[sanjuro]

This is a big argument my motorcycle friends and I (I'm the beginner).

One says it must be a dual sport so I can practice off road (despite my protests, I don't really want to ride off road because of the inconvenience).

Another friend tells me if street is my only function, than a street bike will handle better at speed.

I could afford a bike like the WR250X but it is pricey:

Although I am not fond of the look of most dual sport bikes, just motards, but the price is higher.

I know I could find a Ninja 250 used for about $3k.

Any comments?

 

[Leethal]

Suzuki Bandit would be good.

 

[eric strt6]

just the .02 from the guy that takes care of most of the motorcyclist that biff on hwys 9 & 35

nothing bigger than a 250 to start. Take a motorcycle safety course before hitting the highways. Wear either full leathers or full Ballistics and a full face helmet don't be a squid and ride without protection [levis burn away in 5 feet of skidding on pavement].

you are not skilled enough to have a sportbike as a first bike no matter how cool you think they look.

it's not a matter of "if" you will hit the pavement on the bike but when [just like you will biff while mt biking].

cheap insurance is a $45/yr Calstar.org membership = no cost to you helo flight to the trauma center if you should need one vs $18,000

 

[sanjuro]

just the .02 from the guy that takes care of most of the motorcyclist that biff on hwys 9 & 35

nothing bigger than a 250 to start. Take a motorcycle safety course before hitting the highways. Wear either full leathers or full Ballistics and a full face helmet don't be a squid and ride without protection [levis burn away in 5 feet of skidding on pavement].

you are not skilled enough to have a sportbike as a first bike no matter how cool you think they look.

it's not a matter of "if" you will hit the pavement on the bike but when [just like you will biff while mt biking].

cheap insurance is a $45/yr Calstar.org membership = no cost to you helo flight to the trauma center if you should need one vs $18,000

You don't think a Ninja 250 is a good beginner bike? I thought it was designed for that.

 

[bdamschen]

I'd also look at a used bike when you first get one. That way when you goof up and drop it for the first time, it's not such a tear jerker. After you get more confident, sell it to the next beginner and get something nice.

 

[LOOnatic]

I would look at a couple year old Suzuki DRZ dual sport or a SV650 .
Both are solid bikes and the SV does not have "too much" power.

For around town commuting though a nicely tuned dual sport with sticky rubber is the most fun.

 

[stoney]

sv650

 

[eric strt6]

You don't think a Ninja 250 is a good beginner bike? I thought it was designed for that.

I wasn't commenting on that bike per say

but a bike like the one you pictured is going to have a more beginner friendly riding postion for learning than a sport bike

and as another poster said....its less painfull emotionally to drop a used beginner bike than a brand spanking new one because you will drop it...trust me on that.

 

[jonKranked]

just the .02 from the guy that takes care of most of the motorcyclist that biff on hwys 9 & 35

nothing bigger than a 250 to start. Take a motorcycle safety course before hitting the highways. Wear either full leathers or full Ballistics and a full face helmet don't be a squid and ride without protection [levis burn away in 5 feet of skidding on pavement].

you are not skilled enough to have a sportbike as a first bike no matter how cool you think they look.

it's not a matter of "if" you will hit the pavement on the bike but when [just like you will biff while mt biking].

cheap insurance is a $45/yr Calstar.org membership = no cost to you helo flight to the trauma center if you should need one vs $18,000

ok I've heard the term squid before to describe these kinds of riders, but where the hell is it derived from?


And to comment on what has already been said... there are 2 kinds of motorcyclists: those who have crashed, and those who will crash.

 

[bdamschen]

I've heard it two different ways.

Squid = Squirly Kid

and

Stupid
Quick
Under dressed
something or other
Dead

Can't remember the second one tho

 

[eric strt6]

hwy 9

don't become this guy

 

[geargrrl]

Idiot?
Ignorant?

 

[eric strt6]

wikipedia

Squid is a slang term used to describe an irresponsible motorcyclist. The term is common among motorcyclists in North America.

The term is generally used to describe a motorcyclist who rides aggressively, erratically or beyond their capabilities. Squids are perceived as overconfident and often ride without appropriate safety equipment, such as a helmet, gloves, leather jacket, riding pants, or boots.

The origin of the term squid is ambiguous. It is commonly said to be a contraction of squirrely and kid, or less commonly, squished and kid. a female rider who exhibits these characteristics is typically called a squirrel, for squirrely girl.

Squid is also described occasionally as an acronym, although these are likely backronyms.


"Stupidly Quick, Underdressed, Ignorant and Dangerous"
"Stupidly Quick, Underdressed and Imminently Dead"
"Super Quick Until I Die"
"Speeding Quickly Until I Die"

 

[OGRipper]

Funny, I'm looking at a used Suzuki DRZ 400 SM with a few sweet mods for my first bike.

 

[Westy]

First bike should be a used beater no matter the type of bike.

Something in a 600 should be fine as long as it is not a full bore repli-racer that pumps out a lot of power for a 600. 600 shouldn't surprise you and if you are not responsible enough to handle the potential you shouldn't start riding.

 

[TN]

Get something really loud. Evidently that is the cool thing judging from the idot frat boys down the street from my house.

Damn I can't wait for the snow & ice.

 

[OGRipper]

if you are not responsible enough to handle the potential you shouldn't start riding.

I've put off getting a moto for a very long time precisely because I haven't trusted myself to ride smart. I've had too many friends get hurt (including two who died) from riding irresponsibly.

 

[jimmydean]

Ninja 250 used since you are smallish. Being 6'4", a Ninja 250 fits me like a pocket bike. You might find the SV650 fits you better as a second option. You won't out grow the SV650 in 6 months like you would the Ninja, too.

Take the class, get LOTS of gear, then wear it.

 

[wreckedrex]

I've been thinking about this for a while. From what I've read and been told by folks I'd be inclined to trust something like an ex250, ex500, sv650 or drz would a good place to start depending on your size. Also, budget some $$ for gear. I was sort of surprised at how fast it added up. Check out BARF, I found a lot of good info there.

 

[Westy]

I've put off getting a moto for a very long time precisely because I haven't trusted myself to ride smart. I've had too many friends get hurt (including two who died) from riding irresponsibly.

I push my envelope on the MTB, consequences are less dire. On the motorcycle I ride like a grandmother.

 

[jimmydean]

I've put off getting a moto for a very long time precisely because I haven't trusted myself to ride smart. I've had too many friends get hurt (including two who died) from riding irresponsibly.

It's all in the wrist.

My bike is a lot to handle, but I take it slow and only get a little crazy in the country when it's clear and I know the roads. Next year I will take the advanced riders course and also get some track time. I'm way crazier on the DH course, also in full gear.

I bought 2 pair of kevlar jeans, a titanium lined textile jacket and a leather jacket, both with CE armor. I scored it all on ebay for about $200 total (yellow jackets are cheap and it matches my bike). Got my helmet on clearance at Cycle Gear for $80 ($300 retail) and my Alpinestar boots were $90 on sale.

I only crash the DH bike when I don't wear pads. I figure if I wear enough gear on the street, the same rule will apply

 

[OGRipper]

I push my envelope on the MTB, consequences are less dire. On the motorcycle I ride like a grandmother.

Precisely my intended approach.

 

[DirtMcGirk]

Ducati 695 Monster used.
Enough power, naked style, and girls love the Duc.
Get's pretty decent mileage too.

 

[jimmydean]

Ducati 695 Monster used.

You stepping up to a bigger bike, or are you trying to avoid paying for a new clutch?

 

[DirtMcGirk]

I finally got down on the ground last week, yanked the clutch pack out, flat sanded them on a plate with a power sander, restacked the deck minding to keep the first and last right, and all was well.

At least for the time being.
Think I am going to need a new clutch this spring though.

695 was my wife's first ride, worked good for her.

 

[johnbryanpeters]

Klr 650

 

[Brian HCM#1]

You don't think a Ninja 250 is a good beginner bike? I thought it was designed for that.

Fine, I'll say it! Asians & motorcycles don't mix!:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:


just messin with you Steve



No I'm not:biggrin:

 

[DirtMcGirk]

Wait a second.

One of my good riding buddies is Japanese.
Though, he's been through three bikes in a year.

Maybe Brian is onto something here.

Have you considered a nice, safe trike motorcycle?

 

[tunnelvision]

I would vote for the SV 650 or 1000 dont buy a wimpy little ninja 250. You shouldnt buy a bike because you want to sell it down the road, buy a bike you want and keep it. You will come to find that any size bike is completely managable as long as you respect it. Bottom line is get what YOU want and you will be much happier in the end.

 

[sanjuro]

Fine, I'll say it! Asians & motorcycles don't mix!:biggrin::biggrin::biggrin:


just messin with you Steve



No I'm not:biggrin:

Notice how I didn't put any AMERICAN motorcycles on my list?

 

[Brian HCM#1]

Notice how I didn't put any AMERICAN motorcycles on my list?

Because they know better than to sell a bike to you.

 

[jimmydean]

I would vote for the SV 650 or 1000 dont buy a wimpy little ninja 250. You shouldnt buy a bike because you want to sell it down the road, buy a bike you want and keep it. You will come to find that any size bike is completely managable as long as you respect it. Bottom line is get what YOU want and you will be much happier in the end.

I would agree with the SV650, but to tell ANYONE to go out and get a 1000 is a bad idea on so many levels.

Even an older 1000 can get you in a whole lot of trouble real fast, especially when you are 160lbs. It doesn't take much to get into trouble even on the SV650.

Ninja 250's are great bikes for a reason. And for smaller guys (130-170ish) they are great for around town and commuting. Not something you are going to take to the track or carve up miles of twisty, but they also help to build skills.

 

[BigMike]

I was looking really hard at some bikes a few months ago, and I had basically decided on a Suzuki M50.

I just don't have the money to buy it

 

[BMXman]

I know I could find a Ninja 250 used for about $3k.

Any comments?

That what I had and it was perfect for just getting into it. Later I moved up to an EX500.....D

 

[jimmydean]

A quick look on CL here shows 4 Ninja 250s for $2500 or less. You can find quite a few '04s with low miles on the cheap.

 

[sanjuro]

I would agree with the SV650, but to tell ANYONE to go out and get a 1000 is a bad idea on so many levels.

Even an older 1000 can get you in a whole lot of trouble real fast, especially when you are 160lbs. It doesn't take much to get into trouble even on the SV650.

Ninja 250's are great bikes for a reason. And for smaller guys (130-170ish) they are great for around town and commuting. Not something you are going to take to the track or carve up miles of twisty, but they also help to build skills.

Would a GSX-R1000 be a good beginner bike then?

 

[tunnelvision]

Would a GSX-R1000 be a good beginner bike then?

Yes and no, if you werent a dipsh!t with it. They have a lot of power, respect it.

 

[vinnycactus]

i got my first moto in May. Ducati Monster 620. After being on the sv650, I felt a lot more comfortable on the Monster. I feel as though I'm sitting in the bike rather than on top of it. Power is very predictable and won't sneak up on you. I also second taking the MSF or similar course. I took the course and continued to ride only around my neighborhood (very quiet streets) for about 2 weeks before I really took it out.

 

[sanjuro]

FYI, I plan on learning to ride a motorcycle in the safest way possible: MSF classes, underpowered bike, complete body armor, full-face helmet, and plenty of parking lot riding.

Mostly, I get two conflicting opinions about starter bikes, between offroad and street. Since I am focusing on street, I would think an offroad bike, with few learning advantages on the road, is not the best choice.

 

[tunnelvision]

FYI, I plan on learning to ride a motorcycle in the safest way possible: MSF classes, underpowered bike, complete body armor, full-face helmet, and plenty of parking lot riding.

Mostly, I get two conflicting opinions about starter bikes, between offroad and street. Since I am focusing on street, I would think an offroad bike, with few learning advantages on the road, is not the best choice.

Its a bike, ride the wheels off it! I used to take my street bikes off road all the time drifting the back end on loose gravel/ grass mud is a good time, on the flip side off road bike are fun to play with on the street. I dont know where you live but where I am now I dont even know where a dirt road is. Where I used to live my enduro style bike was the best. being that your a MTN. biker you would also enjoy the benefits of a dual purpose bike so you can hit local trails. KLR 650 is very nice http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?id=221