- This topic has 14 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 13 years, 7 months ago by JackTrade.
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August 29, 2010 at 8:37 pm #4210horsteParticipant
Longtime lurker, first time poster. The name is Stephen, or something resembling that name. I’ve read all the beginning articles but I am looking for a bit more help too.
Well, much to my older siblings pushing and shoving, I went out and got my permit about a month ago. I signed up for the MSF class last week and just completed the course earlier today. The first day on the range was my very first time driving a motorcycle or even using a clutch. Today, the instructored said I graduated/passed with the best marks in my group (just went outside the line once by a bout 4 inches on the double U-turn). That was it, just minus three points. I’m not here to brag, but to ask about some bikes.
My brothers and cousin have cruisers and will push me to buy a cruiser, I’m not so fond of them – I don’t like the look of them or the feel of them either. However, I also don’t want to be laying down on my bike like some sports bikes, nor do I want to be adding unnecessary stress to my wrists that most sport bikes naturally do. With that said, I like, no, love the look of standard bikes and the feel of the seat but not necessarily Enduros/dual-sport. I drove a dual-sport for the MSF class and loved it but I don’t think I would want that as my motorcycle.
I’ve been looking at some early 80’s Honda Nighthawks, the Buell Blasts, the newer (since their remodel) Ninja 250s, Suzuki GS500f, Suzuki SV650, and an older well maintained (’75) Suzuki GT380 that I found on craigslist.
I am looking for some help to know what would be a good bike to get with a standard seat. What do you guys think, besides your obvious answer: Ninja 250?
August 30, 2010 at 2:20 am #28227JtownJJAParticipantGlad to have you here. Lots of good help to be found here as you seem to have already found some of it. I’m still pretty new to motorcycling myself, as I’ve been riding about a year and 4 months. I’m mostly familiar with newer models, and I could suggest that you may want to take a look at the Kawasaki Er-6n, the Suzuki Gladius, or perhaps the BMW G650GS. These are all pushing the limits for a beginner, but no more than the SV650 that you already mentioned. There are certainly some older models that have been discontinued as well (as you listed a few) but I’m not as familiar with them since I’m haven’t been in this that long. I’m sure some of the others will chime in with their input as well. Again, welcome aboard BBM!
August 30, 2010 at 4:29 pm #28366horsteParticipantThanks Jtown I will look at those bikes. I forgot to mention that I’m 5’11” 175 pounds with a 32 inch inseam. I could easily touch the ground when I was riding the Dual-Sport bike.
September 1, 2010 at 4:54 pm #28389madjak30ParticipantYour right, the obvious answer is the 250cc bikes that are available. I’m 5’11 and 275lbs with a 33″ inseam, so you would probably feel pretty comfortable on the same bikes as me (other than the weight…)…I am riding a GS500, which is considered a standard, but leaning toward the sporty looking. I have really enjoyed riding mine and have learned a lot over this season. The performance will seem much better to you being 100lbs lighter, so I would look at the Ninja 500 or the GS500. They are great bikes to learn on, not too heavy and have plenty of power for hiway use…not that the 250cc bikes can’t, but it is easier to do on the 500cc bikes. Unless you have previous experience riding dirt bikes, I would stay away from the Ninja 650/ER-6n/Versys, the Gladius/SV650 or any of those bikes…they just have more performance than you may be ready for…you will want one, but I would fight the urge…learn to ride the smaller bikes to their limits before you look up the ladder, and not just straight line accelleration…cornering is what you need to learn and emergency braking…try the slow stuff first, then move on. One of the guys in here, WeaponZero, started on a SV650 and has stated that he would have learned to be a better rider faster if he had made a better choice of bike to start out on.
I would also look at dual sport bikes or super moto bikes, they would also be great for learning on. They are lighter and more upright, so better for the learning process. Anything from 400cc to 650cc in the single cylinder bikes would be a good starter bike for a taller guy.
Anyway, have fun shopping and sit on all bikes you can to get a feel for what you may or may not like.
Later.
September 1, 2010 at 10:20 pm #28395horsteParticipantThanks for the advice. I am going to be checking this Buell out this weekend (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/mcy/1930979091.html) and could possibly get it for around $2k. I also like this bike, the Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/mcy/1927556505.html). I know it’s a dual-sport, but I like to be sitting upright. The price difference is crucial though. I have a max of $3k to spend, but would like to spend only $2k to $2.5K so I have some money left over if I need new parts or mechanical work done. The thing with the Dual-Sports that make me hesitant is that I live in an area that I will need to be accessing the freeways quite a bit to get to any job I have – that, and I want to go on some shorter trips with my family who all have cruisers. The GS500f that I have seen in my area are all pushing my fiscal limits. Like the bikes, just don’t have that kind of money.
September 2, 2010 at 3:44 pm #28420JackTradeParticipantI own an ’06 myself. Looks in good shape, and that looks to be an OEM windshield he’s throwing in, in addition to the stock flyscreen.
Be sure to check the rear tire for tread depth…Blasts are known to go through them quickly, so you may have to factor in the added expense to get a new one.
September 2, 2010 at 4:37 pm #28421CBBaronParticipantThe DRZ is an excellent bike to start with as are the other small supermotos an dual sports. The DRZ400SM is a supermoto while the DRZ400S is a dual sport. The only real difference is the wheels and tires that come on the bike. Supermotos use 17″ wheels like sport bikes and are great urban bikes and lots of fun on twisty roads. However the slick tires are not good off-road. Dual sports will use a larger narrower front tire with knobbies on both ends to allow they decent capability on off-road trails while still being street legal with lights and turn signals.
Both are light and very maneuverable. Plus they take a fall very well so you can push your limits further in parking lots and off-road without worrying so much about damaging your bike.You may be able to find a KLX250SF supermoto in your price range, the WR250X is a little nicer but I don’t see many below $4000. There are many older dual sports that are priced reasonably on the used market. Even larger bikes like the DR650 and KLR650 are reasonable starter bikes for a taller rider. These have less power than most 500 twins and at least the DR is lighter.
Craig
September 2, 2010 at 6:49 pm #28428horsteParticipantHe already made mention that I will need a new tire next year – meaning sooner rather than later. Subsequently, he will take $200 off the asking price. I will hopefully go look at the bike tonight. How much do the Blasts rear tires typically cost?
September 2, 2010 at 6:52 pm #28429horsteParticipantThanks for the advice and information Craig. I appreciate it.
September 2, 2010 at 10:54 pm #28436JackTradeParticipantfor the stock Dunlop rear. EDIT: Amazon (of all places) is showing one for $90 right now.
September 2, 2010 at 10:59 pm #28438horsteParticipantThat sounds manageable. I was worried it was going to be double that.
September 5, 2010 at 5:04 am #28485horsteParticipantI bought the 2006 Buell Blast mentioned earlier in this post for $2100 on this past Friday night. Had just a little under 3400 miles on it, a recent oil change and is in need of a new tire. I had the fun joy of driving it home on the coldest day of the summer here in Minnesota. Good thing I had my new jacket. Another plus, my cousin and my older brother came along and buffered all traffic for me (I was sandwiched between them). Made for a more relaxing ride. I love the bike, it drove really well. Once I was at cruising speed (50 mph as I was on a highway to get home for 10 miles), it was really smooth. The only thumping was in first gear and down-shifting from Second into .
I didn’t get a chance to take it out today, but tomorrow will see a few miles put on. I’m so excited and now I only have to pay for some insurance and transfer the title and all is well.
September 5, 2010 at 1:36 pm #28489Jeff in KentuckyParticipantThe Buell Blast is known for using up the back tire fast. Try the Kenda Kruz tire for a cruiser tire- they are the best to me for the few I have tried for my 600cc Honda Shadow.
For a low cost sport touring tire with good handling, the Continental Motion is recommended by several.
Take all tire recommendations lightly- people have different riding styles and like the feel or look of different tires. Some want a sticky track tire that corners well but wears out fast, and others want a hard tire for slow cornering and long life with poor rain traction.
September 6, 2010 at 1:37 am #28497horsteParticipantThanks for the recommendations. I will have to book mark this page to reference for the spring.
September 7, 2010 at 2:24 pm #28504JackTradeParticipantGood choice…glad to have another Blast owner around here! They’re great all-around standards, and have plenty of torque. Plus, I love the cafe-racer look.
Yeah, they do vibrate at idle, but once you’re underway, things smooth out nicely as you state.
Aside from the rear tire, keep an eye on the oil level. Since they’re air-cooled singles, they do tend to burn oil more than other bikes. I check mine every fill-up, which is pretty regular given the size of the fuel tank (make sure you check when the engine is warm).
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