Bike Riders

I have a '92 Suzuki Katana 600. A lot of fun, not nearly powerful enough to get into real trouble; 43 mpg even when I'm 'on it'. Been riding this year only - got my license in late July.

As a side note, a friend wrecked it 6 days after I got my license (August 3), and it is still in the shop! Insurance is dragging their feet, I'm getting ready to pay for my wedding, and he's broke. Don't tell the people letting you ride, but never let anyone else ride your bike!

Most people I've known who've been into bikes for awhile recommend older 600s (sportbikes) or 750s (cruisers) to get going - Cheap, reliable, fun, but not too dangerous.

Suzuki SV650.

Don't currently own one but I have owned 2 Harleys, and two Yamahas over the years. If all goes well I'll be buying my third Harley sometime soon. I have been riding for about 25 years. I started in dirt bikes and got my first street bike when I was 17. It was a Yamaha XS400.

I recommend a cruiser style bike as your first bike. One where you are in an upright riding position. Something in the 400-500cc range. You can get a nice used Nighthawk, Savage, or Shadow for under a grand if you look around. Stay away from the crotch rockets until you are comfortable and confident. And take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course near you.

Good luck

Ive got a Suzuki SV650 too. I bought it this summer and have had a lot of fun on it. Its bigger than what I originally was looking for, but I didn't want to have to upgrade in a year. Its also a lot of bike for the money, I paid $3800 for a 2001 with 1500 miles on it and its like new.
The only con i could think of is that the v-twin doesn't rev as fast as the I-4's but it has alot more torque so it makes up for it.

My brother has an '83 Yamaha Heritage Special 650/Twin that I ride quite fequently (as payment for helping him restore it and get it running after he bought it for $200 bucks a few years back) and it would be a great bike to learn on. I polished my skills back in the day on an old Yamaha 125 motocross bike, and the 650 was the first road bike I had much experience on.

My advice: buys something cheap and in the 500-700cc range that you won't mind laying down once or twice. It will save you a lot of pain later. When you feel real comfortable, buy a nicer one.

I have been riding for about 3 years. First, take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. Second, get yourself a USED bike for around 2-3.5K. I would recommend a Suzuki SV 650 or a Kawasaki EX-500. Both bikes have good power and handle well. Third, make sure you buy some decent gear. I would recommend an HJC helmet ($130-200) and some type of leather jacket like Joe Rocket, etc. and some leather boots. You should budget about 400 bucks for your gear. Don't buy used gear and make sure it fits you.

My history: I bought a brand new CBR 600 F3 and crashed it at 900 miles. Next I bought and F4 and kept that about 1.5 years. I have owned my 954 for about 1.5 years and plan on keeping it for a long time. I wish I started on a smaller bike because your skills will develope MUCH faster (on a less powerful bike).

Another

vote for the MSF course.

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Worry not i have already searched for the next available class since i really never street rode a bike..but msf is first on my list and then go from there

Thanks