Need opinions on a starter bike.

[SheriL]

Ok, I am new here, my husband(Scottyfizz) posts here all the time. I am hopefully taking the motorcycle course this Spring. I want to get your opinions on a starter bike. There are a couple of options, I think the Ninja 250 would be sufficient for me, but Scott thinks I will outgrow it. Please keep in mind I am only 5' 4", so I don't think I would outgrow it. But the bike that really catches my eye is the Yamaha FZ6. Thanks All!!!

[ninegear]

the ninja 250 is great. if you do eventually outgrow it just use it as a comuter. or sell it. most of the tiem you can get pretty close to the same amount you paid for a 250 when you sell it.

[Ack535]

Hi Sheri:

First of all, welcome to the family of fellow motorcyclists. We are indeed a special breed!

Here are some basic rules that I have followed throughout my 28 years of motorcycle riding, that have basically kept me out of trouble...

1. Never drink (alcohol) and ride.
2. Avoid cities and heavy traffic at all costs.
3. Never ride at night if you can avoid it. Too many deer and drunks...
4. Don't feel pressured to ride above your skill level. This most often occurs during group rides in which the leader or leaders decide to really push the envelope. Ride at your pace!
5. ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time). Trust me when I say "skin grafts really hurt" from my own personal knowledge.
6. High Vis gear, albeit not as cool looking as black, does get you noticed by the cage drivers, and well worth the investment. A good product is the Military Spec Hi Res vests if you already have a coat that is non-hi vis.

An FZ 600 would be a good starter bike as long as you feel comfortable on the bike. An SV 650 is an excellent choice as well. Go with what you like, and are comfortable with. Lastly, have fun! This is really what riding is all about. I have often joked "riding motorcycles is about the most fun you can have with your clothes on"! And I mean it...

Again, welcome to the fellowship!

Pete Ackerly
"Ack535"

[SheriL]

We currently have a Yamaha FJR, we always ride completely geared up, so I have all the gear I need to ride my own bike. I just want more enjoyment when we ride and I feel I will enjoy myself more with my own bike, just not sure what bike I should get. I know which one I like, but is it the best suited for me.

[Snapping Twig]

All good planning and advice so far, hopefully I can add something of value here.

Personal opinion for your first bike...

While the 250 is excellent, I'd avoid buying new and opt for used. Like they said earlier, you can then resell it for what you paid if/when you outgrow it.

A good first bike for me is an 85 Virago 700. Low seat height, powerful but controllable, inexpensive to buy and operate, upright seating.

Something older, pre 2000 with good brakes and suspension and a low seat height.

[Squareman357]

The Ninja 250 is definitely an awesome choice.  There is also the Suzuki GS500F, the Ninja 500 (they still making that one?), and the Ninja 650.  Personally, starting on the 250, riding it a season or two, or 10K, then trading up, is the best plan.  Will allow you to get into riding and get used to riding on something that won't scare you, will be small enough and light enough for you to push it around, and, if you get a new one, looks pretty darn snazzy to boot.  Unless you've ridden before, I wouldn't recommend the FZ6 to start, but that's just me.  YMMV.

[falconati]

I think the FZ6 would be a great starting bike.  My recommendation would be to pick up a used one (you should be able to find one in the QC or IC areas), and then after 2 years go out and buy a new one if you like

[SheriL]

Yes, I definitely would buy used to start, especially being my first bike and all. The Ninja 250 is a great looking bike and most likely the one I will start with, I think that is the bike I will be most comfortable with to start as well. And, yes it can always be sold to buy what I want in time.

[Squareman357]

Yes, I definitely would buy used to start, especially being my first bike and all. The Ninja 250 is a great looking bike and most likely the one I will start with, I think that is the bike I will be most comfortable with to start as well. And, yes it can always be sold to buy what I want in time.

Yup. It's your first bike, definitely not your last...it'll take a few bikes before you figure out what you really like, want, or need in your ride.

[Tony T]

Hi Sheri, welcome to STN.

Keep in mind the cost of dropping it. A cruiser is going to be less expensive to repair than a bike with a flaring. I know you will only ride it a season or two but scratched or cracked fairings will affect resale. I always recommend the rebel 250 or a older cheap metric cruiser for a starter bike.

[GoGreen]

Hey Sheri- I started on a used Ninja 500ex (someone asked on this thread if they are making the 500 anymore, the answer is no) But still a great bike to start on. Then once you have been riding you can decide what your comfort level is (how heavy of a bike you want to handle, riding position, etc.) Also, do you just want it for some fun day trips and around town or do you want to tour? Keep in mind that many bikes, fitted with luggage are capable for long trips, if you find something you love.

[Ves]

Having taught my wife to ride two years ago, and her being your height, I would suggest you start on a 250, at most a 500.  Any 600 or 650 is not really a starter bike.  The additional weight and horsepower will hinder your learning process.  In that two years she has had a Rebel 250, 650 V-star (bad idea), and now a GS500 she's very comfortable with (after installing some barbacks to get the bars closer for her reach).  Also, stay away from the cruisers, that riding position is just wrong.  You don't need that hindering your learning.  Yes, you will outgrow the 250, fast... the 500 will take much longer to outgrow, yet it's still relatively docile.  

The FZ6 is somewhere around 85-90 horsepower.  That's NOT a starter bike.  It's too much.  

[pops66]

Hi Sheri:

First of all, welcome to the family of fellow motorcyclists. We are indeed a special breed!

Here are some basic rules that I have followed throughout my 28 years of motorcycle riding, that have basically kept me out of trouble...

1. Never drink (alcohol) and ride.
2. Avoid cities and heavy traffic at all costs.
3. Never ride at night if you can avoid it. Too many deer and drunks...
4. Don't feel pressured to ride above your skill level. This most often occurs during group rides in which the leader or leaders decide to really push the envelope. Ride at your pace!
5. ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time). Trust me when I say "skin grafts really hurt" from my own personal knowledge.
6. High Vis gear, albeit not as cool looking as black, does get you noticed by the cage drivers, and well worth the investment. A good product is the Military Spec Hi Res vests if you already have a coat that is non-hi vis.

An FZ 600 would be a good starter bike as long as you feel comfortable on the bike. An SV 650 is an excellent choice as well. Go with what you like, and are comfortable with. Lastly, have fun! This is really what riding is all about. I have often joked "riding motorcycles is about the most fun you can have with your clothes on"! And I mean it...

Again, welcome to the fellowship!

Pete Ackerly
"Ack535"

What he said  
and welcome to the club.

[Mr.Black]

Welcome.

Shop. Take your time. Find what is comfortable for you. Test ride as many as you can. Take what you hear here and believe less than 75% of it and all will be well.

Oh and Dont talk to Ti.

[Ves]

... Take what you hear here and believe less than 75% of it and all will be well.

...

What he says is true... except in the case of my post above... believe that one 100%...  

[Mr.Black]

What he says is true... except in the case of my post above... believe that one 100%...  

Yes. In that case I would concur.


Don't talk to anyone named county either.

[nater]

I would advise getting a used 250 or 500.  Ride that for a year and then get an FZ6 next year.

[bluemax]

I can't advise strongly enough about a starter bike and the used 250 is PERFECT.  

You need to gain confidence and that comes from experience and the knowledge that you're not riding a bike you can't handle. Confidence and experience are critical should something go wrong, as it occasionally does.

I've taught numbers of women to ride (before and after) the MSF course and the drill is the same; small starter bike, i.e. Rebel and after a season move up a little larger bike and after that point you'll have enough personal experience to decide what the right bike is.

Usually, but not always, women opt for a cruiser because of seat height.

While this is a sport-touring web site and cruisers get bashed unfairly, your safety is way more important, than the look or style.
Please don't let the guys tell you a 650 is a great starter bike, it's too much bike for a new ider.

My wife toured all over the Great Lakes on her 250 Rebel for two years and then moved up to a Shadow 500. She's comfortable,
confident and she's owned it for 5 years and will probably keep it until she's done riding. It's the right bike for her.

Good luck and be safe.

[jadziadax8]

Yeah Sheri!  I found out rather quickly that riding on the back of my husband's bike was booooring.  I love riding with him, piloting my own ride.

The FZ6 is somewhere around 85-90 horsepower.  That's NOT a starter bike.  It's too much.  

I agree with that.  The motor on the FZ6 is a de-tuned R6 (their 600 cc race replica bike).  Check out the FZ6R, which is a similar bike, but with less power.  Downside?  Not many used.

You may even want to start with one of the maxiscooters, like a Burgman 400.  That's what I started riding on, and really enjoyed it.  I got to learn about balance, countersteering and predicting what other drivers would do on the road before having to also learn to deal with the clutch.  Plus, scooters tend to have low seat heights and it's hella fun to wring them out on a Region 4 ride.  Whatever you decide on, remember that it's your first bike, not your last.

Also, once you get comfortable riding and want to move up in the moto world, don't let seat height be a deterrent to buying a bike you want.  You will feel just fine on any bike you can get a foot down on at stoplights.

Oh, and finally, the International Motorcycle Show is in Chicago next weekend.  Evey major manufacturer, with the exception of Triumph, will be there.  You can sit on bikes to your heart's content, and you may even be able to find some deals on gear, if there's anything you need.

[vmeldrew]

Sheri
We have a beginner in our household too, like you my wife wanted to get out riding instead of sitting on the back of the "old guy".

My wife took the MSF course, then rode a vstar 650 but soon outgrew that. Last summer she purchased a FZ6R, and my does she like that bike, great bike for beginners, soft controls, great power output, but not at all harsh, looks quite cool, nice colors and graphics, her words not mine !.

Like you my wife is vertically challenged, so getting bike to fit is hard. The FZ fits OK but we are in the process of fitting a lowering link to drop it down another 1.5" just so that she can flat foot the bike, just for that extra bit of confidence at stop lights and such.

Have fun in your choice,
Stay safe, take LOT's of training.
VM