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Honda Grom: Beginner Bike Profile + Owner Reviews
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JtownJJAParticipant
But that was funny!! I kept thinking “this isn’t real, ok, what is the punch line going to be…” Then I was really surprised to see what happened next.
JtownJJAParticipantI agree with Eon in recommending the Vstrom or the Versys, based one what you said you are looking for and what I have read about them. The Vstrom is definitely one I would consider myself for a second bike, but the Versys sits too high for my shorter legs. Sounds like it may be just right for you, though.
I’m not sure what your budget is like, but similar to the Vstrom is the Honda NT700V, which I think would be even more in tune with what you are looking for in the way of comfort, but perhaps not so much in the way of sporty looks. Of course it comes with a higher price tag, but along with that you trade in the chain drive for the lower-maintenance shaft drive. One other bike you may consider is the belt-drive BMW F800ST, yet, it’s price is even a bit higher.
Sometimes, I think deciding on a 2nd bike will be even harder then choosing the first one, because at that point, you are more educated on what’s out there, and what the pros and cons of each model are. I know I keep a list of my preferred 2nd bikes, and at this point, I can’t narrow it down to less than 12 models! The Vstrom, NT700V, and F800ST are all on that list. Oh, and I didn’t mention bikes like the Triumph Street Triple R, a light, sporty, comfortable bike I recently had the chance to demo ride… https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/forum/forum/3980/first-demo-ride-experienceJtownJJAParticipantI enjoyed reading this, Owlie. Amazing what I’ve learned in a short period of time once bitten by the bike bug. Places I would never go into, and conversations I would never go near, suddenly seem inviting.
August 16, 2010 at 12:54 am in reply to: question on sport bikes for Eternal, Mega, or anyone who can help. #28093JtownJJAParticipantIf you haven’t already done so, I would suggest reading the BBM article “8 Great Beginner Riding Habits”.
Link: https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/8-great-beginner-riding-habits
I think Ben may have wrote it, but I’m not sure, and his first bike was the same as mine, the GS500F. It really helped me when I started riding, especially the “heels in” and the “chicken arms” parts.
JtownJJAParticipantThere are lots of articles online and videos on YouTube that compare these two bikes. They are very similar in their size and riding position. After checking it out online, you may want to go try sitting on a Gladius to see how it compares. The way I see it, since you have previous experience, I would expect that you would do well with either of these two bikes. I’ve read that the Er-6n is known to have it’s center of gravity low as you would like. I know the first time I sat on the Er-6n, it felt great to me as well, but either bike should easily handle the speeds you wish to go.
JtownJJAParticipantI think the 3,000 dollar difference makes the decision for me. Aprilia Shiver – 8,999 and SV650 – 5,999 (MSRP listed on their respective websites). If this is your first bike, you’re not certain that you’ll even like riding and want to stay with it yet. I wouldn’t want to end up a few months later realizing that I spent an extra 3,000 dollars and don’t like riding.
May I suggest that there are usually plenty of used SV650’s out there. What if you accidentally drop it and scratch it up? If it is used and already has a few dings and scratches, then no big deal.JtownJJAParticipantThanks everyone. Yes, that thought went through my mind as well TR, that I think the whole thing would have been avoided if the guy simply would have raised his left hand and pointed at his driveway, signally to me that he was indeed going to make a left turn at that particular driveway. The way it happened, I wasn’t sure until it was too late. And yes, I got the feeling from him that he didn’t really care what had happened with me. At least he didn’t get upset about me going through his yard.
JtownJJAParticipantI don’t know much about the oil issue. (A mechanic I am NOT.) But the price does sound high to me, at least in this part of the country. (Ohio)
JtownJJAParticipantCongratulations on passing the brc. It’s a lot of fun looking for that first bike. What kind of bike are you looking for? If you have any questions theres a lot of good help or helpers right here. Welcome to BBM.
JtownJJAParticipantWelcome Rob. I agree. The GS500F is a great bike. I’ve had mine a little over a year and it has been a lot of fun.
JtownJJAParticipantI don’t have any long trips planned for this year. My wife is going back to school, and she is there all morning and afternoon on Saturdays, so I’ll be with my 2 sons during those days. I might get a few pleasure rides in on some Sunday afternoons, but that’s probably it. UNLESS I win the big contest sponsored by Progressive Insurance, Bike Bandit, and Quaker Steak and Lube. It is THE contest to win. Basically, the winner gets to choose anywhere they want to go riding for a week within the continental USA, and they pay for getting you, your bike, and a friend and their bike there. They also give you a a couple thousand dollars worth of gear from Bike Bandit to take with you. AND, lodging and gasoline are covered. Talk about a dream come true. Want to enter? Here is the link… http://www.ultimateridegiveaway.com/
Now, if I would win, where would I go? At first I thought I would definitely want to go back to southern Utah where I went last Summer and ride through all the canyon lands. However, I started looking up around Oregon and Northern California, and now I’m leaning toward that. Probably won’t be faced with making the decision, but it’s fun to dream about it. Where would you go if you were the lucky winner?
JtownJJAParticipantAs of the 2010 model, the Hyosung GT250R is supposed to have Fuel Injection, and it is a pretty cool looking sport bike. I’ve read that it’s seating position is even a bit more aggressive than the Ninja 250. Of course it depends on if you have any dealers around your area, and if you’re comfortable taking a chance with a brand that is not quite as well known as the others.
JtownJJAParticipantI hadn’t looked that closely at the numbers. Just after riding it, it felt comfortable and easy to drive for me. But like you said, eternal, I’m not a beginner any more.
JtownJJAParticipantWhat little bit I’ve ridden on gravel (and it is very little), I’ve hated it! I grew up living on a gravel road, and there are a few gravel roads around where I live now, but I avoid them like the plague with the bike. Nice pictures you took. I like the colors in the 4th one. AND, just cause you have a spill, it doesn’t make you an idiot, it makes you smarter.
JtownJJAParticipantI haven’t got caught in the rain yet, but as you said, it is bound to happen eventually. Thank you for sharing your experience. I’ve been thinking a lot about it this week, because last week I got caught at work with mid-day rain, but it was sunny again by the time I headed home.
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