just took my msf and im in love. but not sure what i want

[jmon]

I'm new to bikes in general. I'm 6 foot 150lbs and 24 years old about to be living in the desert. I want bike i can take on some long trips ( I'm talking like 10 hours or so the high way.) and price point is about 5000 used. Any ideas what bikes i should look at?

[Blunder]

Suzuki V-Strom 650. Full sized bike comfort, perfect engine size and what you have left over from your $5K can go towards gear and stuff.

[919]

Big dual sport, XR, DL, KLR.  Make use of that desert!

[expatbrit]

Big dual sport, XR, DL, KLR.  Make use of that desert!

Seconded. 650 single as a first bike. Light, cheap, good economy.

[UHOH]

You don't say where you are living, or if you see yourself as commuter or recreational rider.  

with height / weight you got plenty choices.  find a local gathering of import riders and
 go seek suggestions from middle aged or older riders there.  
for me I'd avoid the bar scene and Harley / BMW rider groups because these groups seem too brand loyal.

V-Strom, recommended above, is good choice w/o knowing anything about you; bike holds its value well and doesn't break.    

whatever - WELCOME.

[coucours grad]

Triumph Speed triple......

Yamaha FZ1.....

Good Gawd, so many choices.....



    Heres what ya do......Go on a bike hunt.....Drive anything anyone will give you a key for.


    One of those bikes will "speak" to you.....



    Then go find one ya can afford!

[expatbrit]

Triumph Speed triple......

Yamaha FZ1.....

Good Gawd, so many choices.....



    Heres what ya do......Go on a bike hunt.....Drive anything anyone will give you a key for.


    One of those bikes will "speak" to you.....



    Then go find one ya can afford!

My general advice -- under 50hp, under 500lbs for a first bike. It won't be your last, almost certainly, and it's easier to learn on a lighter, less powerful bike than on a bigger one (like a 140hp FZ1, or 135 HP Speed Triple, for instance).

V-strom 650 is certainly doable -- how did you do on the MSF? Did you ace it?

[jmon]

My general advice -- under 50hp, under 500lbs for a first bike. It won't be your last, almost certainly, and it's easier to learn on a lighter, less powerful bike than on a bigger one (like a 140hp FZ1, or 135 HP Speed Triple, for instance).

V-strom 650 is certainly doable -- how did you do on the MSF? Did you ace it?

I was looking at 650 sport touring bike. but to answer the question no did not ace the MSF but I plan to take it once more with my own bike. i passed the MSF class fine but the figure 8 box kicked my butt and still am not as comfortable with my clutch control as I would like yet. but I really enjoyed it. also this is for relational and some commuting but im military and will be living where I work.

[falcofred]

What ever you choose, just make sure it's not a cruiser  

[Blunder]

The duallies mentioned are also great choices. As was said, something around 50 HP and easily handled will do. Get something that won't break the bank when you drop it in a parking lot or driveway, and trust me, you will. We all have.

Start out on day trips, then a few overnighters, to discover your likes and dislikes and what you want/need for your enjoyment. The fun part is you'll be riding and learning.

[expatbrit]

I was looking at 650 sport touring bike. but to answer the question no did not ace the MSF but I plan to take it once more with my own bike. i passed the MSF class fine but the figure 8 box kicked my butt and still am not as comfortable with my clutch control as I would like yet. but I really enjoyed it. also this is for relational and some commuting but im military and will be living where I work.

Sounds like you're right in the range of the 650 singles. The twins (V-strom, Ninja 650/Versys, GSX650F) will be a significantly more of a handful with the clutch control. They're all really good bikes.

[coucours grad]

Why start on a 650 Single just to get bored with it in a year?????


Start taking trips to bike shops......sit on all of it.....Drive anything you can get a key for (THIS is the fun part).....  50-99 hp is the range your looking for.....Get something you can put some luggage on....Take the ERC on whatever you buy twice.....Go put it on the road.


   Enjoy the Grins.


   PS I would stick to Asians as a first bike as parts and labor wont kill the new hobby budget. Big 4 Yami Suzi Kawi  Honda. I like my new Honda, I've  never had a Kawi or a Suzi let me down.


    The fun is in the search. dont hamstring yourself to a slow single on first bike though.....
   

[Giaka]

    The fun is in the search. dont hamstring yourself to a slow single on first bike though.....
    

Our F650GS wasn't all that slow, when it was running.    My vote is a Vstrom.

[jmon]

yeah im planing on taking the MSF once again with my own bike. then get on the waiting list for an ARC then by the time I get back I might be ready to up grade a to something  bigger. but im currently in Korea and cant really ride bike off post due to regulations and really all I see around here is little scooter shops and of course the Harley dealers on post. but ill be looking to buy and shop around December time frame im just trying to get some research and a starting point from people who are not trying to sell me something. thank you guys for all your help ill be around and keep you guys posted with what I get. hell ill even tell you guys when I drop it. I cant wait to start this hobby and most people in this hobby seem very friendly. again thank you guys you for keeping guy like me from killing himself or wasting his money on bike.  
 

[TTaM]

Kawasaki Versys or Ninja 650R

[DNA]

Everyone here is recommending practical ugly bikes without asking him if he is into practical ugly bikes.

The WeeStrom is the most practical do it all bike and I have been smoked by several - but all it says to me is is "insert stick in eye."

Small DS bikes are super fun and do it all ok.

I recommend you find something you really like get the training, wide witha mentor for a bit, and respect what it can do or you will be dead and my insurance will go up.

[jmon]

Everyone here is recommending practical ugly bikes without asking him if he is into practical ugly bikes.

The WeeStrom is the most practical do it all bike and I have been smoked by several - but all it says to me is is "insert stick in eye."

Small DS bikes are super fun and do it all ok.

I recommend you find something you really like get the training, wide witha mentor for a bit, and respect what it can do or you will be dead and my insurance will go up.

Im ok with a "ugly" bike for my 1st bike I would love some bad ass sport bike or something cool like that but im not ready for that yet and I want to put some miles on this bike after being on little sport bike for 3 or 4 hours I found it very uncomfortable. and it might take me a while to find a  mentor. so I might  have learn on my own. and i dont like the look of most DS but that just me. and also the military requires me to keep taking training classes if i want to ride a bike.

[coucours grad]

So, if I read correctly, your stationed overseas.....taking the training.....Dont have alot of choice between what bikes you can by and the only on dealer base is a Harley shop.......


Hummmmmmmmmm




   A Sportster has some peculularities in its handling.....But are cheap and easy to ride. (I realize and you should too that that is a subjective statement. )  Scooters are, too me, a waiste of resources and are only riden by those who dont know any better.....Or have a particular like for them.....Or are not co-ordinated enough to operate a clutch throttle and shifter.......( I may catch hell for that but oh wellllllll)

    But there should be some used bikes on post for sale.....Look out for worn sprockets and pending valve adjustments. Stay away from highly modified bikes and liter Sport bikes (this go around anyway) and see what ya can find. I personaly havent seen anything made in China I'd spend my money on but if I'm not mistaken British Enfield imports alot of bikes into Korea.... The Enfields have been around forever.....are easy to get parts for.....AND are a blast to drive....Ya just gotta slow down a bit like the Harleys!


    Anyway, look at Standards, dual sports and sportbikes....Look at them ALL! My first 3 bikes were UJM's....Left them for Sportbikes (Ninja 750) and then went to Sport Tourers (C-10 Kawi) and almost bought a Triumph Rocket III this time....(That was the bike that SPOKE too me this go around....just couldnt make the $$$$ match up. ) All of them have their quirks.....All of them are different......They all have different riding styles and they are all FUN! (YES, even the Harleys!)


   Keep an open eye, wallet and mind and go kick some tires! You'll find something you like if you keep looking. Hollar back here before you plunk down your cash, we'll see if we can keep you from buying a miney pit (Or killing yourself!!)
     

[STeve3b3]

I think almost any 650 twin would do.
I've got a WeeSTrom, and love it as a lighter alternative to my ST1300.
the SV650 has the same basic motor, and is a great bike.  I have one as a track bike, and it was a major motivator to get the Wee.
I've got a friend with a Versis, and he loves it.
Ninja 650s don't seem to have aggressive ergonomics and have the HP to get out of their own way.
BMW has some nice offerings as well in this category

Steve

[crewwolfy]

As an instructor, students always ask me this question, and I always recommend a Ninja 250.  They're so freakin' popular, cheap, and you can sell it in the spring for at LEAST what you bought it for.  But my students live in Chicago or the burbs, where the 250 excels.

Living in the desert and planning some long distance trips, a 650 is a solid choice.  I always hear that 400s are better for off-roading (lighter), but for highway, hard to go wrong with a WeeStrom, Ninja 650, or most of the other bikes people mentioned.  Japanese is a good place to start; you'll probably drop your bike at some point, and these will be easier/cheaper to repair.  Save the fancy stuff for your third bike and beyond.

However I would NOT recommend going larger than 650, nor would I recommend any of the 600 sport bikes.  They're different beasts, and it's not at all related to the size of the engine.  Your first bike should be a bike you aren't overly intimidated by, and can wring the hell out of eventually.  If you get bored with a 650 that quickly, you're doing something wrong.  Take it to a track day, farkle it out, take a trip, practice low speed maneuvers (driving fast is easy).

I'm planning to grab a new (to me) bike myself next year, and stuck between a KLR650 and SV650 (do I want to track or trek?).  The class has more power than you'll ever NEED, and you get to really push it at times at non-break-neck speeds, which is always a blast.

[Cablebandit]

I tell my students buy something they are comfortable kicking over in their driveway.

[crewwolfy]

I tell my students buy something they are comfortable kicking over in their driveway.

Ooohh, I like that..  Consider it stolen.  

[highside]

I always recommend ugly old bikes for beginners. Don't spend a lot and get something that you aren't afraid of dropping. Being afraid of damaging a pretty bike is just one extra concern that you don't need when you are learning.

Something like a first-gen SV650 or anything in that category would be perfect. Throw some soft bags over the trail and you have everything that you need and it will be faster than you think it will be.