Best Bike to start?

[Akdude]

I kknow that this has been discussed numerous times before but every situation is different. I am 18 years old and looking to get my first street motorcycle. i started on dirtbikes 6 years ago and am very comfortable riding on dirt but have rarely ridin on pavement except for just the occassional up and down the street. My dad owns a bmw gs1150 and i have been on the back of that but thats about it for street riding. lol so i am wanting a sportbike. preferably suzuki and was wondering what a good starter bike would be. i'm thinking that a gs500 but also a gsxr600 cuz they are more available used. dont want to buy new. is the 600 a good choice to start on pavement? i mean ive read all those stickies but still its not like  i dont have any experience aat all.
thanks for the input...

[CheesyRider]

The GSX-R600 isn't a good choice for a beginner on the street even if you've had previous experience off-road.  If you want a sportbike from Suzuki with more power than GS500F the SV650SF would be a better choice.

[county]

Best to start is the cheap, used, already scratched one.

[UHOH]

welcome  

best all-around bike that you won't outgrow anytime soon is a used Suzuki SV650 STD (naked).  
 add an aftermarket windscreen for $150 and it will do everything wonderfully.
No longer made, it was very well liked, popular earlier in the decade...

My son had the same experience as you, got the SV650 @ 17 and became a wonderful rider;
and really liked that bike.  looked great, did everything, touring, commuting, didn't break.

for your experience, there are some other M/C as good, but none better imo.  

[Zerosum]

+1 on the SV650.  It's a great bike for a person who's got a firm grasp of the basics.  Personally, I hate the SV650s... the bars are retardedly low.

The Kawasaki Ninja 650R would also be a good choice.  But, it's kinda new.  It's only been around since 2006.  I've seen used ones go for around $4K.  That's a whole lotta coin for a first bike, IMO.

There's also the Yamaha FZ-6.  I really like the seating position -- LOTS of room.  It feels a little like my V-Strom in that respect.

One major factor you need to consider is insurance.  Get insurance quotes for any bikes that you're considering.  At 18, the insurance company is going to RAPE you if you get something like a GSXR.  Twins generally cost less to insure than fours.  In that respect, your best bet would be a GS500F or Ninja 500.  

[metolius man]

  My standard reply is for a beginner is Ninja 250.....Since you have dirt bike experience i wouldn't be afraid of skipping you up to the next level.  
  I would look for a used ninja 500, GS500,SV650,Ninja 650r.....Personally the Ninja 500 and GS500 being my two favorite beginner picks.  
  You want to find something used, but in good shape.  Something with enough power to grow into some but not too much or it could be imtimadating for you.  I like the bikes in the 50hp range for this....You also want to make sure that the bike is comfortable for you.  Otherwise you won't be concentrating on the road and whats around you.
  You can have a blast on a ninja 500 and GS500, they handle pretty well, corner well, have plenty of power for a fun ride etc without being too much...

[Marcster]

How about the Bandit 600S (above)?  The Bandit is a 4-cylinder, but it's classified as a standard bike, not a sportbike (based on everything I've read on the interwebs, I haven't priced it personally).

Or you might feel right at home on a supermotard DR-Z400SM (below):



Just remember that wheelies/stoppies are illegal in most states. :P

[duceduceexplorer]

+6 on the sv650...great beginner bike