[Davidjg17]

I wouldn’t worry to much about manual/automatic, once you get used to shifting, stopping, starting and all that good stuff it shouldn’t be a problem. As for the wrist issues, you shouldn’t have a problem as long as you can make a fist with your left hand you should be able to squeeze the clutch without wrist issues.

[plastic]

Got my MSF booked for this weekend, which will clear a lot of my begining questions (ie how the writs / tendonitis will b e affected). Still doing research and looking over bikes over weekend.

Still a bit curious as far as this – when asking friends with varying experience (one has 15+ riding years, one has about 3, another one has 1) they all seem to think starting in anything less than a 500cc is ludicrous and a waste (“you’ll grow over it in a month” is the common quote, second by bike shop guys). So, granted I’ll find out more after actually riding, but once again, curious on the discrepancy on opinions.

I should say that my riding will be mostly (at least for the first months) pure hobby / weekend riding, light traffic and canyons in LA probably. No plans on freeway driving, etc. Also, I do consider myself quite conservative and careful as far as driving and lifestyle…

Anyway, just still wondering.

[WeaponZero]

Ask eternal about what your friends say. Despite also having a GSX-R600 that he regularly uses for the racetrack, his favorite bike to ride is a suzuki DR-Z400SM. That’s right, a 400cc. Take everything your “friends” say there with a grain of salt.

[CBBaron]

I heard this from many different riders. Pirates think you need a 1200cc+ V-twin and squids think 600cc I-4 is a beginner bike and you should get a liter bike once you learn to ride.

I think its ridiculous. I’m 6’2″ 220# and ride a Ninja 250R. I have had no problem accelerating away from traffic at a stop light or accelerating to avoid a merge on the freeway. The bike will do 90+mph. How much faster do you “need”?

Sure a 1000+cc bike will accelerate much quicker than the 250 and you probably won’t need to down shift twice for a quick acceleration but the little bike works just fine. But starting on a smaller bike makes learning much easier and less dangerous. How many youtube videos can you find about new riders getting on a big bike and having it take off into the side of a car when they screw up the throttle and clutch? A small bike gives you much more time to recover and produces much less panic at that point. The light weight allows you to learn to handle the bike without much fear of dropping it at the slightest mistake. Riding twisties on a light bike is easier and it give you the chance to really learn to ride.

Craig

[plastic]

So first class done today. Awesome fun. And yes, the clutch is fun, and not harmfull to the writs, so all good. Incredibly fun, despite one angry bike coach… In any case, riding the virago, a bit uncomfortable as far as sitting and breaks and all positions. Hopefully get to try the korean and the ninja 250 tomorrow. Hopefully.

[Author]

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