What should my beginner bike be? - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

Blue250 · 04-24-2007, 09:25 AM

I am trying to get into riding bikes more, and I was wondering should it be a ninja250r because, honestly I don't want anything too powerful just yet.

PhotoJoe · 04-24-2007, 09:56 AM

I think that is a wise idea!

ChicsterMG · 04-24-2007, 10:06 AM

You're on the right track. Take the MSF and get a feel for riding, first. You may decide that an R bike isn't for you no matter what the size.
But, as most around here will tell you it is good to go small and move up with more experience.

robertc729 · 04-24-2007, 06:31 PM

GregR1 · 04-24-2007, 06:35 PM

it's certainly one of the more common beginner bikes - very few people are likely to tell you NOT to get it

Blue250 · 04-24-2007, 11:46 PM

I know you understand that I'm a begginner, so you guys will be building me from the ground up. Please don't consider me stupid, but what is MSF?

ORBrit · 04-25-2007, 12:21 AM

I think you should get a 250cc bike - in blue.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation
North Carolina Motorcycle Education Foundation

SNAFU · 04-25-2007, 01:22 AM

There is a search button on top of the page. Type in "beginner bike" and you will find many post related to this.

For example http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/fo...t=beginer+bike

Smurf · 04-25-2007, 04:48 AM

Hyabusa !!!!!!!!!!!!

Lol

PhotoJoe · 04-25-2007, 09:37 AM

You're not stupid. You're asking questions. Best way to learn! Ask away!

ChicsterMG · 04-25-2007, 09:39 AM

Stupid would be to come in and ask the question and tell us everyone they were wrong and you are going to buy the Hyabusa.

Ask away. Good luck.

There are no stupid questions, only smart-a$$ answers.

davidc83 · 04-25-2007, 01:30 PM

MSF: Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Some states require it before you can get a motorcyle license. For a beginner. Look at my picture (avatar). It is a Suzuki GZ250. It has enough power to get you down the road (but not superslabs) but not enough power to get you in trouble. They are easy to sit on, easy to ride, easy to steer. They only weigh 305 lbs so if you tip it over, they are easy to stand.

jkersh · 04-25-2007, 01:39 PM

I started on a 250 Honda Rebel. With new handlebars it fit me ok. You can pick them up used for around $1500.

ccg_27 · 04-25-2007, 09:43 PM

Im a new rider too but if i coulda went back i probably would have gotten a katana instead of a gixxer 750. Theres gonna be people who dont ride motorcycles whispering in your ear about this and that. They dont know what thier talking about dont listen to them.

Blue250 · 04-25-2007, 11:38 PM

This guy I know suggested that I just get a GSXR. Is that too much for me just yet?

geoffsimpson · 04-26-2007, 01:01 AM

Blue, you might be smartest newbie ever...good idea to start lite and an excellent choice in machines

ORBrit · 04-26-2007, 01:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue250

This guy I know suggested that I just get a GSXR. Is that too much for me just yet?

"just get a GSXR"

Is that like "just get a bike that'll do 80 in 1st"

probably not the best suggestion you've had - not while you're learning the fundamentals of throttle control, clutch friction zone, counter steering, correct braking technique. You will want a more forgiving bike than that because you will make mistakes - you just don't want the bike to bite you too hard when you make them.

ts250girl · 04-26-2007, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blue250

This guy I know suggested that I just get a GSXR. Is that too much for me just yet?

Ha ha ha, might as well get a '94 CBR100, that way if you drop it you are sure to kill yourself as it weighs a kajillion pounds. This guy you know is a goof ball for suggesting a Gixxer. A 250 cc bike is a great choice, whether it is a Ninja or a cruiser or a dual purpose (just make sure your feet reach the ground).

**inspiron** · 04-26-2007, 03:45 AM

Since it's been a couple of weeks... Hi and

There is a wealth of information around here ... sometimes you need to blow away some cobwebs to find it.

Here's the Cliff's Notes version of our "newbie" advice:

1) Take the MSF course (Motorcycle Safety Foundation)

2) Look for a used bike to begin with - 35-40 horsepower is more than enough - and use the money you save on the bike to get the best gear (helmet, jacket, spine protector, gloves, pants and boots) along with the best insurance you can afford.

3) Start out riding (wearing full gear) in a parking lot, away from any traffic. Practice the slow-speed maneuvers and get comfortable with the controls (clutch, brakes, turn signals, gear shift, etc.) before you try to enter traffic.

4) Don't ride with others unless they are willing to accept your level of experience. Don't try to keep up with others - ride your own ride.

5) Learn how to maintain your bike, too. At least the basic stuff - tightening bolts to specification, changing the oil/filter or spark plugs, etc.

6) Post lots of pictures on Motorcycle-Journal.com

battypup · 04-26-2007, 03:56 AM

I'm a newbie also and though I didn't know about this forum when I got my first bike I have to agree with the majority here. I started with a new large 1600cc and would have been smarter to get a used 250 or something to start with. What ever you choose, protective gear is a must.

04-24-2007, 09:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
Blue250 Where Am I ? Joined: Apr 2007 Bike: CBR600 Location: Roanoke Rapids, NC Posts: 26	What should my beginner bike be? I am trying to get into riding bikes more, and I was wondering should it be a ninja250r because, honestly I don't want anything too powerful just yet.

04-24-2007, 10:06 AM	#3 (permalink)
ChicsterMG Refrigerator Magnet Test Engineer Joined: May 2005 Bike: Boulevard C50 Location: Afghanistan Posts: 3,508	You're on the right track. Take the MSF and get a feel for riding, first. You may decide that an R bike isn't for you no matter what the size. But, as most around here will tell you it is good to go small and move up with more experience. __________________ Sometimes you need to ask yourself, "WWGD?"...Just be awesome, that's all! GUT-CUT 2007: 177 LBS. 160 LBS.

04-25-2007, 12:21 AM	#7 (permalink)
ORBrit U.B's LoveChild Joined: Oct 2006 Bike: 2007 Suzuki Boulevard S50, 2007 Suzuki Bandit 1250S Location: Eugene, OR Posts: 1,242	I think you should get a 250cc bike - in blue. Motorcycle Safety Foundation North Carolina Motorcycle Education Foundation __________________

04-25-2007, 01:22 AM	#8 (permalink)
SNAFU Just Won't Go Away ! Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: '06 M50 Black Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 5,020	There is a search button on top of the page. Type in "beginner bike" and you will find many post related to this. For example http://www.motorcycle-journal.com/fo...t=beginer+bike __________________

04-25-2007, 04:48 AM	#9 (permalink)
Smurf Quiche' King Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: 2005 Red Flamed M-50 Location: McDonough Georgia Posts: 4,367	Hyabusa !!!!!!!!!!!! Lol __________________ "I would rather be lucky than good!"

04-24-2007, 09:56 AM	#2 (permalink)
PhotoJoe Third gear and cruising Joined: Mar 2007 Bike: Looking for my first bike Location: Santa Clarita, CA Posts: 505	I think that is a wise idea!

04-24-2007, 06:31 PM	#4 (permalink)
robertc729 Forensic Bug Splatter Analyst Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 05 Boulevard C50 LE, 06 S40 (wife's bike) Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 4,090

04-24-2007, 06:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
GregR1 ... Joined: Mar 2007 Posts: 2,308	it's certainly one of the more common beginner bikes - very few people are likely to tell you NOT to get it

04-24-2007, 11:46 PM	#6 (permalink)
Blue250 Where Am I ? Joined: Apr 2007 Bike: CBR600 Location: Roanoke Rapids, NC Posts: 26	I know you understand that I'm a begginner, so you guys will be building me from the ground up. Please don't consider me stupid, but what is MSF?

04-25-2007, 09:37 AM	#10 (permalink)
PhotoJoe Third gear and cruising Joined: Mar 2007 Bike: Looking for my first bike Location: Santa Clarita, CA Posts: 505	You're not stupid. You're asking questions. Best way to learn! Ask away!

04-25-2007, 09:39 AM	#11 (permalink)
ChicsterMG Refrigerator Magnet Test Engineer Joined: May 2005 Bike: Boulevard C50 Location: Afghanistan Posts: 3,508	Stupid would be to come in and ask the question and tell us everyone they were wrong and you are going to buy the Hyabusa. Ask away. Good luck. There are no stupid questions, only smart-a$$ answers. __________________ Sometimes you need to ask yourself, "WWGD?"...Just be awesome, that's all! GUT-CUT 2007: 177 LBS. 160 LBS.

04-25-2007, 01:30 PM	#12 (permalink)
davidc83 Seat Tester Joined: Apr 2007 Bike: 2006 Suzuki gz250 Location: Scottsburg, Indiana Posts: 82	MSF: Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Some states require it before you can get a motorcyle license. For a beginner. Look at my picture (avatar). It is a Suzuki GZ250. It has enough power to get you down the road (but not superslabs) but not enough power to get you in trouble. They are easy to sit on, easy to ride, easy to steer. They only weigh 305 lbs so if you tip it over, they are easy to stand.

04-25-2007, 01:39 PM	#13 (permalink)
jkersh TurtleWax Taster Joined: Apr 2006 Bike: '02 750 ACE Location: 34 59.613n 094 30.852w Posts: 593	I started on a 250 Honda Rebel. With new handlebars it fit me ok. You can pick them up used for around $1500. __________________ There's only two things I hate in this world. People who are intolerant of other people's cultures and the Dutch.

04-25-2007, 09:43 PM	#14 (permalink)
ccg_27 Where Am I ? Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 30	Im a new rider too but if i coulda went back i probably would have gotten a katana instead of a gixxer 750. Theres gonna be people who dont ride motorcycles whispering in your ear about this and that. They dont know what thier talking about dont listen to them.

04-25-2007, 11:38 PM	#15 (permalink)
Blue250 Where Am I ? Joined: Apr 2007 Bike: CBR600 Location: Roanoke Rapids, NC Posts: 26	This guy I know suggested that I just get a GSXR. Is that too much for me just yet?

04-26-2007, 01:01 AM	#16 (permalink)
geoffsimpson Throttle Jockey Joined: Jun 2006 Bike: Grey, not silver, GREY 2006 Suzuki Boulevard M50 * 1983 GS750E Cafe Racer project Location: Prince George BC Posts: 3,126	Blue, you might be smartest newbie ever...good idea to start lite and an excellent choice in machines __________________ Please Note: All opinions contained herein are worth exactly what you paid for them. It's true that every time you hear a bell ring, an angel gets its wings... But what they don't tell you is that every time you hear a mouse trap "snap", and Angel gets set on fire... Grey * De-badged * V & H Straightshots w/ Thunder-Monster Baffles and Billet Hot-Tips * POWAH COMMANDAH!! * Kury Wide Style Levers * Kury Zombie Pegs (what's left of them) * Johnskit Forward Controls * Johnskit 2.5" Lowering Kit * Carbon Fibre-esque Trim kit * your mom * Memphis Shades HellCat windshield * Passenger Backrest * Baddass MO-FO behind the bars * Metz 880's w/ lettering * Flamed Thunder MFG Teardrop Intake *

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

04-26-2007, 03:45 AM	#19 (permalink)
inspiron Muscle Biker Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Blue Suzuki GSX 1400 (2003) Location: Canton Basel-Land, Switzerland (47.4493, 7.76536) Posts: 12,073	Since it's been a couple of weeks... Hi and There is a wealth of information around here ... sometimes you need to blow away some cobwebs to find it. Here's the Cliff's Notes version of our "newbie" advice: 1) Take the MSF course (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) 2) Look for a used bike to begin with - 35-40 horsepower is more than enough - and use the money you save on the bike to get the best gear (helmet, jacket, spine protector, gloves, pants and boots) along with the best insurance you can afford. 3) Start out riding (wearing full gear) in a parking lot, away from any traffic. Practice the slow-speed maneuvers and get comfortable with the controls (clutch, brakes, turn signals, gear shift, etc.) before you try to enter traffic. 4) Don't ride with others unless they are willing to accept your level of experience. Don't try to keep up with others - ride your own ride. 5) Learn how to maintain your bike, too. At least the basic stuff - tightening bolts to specification, changing the oil/filter or spark plugs, etc. 6) Post lots of pictures on Motorcycle-Journal.com __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

04-26-2007, 03:56 AM	#20 (permalink)
battypup Ditch Magnet Joined: Apr 2007 Bike: 2006 Vulcan 1600 Classic and 1980 kz750(project) Location: OC Oregon Posts: 180	I'm a newbie also and though I didn't know about this forum when I got my first bike I have to agree with the majority here. I started with a new large 1600cc and would have been smarter to get a used 250 or something to start with. What ever you choose, protective gear is a must.

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