First bike

[Shorty429]

I'm looking to buy my first bike this summer or maybe next spring. Does anyone have a suggestion on what a good first bike would be? I've been on dirtbikes/quads a good bit but never a sport bike. I'm thinking about getting a used 600 but i don't want to spend more than 3k because i'm sure i'll dump it a time or two when i first start. any suggestions?

[SonofaBish]

Suggestion 1 - get rid of that "i'm sure i'll dump it attitude"

Suggestion 2 - figure out what you want and search until you find it - don't jump on the first thing you come across...

A 600 is a good choice to start on, but don't have yourself hell-bent that that's what you need to get. If you are responsible and can use your head, there's no reason not to start on a 750 or 1000. However, unfortunately 98% of sportbike folks out there aren't responsible enough, so that's where the rep comes that you HAVE to start on a 600. Also keep in mind that the newer 600's are extremely fast as well - probably as fast as the mid-90's litrebikes... so they are by no means slouches... You might think so because you hear about cars beating them all the time, but that's only because of an incompitent rider...

The biggest suggestion I have is to always respect the bike, but never fear it.... If you're afraid of it, it'll be in the back of your mind and you'll hesitate... the last thing you want to do is hesitate when you're going down the road at any speed - it will spell disaster - you have to just react to situations... with time, it will come more naturally.... I can't put enough emphasis on respect... sportbikes are mean as hell, whether it be a 600 or 1000... you just have to use your better judgement and make sure you are very careful and get some good seat-time before you start trying to ride at a more 'spirited' pace....

good luck.

[Inkdcountryboy]

go gsxr600. put a cage on it and have fun.

[Shorty429]

The main reason for the "i'm sure i'll dump it" attitude is because i've been looking it up and I've came across a lot of articles that say the majority of beginning riders do, so i assumed i would be no more fortunate.

I do know that there is a difference between respect and fear when it comes to bikes. I had a loved one pass away because of a bike accident and my family is now skeptical about me getting a bike, but it was something that he loved to do and he was the one who got me interested in bikes and taught me always to respect them so i think it's something he would have wanted. He would have loved me to get into it, and i want to, so i don't see why i shouldn't.

ANYWAYS...Another question i have is can i realy get a decent bike in my price range? or am shooting to low?

[Inkdcountryboy]

id say 3-3500 would get you a decent starter bike.

[pRojekt02GT]

I was looking into a street bike a while back, checked out a couple of them..I really liked the 04 GSX-R 600s..The newer ones I really didn't like, plus of the fact of it being brand new and a first bike..the CBR 600s aren't too shabby either, but I believe they weighed a little more and looked a bit bulkier. I would def go with a used one, and like SonofaBish said, if you are responsible enough and aren't liable to be extremely stupid, theres no reason why you couldn't get a bigger bike than a 600..Just don't buy a damn Hyabusa or something crazy like that, lol..a few years from now you'll probably end up wanting a bigger one anyways..just my .02.

[SonofaBish]

The main reason for the "i'm sure i'll dump it" attitude is because i've been looking it up and I've came across a lot of articles that say the majority of beginning riders do, so i assumed i would be no more fortunate.

I do know that there is a difference between respect and fear when it comes to bikes. I had a loved one pass away because of a bike accident and my family is now skeptical about me getting a bike, but it was something that he loved to do and he was the one who got me interested in bikes and taught me always to respect them so i think it's something he would have wanted. He would have loved me to get into it, and i want to, so i don't see why i shouldn't.

ANYWAYS...Another question i have is can i realy get a decent bike in my price range? or am shooting to low?

Well, I think having that frame of mind is what will make you dump it... I think you have to continually tell yourself that you're going to do the right thing and be safe....

As far as your price range - YES, you can get a nice, early 2000's (2000-2003) 600cc sportbike for that price... I sold my 2000 TL1000R for $3750... Some people continue to ask crazy amounts for their bikes, but if you're patient, you'll find someone that is desperate for some cash...

[SonofaBish]

The only bikes I would shy away from are the late 90's and early 2000's Kawi's.... They have cleaned up their act in recent years, but until the 636 came out, they really weren't very good bikes...

I've always been a huge fan of the Yamaha's... best looks on the market IMHO, and great quality/reliability... However, i've owned Suzuki's and Honda's as well, and they have treated me well too!

I agree with teh above that the new bikes are getting kinda ugly... I really hope to hold onto my bike for good.... 2004-2006 R1 is the best looking bike ever made IMHO :D :D and performance is unbeatable!....

[pRojekt02GT]

The GSX-R's in 05 on went with the real tiny exhaust and extremely ugly matching blue wheels..IMO, hideous..

[boost_92]

I agree with bish. You must respect the bike. My first bike was a gsxr 750. I too had ridden/raced dirt bikes and quads and it was a good start. The main thing you have to watch out for is other drivers!!!!! They sure as hell don't watch out for you. And as for the remark about not buying a busa......I would not worry about those having to much power because my 06 cbr 1000 put down only 6 rwhp less than an 07 busa on the dyno and they are way heavier. There are plenty of good bikes out there in your price range.

[pRojekt02GT]

I don't know a whole lot about the hyabusa's, except they're what, a 1300?..I thought they were pretty bad bikes..buddy of mine has a GSXR 1000 and his brother had a busa, saw some pics and it was pretty sick..didn't know they wern't all that badass though.

[2001GTTT]

yea when you get into the bigger bikes like that ive heard handling becomes an issue. biggest I'd go would be 1000, and yes i would start out with that, that way you can grow into it as your skill progresses.

[Inkdcountryboy]

yea when you get into the bigger bikes like that ive heard handling becomes an issue. biggest I'd go would be 1000, and yes i would start out with that, that way you can grow into it as your skill progresses.

no way id tell anyone to start out on a 1000. too much power for the skill level. itd be kinda like taking a kid from a little 50cc pitbike and throwing them on a 250 2stroke

[pRojekt02GT]

no way id tell anyone to start out on a 1000. too much power for the skill level. itd be kinda like taking a kid from a little 50cc pitbike and throwing them on a 250 2stroke

haha..I went from a 98 XR-100(all stock) to a 02 CR-125(NOTHING stock)..Was scared of it for about a week..finally got some balls, ripped on it, and the bike handed me my ass..lol.

[2001GTTT]

no way id tell anyone to start out on a 1000. too much power for the skill level. itd be kinda like taking a kid from a little 50cc pitbike and throwing them on a 250 2stroke

its not too much power, this has nothing to do with the bikes. its the rider who makes the decisions.

first streetbike I ever rode was a cbr 1000rr and I loved it it was fun as hell but you definitely learn to respect the bike the second you get on it.

[Inkdcountryboy]

riding in the parking lot...and riding one on the streets is different lol

[Shorty429]

thanks for all the input. I'm really looking forward to getting on bike. If anyone sees/knows of any deals out there let me know! It doesn't have to be IN greensburg...I'm not worried about a little roadtrip

[2001GTTT]

riding in the parking lot...and riding one on the streets is different lol

I did ride my dirtbike when I first got it in the parking lot, cbr is another story.

thanks for all the input. I'm really looking forward to getting on bike. If anyone sees/knows of any deals out there let me know! It doesn't have to be IN greensburg...I'm not worried about a little roadtrip

We have 2 R1's and a few nice gsx'rs/cbr's up at the shop....let me know if your interested.

[scott5]

IMO you get what you pay for and if you are looking for a bike to take you a long way the newer gsxrs have the abc stages where in the certain stages it cuts of certain amount of power and allows you to grow with the bike. I loved my 750 and used this atfirst when i bought it and then found myself on c all the time...

But for that price you will find an older and higher mileage bike

[Troll]

Sportbikes are not comfortable. Unless you're into hardcore corner carving or insane straight-line speeds, get a dual-sport bike as your first streetbike.

The riding position is very comfortable. You can focus on your riding and EVERYONE ELSE. If you do go "off-roading" you'll have enough suspension to probably keep from damaging the bike too bad.

Then, after you get all the idiosyncrasies of "street-riding" worked out in your head, move up/over to a sportbike.

This is just my humble opinion, of course.