Beginner motorcycles

[Tommy D]

Oh, nevermind ... I did a search and found this thread which contains excellent BB suggestions from Jack, et al: http://www.bomberonline.com/VBulletin/showthread.php?t=2376&page=2&highlight=beginner+motorcycle

Though if anyone wants to chime in below, they are more than welcome! :D

*****

So, I've been thinking about beginner motorcycles: My girlfriend has had her M-licence for years, but doesn't have much experience. She's short, about 5'4". We've been doing some virtual shopping, and this is a shortlist with two sport bikes, and two cruisers. As much as we both love the sportbike styling/purpose, the cruisers have a certain appeal too.

FYI: We both carve snowboards, but I also ride MTB, Road bicycle, and race cars (Autox/DE track days.) She's been to the MSF safety course, and I'm going through it soon.

Sporty:

Yamaha FZ6:

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelspecs/273/0/specs.aspx

Ducati Monster dark:

http://www.ducati.com/bikes/my2005/monster.jhtml?family=monster

Buell Blast: (I've read some very bad reviews of bike quality here...)

http://www.buell.com/en_us/bikes_gear/blast/

Cruisy:

HD Sportster High or Low:

http://harley-davidson.com/PR/MOT/2006/06_template.asp?bmLocale=en_US&family=sportster&model=xl883l&market=US&modelsection=gallery

Yamaha Virago:

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/star/products/modelspecs/24/0/specs.aspx

My question is, would any of the above make for good beginner bikes? She'll be using it as a back-woods/roads commuter and rec, and if I get her off I'll use it for pleasure only. I understand the Monster and the FZ6 might be a bit 'extreme' for a beginner, but they're a lot more tame than the Smokin' Joe's and other rockets she wants.

Other possibilities (Though she doesn't like any of the styling here):

Suzuki SV650:

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/SV650K5/Default.aspx

Kawasaki Vulcan 500/Eliminator:

http://www.kawasaki.com/product_detail.asp?product=114&category=2&tag=motorcycle

Honda Shadow/Rebel/Nighthawk

http://powersports.honda.com/motorcycles/cruiser_standard/

We've been checking out the local classifieds too for some bargan used stuff, but I'm always aprehensive buying used anything. (especially motor vehicles. It's like that box of chocolates people are always talking about...)

Thanks!

[Jack M]

I think anything modern over 500cc is too big for a petite female beginner. The FZ6 basically has the R6 motor fer pete's sake! I'd strongly suggest checking out the Kawasaki EX500 (Ninja 500) for a sporty bike, Suzuki GS500 for a standard, and Suzuki Savage for a cruiser (a 650 single with a very low seat - yeah it's over 500 but it's not exactly modern).

The 2005 GS500 has a sporty fairing now, and perhaps a more forward riding position to go with it, but older models don't.

If even those are too big, they make a Ninja 250, a Nighthawk 250, and I believe Suzuki has a 250 cruiser.

If you have to have a Ducati, look no further than the 620cc bikes.

If she flat out refuses to get a true beginner bike, I'd say Suzuki SV650 (not the S), hands down. Or if you can find a used Hawk, they're cool bikes.

[Jack M]

Suzuki GS500

Kawasaki Ninja 500

Suzuki Savage (aka Boulevard S40)

[Tommy D]

Suzuki Savage (aka Boulevard S40)

I was wondering what the heck the Savage was! I like it!

[Guest Randy S.]

+1 for the Ninja 500 or the Suzi GS500. Great starter bikes and plenty fast. Look hard for used ones, they go quickly because they are such great starter bikes.

I just flamed a guy on an R6 forum who was asking if the R6 was a good starter bike. Unfortunately he's probably already made up his mind so chalk that up to one more parts bike for the rest of us. I just bought a wrecked R6 with 825 miles on it. The guy managed 825 miles before he looped it doing a wheelie.

Knowing what I know now, if I were starting out now, those two bikes would be on my short list. Hell, I've seen a guy school Litre bikes on his wife's 250 Ninja - he's a pro, but it goes to show what you can do.

[Tommy D]

Well, 1st off, my R6 is for sale, but it's probably too much bike for a 1st bike for someone that small.

You should consider the BMW 650CS. Excellent bike. Even has a shorter seat option. I JUST sat on a friends about 1/2 hour ago and it's about 3" shorter than my R6.

http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/machine/models/model.jsp?model=f650cs

First: I was talking with a friend today who mentioned he wanted an R6. (He has a 2005 FJR1300, http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/products/modelhome/180/0/home.aspx but wants another bike.) He might be interested in your R6. I will double-check tomorrow and contact you. Email me the asking price, if you don't want to post here.

Second: That BMW 650CS is awesome! I've had my eye on that for about a year now, and we have considered it. A friend has the R1200 GS http://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/machine/models/model.jsp?model=r1200gs which is just awesome: I love the features/tech on those machines! Honestly, if the 650CS were less expensive, that would be the bike. I'll look around for a used one, but I fear the price used won't be much better!

I really appreciate these helpful suggestions. I'm signed up for the MSF course in September!!! :D For the last 15 years I've wanted to learn to ride, so it's about time, eh?

[Jack M]

I'll second the beemer. You may stand a better chance of finding a cheaper used F650GS or whatever else the non-CS version has been called. And if you come across an Aprilia Pegaso, it's basically the same bike.

[LeeW]

noooo, jenney! why is it for sale ?????

and as for rookie bikes, check out FZR400 (FZR400RR if youre extremely lucky). Quite rare, but not too bad for rookies i read. wouldn't mind to have fzr400 frame with 600 motor in it. ive read article of some dude jackin' in fzr1000 engine in fzr400 frame. totally insane.

on a side note, it's really too bad Isle of Man TT totally stratched off the two strokes and 400 class. -pout-

[Gecko]

excuse the pun a Blast for a beginer bike and can be souped up well for once you are more experienced...

I started on a stock one, so far I've upgraded the suspension (f/r), intake/exhaust, and the controls (rearsets and clipons). I'm putting in new cams this spring and next winter it gets a big bore, and maybe headwork. I like working on it...it's a simple motor and easy to tune...It isn't fast but it's very nimble...I have done track days with it where I was untouchable until the straights...track days are but I prefer to just ride counrty roads...

[GeoffV]

Is a great bike for starters, I spent quite a bit of time on a 98, but I do recall the seat height being some what tall, not sure what the new one are like. It is isn't a really powerfull bike and is not jumpy at low speeds. I'll have to agree with Jack on his list of starter bikes, the SV650 could be a pretty good starter bike, but might be to much bike and powerfull for a beginner. I've ridden it and it can get up and go but also was great for buzzing around town. I'm glad I didn't start off with a powerful sport bike let a lone a liter bike and worked up to it. My neighbors kid and his buddies (all in the early twenties) started off with death machines as first bikes, R1, ZX10, CBR1000, CBR600 and half of the guys have been down already do to mostly wheeling the bike and being stupid. The punks still don't wear full gear even though their buddies have scares for life, I don't get.

Bob's R6 is a blast, super fun to ride and handles like a MADD in the twities, plus I was very surprised with the great ergos on it. And yes Bob does baby her and doesn't wheelie it :D but I had fun getting her front end up

[Tommy D]

You’re local aren’t (CT) you?

Yep, I'm in Newtown, CT. Just east of Danbury. Turns out my colleage is looking for an R6, he's just not quite ready to buy. If he changes his mind, I'll have him contact you.

But I have a feeling used R6's don't sit around very long!

That is an awefully sexy bike!

[Guest Randy S.]

Re: SV650.

I rode one on the track a few weeks ago. My lap times were identical to my R6 lap times. That's not a slow bike, although it is more sedate in a straight line than the R6. I was amazed at how deep into the turns I could take it. Fun bike. In the hands of a conservative, smart noob, it might be a good choice.

Bob, did you get home after your 5500 mile odyssey and you just don't want to look at the R6 any more?

My R6 is almost back together. It actually started and ran yesterday. That's good news. I'll be riding it at Thunderhill Raceway tomorrow and Sunday.

[mnfusion]

My opinion...quit looking for bikes that cosy thousands and pick up a 400-500cc 70's bike. You can usually find them for a couple hundred dollars. I have been riding for a while now and one thing I have learned for sure is that most new riders crash in their first year of riding. Why wreck an expensive bike that will cost alot to fix when you can dump a cheep bike til her skills improve.

[Neil Gendzwill]

On that note, I don't think you could go wrong if you found a mid-80s Kawasaki GPz550. That's the moderate sportbike from which all others are modelled IMHO.

[willywhit]

perfect newbie bike.this kid can almost reach the footpegs

[cliffh]

I think if you'd outgrow a GS 500 in a week. Fun track bike though. I think an Suzuki SV650 or the Ducati Monster 620 would be perfect. Both these bikes have adequate power and handle great. Even though I'm riding a liter class bike I would love to have an SV650 - great commuter/track bike and you can pick them up cheap. BTW - I wouldn't piss on a Nighthawk if it was on fire. Nor am I fan of the thumpers (single cylinder F650's and the little Buell).

Let me know when you get hooked up - you can ride motorcycles with me rather then road bikes with Mark on Sunday mornings!

For the love of god DO NOT GET A CRUISER! You’re ride a carving board not a sloppy freestyle, wouldn't you expect to ride a carving motorcycle!

[Jon Dahl]

SV650, great power and great handling, may be a little tall for her. GS 500 has the look and reliability. 600 Katana is another pic, has the style and good solid motor, just not the frontline 600 power.May be able to source a good used one cheaply from someone stepping up from there, too. Find something that has a light feel when stopped, nothing more humiliating than dropping a bike at a light. Oh, yeah, I am 5'7" and never had any trouble flat footing my FZR600, and they should be a cheap find and potent enough to keep up.

[Neil Gendzwill]

perfect newbie bike.this kid can almost reach the footpegs

Yeah, there's just something about paying that much money for that little horsepower that irks...

[Guest Randy S.]

Skip the Katana. Too heavy. SV is actually pretty low from my experience. Plus you can shave the seat and make it even lower. It certainly felt lower than my R6 (might be because it has a narrower seat).

Outgrow a GS500 in a week? Only if you are travelling on all highway with no speed limits.

[Neil Gendzwill]

Well, 1st off, my R6 is for sale, but it's probably too much bike for a 1st bike for someone that small.

Are you OK with trades? You might have a taker here.

[Jack M]

Yamaha FZR400

Honda CB-1 (also 400cc)

[LeeW]

Say Jack, dont you have photo of FZR400RR model? Got photos of FZR250, if interested for me to post.

[Jack M]

Say Jack, dont you have photo of FZR400RR model? Got photos of FZR250, if interested for me to post.

I just got those from a google image search.

Here is a pic of an FZR400RR. Pretty sweet. Apparantly the trick thing to do was to shoehorn an FZR600 motor into the 400's frame, because the 400 had an aluminum frame whereas the 600 had a steel frame.