I want to buy a street bike.

[metallicat]

Originally Posted by an_album_cover

Crotch-rockets have been getting noobs in trouble for years. Just because it's an older model doesn't make it any less dangerous if it's in the wrong hands.

Isn't that just it though, who's hands it's in?

Instructors at my safety lessons, and the salesman where I bought my bike, all agreed that my SV650 would be a good bike for a beginner. For myself, I know I'm not going to go out and drive like an idiot. I don't have a death wish. It's all in how much throttle you give the bike, you can go as slow as you want.

[an_album_cover]

Originally Posted by oilers_fan

Isn't that just it though, who's hands it's in?

...

That's only part of it. Experience counts in this game, and being mature and responsible only gets you so far. Part of that responsibility is buying a machine within your abilities as a rider. (That's what I meant by being in the "wrong hands". After all, an idiot can still get himself killed on a scooter.)

Any monkey can get a Busa to go, but what happens when things get hairy? You think a noob has the skill to work that thing out of trouble?

*How do you like your SV? A good buddy of mine also bought one as his first bike and is liking it a lot.

[metallicat]

It's still sitting in my parents garage. I'm the prime example of an inexperienced rider - my road test is on Monday.

[GrrlGoalie33]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

At the moment, I am thinking to buy a used bike around $2500-4000, then get my dad to teach me, then take a class just in case, then go get my license.

My advice is to take the class first, then go riding around with your dad. If you're going to spend the money to take the course, do it before you consider getting on the road.

[an_album_cover]

Originally Posted by oilers_fan

It's still sitting in my parents garage. I'm the prime example of an inexperienced rider - my road test is on Monday.

Good luck!

A couple of things to remember when doing the test:

- Always keep your rear brake covered
- Remember to cancel your indicators! It's very easy to forget, and it will be a deduction.
- Always ride at the appropriate speed. I know of people who have failed for going too slow.

Originally Posted by Frankster

My advice is to take the class first, then go riding around with your dad. If you're going to spend the money to take the course, do it before you consider getting on the road.

This is sound advice. Taking the course first will fill your head with good habits before you have the chance to develop bad ones.

[Mad Mel]

Originally Posted by oilers_fan

Isn't that just it though, who's hands it's in?

Absolutely true and definitely the most important factor, but... consider that an inexperienced rider is more likely to make a mistake, be it a technical riding error, or not recognize a bad situation shaping up until the last second. The heavier the bike, the harder it is to recover. Example: 2 weeks ago some bimbo in a BMW sport ute turns right in front of me on my 1250. Major braking and turning as I skimmed by the rear bumper, thought I was gonna faceplant into the side of it for sure or lose the back end with the tire in the air. On the g/f's twofiddy Ninja, I'd have had time to swear at her and dent the back the car with my foot.

That's the main reason that I'm a proponent of learning on small bikes. Get your technique and skills down first on a bike that is really easy to manoeuvre. Unfortunately, finances don't always allow this, so that part is understandable. I wish dealerships had reasonably priced rent-a-bike programs that you could use for your first few months of riding.

[3 Justin 3]

I want to look at Kijiji, etc. for some bikes, just for comparison sakes.

What are some good bikes to look for? I have been looking at 600's I believe. What is below a 600? a 500? or 250? I don't want anything to pathetic that I'll have to sell by the end of the summer.

I have looked at CBR 600's and Suzuki Bandit.

As the only info I know on bikes is that Ducati makes fast ones, what can you all suggest.

Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki what else, models?

I found a 2007 Suzuki Bandit with 14k on it, for $4200, good deal?

[burnin_vernon]

Should you be able to flat foot a bike? I only have a 32" inseam and wonder what bikes would fit me.

[Mad Mel]

Originally Posted by burnin_vernon

Should you be able to flat foot a bike? I only have a 32" inseam and wonder what bikes would fit me.

Nah, as long as you can tiptoe, you're ok. Most women on sportbikes have it worse than you do. That said, you might not want a BMW GS or anything.

The littlest Ducati Monster (695?) is really short. The BMW F800S and ST have an optional kit that drops them down quite low. The Ninja 250 is quite short, but not as much as those two. Of course, most cruiser bikes are short, but, well, yeah, you know. I'd look as much for a bike that isn't too heavy (especially top-heavy) as much as it being short. For example, the BMW F800's carry their fuel in the frame rather than the tank, which really helps keep the weight at a place where it's not making the bike feel tippy.

EDIT: Another thing to look for: a bike with a narrow seat will keep your legs from being splayed out, so your 32" will go a lot further.

[Sly]

Ninja 250's are awesome for beginners.

[Mad Mel]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

What are some good bikes to look for? I have been looking at 600's I believe. What is below a 600? a 500? or 250? I don't want anything to pathetic that I'll have to sell by the end of the summer.

The number denotes engine displacement in cubic centimetres, so generally, the bigger the engine, the more powerful the bike. Not always though. Additionally, power to weight ratio is a more accurate assessment of how fast a bike will feel at the seat of your pants.

Generally, in terms of power, most 600 pure sportbikes of a given year (e.g. CBR, or pretty much anything that ends with R) have much more advanced technology (and therefore power) than a 600 Standard or 500 of the same year. Bikes like the Bandit or Ninja 500 are based on old-school, tried and true engine designs that are a bit dated, but still plenty of fun (and are usually very reliable).

The SV650 that people have mentioned is a great bike. The Bandit 600 is also fun, not as sporty as the SV, but a great all-rounder. The Ninja 500 is a venerable starter bike; not as strong as either of the aforementioned, but enough to amuse you for a year or two.

Always remember that motorcycling is about going around corners, not just accelerating in a straight line.

Sigh... I remember when a CB900 was considered a muscle bike. It made way less power than any 600 today.

[Mad Mel]

Originally Posted by Sly

Ninja 250's are awesome for beginners.

I suppose that you could always ask the dealership to give you a written quote for a trade-in value on a learner bike, given that you don't dump it. They should be keen to have you trade up after a season, and make it worth your while. Not sure if they'd do it, but in a utopian world...

[3 Justin 3]

Is this a bit larry for a beginner?

Edit: So searching through Kijiji this is what I got:

- $3500 --> '02 Kawasaki Ninja 500
- $3600 --> '03 Kawasaki Ninja 500
- $3750 --> '99 Honda VFR800
- $3900 --> '05 Suzuki GSX / Katana
- $4200 --> '07 Suzuki Bandit
- $4500 --> '03 Suzuki SV650
- $4500 --> '99 Honda CBR600

Any suggestions/thoughts?

[WilsonFourTwo]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

Is this a bit larry for a beginner?

Edit: So searching through Kijiji this is what I got:

- $3500 --> '02 Kawasaki Ninja 500
- $3600 --> '03 Kawasaki Ninja 500
- $3750 --> '99 Honda VFR800
- $3900 --> '05 Suzuki GSX / Katana
- $4200 --> '07 Suzuki Bandit
- $4500 --> '03 Suzuki SV650
- $4500 --> '99 Honda CBR600

Any suggestions/thoughts?

Of the ones you've listed:

Bandit: Solid everyday rider. Shouldn't get you into much trouble, but will keep you amused for a few years. I think that the price is solid, very fair.

SV650s: Very sexy with the full fairings, and I think this thread has detailed what an amazing bike it is. It will do everything adequately, and excel in most areas. I don't think that the price is even close though. It's an '03 with 41,000km, factory exhaust (pics), that Model year didn't have available ABS. Add in that there are a couple of '02 for sale (far less mileages) in the $3800 range, and that I new SV650s (with ABS, Warranty, goodies) can be had for $8000.......I'd go as high as $4000, depending on the type of new tires. If you offer, I'd suggest going in around $3800 and holding fairly firm.

The Katana is reasonably priced as well, if the style speaks to you. I have limited experience on them, but rode a mid-2000's Katana for a day (swapped with a buddy) to Windemere. They certainly have some juice, navigate twists very nicely and give a comfortable (more upright) riding position. I think it would be a quality bike for a beginner, but you'd have to be wary of size. I think low speed drops could be common, early on.

The Ninja's are often touted as perfect beginner bikes, but I'd ignore the two you've listed and spend the extra sheckels on the Bandit, SV or Tuna. They aren't super-comfy on extended 500-600km riding days, are slightly lacking in the power department and wouldn't be appropriate for kitting out and taking on an extended journey. Long story short.....it probably wouldn't meet your needs for much more than the first 5-10,000km.

The 'Best Bike' on that list is the VFR......it is (in my opinion) the greatest sport-touring bike ever made. That said, it's WAY bigger and MUCH more powerful than the others, and is definitely not appropriate for beginner-to-(early)intermediate riders. The price is nice-ish, but I'd suggest you move on.

Those are my thoughts anyways - I hope they helped.

[an_album_cover]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

What are some good bikes to look for? I have been looking at 600's I believe. What is below a 600? a 500? or 250? I don't want anything to pathetic that I'll have to sell by the end of the summer.

Engine size matters, but it all depends on the engine configuration. Is it a twin? Inline 4? Maybe even a triple? You should understand the differences to help you make the right choice.

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

...

As the only info I know on bikes is that Ducati makes fast ones, what can you all suggest.

...

No offense, but if this is the only thing you "know" about bikes, then you should do a lot more research before even considering one.

CP is ok, but everyone has a different story/opinion. Maybe pick up a few books on motorcycles form the library, add that to whatever you get on here, and make your own opinion. Even something like Motorcycles For Dummies - I'm not even joking.

You asked for opinions on the following:

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

...

- $3500 --> '02 Kawasaki Ninja 500
- $3600 --> '03 Kawasaki Ninja 500
- $3750 --> '99 Honda VFR800
- $3900 --> '05 Suzuki GSX / Katana
- $4200 --> '07 Suzuki Bandit
- $4500 --> '03 Suzuki SV650
- $4500 --> '99 Honda CBR600
...

I see a bunch of bikes with different engine sizes, engine configurations, riding styles, etc.

At this point, I don't think it's much use to you to be shopping for a bike. Take the course, find out what type of riding you want to do, and then work out the options after that.

Originally Posted by Mad Mel

...
The littlest Ducati Monster (695?) is really short...

Just for the record, the 695 was replaced with the 696 recently.

[3 Justin 3]

To be fair I know more about bikes then "Ducati's go fast", but not as much as say, cars.

Like I said, I just looked through Kijiji and posted a few.

[an_album_cover]

Fair enough. I'm just saying it's worth your time to do some research. It will make your choice easier.

[fundmark19]

Just bumping the thread since I am also looking to get my licence and a bike soon. How did your test go did you pass it?

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by fundmark19

Just bumping the thread since I am also looking to get my licence and a bike soon. How did your test go did you pass it?

Have you taken any classes or driven at all? I am thinking to take the lessons in the middle of May. My problem is I don't have any money at the moment, so I would take the lessons, then wait until like July to buy the bike. Good luck to you.

[fundmark19]

Yup I have been riding around New brighton on my buddies bike. Will be taking some classes once I can raise some cash.