Hello, and some questions

[dorklord]

Agreed.  If a new rider is willing to part with that kind of dough on their 1st bike, it's a stellar choice.  It's so light and narrow, I'd love to ride one to see what it's like.  I briefly considered it before getting my V-Strom.

I'm not sure what this comment means...the Ninja 650 has a lower MSRP than the V-strom...(or the GSX-650, or FZ6...)

Of course if you are simply referring to not recommending a brand new bike to a new rider (something I can agree with) there are used ninja 650s available...

[jfurf]

BMW F650GS (the twin-engined version).

Makes a very good first bike. Will have you feeling confident very quickly. Plus if you live in a rural area you can rail it over dirt roads. Can be found used for under $5,000. Plus it makes a great touring bike.

Honestly, the only things it's not are fast or super cool looking. The newer (twin-cylinder) models are plenty fast for a new rider. And looks are subjective anyway...

[Zerosum]

Of course if you are simply referring to not recommending a brand new bike to a new rider (something I can agree with) there are used ninja 650s available...

Yeah, that's what I meant.  IMO, even $3K to $4K is a whole hell of a lot to spend on a first bike.  IMO, of course.  Get a $1500 bike and see if you even LIKE riding, first.

[shawn and gwyn]

have you found your first bike yet?.. from what you listed as liking to do. namly outdoors kinds of things.. and being in the great state you are in. i would deffinatly be looking at a larger dualsport bike.  there are all kinds of them to choose from.. and cheap. honda, kawasaki, yamaha and suzuki all make them,  as do a host of others.  i used to ride sport tourning bikes exclusivly .. but was just passing to many roads that i didnt want to take the concours down.  after alot of research.. the KLR ended up being my choice.. good luck with your decision..

shawn

[Uncle Leo]

Tony, the GSXF650- Zuk is a very good all around street bike, with a wide and fairly flat power band that makes riding it pretty easy. It's got enough grunt to keep you amused and it's agile enough to keep you out of trouble in traffic. It can do 2 up reasonably well if you keep it to a short trip, and with bags it will take you across the continent comfortably.

Search your local dealers and sites, used GSXFs are showing up with very low mileage for several grand less than a brand new one. Their owners wanted more flash and bling than these carry, and their loss is your gain.

[wolf46]

I rode different bikes from in the 70's dual purpose to old silverwing to vstar to vtx1300 and now FZ6R. I also looked at the GSX650F but it just didn't feel right, also looked at the Ninja 650 which felt horrible ergonomically to me (something about the handlebars and grips didn't feel right). The Fz6r fits well ergonomically, decent gas mileage and for an I4 the powerband is very even. Not the fastest bike out there or great for 2-up (have done some and the bike handles fine but the GF is used to riding pillion on cruisers so not the most comfportable for her for long rides.) It's a fun, affordable, forgiving bike.`

[sslangs]

I own a '08 GSX650F,  It's my first bike also.  I was just like you: age, first bike etc.  I am very happy with my bike, would recommend.  

[GoGreen]

I think that you would be fine on a 650cc bike, I would check out the Suzuki GSX650F  or have a look at the Ninja 650r. If you manage to get a good bike to begin with, you save money in the end because either of those two bikes you could be riding for a long time. Both of these bikes have more of an upright riding position so they are comfy for the long trips, plenty of oomph to keep you happy, trust me, you can keep up with the bigger bikes. My husband rides a Bandit 1250S and I can keep up with him just fine. If you want to do some touring you don't want a bike without any fairing. Fairing will give you more wind protection, things might feel okay in town at 60km/hr max but twist it up to highway speed and the whole picture changes. (so you need a wind screen too)
 
You need to take a MSF course, they will teach you some very important basics and make you feel much more confident to handle your new bike. I would check to see if you can find either of these bikes used first, sometimes you can find a good deal if someone is looking to upgrade. I choose a new Ninja but did start riding on a used 500ex, was a great bike also, just couldn't carry hard luggage for touring, plus I had caught the new bike bug! Did consider the Zuki, but for me I didn't want anything too heavy, but I think you could handle it no problem. (I'm only 5'6" and pretty light) They say that they are two kinds of new riders, those that have dropped their bike and those who haven't dropped it yet! That's what the course is for, but there are seasoned riders who drop their bikes, too. It may happen but it may not, as I also know new riders who haven't dropped a bike (should we say yet? sorry!)

One more thing: you need to figure into your costs a good helmet (don't go too cheap, it's your head after all) and full protective gear. Armoured jacket, pants, boots, gloves. Dress for the slide, not the ride. And never take a passenger who's gear isn't as good as or better than yours. If you take a good course they will most likely emphasize this so I'll shut up now.

So take your time, sit on bikes, lots of them, even if it's a bike you are not considering it can help give you some idea of the riding position you feel you would be most comfortable with. A good idea would be to wait with your purchase until after you take the course, then at least you will have a better picture of what it's like to ride and it may help with your decision. Read lots of reviews, preferably ones that give the height and weight of the rider.
Well that's a lot to digest!
Have fun and good luck!

[erda]

Tango,
You're my height and weight.   I've never owned SV650 myself, but the standard version
rides so well for me that I recommend it often as the best all around bike.

This photo is a 2001 with an added Givi windscreen.   5'  8" rider, my son
it was his first bike; he'd had only light dirt bike experience before, became a very good rider on it, btw.

had this bike for 34000 miles before a truck backed over it.   Zero mechanical problems; and it would scoot uphill or down.
before he learned to use the throttle he'd get 57 mpg.

about 2003 they went to fuel injection. last production in ~2008.   Now, with a different frame, the Suzuki 'Gladius.'
well liked and bulletproof v-twin motor / 6 speed tranny.
If you go this way, for you, avoid the faired sportbike version SV650s which is more common, more aggressive and less comfy.
great shape used one for <$4500, ask your dealer to see if they can find an unsold leftover one at another dealer

and welcome

Nice bike, but the gear not so much.   ATGATT

[cultureslayer]

I'm 5'5" and the boyfriend is 5'8"  He has a SV650s.  They are cheap to buy and have enough torque to be lots of fun if  you ever want to try being stupid on it.  If you get the S and don't like it you can put the taller naked handlebars on it.  I have a ninja 250 and will probably get a 500 ninja as a touring bike.  I have put over 30k on 250s and they are crazy reliable and cheap.  The 500s are about the same.  Only downside is carbs, but with a little bit of tinkering they start well even when it's 45 degrees out (my limit for cold riding, not the bike's).

As a bonus all 3 bikes I mentioned are dirt cheap to insure.  You can pick them all up for under $4k and they hold their value well.  Pay cash for one and after a couple years you can still afford what you really want once you decide what it is.

[erda]

If you get the S and don't like it you can put the taller naked handlebars on it.

Not sure about this. I thought that the S had clip ons and the naked used a standard bar and clamp system.

[cultureslayer]

You have to change the triple clamp, but it's been done before.  You can also buy aftermarket bar risers.  Lots of options depending on how much work and money you are willing to put into a bike.  All three of the bikes I mentioned would benefit greatly from a $120 spring and fork oil change.  First thing I'd do to any of those bikes.  The 250 and 500 are almost dangerously undersprung and the front ends dive badly during breaking but the fix is really quick and easy.

[bobnflorida]

Tony--

         You have the good sense to ask important questions. I would suggest you go for a used 500 cc. Ride it for a year. Make sure you like the sport. If you do then sell it for what you paid and  get the bike at the top of your wish list.

         Craigslist is best because you can inspect the bike and make sure it fits. Don't buy someones problems. Look for a clean beginner with a few scuffs. Have the seller ride it to your home. And let the practice begin. Good luck and ride safe.

[Spanky]

I would recommend riding in the dirt if you have a suitable riding place available. You will get used to the bike moving under you and it is much more forgiving than the street when you are new to motorcycles. I realize that may not be an option if there is no suitable place to ride a trail bike near your house, but if there is, I would stongly recommend that for your first riding adventures. You will develop excellent riding skills without the danger of cage drivers trying their hardest to turn you into bumber spray. Just my .02