good "learning" motorcycle?

[jmeehan]

aka Sport Bike. They look like fun, but I don't have enough self control. I can just see myself going into most corners to fast.

 

[scootergmc]

I can get myself in just as much trouble on a cruiser as a sportbike. It's not in the looks, it's in the power. Something all motorcycles have, when compared w/ a car. Sometimes it's fun bombing through a canyon on a dual sport and keeping up/passing guys with the sportbikes!! Restraint is key when riding motorcycles.



BTW, If I lived in Ketchikan I'd have a Suzuki DRZ400. You couldn't keep me off the Ferry. I'd be island hopping and heading into the wilderness all the time.

 

[jponder]

Dont knockem if you aint ever sat on one.



When I was 16 I crossed 3 states to go see a girl on my honda and yes I was cruising. OTOH, I have sat on some crotch rockets and well, Its a rush. I still covet a Haybusa, There is something about a real fast bike that you will never forget.



Since you have little experience riding then check out the different bikes and find out what makes you tick

 

[XJSuperman]

I think the crotch rockets are "cool". But I have absolutely no need for 180+ HP on a 380 lb bike... no way. . uh-uh. Asking for trouble because unless you're on the race track you can't use it responsibly on the street.

And I agree with scootergmc... I can get into enough trouble with my cruiser.

 

[DKayser]

You should buy a...............

dirt bike of some sort until you learn how to ride. When you can do full lock, feet up, broadslides on wet grass, THEN you are ready for dodgeball, oops, street riding. Seriously, off road riding is the best training for all sorts of scenarios that pop up on the street. Plus, the dirt is softer than asphalt when you fall. And you will fall off eventually. Good luck. DK.

 

[outlawram]

crotch rocket riders are what we call organ donors around here.

 

[Will24]

Dad's got a zx-11 in the garage... when I get out of school, V-Max, here I come!



-Will

 

[SEmerson]

I drive a 03 gsx r 1000. My wife has a 02 katona 600. I want to get her a gsxr 600.

 

[ToolManTimTaylor]

Well I sold my ZX7 and ZX9R and So far this year 3 people I KNEW were killed and all of which were NOT their fault. One was from someone crossing the double yellow , one at a stop sign , one on the highway forced off the road. Just yesterday I learned that one of my co workers husband went out for a ride just as he allways does at nite and did not return. She answered the door @ 4:30 A. M to identify him I still have the race bike and will ONLY run the track (Or track days anyhow for now) Those are just people I once knew... . not counting other unknowns. It's a shame but people do not in any way pay attention like they once did and I myself started to notice that last year and weened myself off as I realized I have too much goingfor me now.

 

[dresslered]

I agree with TMTT. It is one thing having to deal with your own mistakes when learning to ride, but to be responsible for all the other's around you as well? I use to love riding as a kid, and now, my commute would be perfect for a bike. But with all the crazies around, I would stick to off-road riding only.

 

[KBennett]

What's wrong with a crotch rocket?

Nick I think I found the perfect one for you!



#ad




It's even in your color! Just kidding!



I would agree with the Dual Sport suggestions if you have never ridden before. The big cruisers are not nimble and require getting used to.

Be careful out there!

 

[Shovelhead]

I agree with TMTT.



I've had to attend waaaay too many Biker funerals in the last two years because some ID10T in a "Cage" couldn't pay full time and attention to their driving. #@$%!



Ride like you're invisible.

'Cuz that's exactly the way most drivers will treat you.



If I had a dollar for every MORON who said (and I quote)

"I didn't see you"... ..... I'd be rich.



They "Didn't see me", 'cuz they didn't look.



:-{}

 

[Wayno]

Don't wanna spend much you say X . Check out any big cities that are close to your area and see if they have any Kawasaki Police 1000's they sell in city auction's or go to e-bay and look there ( just type in Kawasaki Police ). You can pick those things up for around $1500. 00 sometimes more , sometimes less depending on the age and mileage and don't let high miles scare you either . They are tuff , parts are cheap at the dealer , they are balance real good , stop good and fast and are real lite. There are not the most sporty looking things around but they are almost indestructible .

 

[bulabula]

x, I was thinking something on the order of a Honda Nighthawk 250; and ask the service manager if he could slip in an extra headgasket to reduce the compression ratio to make it more docile for you.

 

[Green Machine]

Well-



A nice CHEEP crusier to start on is a Honda Shadow. IF your into the cruzer thing. You will drop it and so forth so don't spent the $ on someting else.



I would recomend you start out on a Duell sport. Honda 250/600. There cheep and parts are cheep and if you can ride the dirt bike well some of that transfers to the street. Stay off the curbs and watch for car doors (dont ask).

 

[Green Machine]

You will crash some time so get some insurance.

Talk to some old riders and hang with them if you can

Stay in the middle to back of the back and pick the same lines

they do. You can learn a lot from someone thats been there done that. And it keeps ya in line! You have all the time in the world for a bigger bling bling bike so take your time and learn to ride!

 

[Fireman]

Tool Man,



I hate to hear that, seems I hear it all too often these days. Bet ya any thing at least 3 of the four were killed by someone with a %#@*& cell phone stuck in their ear. Between folks on the phone and kids the motercycle population around here is in decline also. I used to ride every day and the last couple of years I've been riding less and less, seems the risk has tipped the scales on the rewards (either that or I'm getting old)



Fireman

 

[SGibson]

What these other posts say about dirt bikes is gospel, every great roadracer started on a dirtbike, if you already have exp. and are looking for a beginner road bike, don't go over 400lbs. , make sure it has good tires,chain,cables, shocks, mirrors,hyd. lines,and preferably a kickstarter, keep your head on a 360,dont ride in the center of lane,your bike can stop much quicker than a car so always check your six before you brake. learn to anticipate traffic like you are the most insignifigant vehicle because you are. I havent looked at entry level bikes in 20yrs so I can't recommend one, but there has to be several sub 400cc jap bikes that fit the bill.