newbie - Page 2 - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

**Trapper** · 01-24-2005, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RowdyRed94

I like that guy. Actually lol'd there.

**inspiron** · 01-25-2005, 03:58 AM

I rode a Vespa (50cc) with 3 HP for 10 years ... 7 miles each way to and from work, 6 to 8 months per year (until it got too cold and wet).

Sorry, but the Vespa was great for commuting, but the handing was crap. I don't think you can compare the twisty performance of a scooter and that of a motorcycle. The CG is much farther back and lower on a scooter, so it performs completely differently.

I can't imagine riding a scooter with a 650 engine ... (I can't really imagine why anyone would even build one, but that's another story) ...

When I twist my wrist, I want to have my knees on the machine, and am trying to "be one" with my bike. When sitting on a scooter, you don't really have any contact with the bike other than your butt ... not much of a relationship (unless you happen to be .... oh, nevermind).

DocBooty · 01-25-2005, 10:43 PM

Hmmmmm... Id say go with an older kat... might even go with the 750... The older Katanas are awesome first bikes to have. They have good handling, not an INSANE amount of power to start that u will kill urself on right away (although the stuff you can do to a Katana engine is limitless.) U can get a good body kit from a place like shark skinz. In fact u might wanna try heading over to www.katanaplanet.com to see some of the stuff these guys have done to their bikes, you will only spend a grand or 2 on it and if u put another grand or 2 in then u will have a really nice ride. (P.S. If you do head on over to KP check out some posts by a guy called Spedee. His Kat is awesome!)

kinkyllama · 01-25-2005, 11:05 PM

Older like what year?

thanks

DocBooty · 01-26-2005, 03:16 PM

Pre 2000 is a good start.

Like I said try heading over to KP and seeing what they have to say.

Larry L · 01-27-2005, 11:38 AM

For those of you who snicker at scooters, check out the test of the latest Harley 883L (for "Low") in Motorcyle Consumer News (last month's edition). According to the tester, it had exactly the same performance specs as the . . . .yes, I'm not making this up . . . Burgman 650. Acceleration, braking, handling.

For someone who's never thrown a leg over a bike before, stepping through one might not be a bad way to start. Heck, if my kids ever decide they want to ride, that's the direction I'm going to point them. Today's scoots are not yesterday's Vespa.

Some comments from owners:

"From Drive Off, I knew this was the Luxury Version of Motorcycles in its' Class: the unparalled performance, responsiveness, handling, smooth ride characteristics and the "built in" engineering capabilities of this machine are awesome. This is the BEST decision that I have made in the purchase of a Motorcycle. I strongly recommend the AN650K4 to anyone that values Luxury, Class and Performance. Way to Go Suzuki!"

The bike was purring along effortlessly along the straight 70 mph run.

The trip was 230miles round trip. Most of the roads we took at 35 mph as they were small, windy two lane roads. We had two different couples stop and ask questions about the Burgman. They really seem to like it.

" . . . . I knew the Burgman would be supremely practical, but I didn't expect to find myself doing day trips with it. The smooth engine, good seat and ergos, the great storage make this bike a decent mid weight bike for touring."

"There likely is not enough room here to point out each of the Burgman's good points, so I'll mention just a few. Smooth, smooth to drive. Almost too easy. Accelerates like a dream, automatic shfting is great and the looks are splendid. I will never go back to a "conventional" motorcycle like all the others. The Burgman is in the scooter line, but at 650ccs this is no scooter of old. Cruising at 75mph is no problem, gas mileage is great and there is tons of storage space. Can't be beat unless you are willing to fork over at least twice the money on a BMW or Goldwing and then you don't have automatic shifting and the great handling of the Burgman."

'Nuff said.

tlwisner · 01-27-2005, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inspiron

I rode a Vespa (50cc) with 3 HP for 10 years ... 7 miles each way to and from work, 6 to 8 months per year (until it got too cold and wet).

Sorry, but the Vespa was great for commuting, but the handing was crap. I don't think you can compare the twisty performance of a scooter and that of a motorcycle. The CG is much farther back and lower on a scooter, so it performs completely differently.

50cc motorcycles are quite different from 650cc motorcycles too.

A 50cc Vespa scooter is a world apart from a Burgman 400 or 650, or Honda Silverwing, etc. However I do not get the vibe that the original poster is really interested in a scooter - so the point is probably moot.

**Clint** · 01-27-2005, 02:56 PM

So, as compared to the smallest, crappiest model made by the lowest tech, most cumbersome motorcycle company, the Burgman came out all right. Well good for the Burgman!

Scooters are great for their intended purpose - basic transportation. I don't consider them motorcycles since their owners don't buy them for the same reasons I buy a bike.

**Trapper** · 01-27-2005, 03:14 PM

Ever ridden one?

kinkyllama · 01-27-2005, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trappercase

Ever ridden one?

Me? Nope.

Va bene · 01-27-2005, 04:00 PM

Suzuki GZ 250 or Suzuki Savage LS 650 -- both are great bikes for beginners. It is easier to learn on a smaller bike, insurance will be less and your mom will be as happy as she can be given that you want to ride a motorcycle.

P.S. Welcome to the forum!

Karl Bowling · 01-28-2005, 07:19 PM

The gixxer 750 would be nice start. Once you become more comfortable with ridding you'll want more bike! I went from a 350 yamaha to a 900 kaw. Be safe out there.

LayinLo · 01-29-2005, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karl Bowling

The gixxer 750 would be nice start. Once you become more comfortable with ridding you'll want more bike! I went from a 350 yamaha to a 900 kaw. Be safe out there.

C'mon Karl, we all know that anyone can handle a bike if they respect it. So why not just get a new Haybusa. You'll never outgrow it and if by some chance you do, then you can always get a Y2K Jet Bike.

Karl Bowling · 01-29-2005, 10:04 AM

Nice LayinLo. Are you supplying a change of under wear? Neewbies might get wet while approaching mach 1.

LayinLo · 01-29-2005, 10:11 AM

I just love the irony of my previous statement. Some people actually jump on the 'bandwagon' and agree. "Yeah, man, get a Busa.....you can handle it, just respect it......"

Karl Bowling · 01-29-2005, 10:32 AM

Absolutely my man!

Hunter · 01-29-2005, 11:20 AM

A scoot is a very safe and really fun toy BUT, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

jaydog19833 · 01-29-2005, 11:51 AM

Scooters aren't in the same ballpark. Hell it's not even the same sport. Scooters are fun as hell to burn around the driveway but in my searches for a motorcycle that wasn't gonna be too fast; I never thought of downgrading to a scooter......

Good beginnger bikes (Ninja being most forgiving, SV650 being more powerful):
Ninja EX500
GS 500F
Katana 600/750
SV 650

**Trapper** · 01-29-2005, 12:07 PM

Ever ridden one?

Doesn't look like the moped I rode in the '80s or the little Vespas or Jazz or whatever. But I can't be sure, because I'VE NEVER RIDDEN ONE!

I'm going to try one this spring when the dealer has demo days.

DocBooty · 01-30-2005, 12:24 AM

P.S. I was just wonderin what is the story behind the name (kinky llama)

01-25-2005, 03:58 AM	#22 (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	I rode a Vespa (50cc) with 3 HP for 10 years ... 7 miles each way to and from work, 6 to 8 months per year (until it got too cold and wet). Sorry, but the Vespa was great for commuting, but the handing was crap. I don't think you can compare the twisty performance of a scooter and that of a motorcycle. The CG is much farther back and lower on a scooter, so it performs completely differently. I can't imagine riding a scooter with a 650 engine ... (I can't really imagine why anyone would even build one, but that's another story) ... When I twist my wrist, I want to have my knees on the machine, and am trying to "be one" with my bike. When sitting on a scooter, you don't really have any contact with the bike other than your butt ... not much of a relationship (unless you happen to be .... oh, nevermind). __________________ There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe blog: gsx1400

01-25-2005, 10:43 PM	#23 (permalink)
DocBooty Clunked into first gear Joined: Oct 2004 Bike: 1125R Location: Fort Irwin Posts: 239	Hmmmmm... Id say go with an older kat... might even go with the 750... The older Katanas are awesome first bikes to have. They have good handling, not an INSANE amount of power to start that u will kill urself on right away (although the stuff you can do to a Katana engine is limitless.) U can get a good body kit from a place like shark skinz. In fact u might wanna try heading over to www.katanaplanet.com to see some of the stuff these guys have done to their bikes, you will only spend a grand or 2 on it and if u put another grand or 2 in then u will have a really nice ride. (P.S. If you do head on over to KP check out some posts by a guy called Spedee. His Kat is awesome!) __________________ Typical day at work-->

01-26-2005, 03:16 PM	#25 (permalink)
DocBooty Clunked into first gear Joined: Oct 2004 Bike: 1125R Location: Fort Irwin Posts: 239	Pre 2000 is a good start. Like I said try heading over to KP and seeing what they have to say. __________________ Typical day at work-->

01-27-2005, 03:14 PM	#29 (permalink)
Trapper Dogs Best Friend(admin) Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: SOLD Location: Moncton NB Canada Posts: 9,192	Ever ridden one? __________________ PointFlushRetrieve.com - Bird Dog Blog Motorcycle-Journal.com Blog

01-29-2005, 11:20 AM	#37 (permalink)
Hunter Clutch Cadet Joined: Jan 2005 Bike: 2005 GSF650S Location: N.B. Canada Posts: 915	A scoot is a very safe and really fun toy BUT, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, __________________ Life is short and you are dead a long time.

01-25-2005, 11:05 PM	#24 (permalink)
kinkyllama Where Am I ? Joined: Jan 2005 Bike: Looking into one Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 41	Older like what year? thanks

01-27-2005, 11:38 AM	#26 (permalink)
Larry L Where Am I ? Joined: Mar 2004 Location: Ormond Beach, Fl Posts: 35	For those of you who snicker at scooters, check out the test of the latest Harley 883L (for "Low") in Motorcyle Consumer News (last month's edition). According to the tester, it had exactly the same performance specs as the . . . .yes, I'm not making this up . . . Burgman 650. Acceleration, braking, handling. For someone who's never thrown a leg over a bike before, stepping through one might not be a bad way to start. Heck, if my kids ever decide they want to ride, that's the direction I'm going to point them. Today's scoots are not yesterday's Vespa. Some comments from owners: "From Drive Off, I knew this was the Luxury Version of Motorcycles in its' Class: the unparalled performance, responsiveness, handling, smooth ride characteristics and the "built in" engineering capabilities of this machine are awesome. This is the BEST decision that I have made in the purchase of a Motorcycle. I strongly recommend the AN650K4 to anyone that values Luxury, Class and Performance. Way to Go Suzuki!" The bike was purring along effortlessly along the straight 70 mph run. The trip was 230miles round trip. Most of the roads we took at 35 mph as they were small, windy two lane roads. We had two different couples stop and ask questions about the Burgman. They really seem to like it. " . . . . I knew the Burgman would be supremely practical, but I didn't expect to find myself doing day trips with it. The smooth engine, good seat and ergos, the great storage make this bike a decent mid weight bike for touring." "There likely is not enough room here to point out each of the Burgman's good points, so I'll mention just a few. Smooth, smooth to drive. Almost too easy. Accelerates like a dream, automatic shfting is great and the looks are splendid. I will never go back to a "conventional" motorcycle like all the others. The Burgman is in the scooter line, but at 650ccs this is no scooter of old. Cruising at 75mph is no problem, gas mileage is great and there is tons of storage space. Can't be beat unless you are willing to fork over at least twice the money on a BMW or Goldwing and then you don't have automatic shifting and the great handling of the Burgman." 'Nuff said.

01-27-2005, 04:00 PM	#31 (permalink)
Va bene Savage Riders Rock Joined: Sep 2004 Bike: Suzuki Savage LS 650 Location: Dandelion Alley Posts: 255	Suzuki GZ 250 or Suzuki Savage LS 650 -- both are great bikes for beginners. It is easier to learn on a smaller bike, insurance will be less and your mom will be as happy as she can be given that you want to ride a motorcycle. P.S. Welcome to the forum!

01-28-2005, 07:19 PM	#32 (permalink)
Karl Bowling Where Am I ? Joined: Jan 2005 Bike: Soon To Be A Hayabusa Location: Virginia Posts: 44	The gixxer 750 would be nice start. Once you become more comfortable with ridding you'll want more bike! I went from a 350 yamaha to a 900 kaw. Be safe out there.

01-29-2005, 10:04 AM	#34 (permalink)
Karl Bowling Where Am I ? Joined: Jan 2005 Bike: Soon To Be A Hayabusa Location: Virginia Posts: 44	Nice LayinLo. Are you supplying a change of under wear? Neewbies might get wet while approaching mach 1.

01-29-2005, 10:11 AM	#35 (permalink)
LayinLo Flipper ( Don't Ask ) Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: Crunchy 02 GSX-R 750 Location: Alabama Posts: 3,936	I just love the irony of my previous statement. Some people actually jump on the 'bandwagon' and agree. "Yeah, man, get a Busa.....you can handle it, just respect it......"

01-29-2005, 10:32 AM	#36 (permalink)
Karl Bowling Where Am I ? Joined: Jan 2005 Bike: Soon To Be A Hayabusa Location: Virginia Posts: 44	Absolutely my man!

01-29-2005, 11:51 AM	#38 (permalink)
jaydog19833 U.B's LoveChild Joined: Jun 2004 Bike: 04 GSXR 600 Location: Lake George, NY Posts: 1,288	Scooters aren't in the same ballpark. Hell it's not even the same sport. Scooters are fun as hell to burn around the driveway but in my searches for a motorcycle that wasn't gonna be too fast; I never thought of downgrading to a scooter...... Good beginnger bikes (Ninja being most forgiving, SV650 being more powerful): Ninja EX500 GS 500F Katana 600/750 SV 650 __________________ Anyone can fire a bullet. Only the good ones can steer one. Bend your elbow, move your arse, and stick the knee out.

01-29-2005, 12:07 PM	#39 (permalink)
Trapper Dogs Best Friend(admin) Joined: Jul 2004 Bike: SOLD Location: Moncton NB Canada Posts: 9,192	Ever ridden one? Doesn't look like the moped I rode in the '80s or the little Vespas or Jazz or whatever. But I can't be sure, because I'VE NEVER RIDDEN ONE! I'm going to try one this spring when the dealer has demo days. __________________ PointFlushRetrieve.com - Bird Dog Blog Motorcycle-Journal.com Blog

01-30-2005, 12:24 AM	#40 (permalink)
DocBooty Clunked into first gear Joined: Oct 2004 Bike: 1125R Location: Fort Irwin Posts: 239	P.S. I was just wonderin what is the story behind the name (kinky llama) __________________ Typical day at work-->

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

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Newbie Says Hi.	rtroiani	The Paddock	12	06-06-2006 12:41 AM
Newbie	blackie1491	Volusia/C50 Getaway	4	06-08-2005 05:38 PM
Hello from the next newbie!	iroc_eater	The Paddock	7	10-17-2004 05:31 PM
Newbie --What sports bike to buy as a newbie,Is katana 600	senthu20	The Paddock	15	10-13-2004 05:49 PM
Newbie	trevor	The Paddock	12	08-10-2004 01:51 PM