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Which Bike To Get!!!!

1.5K views 23 replies 17 participants last post by  iwannabike  
#1 ·
i am almost 18 now and i have been saving up for a while but the problem is i dont know which bike to get as a fist bike. I want a bike that is fairly cheap to get repaired and worked on.

I have riding experience on dirtbikes but not on sport bikes.

i have been really looking at a 99 r6 or f3i but im not sure which to purchase.

if anyone has any other opinions on a good stater bike let me know.

I don not want a 250cc though.
 
#4 ·
money really isnt the problem i have enough saved to buy a good bike thats in decent shape.
 
#5 ·
hmmm, how about a cbr 400rr of the vfr400. the vfr is the closest thing to rossi's V5 on the market. you should be able to pick them up pretty cheap.
As a first bike, i'd recommend an RXS 100 or similar for a few months just to get the feel of driving on the road ( i also had a good bit of dirt bike riding before i started). you'll drop it a few times but at least you wont have any expensive parts to break when you do something silly, and you will. check out this muppet who decided to buy a 749 as his first bike

http://www.sportbikers.net/lt/niceduc.mpeg
 
#6 ·
Yea, the SV or maybe a FZR. No one will knock you for riding a smaller bike. Those that do aren't worth a $hit and are the same one's that will try to talk you into doing stuff that is beyond your current ability's. Start small and be safe. Spend the rest of your money on afull set of leathers, boots, gloves and a good helmet. That is the best investment you can make. Never spend all your money on the bike alone.
 
#7 ·
i would find me a r6 in great shape or a honda f4
 
#8 ·
If I were you and this was my first bike I would opt for like a 96ish zx6r or an F3 that has been taken care of.....the older yamahas suck ass and suzuki does too. Go with one of these two and in a year or two you WILL be wanting a bigger bike so dont spend so much money on your first bike and save it for the next one....thats my two cents
 
#10 ·
would you all reccomend buying full leathers or just a jacket, gloves, and a helmet?
 
#12 ·
iwannabike said:
would you all reccomend buying full leathers or just a jacket, gloves, and a helmet?
Buy whatever you are willing to wear everytime you climb onto your bike! For most people the hassel of putting on and taking off full leathers means that most often you won't put it on for those short blasts around the neighborhood. Obviously the most important part of having the right gear is actually wearing it when you need it!;)
 
#14 ·
Well iwannabike I"m 19 and my first sport bike before R1 was zxr-750. But that bike is just to heavy for start. I even had zx-12r for two weeks. My friend has a R6 and he"s 18, it easy to drive like a bycikle. I think if you have any riding expirience you can ride any bike as long as you drive smart.
 
#15 ·
I think if you have dirt bike experience you should be able to handle a 600 ok. I would buy one a few years old though since you will save on insurance and possibly depreciation (if you later upgrade to the mighty one). Also, if you dump it, you won't be out so much $$. I would at minimum buy a helmet, gloves, jacket, and good pair of boots. Leathers would be ideal if you can afford them and would actually wear them on a regular basis.

I would also strongly reccomend taking a msf course.

- BA
 
#18 ·
i personally am an FZR first starter bike fan...

on the topic of the leathers.. I would say to not waste the money on them... Get a good helmet (your head really is not going to get to much bigger) and a nice jacket.. but not leathers.... You will out grow them in a year since you are only 18.. plus you prolly wont even wear them that much..

good luck on whatever you buy.. :rock :rock
 
#21 ·
would the r6 have too much torque for me to handle as a firs bike.
i know its not the power of the 1 but it still has alot of torque. and as far as leathers go i dont think i would be able to afford a full suit but definatly a good jacket and a helmet. another thing would be cost. how much should a 99 r6 be around if its in poretty good shapeand with decent milage. i mean like not laid down or any damage to the body or the engine.

thanks for all the help

if there are any other bikes that would be a good idea to look into just tell me.
 
#22 ·
Too much torque? I don't think so. Sounds like your trying to make excuses!

Starter bikes? Hmm, ZXR400 (bit girly though), 600 diversion, CBR500, 600 Fazer (good fun), Honda 600 Hornet and the FZR 600. You'll regret not gettin' the R6 though!:)
 
#23 ·
I just started teaching the MSF rider course (MRC:RSS) and can't recommend the class enough.

While I agree the choices of "which bike to buy" are endless, I'd be more concerned about choosing a bike that will allow you to learn proper technique. Being comfortable on the bike and not feeling intimidated by the bike's capabilities (that will be way above yours at first) is an important thing to consider.

I've had a lot of people ask me lately what's the perfect beginner bike. The logical answer is whatever fits your needs and makes you feel comfortable. Shoot...some people can handle an R1 as a first bike (this is a rare case).

Knowing your own personal limitations and accepting responsibility for your own actions is one of the many keys to survival. Obviously we all want you to enjoy yourself and participate in this exciting sport. Take your time and get as much information as possible and I'm sure you'll make the right decision.

Good luck!:)
 
#24 ·
well as far as looks go the r6 is definatly the best looking bike in the ones that i am looking at.

soleyhock's i am not making excuses i am just comparing the torque of the r6 to that of a 250cc dirt bike. i know there isnt as much torque as some would like but its still alot compared to a dirt bike.