)
Macn900ss Seat Tester Joined: May 2006 Bike: Me-1991 Ducati 900ss Wife-2006 Suzuki GS500F Location: Baltimore Posts: 58	The GS500 and Ninja500 are both great bikes. IMO, just go with the one you like better and can get the best deal on. Enjoy!

07-25-2006, 04:15 PM	#9 (permalink)
robertc729 M-J.Com Master Poster Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 05 Boulevard C50 LE, 06 S40 (wife's bike) Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 3,973	Welcome

07-25-2006, 09:18 PM	#11 (permalink)
zuki gs500f Newbie Joined: Jul 2006 Bike: TBD...Zuki GS500F or Katana 600 possibly??? Location: Arizona Posts: 8	Thanks guys. Me and 2 buddies are all going to get bikes so we are pretty much going to get what we can get the best deal on. Hopefully purchasing in Oct/Nov/Dec sometime. And yes I will definately be taking a Motorcycle Safety class...added bonus is if you pass you have an automatic license. Hoping to take the class in early Sept. And I have read quite a bit on this site and thats how I knew not to get a 600 for my first bike...although the Katana 600 is the most comfortable bike I have sat on. But we are going to stick with 500's for AT LEAST 6-12 months. Then I will look into a 600-750 range. But I know that all you guys said dont get a 600 so Im taking that adivce to heart and going to stick with the gs or the ninja. So any advice on what tricks to start?? Im just kidding im not going to be doing anything stupid like wheelies or stoppies.

07-25-2006, 10:37 PM	#14 (permalink)
Rickster Bridal Boutique Manager Joined: Oct 2005 Location: St Paul Mn Posts: 2,914	I'm in St Paul, and well over 15,000 miles for the year. *Welcome!* __________________ Ever notice that the person telling you to calm down, is the same one that got you worked up in the first place. 2008 1250 Bandit ABS 2008 DR 650 2006 HD Road King 2005 DL1000 V Strom (sold) 2004 Twin Peaks 700 2003 KTM 525 EX/C (for sale) 2005 Santa Cruz Heckler

07-25-2006, 11:19 PM	#15 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,211

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