: What would be the best beginner sports bike for me?
I am planning to buy a sports bike for my 18th birthday and want to know what would be a great beginners bike? I have experience in riding? I am constantly dirt biking, and people tell me the two are very similar. I weigh 190 lbs. and I am interested in a Honda or Suzuki.
Answers and Views:
Answer by Jake
Start with a 600cc bike. No need for a huge bike for beginner.
Each bike is a little different. If you are new to riding sports bikes i would suggest a 600cc, however in less than a year you will probably want to upgrade to a 1000cc. I personally own a yamaha yzf. I love it and think it is a great bike. It has not caused me any trouble at all. Only the other hand a gsx-r and cbr are both good bikes. The best thing that i could tell you would be to drive one if you know someone that has a sports bike. If you don’t then I would recommend going to your local dealer and at least sit on the bikes and see which you would like better. Each bike has a slightly different feel when you get on it. I usually ride with another yamaha yzf r6 and a gsx r and as far as speed wise the r6’s can slightly out perform the gsx.
overall i would suggest you ride or at least sit and get the feel of a few bikes before you purchase one
Answer by scott kCbr 600 all the way. Really easy to ride. Nice power delivery coupled with great handling. Perfect to learn on but also great when you want to ride harder. Best all rounder by far.Answer by realtorbiker
1972 XL250. $ 500. Reliable as a stone yet, You can afford to smash it up.Answer by Mike
In the Honda stables you could get the CBR600RR and be happy with it for a long time. Otherwise they offer the CBR1000RR and Interceptor 919. There is also the 599 which is a naked standard but has been out of production for a couple years.
As for Suzuki, they have the GS500F and SV650 which are both very popular beginner bikes with a bit less power than the GSX-R 600 which is the equivalent to the CBR600RR in intent. They also have a 750 and 1000 in the GSX-R series.
You should ride them if possible before buying to get an idea of which one is most comfortable and easy to control. If several are similar in those ways, then it’s really up to whatever else is important to you. Just never put speed, looks, or price above your ability to use that bike safely. If you can, take an MSF course to ensure that your dirtbike skills translate to road bikes as well as you think.
Answer by Akumu XBuy something used and inexpensive for a starter bike.
Look for something old but not too old. You don’t want something so old that it is a junker, but not something so new that you’ll feel bad if you lay it down.
Look for something in the 500 – 800 CC engine size. This will be powerful enough so you don’t get bored too soon, but not so fast that you will be afraid of it.
Look for a standard or cruiser bike for your first bike. They are more forgiving and usually have less power than a sport bike with the same size engine. Although cruisers are heavier than other bikes they have the lowest center of gravity and are easy to balance considering their weight. Stay away from the sport bikes for your first bike as they require more skill. Going with a sport bike for your first bike is like getting a Formula 1 race car for your first car, not a good idea. Also used sport bikes tend to be more abused.
Consider the fit of the motorcycle. People come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. So do motorcycles. When selecting a motorcycle consider how well it fits your body. Ask yourself how well you can put both feet flat on the ground. Ask yourself how well the seating position feels. Do you have to reach too far to the handlebars? Riding hunched over can get uncomfortable very fast. Is the foot peg location comfortable? Does the bike feel too big or too small? An uncomfortable motorcycle won’t be much fun to ride for any amount of distance. However, a bike that fits you well will be lots of fun.
Avoid buying over the Internet. I would never buy a motorcycle site unseen. You could very easily end up paying too much for junk. Always do a visual inspection and test ride before buying a motorcycle. When you go to look at the bike, bring a helmet. If you do not have your motorcycle license yet, bring a friend with a motorcycle license and 2 helmets.
Watch the classified section of your local news paper. Some locations have shopper magazines with used motorcycles in your area. Reasonably priced used bikes are out there. Be patient. Don’t buy too quickly, but if you find one you like, buy it right away. If you find a good starter bike, don’t hesitate as they can sell quickly.
Don’t get hung up on any particular brand. All of the name brands are about the same. Pay more attention to the bike’s condition. If any one brand were really superior to all other brands, this would be the only brand bike on the road. In addition, if any brand bike was really inferior to the other brands, nobody would buy them and the company would be out of business.
Learn on this bike. Make your mistakes on it. You will make mistakes. Nearly all new riders will lay their bike on its side at least once. Would you rather make your mistakes on an older bike or your nice shiny expensive new bike?
The most important thing you should do when getting your first bike is to take a motorcycle safety course.
After you have been riding a while and gain some experience, you can sell your starter bike and get the one you want. If maintained properly and not abused, you won’t lose too much money on your starter bike. Put the money from the sale towards the bike you really want. By this time, you will have figured out what style bike best suits your riding style and needs.
If you settle on a sport bike for your next bike, avoid the used ones. Young riders think they are racers on racing bikes and tend to beat the crap out of them so they are likely to be more abused. So if considering a sport bike, consider something new.
I know I used variations of this answer before. However, I feel this is good advice.
Use your head while riding. Remember, Stupid Hurts.
Have fun – Ride safe
Beginner bike list –
Suzuki GS500F (Sporty)
Kawasaki Ninja 500R (My current bike…dated but sporty)
Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD (cruiser)
Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (Cruiser)
Suzuki DR-Z400SM (Dual Sport)
Honda Shadow Aero/Spirit 750 (Cruiser)
Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 XL Low (Cruiser)
Suzuki GSX650F (sporty)
Triumph Bonneville (Cruiser)
BMW G650 Xcountry (Dual Sport)
Kawasaki Ninja 250R (Sporty)
Suzuki SV650F (Sporty)
Suzuki SV650 (Naked)
Hyosung GT250R (sporty)
Hey bro I ride a 07 Yamaha R6 and a 08 R1. And If I was you I wouldn’t start out on a 600 Class Sport Bike why? Well more then likely you don’t have much Riding Experience just because your asking this question. Another reason if you finance the bike you will be required to have insurances and since your under 21 you will have to have insurances required by law (depending on State) also your insurance will run you no less then $ 2500 a year because of age and the type of bike it is. The CBR-600 and GSX-R 600 are both unforgivable bikes you need atleast a year of riding experience under your belt before you jump on one of these. I recommend a 250cc bike as a beginner just because there just so easy to ride and you will learn alot from this bike. Your more then likely going to buy the GSX-R. Hope my answer helps a little.Answer by Megs
Well for my first bike (never rode one before in my life, just went to motorcyle class) i have a 06 suzuki gsxr 1000. I got it used and was a gd pice. Alot of people told me i was goin to kill myself but sadly to say i havent yet and its been three months. I didnt wana get anything small because i would get sick of it so i just got this. Dont go out and get a brand new bike especially a ninja. They dont hold their value at all. My friend has an 08 paid 12g after all service agreememts she got and is now only worth about 4gs. Suzuki i like the best then cbr’s. My friend got a hayabusa. i hate it!! only good for going straight butthats my opinion
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