thinking about getting a bike...advice?

[5_spd_pewter_v6]

i have always wanted a motorcycle, and i'm in a position where it is possible and convenient to get one. it would be great to use around campus, i go to auburn. i have never had a bike, or even been on one to be honest. i'm planning on taking one of the MSF courses. i was thinking about getting a used kawasaki ninja 500R. it's supposed to be a good starter bike, what do you guys think? i don't want to grow out of it too fast, but after hearing stories and seeing videos of new riders on 600cc and bigger sport bikes, i don't think it's such a good idea for me to get one.

[2000camarostud]

well many of my friends ride, and all have started on 600's, so as they are a faster bike than the 500cc, i can GUARANTEE you that you will "outgrow" it. wont be fast enough, wont handle as well, etc. whereas a 600cc MAY not be the best starter bike, it is what many people do learn on, and will also be something you will like a little longer IMO. hopefully that helps you some

[BLLDOGG]

i dont suggest starting on a 600. get something smaller. you need a STARTER bike ;)

[ellik]

I had a 600cc bike as my first one. You needed to learn right off the bat how hard not to gun it from stops!! [img]smile.gif[/img] But it wasnt all that overpowering either. It was a very nice all around bike and I'd love to get another one identical t o it. At least your looking in the right range, and in a couple ofyears you can move on to something bigger.

[TealV6]

Bravo! Thinkin with the right head instead of thinking testosterone.

MSF class is a big must if you have never been on a bike. I would suggest a 2 weekend course if it's avalible in your area. Gives you more ride time to learn controlls and balance.

As for starter bikes, the Kaw 500 is not a bad bike to start with. Or even a GS500 would be fine. All up to price and how much it will hurt when it falls to the ground. Even if it's just used for one year to learn how to ride then upgrade to a solid 600 model. Used is great especially if you've never been in traffic or on a bike in traffic. You won't feel so bad dropping it or hurting it. Remember though, sport bikes are different than cruisers. A cruiser rides more like a bicycle where a sport bike rides like a racers 10-speed (bent over and leaning into the bars).

Another thing you didn't mention was gear. This is VERY important! Even though you are in a warmer climate, gear is what's going to save skin and your hide! A good full face helmet, leather gloves (need to keep the digits safe so you can post here) and a quality jacket. Does not need to be leather, but you will get better protection from leather. Some great mesh jackets come with "armor" pockets and will take some abuse, while being price concious. Some might say you need to wear more than jeans while riding... I say only if you are going to push HARD. But being new to bikes, you should be worried more with getting use to controls and getting from A to B in one piece. Once you move up to a 600 and get more agressive on that, then get a race suit... cause it's only a matter of time before you get hooked on sport bikes one your have one :D

Let us know what happens!

Steve