Kawasaki 650R

[ItsThaMonsta]

Originally Posted by Jeff_r1

Insurance prices depend on what company you are trying to get a quote from, the only reasonably priced insurer for sportbikes for the under 35 crowd is State Farm. As an example I am 28 and ride a 07 r1 full coverage from state farm is 100 a month from progressive they wanted 1500 for the same coverage no wrecks no tickets. For the bike the 650r is a good bike my first bike many years ago was a sv650 and i loved that bike.

My issue is no riding experience though.

[tesprit]

The 650R would be OK for a starter bike AFTER you have some experience from a rider course. I would recommend buying a small 400-450cc used standard bike to learn on. You can buy them cheap, they are light and have stable handling, your insurance will be much less and when (and I do mean WHEN) you drop it, you won't have to care about all the parts you just broke off of it. Save the new sport bike for when you have the skills to ride it safely and to not crash it and/or kill yourself. Invest your money in all the protective gear you will need first, learn to ride, then step up to a sport bike.

[agirls]

I agree that you should attend the MSF course. I think it should be mandatory after that, then go shopping for a bike.

I have ridden the Kawasaki 650R on the track and I own a Suzuki SV650 (my first sport bike) and both are very beginner friendly. Skip the 500. Really, these bikes are nothing like the inline 600's (GSXR's etc). If you can control your throttle wrist, then a 650 is a great starter bike. And they are cheap. And I totally agree to buy used. I personally like the SV better but I am biased. When I upgraded to a Ducati, I kept my SV650 for the track. It is fun, flicky, and parts are cheap and plentiful.

[Allan Gibbs]

Well, you could alway get a cheap used bike and get liability only. Cheap meaning if it's stolen or totaled by an uninsured, you won't be too upset. Then, after three or four years, get a new bike say a 600,750, or 1000.

The problem with buying new bike when you're a new rider (especially bikes with fairings) is they get dropped and the new bike doesn't look very new very long.

[agirls]

Get several quotes. The liability is super cheap. The collision and comprehensive coverage is not. Accidents are very common and theft is a problem. Insurance rates can be ridiculous as a result.

[ItsThaMonsta]

Im learning terminology already. Since Ive been looking Ive seen the word "dropped" tons on times. Im guessing that just means when I fall off.

[ItsThaMonsta]

Ok whats the boards recommendations on a good cheap sport bike?.... Ok Ill go ahead and say it... it cant be ugly.... call me shallow.

[tesprit]

Originally Posted by ItsThaMonsta

Im learning terminology already. Since Ive been looking Ive seen the word "dropped" tons on times. Im guessing that just means when I fall off.

It basically means any time the bike has fallen over whether you are on it or not and that tends to happen on a regular basis with new riders. The wonderful thing about motorcycles is that they prefer to be laying on their sides while you prefer them to be upright on the tires. No matter how hard you try, the motorcycle will eventually win this contest and when it does, it is always better if the bike was cheap and used to begin with.

I agree on a used cheap SV650 for you. When used they are cheap, naked (no bodywork/fairings) sport bikes that still look good and ride well.

[Allan Gibbs]

Originally Posted by ItsThaMonsta

Im learning terminology already. Since Ive been looking Ive seen the word "dropped" tons on times. Im guessing that just means when I fall off.

Sorry, I should have clarifed. I think of two types of dropped. First, there's the 0 mph tip over that happens when your sitting and leaning on the bike and it tip overs causing a few hundred dollars of damage in scratched panels, bent levers, broken mirrors. Then, there's the 1-3mph parking lot brain fart where you accident stall the bike or get your coordination mixed up and the bike falls at low speed. Same damage as the tip over but just a little worst.

In contrast, there's the crash, where you're moving fast enough that you don't need your legs to keep the bike upright (say 5-10mph+) and then crash. Usually, because you took a turn to fast, you locked your brakes, a car go in your way, you got in a car's way, etc.

Then there's the TFUBR where you crash at crazy speeds resulting in an explosion of plastic, metail, and vehicle fluids top off by the occassional explosion. Those are always interesting.

[Allan Gibbs]

TFUBR:










And one more:
http://www.dailycognition.com/conten...nto-truck4.jpg
In case no one mentioned it, these things are dangerous.

[PhlypSide]

2 types of riders: those who have fallen and those that will. Take the MSF BRC, buy and wear gear, then buy bike

[tesprit]

Originally Posted by PhlypSide

2 types of riders: those who have fallen and those that will. Take the MSF BRC, buy and wear gear, then buy bike

+1
You would be amazed at how fast your skin gets ground away even in a slow speed crash. Buy the protective gear, take the course, and after that if you decide riding is for you, buy a bike. I still have my original full faced helmet from when I was learning and took a slow speed spill turning onto the street in front of my house and did a face plant at about 15mph. The chin guard part of the helmet was burned through as well as the visor. Without that helmet on my head, my entire face would have been rearranged. Instead I just had a bad case of road rash on my legs and butt where my jeans had burned through and some on one arm where the forearm of the jacket sleve had been shredded. Oh yeah, the bike was pretty chewed up on the side that went down too.

[newguy]

motorcycles are fun but way to dangerous, sorry i live in ny and know 3 people who have died because of some idiot who clipped them, or claim they did not seem them. not saying you shouldn't get one but understand the risks your are taking. as for getting a 650 for a beginner i would not recommend that bike if you have never rode before. i would practice alot and get a used 2008-2009 kawasaki ninja 250r they are newly designed and look good. then work your way up to 600cc. good luck

[Jeff_r1]

For your first bike i would without a question go for the sv650 don't bother with the 250 or 500 the way the twin puts down power is just more confidence inspireing and it is a bike you can grow into not just out of. The sv at least has some room to grow and the v-twin has a little more torque down low so you wont have to ring it out around town. Plus you can pick one up for under 3k if you are patient. Just don't do what i did when i got my first bike which was an sv i pulled out of the dealer having no idea how to ride made it to the first stop light and was so scared and nervous i forgot to put my feet down. Dropped it with under 5 miles on it. Just make sure you go out with gear on every time for any distance no question.

[ItsThaMonsta]

Thanks for all the advice and opinions. Ill take them seriously.

[couldbemage]

Originally Posted by ItsThaMonsta

Thanks for all the advice and opinions. Ill take them seriously.

Liability is dirt cheap. I paid $99 a year with no experience and a so-so record.

Either cash a used bike or buy with some unconnected credit source. (credit card)

I started with a ninja 250...

[DeanG]

Originally Posted by couldbemage

Either cash a used bike or buy with some unconnected credit source. (credit card)

I started with a ninja 250...

Good advice. I believe that everyone drops a bike eventually. That gets expensive on the new faired bikes.

There is great joy in riding a smaller lower power bikes that seems to be lost on most people. Many bikes have the same problem as modern cars. By the time you are at the limits of performance (power/traction) you are going way too fast for the street.

Depending on your eventual interest: cruising, touring, sport riding, putts, commuting... there is a bike the fits. Unfortunately bikes are a lot like sailboats. People buy them for how they think, or want, to use them not how they do use them. That’s why older experienced sailors/bikers are happy, they have figured out what they really want.

[Minnis]

Thats a great first bike, seriously.

[the1sen]

Originally Posted by ItsThaMonsta

Is this too much bike for a first time rider? Im really close to walking away with this bike but Ive never rode a bike ever.

ItsThaMonsta,

To answer your question, NO. It's a great 1st time riders bike. It's light, torquey, and fun to ride. You can hurt yourself on ANY bike though, so I SINCERELY ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE A MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSE.

The only thing I would tell you is that buying a new bike can be a waste of money. Get a slightly used one from the Cycle Trader or at least browse the dealer ads in there and save yourself some cash, FOR REAL.

Also, if there is a "freight and setup" fee listed by the dealer, do not pay it.

If I were in the position to buy a bike again, I would have a hard look at a Suzuki SV650 and the new Aprilia Shiver 750. All of them are equally capable to the Kawi, but the Suzuki SV650 was/is the most fun to ride motorcycle I have ever owned, and I had a LOT of different bikes bro. It was a Hooligan bike... LMAO

The Aprilia Shiver 750 is insane and no one has one, so if you are looking for a more rare, reliable solution, the Shiver is the way to go bro. Tricked out brakes, suspension, and wicked wheels and looks give it a unique look that is sporty and athletic.

Lastly, I would ask you how tall you are and how much you weigh. This will have a serious effect on how well a bike fits you. You may need a higher displacement to start with or less, depending on your size.

For example, I was 5'6" and weighed about 140lbs when I started riding. I started with a Kawasaki Ninja 250 and loved every second of it. Bigger guys would not have the same song of praise to sing.

[the1sen]

Oh, and ItsThaMonsta, please please please be sure to buy a good helmet, boots, riding pants, and a riding jacket. I don't want to hear of your untimely demise - Who would I talk MMA with?

A GREAT place to buy motorcycle gear is at a local BMW Motorcycle dealership. They have the best clothing, gloves, and footwear around - BAR NONE.

As for a helmet, get a good one, like an Arai or Shoei... you only have one head so protect it well. Try on different manufacturer helmets as they will each fit differently... eg. Shoei fits longer shaped heads better than Arai, and Arai fits Campbell's Soup Kid heads better than a Shoei...

Lastly, the day I was crippled on my bike, I thought I would not wear my gear since the weather was just perfect. For whatever reason, I squelched that idea and wore my gear. 5 minutes later, I was in an epic accident and will be crippled for the rest of my life. If I hadn't worn my gear my feet would have been broken, my hands would have been ground through the bone, my shoulders would have been crushed, and my back very well may have been broken.

Please, Please, PLEASE wear your gear and ride as if you are invisible because no one will see you.