motorcycle opinions please.

Post by **kilipo4** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

Hey guys. I'm wanting to get a motorcycle in the near future. I'm kind of leaning towards a crotch rocket but I might end up taking it on 6hr drives from college to home. So if I did get a crotch rocket it'd have to be fairly comfortable. I'm 6'1". It'd also have to be something I could learn on or ride at a beginner's level. Those are really my only requirements at this point. So if you guys could give me some ideas of bikes to look at that'd be great.

Thanks,Cliff

Oh ya, I'm looking for something in the 5-6k dollar range. Maybe a touch more.

Post by **Rockenreno** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

I was thinking about getting a motorcycle to drive at college, but for me they are just way too unsafe. I have close knowledge of many FATAL motorcyle accidents and I don't want to be the guy whose body cracked a 2 foot thick concrete wall...

Post by **kilipo4** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

Lovely. Thanks for that oh so colorful statement, but really I'm looking for helpful info.

And, rockenreno, if it makes you feel better I'll be wearing stuff a little bit safer than those guys that go biking in a t-shirt and shorts.

Post by **cnichols** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

If you're looking for comfort I still recommend the CBR, but I've heard the newer Ninjas have the most comfortable angle for your forearms and shoulders with the CBR's second.

As far as learning, I've also heard the CBR's are the best to learn on. But all in all, all 4 main crotch rocket manufacturers (Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki) are pretty much equal. I would say test drive them all and pick your favorite.

I really love the looks of the CBR F4 (99-up) the most out of all the sport bikes. I prefer the 600cc because of the lighter weight and smaller frame...still gives PLENTY of kick, don't worry about that. They'll still run right around 11 flat in the 1/4 mile. If that's not fast enough for you, you've got a problem, and you can always gear it different for better acceleration and throw a full exhaust on and be running with 750's but keep the better handling of the smaller bike.

Most beautiful bike I've seen was a 99 F4 painted PPG purple with polished rims/frame/etc. and lowered an inch or two. GORGEOUS!

Post by **aslowcoupe** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

if you're a beginner then go with a 600 for sure. Just like the other guy said any of the major makers will be fine. They're all good bikes. Just what you're more confortable with. My first bike was a katana 600 and it was fun. As for the 6hrs to college I'd say try a 1hr trip first and see how you feel after that. I've done 2hr trips a few times and I've been pretty tired when I get home.

Post by **tobagator** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

I would recommend a 600 but a 600 super sport not the 600 sport tourers the problem most new riders have is that they learn on it then get bored, IMHO get a used suzuki gsxr 600 (97-00, the new ones have a more aggresive ergonomics to them very uncomfortable) but that bike fits me perfect and has alot of power but not enough to flip you over if you get on it to much, you really have to work at getting the front up but after a little tuning if you feel confident you can do 70mph wheelies where as you could not with a katana. I don't know anything about the cbr's or ninjas, but i have heard tall people complain that yamahas are too small. whatever you pick though make sure you take it slow, cause once you think you got it down thats when you mess up, take a rider course. thats my 2 cents hope it helped

Post by **89sxRCR** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

learning on a CBR isnt a good idea. Learn with as small a bike as possible, it teaches you to drive responsibly and learn how to maneauver in traffick better.

long rides on sport bikes are very tedius, it ends up giving you sore wrists because your all weight is shifted foward onto the front the entire time. 6hr ride would kill you without many breaks on one of those...

5-6k is wayyyyyy more than enough to get a suitable bike (used) If power is what you want i recommend the v-twins (itallian bikes like ducati, or the honda VTR-witch is what i have btw) But the R1 and smaller cbr600f4i are also good for racing.

as for safety, a motorcycle training course is usually offered by the dmv, and it teaches you a lot. Dont think you can just pick up a bike and start road driving or your gonna end up looking at the underside of a car. Make sure to invest at least 1k of that in safety gear... if your really gung ho a full set of leathers is optimum, otherwise a sport touring jacket with some type of back armor. make sure u get a new helmet, often times used bikes come with helmets but its not a good idea to use them.

Post by **tobagator** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

responsability is all the rider even a 250 can reach a 100mph, but i agree about the helmet once a helmet experiences and impact it is ruined safety wise, even if it was dropped from the gas tank to the pavement so i would get a new one unless the dealership offers you a new one but from a private party i wouldn't trust it.

Post by **89sxRCR** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

Quote »responsability is all the rider even a 250 can reach a 100mph,[/quote] then tell me why you dont give someone who JUST got thier license a 10 second or less car. Its because its not a good idea to start out with all that power, you LEARN first. A 250 can hit 100 but its gonna take more than a flick of the wrist. And a begging mistake people make is accidently hitting the gas going for the breaks, meaning you be dead.

Post by **Repo Man** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

kilipo4 wrote:Hey guys. I'm wanting to get a motorcycle in the near future. I'm kind of leaning towards a crotch rocket but I might end up taking it on 6hr drives from college to home. So if I did get a crotch rocket it'd have to be fairly comfortable. I'm 6'1". It'd also have to be something I could learn on or ride at a beginner's level. Those are really my only requirements at this point. So if you guys could give me some ideas of bikes to look at that'd be great.

Cliff,

Buy a cheapo 80's 4-500cc Japanese cruiser and learn for several months. I wouldn't use a 5k crotch rocket to learn on. This way, you can see if you like it without much invested. If you do like it, which I'm sure you will, use the beater bike to get licensed and make your mistakes.

Now, once you're past that and ready for a real bike, don't mess around. There is one bike that comes to mind that will make the others look like girl's bikes. It's not even a crotch rocket, but far more comfortable. Yamaha V-Max

This is one bad-arse mofo. It turns tens from the factory and has the comfort of a Harley without the reliability issues of a Harley. And chicks dig it! :ylsuper

Don't get me wrong, 600cc bikes are okay but given my size I feel pretty cramped on them. And they wouldn't be very quick with my heft. Hehe. What did I learn on? HD 1200 Sportster. Torque baby, yeah!

Andy

Post by **1991240xs** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

What do yall think of the buell blaset? I found a very nice looking one near me for 3250 in pretty good condition...are they an ok bike to learn on(I don't want to spend much more than 4000 on a bike anyway)

Post by **Repo Man** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

1991240xs wrote:What do yall think of the buell blaset? I found a very nice looking one near me for 3250 in pretty good condition...are they an ok bike to learn on(I don't want to spend much more than 4000 on a bike anyway)

That could be cool, but aren't those seriously underpowered? You have to have at least a little bit of power to learn with. Those always struck me as glorified mopeds with body cladding but I could be completely wrong. Heh, just ask my wife. :pface

Post by **BB Turbo** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

I have never ridden it by myself, but my uncle has a hayabusa, very fast and scary, i know i would kill my self if i got on it. Go with what the other people have said

Post by **kilipo4** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

I was definately planning on taking a class before I started riding. I assume with the DMV classes, I have to provide the bike, right? As for protection, I figured a jacket like the one I linked to above with the elbow and shoulder armor, a helmet and jeans. Anything else I should consider?

So far I'm thinking about the GSXR 600 and the V-Max. Both look very tempting. I'm sure the V-Max is much more comfortable but I don't know that I can afford it. As for buying a beater first, I doubt I'll have the funds for that. We'll see though.

Thanks for ya'll's help so far. Any more thoughts?-Cliff

[EDIT] Let me rephrase that second paragraph.I'm thinking about the GSXR 600 as a starter or the V-Max, if I were to get a beater first. I don't think I'd be able to afford to buy a two bikes or even just the V-Max. We'll see though.[/EDIT]

Post by **yellow_jacket** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

I would have to agree about the Yamaha's being a little cramped. I owned a FZR600 and a YZF600(98 models) at the same time. Learned to ride on them both. But I am 6'2" and on longer rides(more than an hour) it would wear me out. But as far as the Yamaha cruisers, I really liked those. Comfortable and reliable. And of course great power. One bike I feel is a pretty good starter bike is the Virago. They're nothing super special, but they are a good bike to start on that can still be fun later. Try to ride any bike you can get your hands on just to get a feel for different makes and models.

Website · Post by **daniel240** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

The CBR 600 f4i is a perfect begginner bike but also very fun and fast.

Post by **Mayhem_J30** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

wow. some friends of mine and I have all been considering getting bikes as well. if anything just taking the KY driving class for it. I've never riden a bike before so it would be educational. one guy is getting that hayabusa crazy arse thing. spoiled brat!

Post by **chrispy** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

Iam only 17 so i haven't ridden to many bikes. A harley Davidson soft tail , and a GSXR1000. If i had to pick one I would pick the Harley just because if I owned the Suzuki i know i would end of dead. The suzuki can put you over the speed limit in 2nd gear.

Post by **JESTER** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

I recommend the Suzuki SV650S or the Bandit 1200S. The Bandit is perfect for the 6 hour rides. It is a Sport touring bike. Some people dont like the looks.

The SV650s is a small 650 V-twin. Only puts out about 65 to 70 hp but it handles good, doesnt weigh alot, and the after market for this bike is starting to go through the roof. The racers are picking them up and upgrading the heck out of them.

Check out the Suzuki web site. http://www.suzuki.com/index1.html

As far as comfort goes, these two are hard to beat. The YZF600R (not R6), are comfortable, as are the old model ZX9R's. But if this your first bike I wouldnt suggest going with any (all out) sport bike over a 600.

Post by **Repo Man** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

kilipo4 wrote:So far I'm thinking about the GSXR 600 and the V-Max. Both look very tempting. I'm sure the V-Max is much more comfortable but I don't know that I can afford it. As for buying a beater first, I doubt I'll have the funds for that. We'll see though.

Thanks for ya'll's help so far. Any more thoughts?-Cliff

[EDIT] Let me rephrase that second paragraph.I'm thinking about the GSXR 600 as a starter or the V-Max, if I were to get a beater first. I don't think I'd be able to afford to buy a two bikes or even just the V-Max. We'll see though.[/EDIT]

Cliff, the GSXR (any of them) is NOT a beginner's bike. The GSXR is consistently one of the quickest bikes in their class, not to mention the ****pit is pure racer. I think you would very unhappy with one for your application.

As far as the beater goes, you could get one for 6-800 bucks, learn to ride on it and resell it and possibly even turn a profit as long as you didn't destroy it.

The V-Max has been around since 1986. You can find a nice one in your price range if you look hard enough. It actually shouldn't be too hard. Consider this; the Max has been around 18 years and is essentially unchanged. Why do you suppose that is? How many other bikes can say the same thing? Aside from Harleys of course. But even those have changed. Email AZHitman and ask him about the almighty V-Max.

Jester's suggestions are very good ones as well. The Bandit is a hell of a bike, but the 1200 is pretty powerful. Probably not what is recommended for learning. The SV is also a good bike.

Whatever you choose, keep in mind that 6 hour ride. You do not want a hunched-over riding position for a ride like that. Another consideration (not the beginner bike, but the 2nd bike) is the Honda VFR 750 (or is it 800 now?). It's more of a sport-touring bike but leans toward sport. Much more comfortable than any pure sportbike I have experienced.

Oh, btw, Hayabusa + anything but expert rider = gruesome death

Post by **89sxRCR** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

repo, stop copying my posts...

Whoever said the cbr600f4i is a good starter bike is dumb, plain and simple. And whoever said the suzuki can put u over the speed limit in 2nd hasnt ridden before obviously...Most bikes put u over the speed limit no prob, no matter what size.

I agree with getting a sport tourer...great begginer bikes. Upright riding position for longer rides also....

Post by **AZhitman** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

Quick lesson, since Repo invoked my name... No one here has stated the obvious: This guys first bike should be NO MORE than 750cc's, and should be a SIMPLE bike to learn on.

My advice for a noob: A Nighthawk 650 - 750 (you can get a nice 92-96 model cheap.) Another overlooked bike? The Radian 650 (a street version of the FZR). Old Suzuki GS-series are great starter bikes, as are the older CBR's (if you're a big guy).

You gotta consider it's gonna get laid down at least once while learning - Get some skills on a starter ride and then buy the "hot ticket".

I recently rode a friend's Yamaha R-1. Haven't ridden in 5 years, mind you. Within an hour, I was pulling a clean wheelie at 40 mph like a pro. Such a perfectly balanced bike, IMO. FASTER that s***, and a fun bike overall.

V-Max is WAY too much bike for a novice - Still my all-time favorite.

Post by **slide** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

is there a required hieght to ride a crouch rocket?

Post by **89sxRCR** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

Ummm just for asking that question NO SOUP FOR YOU junior....

Post by **Repo Man** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

AZhitman wrote:Quick lesson, since Repo invoked my name... No one here has stated the obvious: This guys first bike should be NO MORE than 750cc's, and should be a SIMPLE bike to learn on.

V-Max is WAY too much bike for a novice - Still my all-time favorite.

Dammit Hitman, that's exactly what I said. Get the beater first and learn to ride then get the real deal. Obviously he should spend enough time riding the first one to be able to handle the second one.

Given his situation and parameters, a V-Max would own all.

Post by **gtd65** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

Well here is my "in-progress" Streetfightered GSX-R750

I'd say to buy a more upright style of bike to learn on - as mentioned before Bandits (say the 600cc) or maybe even the older Kawasaki Zephyrs (550cc).

The chances are you will probably fall off or drop the first bike you own (then again I learned to ride in Scotland where the roads have snow and ice

) due to being stupid or just not driving according to the road conditions (I know this from experience of going thru a hedge at 60mph on a 1980 Suzuki GP100 one evening).

A faster bike can potentially get you into trouble very quickly - espeically with the insane speeds that many motorcycles can achieve nowadays.

An older Honda CBR600 ('87-,'92 ish) would be an excellent choice - very comfortable and reliable with excellent build quality. It would suit commuting and a good of blasting around too

Post by **eQlipse** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

daniel240 wrote:The CBR 600 f4i is a perfect begginner bike but also very fun and fast.

There's no such thing as a perfect beginner bike. Any bike, any size can ridden, crashed, & fallen off of. Your best bet is to take a rider's course. Most courses provide the bike. Then practice, practice, practice. I have to agree with most here in saying get a smaller bike to learn & practice on. Although my first bike is an '02 Ninja ZX9R. No incidents as of yet but wish I'd started smaller. Whatever you choose, be responsible & respect that bike. The moment you lose respect for it, it'll bite you in the A$$!

Post by **AZhitman** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

My first bike: 1981 Suzuki GS 550L, followed by an 84 Interceptor, an 89 Radian 650, the 91 VMax....

Miss them all (for different reasons).

Post by **89sxRCR** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

I can tell hitman is one of those dudes with the bandana and nazi helmets and huge goggles... Riding road warrior style...

Post by **AZhitman** » Thu Jan 30, 2003 8:24 am

LOL - Nope - Always wore a full-face Bieffe B-9 helmet, jeans and leather jacket.

Never really liked the Harley crowd much. I prefer bikes that ALWAYS run. Plus, I have this thing about good personal hygiene.

motorcycle opinions please.

motorcycle opinions please.

Re: motorcycle opinions please.

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