Hey guys… I know there are a ton of bike guys on this forum and hopefully you all can help me out… I want to start riding bikes this spring and obviously need a starter bike. What should I be looking for and a price range. I dont want something like a old man cruiser or chopper style, just an avg sport bike that would mind gett dumper a time or two while I learn… like an old ninja or somethin like that…
Thanks for the help guys
I learned on a '98 F3, was a great bike to learn on for me.
I started on an 80’s Jap bike. Cheap as shit, easy to work on, no plastic to break and make you cry when you drop it. Spend a summer beating on that then get something nice for your second season.
Oh, and take the MSF class. www.msf-usa.org
…You’re about to get a shit ton of varying advice. Above all else, whatever you end up riding, use your head. Don’t try to impress anyone. Just have fun and be cautious.
If you plan on dumping it a time or two, I don’t think you are cycle material. The first dump could be your last. You’ll end up dead or crippled. Think about it!
If you plan on dumping it a time or two, I don’t think you are cycle material. The first time could be your last. You’ll end up dead or crippled. Think about it!
i learned on an 89 ninja 600R. non-aggresive riding position, got out of its own way but not crazy fast.
And i agree with ugososlow, if you’re already planning on dropping your bike dont start lol. Im not saying nobody does, but if you dont have the confidence in yourself to keep control, then i wouldnt recommend doing it.
But to answer your question, you can pick up a late 80’s hurricane or ninja for under 2k in good condition. Or even maybe learn on an 80’s asian cruiser. Those go for almost nothing now. And they’re dirt cheap if you need parts
Seriously though, just get something cheap. A 250 would be good. I know a lot of people say that they started on 600s or 750s but most people will drop the bike once as they start out so why drop a more expensive bike?
The kid is quite smart. Its the morons that buy bikes thinking they’ll never dump are the ones you got to watch for. At least if you knew your going to dump, you can gear up for it. Buy any bike, 600cc tops. 250cc you’ll out grow first. I learned on a 600cc, did 20k miles in 2 seasons and never dropped it. Did i plan for it? Not in the beginning, but I quickly realized how dumb i was and fully geared up and rode nothing less then full leathers, boots, gloves, full helmet, back protector, etc… But i didn’t drive around the city and jerk off. I got out of the city asap and rode hard. Gear up for how you ride.
Just start surfing ebay, and there are 2 local sport bike websites you can check out, ebay will give you a good idea on what bike goes for what and in what condition.
my friend started on a suzuki katanna…nice bike, wasnt too pricey and he’s really enjoying it
I’ve never ridden a bike…ever… I can be in a parking lot and just dump it. I don’t plan on being a hot rod or show off like most people try to do. I wont be weaving in and out of cars or riding on the back wheel. I just want a bike that is inexpensive and would be able to take a drop or 2. Im not going to learn on major streets, just big neighborhoods and side streets.
Thanks for the concern. Im not going to open it up and try to be a hard ass… I don’t even know how to ride yet haha.
Thanks everyone for the advice so far, it really helps!!!
Ok i was searchin around ebay and found this… I know its not like a legit bike company but would this be something to learn on??
he seems to have good seller rating, but I would go through and read them if you are seriously contemplating bidding on it.
Also, its only in ohio, road trip?
http://www.nyspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18095&highlight=bike
http://www.nyspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15167&highlight=bike
http://www.nyspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9536&highlight=bike
http://www.nyspeed.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6733&highlight=bike
I’ve got a 96 yamaha Seca II (600cc) that I started with this summer and I love it. Its possibly for sale if your interested. But if you check them out online you can usually find a good price and its a fun bike. Easily less than a grand to buy and insure.
Now stickied for future reference: