- This topic has 3 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 15 years, 2 months ago by Clay Dowling.
Starting Soon!
-
AuthorPosts
-
February 15, 2009 at 3:43 am #2539nosecondsflatParticipant
Hey everyone, what’s up?
I don’t really have any history with motorcycles. Basically, I visited my friend’s place in Texas, learned out to ride his ’93 Suzuki DR350 and have been hooked ever since.
After that, I went and took the MSF beginner course and got my license, so now i’m set on getting a bike. That being said, I’m in the process of trying to find one. So far, I’m thinking about the SV650, or maybe a 500cc level bike. Any suggestions? I’m a bigger guy (210lbs, 6ft), but I’m more into the sport bike thing. I’m currently living in NJ, and it seems the only used bikes available are gixxers and CBRs // it’s hard to find any SVs. Anyone have any suggestions where to look / how to start?
-M
February 15, 2009 at 5:29 am #16499Jon D.ParticipantI can see where you are coming from, might I recommend the Suzuki dr-z400m. to start off or something similar. Sport bikes are not very forgiving to a beginner,get some saddle time first. I think you will like honing your skills prior to purchasing a hotter bike. Although there are smaller cc sportbikes out there besides the ninja ,you have really narrowed your choices. The 500 vulcan or some of the other cruisers or standards would make a fine first bike. Keep in mind that your first bike will not be your last and opening up your horizons at this point will pay off in the long run. Whatever you decide is fine by me, this is just an opinion and hopefully helpful. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.
February 15, 2009 at 6:09 am #16501SantaCruzRiderParticipantAdd a vote to the reco to think larger dual sport. The Suzuki 400 and Kawasaki KLR 650 are fantastic bikes, especially for taller folks. They handle almost like sport bikes, but are way more forgiving. The KLR in particular is also a great used bike value (because it’s been in production so long). I ride a 1000cc sport tourer, but if I had room for a 2nd bike, it would be a Suzuk 400 or KLR 650 — these are seriously fun bikes.
If you want strictly sport, you might check out the Buell Blast, Suzuki GS500 or the ubiquitous Ninja 500. If you want an older used bike, Yamaha Seca (600cc) is an awesome older bike with power similar to the SV650 (in fact, it’s more sedate).
Agree with you on the SV650 — they are such great bikes that sellers think they should hold their value like they were a Harley. HAHA
February 17, 2009 at 1:01 am #16545Clay DowlingParticipantSaw one at the dealership a couple weeks ago. I deliberately didn’t sit on it, because I can’t buy it. CBRs are available all over the place because a lot of guys buy them and then discover it’s more bike (or more payment) than they can handle. I’ve always heard it’s a good bike, but not for starters. Kind of a suicide machine for new riders, which is why I haven’t sat on them.
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.