Bikes

[96_Fbird]

Well guys my firebird has run into some more engine trouble and lately has just been a hassle. I was thinking within the next year of selling it and buying a sport bike/crotch rocket. I'm fine with a used one but am not all that familiar what brands are the best. Any help would be great. It doesnt need to be a crazy fast bike but just a decent bike thats got some looks.

[StrtRacer98]

Re: Bikes

Ive worked on alot of motorcycles, and I am a honda tech.. I can say that if you want something reliable, get a honda.

Suzuki's are extremely popular and make a pretty good bike but re-sale values are low and maintenance is costly too.

Id say if you have never ridden, pick up a 600cc bike and be cautious.

Take the MSF course and get some good safety gear.

[Greg94Red392]

Re: Bikes

Its never good to have a bike and no car. It's highly inconvienet.

I have both and I really dont think I could survive with just having a bike.


Another thing is...for the love of god dont start on a 600. They are race bikes with headlights ie not for beginners. I know ..I know.. you know many people who started on 600s yeah well thats great but all it takes is one emergency situation that you panic in and grab too much brake or too much throttle and thats gonna hurt you...literally.

Nothing wrong with starting on a smaller bike with less than 75 horsepower to learn all the basics. You're first bike doesnt have to be your last.

[Sean76]

Re: Bikes

I would say keep the car, or get a little beater, and get a bike. I just bought a 250cc Kawasaki Ninja and love it. Had it a few months now. I think Next year I will get a 600R or something. start small and once you get used to it, move up. I figure a year with the 250 will be enough time to get riding down.

[StrtRacer98]

Re: Bikes

I started on a 600, had it brand new for a week and traded it in for a 1000, have had Liter bikes since.


Im still alive.

[JusFlyinBy]

Re: Bikes

Forget about brand preference. Just buy whats the right price and what feels comfortable to you.

I can't really help you with reliability. But just know everyone has there horror stories about another brand. We've got at least one of each major jap brand in our group of riders. The only one who repeatedly had his bike in the shop is the guy with the '05 1000RR. But, that doesn't mean sh*t.

You can't really rely on re-sale values either. 2 years ago the Suzuki's were holding their values and the Yamaha's were cheap. Now it did a 180 and Yamaha's are the ones holding their value.

I know thats a lot of babble, but my main point was, don't narrow your search based on brand, especially for your starter bike.

As far as a 600 goes, I started on one as well, eight years ago when I was 17. six of my friends followed suit and started on bikes ranging from 600's to 1000's. With respect and common sense, you'll be fine. Then again, most of us started on dirtbikes years and years ago.

A 600 will tide you over a lot longer as opposed to a smaller bike too. Go with a 250, and in a year you'll be looking for more, which means you just pissed that money away when you go to trade it in or sell it.

[96_Fbird]

Re: Bikes

Thanks alot guys. I was planning on having a beater around too considering I live in chicago.

[vanbibber]

Re: Bikes

Im still alive.

sometimes i wonder how

[StrtRacer98]

Re: Bikes

sometimes i wonder how

Me too

[TealV6]

Re: Bikes

07' Honda CBR1000RR Repsol LE

Let me just say: YOU SUCK!

Ok.. now that THAT'S out of the way.... First bike, cheap, good running, who cares what it looks like, 600cc. You'll cry if you drop a new bike. Let someone else to that for you and have THEM take the beating on price.

If you are comfortable after a year or so, then move up.

+1 on good gear. It's cheaper than skin!

Just have fun too. If you want to get into moving fast, find a track. it's cheaper than a speeding ticket!