- This topic has 8 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 11 months ago by Kellisanth.
Newbie living in WA
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May 15, 2009 at 5:27 am #2830mpfefParticipant
I have never ridden before – I just recently got the bug and started researching. Found this site pretty quick and the advice all makes sense. I’m living North of Seattle right now, but I’m about to make a move to Newport, RI in a little over a month, so I’m on hold as far as taking a class and buying anything for now. From what I’ve been reading, I’m liking the Suzuki S40, V-Star 250, Rebel, and I’m kind of intrigued by the new Suzuki TU 250.
I really don’t know what I want, but I’m pretty sure I don’t want a sport-style bike – although all the glowing reviews of the Ninja 250 have me thinking. I’m about 5′ 11″ and close to 170 lbs so I’m not too worried about the size of the bike, but I really want something that’s more laid back.
–Matt
May 15, 2009 at 11:38 pm #18584MunchParticipantBe careful of that last statement. The size of the bike can make many differences.
However….welcome!
Looking to hear more stories and seeing lots of questions from another new member!May 16, 2009 at 4:39 am #18598mpfefParticipantI guess what I was saying is that I’m not overly tall or heavy, so I’m not worried about overcoming that with power. I know that the size/comfort factor matter, and I just need to go and sit on a bunch of bikes and see how they feel.
I have to say, after doing some more reading, I’m really considering the Buell Blast and the Ninja 250 is definitely sneaking up my list.
–Matt
May 16, 2009 at 5:59 pm #18605SantaCruzRiderParticipantIf you’re using that to describe your riding position and you want the lounger, feet up and forward ergo, then yes, the cruiser is what you should be looking at.
But if you mean laid back as in smooth on the throttle, nice easy pace, enjoying the outdoors and scenery without feeling like you have to take every turn as fast as you can — a cruiser, dual-sport and most sport bikes can do that just as well.
You’re on the right track with planning to sit on a bunch of different bikes. The ergos will push you toward one style or the other.
May 16, 2009 at 6:10 pm #18607mpfefParticipantYeah, I want something to commute on when the weather is good, and just go out and ride for fun. I don’t want to race, and I don’t really care too much about how fast the thing can go, to a point. If it can keep up with interstate traffic on occasion and not get me into trouble merging, then it’s fine.
I’m just looking for something comfortable, reasonably inexpensive to buy (most likely used), and fun to ride. My wife is already hesitant, since she says she puts up with enough dangerous stuff from me due to my job (I’m a pilot in the Navy), I don’t really want to freak her out any more than I have to by buying something too crazy.
–Matt
May 16, 2009 at 6:36 pm #18609SantaCruzRiderParticipantGreat bikes and no reason why they should be ridden like they were racing. I commute and fart around on a 1000cc sport tourer that some folks see as a crotch rocket with bags. But I get passed all the time by guys on “slower” Harley’s looking all “laid back” as they scream past.
I bought my current bike (a ’94) used and have been very happy. Not sure how old you want to go, but you can find some great deals on Ninja 250s and 500s, Suzuki GS500s. Another favorite of mine is the late 90s Seca II. It’s a 600 parallel twin that’s tuned for cruising and commuting. It’s known to be pretty bulletproof and easy to work on.
You might also check out some of the dual sports, like the Suzuki DRZ-400 and Kawi KLX and KLR. They are very fun to ride around town, nice and light, and are capable of highway speeds (though that’s a relative thing).
May 27, 2009 at 10:35 am #18972eternal05ParticipantBeing a sport bike addict, I was really surprised at how much fun I had on the DR-Z400SM (that’s the super-moto version) when I gave it a spin. Really light handling, comfy, zippy…just a blast.
May 27, 2009 at 12:38 pm #18974Clay DowlingParticipantAs long as you get some training, which you’ll need to bring the bike on base, I have to think that the risks from a bike are a lot lower than on your day job. You should check to see if the classes are offered right on base, might make things easier for you all around.
May 27, 2009 at 4:33 pm #18978KellisanthParticipantNavy flyboy, eh? What do you fly?
Could always go for the bike that Tom Cruise (“Maverick”) rode in Top Gun!
But seriously, yeah… Don’t all branches require MSF/Rider Course training, or was that primarily the Marines?
I haven’t seen a B.Blast yet, but the 250Rs I have and they were fun.
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