- This topic has 10 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 11 months ago by Matt.
for my first bike.? simplicity? end of the world?!
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April 20, 2009 at 8:53 am #2733muffinmanParticipant
If I were to get my first motorcycle,me being 5’10” and 180lbs athletic. I would want to be able to hit the highway(more than 250cc).I would also prefer a low seat for maneuverability and assurance…not a bulky over-styled cruiser. or a sports bike that i’ll lean over all day on.. idk.
I kindof want a dual purpose too. just so its more versatile for who knows what situation. I guess I just want a solid piece of rugged work that I’ll feel alright accidentally tipping. something that I could depend on at the end of the world. not necessarily any gadgets & accessories. also have relatively common parts and simple things for, like I say. the end of the world.
I like the nighthawk but its rumors of highway slowness and, also like I say. I would feel bad tipping it. and the ninja is way too sporty, I’m just exploring so feel free to go off on opinions, etc. I think i’ve talked myself into a dual purpose already. inspire me
thanks
April 20, 2009 at 4:52 pm #17882briderdtParticipantGladius, SV650 (naked), FZ-6N, DRZ400 (dual). Also, bikes like the Ninja 250 and 500 are more “standard” that sport. Lots out there to choose from. But when you throw in that “idk”, it makes me think that maybe you haven’t sat on a lot of bikes. Get thee to thy local dealer and sit on every bike they’ll let you throw a leg over. Eventually you’ll find one that says “I’m yours”.
April 20, 2009 at 6:48 pm #17887Clay DowlingParticipantHe reports it as being brutal to ride for any kind of distance, and a super limited range. But fun as heck. He has the DR-Z400 though, not the DR-Z400SM. Tires probably make some difference, but probably not a lot.
April 20, 2009 at 7:27 pm #17888SantaCruzRiderParticipantThe Kawasaki 650 is another great bike.
I have a buddy with a DR-Z400 and it’s a nice ride. It moves him just fine as highway speed (he weighs at least 250) and it’s a nice nimble bike.
You mights want to consider whether you really intend to ride any dirt or gravel roads. If you do, the dual-sports make lots of sense. If not, the standards may also be a good choice.April 20, 2009 at 9:21 pm #17890BouncingRadicalParticipantHere is a little list of 5 popular dual-sports. It has reviews and specs along with it. If I had to chose again, and had just a little bit more money, I would have gone with the DRZ-400 for sure. Perfect for the end of the world IMO.
http://www.twowheelmania.com/tabid/220/xmid/434/Default.aspx
April 20, 2009 at 11:40 pm #17901muffinmanParticipantI think u guys feel me alright. and your right elwood I need to saddle a few and see what’s right. assuming it did feel right do u think the SV 650 is a bit much for a beginner? and ready for a long(6 hours to california) trip? I also like that DRZ-400 it seems real versatile except, do u think,again, I could do a long trip on that baby? tell me what u think of the DRZ400, good city bike too?
see I also like the look of a sportsbike but couldnt imagine a road trip. thanks so far guys,sorry I’m real oblivious to this stuff and have no experience. the best I could do I think is test ride. but I’ll get the best I can from you guys.
April 21, 2009 at 2:18 am #17908briderdtParticipantI have one. My first bike. Doable, but you definitely have to respect the throttle. Would I recommend it as a first bike? Probably not, unless you tend to pick physical things up pretty easily. I got the bike because my wife and I were planning on doing some travel this summer on our bikes (she has a C50). But due to a lot of circumstances, that plan got thrown out. Given these, would I do things differently? Probably. I probably would have ended up with a Ninja 250 or 500.
If you get one… (1) do the TPS adjustment, (2) get a throttle rocker/Crampbuster, (3) get heated grips (you can probably wait until next fall for these).
April 21, 2009 at 4:31 pm #17917BouncingRadicalParticipantI have a smaller dual sport (250cc) and its great in the city, and a buddy at the building has a DRZ and he has no complaints. As for long distance (3hr+), I would get a softer seat for sure, after a few hours your butt will thank you. As for the way you sit, its quite comfortable, you can slide back and lean if you want or sit up straight. I put a higher bend fatbar on it so I can also stand when doing trail riding. You could put some motard tires on it too (like the KLR 650), if you are doing mostly city driving and you could take corners like a champ.
April 24, 2009 at 4:57 pm #18008MattNParticipanthttp://www.triumphtoronto.com/images/08_triumphHQ/2009-Thruxton.jpg
not a cruiser, not a sportbike…. bigger than 250cc but not crazy horsepower…
and IMO sexy as hell…
April 24, 2009 at 4:59 pm #18009MattNParticipantmy bad, I didn’t read the part about you wanting a dual purpose bike…
April 24, 2009 at 5:26 pm #18010MattParticipantI’ve got an SV650. It isn’t my first bike. I’m very glad it isn’t my first bike. Steering is just as easy as my 250 was, but the throttle is really sensitive, especially to reductions in throttle. I actually did the “hit a bump, twitch throttle, end up 10mph faster than planned” routine twice this morning…
Great bike, just not great First bike.
There are aftermarket seats and gas tanks that can turn the DRZ-400 into a great dual sport touring rig.
It won’t be great to start off with, but you can buy a used one and upgrade (search sites like advrider.com and you might find used ones that have had the work done already).As a city bike, any small displacement dual sport or standard bike works really great.
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