motorcyclists: is 250 cc too small

[CVSiN]

Great Choice Ralli!
smart move everyone that posted below me is very well informed.. good for you not to fall victim to the must have a 600 club..
I agree I have seen riders on 500s and 250s tear up riders on 600s in the curves..
small bikes handle extremely well and dont have any of the bad traits that come with extreme horsepower in a small light package..

PS I love my SV 650 race bike =)
fun fun fun... and a great class to run in...

 

[MadPeriot]

Originally posted by: klah

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
How much could insurance be for a 400-500cc bike for a 16 year old?

$250-$300/yr for 25k/50k liability.

For the bike about $700-$800/yr for a bike in the $8k range.

I'm a noob to this myself, but been wanting one. I asked around and everyone told me that for beginners get the Honda F4I CBR 600CC or the Yamaha R6. The F4I is a well balanced bike for noobs.

 

[CVSiN]

R6 is definatly a no no for a new rider... ultra peformance race bike made street legal...
has many many bad habits for newer riders..

The F4I on the otherhand is a pretty nice bike for a beginner...
not too radical great brakes and a smooth power band...

if you are a new rider do yourself and your family a favor and stay away from the uber race ready 600s...
they really are that dangerous.. they are as powerful as liter bikes form less than 10 years ago.. they are just as fast as the majority of 750s on the roads today..

The race team i ride with has 2 R6s... ill tell you what.. front high banked straightaway at Texas World Speedway I was radared at 158 mph on this basically stock R6...
that bike is then capable of diving into Turn 1 from that 158 mph in less than 2 secs into a full lean knee drag corner...
now this may sound cool.. but to a novice rider that is too much to handle..
its like giving the keys to a Maclaren F1 to a 16 year old...
there really should be more laws in place for licensing...

 

[nakedfrog]

I've been toying with the idea of getting a small dual sport bike for a couple years now. Just something to go to/from work on the nicer days, and take a few places off-road. Can anyone tell me what general ballpark seat height would be best for someone ~6'2"?

 

[CVSiN]

at 6.2 you can ride any bike out there for height np..
just go to a dealer and sit on some bikes and find one that fits your body
dual sports are pretty tame.. you should be pretty fine with any of them

 

[Triumph]

Originally posted by: Rallispec
i've pretty much decided on an EX500, now its just a matter of finding one.



Oh, and State Farm is screwing me over - they wont insure me until i get my real license (only have permit now) - So if i do buy a bike now, i'll have to go somewhere else to get insurance for it which is a pain in the ass. I was looking at about 900/yr once i had my license though. Not sure if thats good or bad compared to what other people are paying.

I'm in Alexandria. I've had no luck with finding a MSF course. If you are DOD, Quantico offers one, but it is also full to the end of the year. I got put on a waiting list, but I don't expect anything to come of it. Other than traveling to another state, we're pretty much out of luck this year.

I've heard good things about Manassas Honda/Kawasaki. There is also Coleman Powersports, and Motorcycle International Inc., in Potomac Mills. Check them out, they aren't far from you. I bought my bike from a small shop in Lorton called Cycle Pros, and got a very good deal. He has hardly any bikes, but he has good prices and turns them around quickly. Definitely check out Craigslist, lots of stuff on there.

IMO, there isn't much reason to buy a EX500 over a 250. MSRP on a 500 is like $1000 more than a 250. Is the 500 really $1,000 better? I don't believe so. And you'll have an easier time finding a used 250.

I switched to State Farm when I bought the motorcycle because Erie wouldn't insure it. 25, no tickets (that are on my record!), learner's permit (they didn't even ask if I had a license), and the insurance is $150 a year. $900 a year is absolutely ridiculous for a beginner's bike.

 

[The Stigenator]

Hey CVSiN.. thank god there is another sane rider on the forum. I got tired of trying to tell ppl not to go with the 600cc, and the same idiots come up saying "you are going to get bored".. these are the same idiots that end up only riding in a straight line, and the first corner that comes in front of them they will panic and drop it. I however dont suggest the SV650, the reason being i have noticed the SV's torque is a bit too much even for an experienced rider. A newrider can easily wheelie it. However the SV's are great bikes i would love to have one if i could afford to get another bike. For the moment i keep mine as long as I can.

I personally ride a 2001 GS500, and I dont think in 3 years i have ridden to a point where i am bored. Yes a long straight road is boring on any bike if your going the speed limit. But around curves, you will be hard pressed to find me anywhere near the newbies.

I cant wait to get my damn fork seals fixed.. so i can ride. I havent ridden all summer.. bah! I need to get it fixed. ofcourse the day i get on, i will have to get used to riding once again, cause i havent ridden in so long. So it will be a relearning process for me.

I agree there needs to be some laws similar to the japanese licenceing or the EU licenceing. I have lost friends, acquaintances both to death and injury. Its not fun to see your friend in a cast, esp when the better judgement was with the more experienced rider.

Unforutnately this is a country where "no replacement for displacement" ideology coexists with the lack of knowledge and mob mentality. Only laws can completely fix this situation.

Time to hit the garage and fix the bike so i can show up at the local bike meet tonite. Not fixing the forks, just going to top some fluid in there, and ride it over.. and later on fix the forks.

 

[Klixxer]

250 is plenty for a new rider, those who are recommending the 600 series don't have a clue, unless it is a cruiser, i actually have a harder time driving a 600 than a heavier bike because the low weight and the high power makes it too damn hard to drive.

I used to own a Hayabusa but sold it when i got kids, nowdays i am riding a Harley, but the Haya was fun, no doubt about it.

I have a friend who has a CBR600R (not RR like some knowitall thought it was, it is 600R, 900RR and 1100XX) and i would have no problems getting myself killed on it.

Get a 250 and learn to ride, step up slowly because going from 250 to a 1000+ is hard too, there are a lot of differences, go from the 250 to a 500 in a couple of seasons, then go over 750 if you like, things change after 750cc, it's a different kind of bike, heavier, easier to handle but different if you ask me.

Going from the Haya to a Harley wasn't easy either, if you go from sport to cruiser you have to learn how the new bike handles, well that goes from one bike to another no matter what i guess, but the transition i made was a bit extreme.

Good luck, have fun and remember that out there you are the one who has to look out, the cars have no idea how fast you can go from 65-0 or how fast you can take your turns, you need to think for both them and yourself.

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

Ralli, check out Progressive. My auto insurance in co. would have charged me upwards of a thousand for full coverage, and 600 for liability. When I checked out Progressive it went to $400 or $120 a year.

So Klixxer, what year/color was your 'busa?

 

[Rallispec]

Originally posted by: Triumph

Originally posted by: Rallispec
i've pretty much decided on an EX500, now its just a matter of finding one.



Oh, and State Farm is screwing me over - they wont insure me until i get my real license (only have permit now) - So if i do buy a bike now, i'll have to go somewhere else to get insurance for it which is a pain in the ass. I was looking at about 900/yr once i had my license though. Not sure if thats good or bad compared to what other people are paying.

I'm in Alexandria. I've had no luck with finding a MSF course. If you are DOD, Quantico offers one, but it is also full to the end of the year. I got put on a waiting list, but I don't expect anything to come of it. Other than traveling to another state, we're pretty much out of luck this year.

I've heard good things about Manassas Honda/Kawasaki. There is also Coleman Powersports, and Motorcycle International Inc., in Potomac Mills. Check them out, they aren't far from you. I bought my bike from a small shop in Lorton called Cycle Pros, and got a very good deal. He has hardly any bikes, but he has good prices and turns them around quickly. Definitely check out Craigslist, lots of stuff on there.

IMO, there isn't much reason to buy a EX500 over a 250. MSRP on a 500 is like $1000 more than a 250. Is the 500 really $1,000 better? I don't believe so. And you'll have an easier time finding a used 250.

I switched to State Farm when I bought the motorcycle because Erie wouldn't insure it. 25, no tickets (that are on my record!), learner's permit (they didn't even ask if I had a license), and the insurance is $150 a year. $900 a year is absolutely ridiculous for a beginner's bike.

it was 900/yr full coverage with a $100 deductible (basically the just used the same plan my car is on) --- when i talked to state farm again and asked about liability only, it was closer to 200/yr. Progressive still looks like the best bet for me though.


i'm having a hard time finding anything in the area- I checked out coleman powersports - they have an ex500 and want $3200 for it. I might check it out-- but i'm pretty sure i can find something better and cheaper.

Is Manassas Honda/Kawasaki that place right across from the bowling alley in manassas? Maybe i'll go check them out today after work.

I've followed a couple of leads I saw on craigslist-- hopefully get to check them out this weekend.

as far as classes go.. *sigh* not sure what i'm going to do about it yet. One dealer i talked too said that he also teaches classes, and i buy a bike from him he could squeeze me into his class. I have to check out what he has in stock though.

 

[Cattlegod]

Originally posted by: Klixxer
250 is plenty for a new rider, those who are recommending the 600 series don't have a clue, unless it is a cruiser, i actually have a harder time driving a 600 than a heavier bike because the low weight and the high power makes it too damn hard to drive.

I used to own a Hayabusa but sold it when i got kids, nowdays i am riding a Harley, but the Haya was fun, no doubt about it.

I have a friend who has a CBR600R (not RR like some knowitall thought it was, it is 600R, 900RR and 1100XX) and i would have no problems getting myself killed on it.

Get a 250 and learn to ride, step up slowly because going from 250 to a 1000+ is hard too, there are a lot of differences, go from the 250 to a 500 in a couple of seasons, then go over 750 if you like, things change after 750cc, it's a different kind of bike, heavier, easier to handle but different if you ask me.

Going from the Haya to a Harley wasn't easy either, if you go from sport to cruiser you have to learn how the new bike handles, well that goes from one bike to another no matter what i guess, but the transition i made was a bit extreme.

Good luck, have fun and remember that out there you are the one who has to look out, the cars have no idea how fast you can go from 65-0 or how fast you can take your turns, you need to think for both them and yourself.

sorry ding bat, there is no such thing as a CBR 600R. it is the CBR600RR www.600rr.net or go to honda's website and look it up. i have one for god's sake.

Its all about the rider, if you have enough self control, you can handle a 600cc bike no problem. if people are saying don't get a 600, then they think you do not have enough self control. you can kill yourself on any bike. if you are a newb, you can go too fast into a corner and wipe just like any other bike. any of these bikes people mention can go 100+, 100 or 140, it doesn't matter, you go down, you die.

what bike you get comes down to the type of person you are. if you are responsible, there isn't any problem with getting a 600.

 

[CVSiN]

Klixx.. Im not as rude as the person above but Honda doesnt use R in thier naming ..
Honda Offers 2 600s this year...
the CBR600RR which is the race ready 600 supersport.. and
the F4I which is a no frills entry level 600..
your also a few years behind on your higher designations... the 900RR has since been replaced by.. the CBR929RR the CBR954RR and now the CBR1000RR.. Honda since the early days has always used double RR when they label thier bikes desigating Race Ready.... even down to the CBR400RR in Japan and Europe..
sorry but you are mistaken.

Honda has never used the 600r designation.. that was kawasaki and thier Ninja series.

Goodguy nice post bro... I didnt think my SV was that wheelie prone till way after we threw some money at it.. now in first gear it feels like a GSXR1000.. straight to the air under hard accell.. but thats after about 1000 bucks in parts and work...
but your GS is an excellant bike..
the newbs will never learn till they are at the track and have a guy on a HONDA HAWK... smoke them on the inside line while they think theya re going balls out... this happened to me on my 2003 GSXR600 at Cresson Motorsport ranch...
I do ok for myself in my class. I have quite a few 2-3rd place trophys... but man.. get on the track with some guys that run in the expert class.. you will quickly get respect for the abilities of even the smallest of motorcycles..
The truth is motorcycle technology where its at has no business on street motorcycles at all...
0-60 in under 3 seconds.. 0-150 in under 7 seconds... the whole time on 1 wheel.... I mean where does it stop... especially for US bikers that can go get a bike license on a whim and the next day be in the dealer buying a GSXR1000 ZX10 R1 or CBR1000RR all with over 175 horses stock... I dunno Im tired of bikes being Trendy now... too many dead newbs on rocket bikes..

 

[RiDE]

Originally posted by: Cattlegod

Originally posted by: Klixxer
250 is plenty for a new rider, those who are recommending the 600 series don't have a clue, unless it is a cruiser, i actually have a harder time driving a 600 than a heavier bike because the low weight and the high power makes it too damn hard to drive.

I used to own a Hayabusa but sold it when i got kids, nowdays i am riding a Harley, but the Haya was fun, no doubt about it.

I have a friend who has a CBR600R (not RR like some knowitall thought it was, it is 600R, 900RR and 1100XX) and i would have no problems getting myself killed on it.

Get a 250 and learn to ride, step up slowly because going from 250 to a 1000+ is hard too, there are a lot of differences, go from the 250 to a 500 in a couple of seasons, then go over 750 if you like, things change after 750cc, it's a different kind of bike, heavier, easier to handle but different if you ask me.

Going from the Haya to a Harley wasn't easy either, if you go from sport to cruiser you have to learn how the new bike handles, well that goes from one bike to another no matter what i guess, but the transition i made was a bit extreme.

Good luck, have fun and remember that out there you are the one who has to look out, the cars have no idea how fast you can go from 65-0 or how fast you can take your turns, you need to think for both them and yourself.

sorry ding bat, there is no such thing as a CBR 600R. it is the CBR600RR www.600rr.net or go to honda's website and look it up. i have one for god's sake.

hahahahahahahaha

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: AgaBooga

Originally posted by: klah

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
How much could insurance be for a 400-500cc bike for a 16 year old?

$250-$300/yr for 25k/50k liability.

For the bike about $700-$800/yr for a bike in the $8k range.

Wow, that's it? How's it so low?

If that's really a true price, I might begin to seriously consider taking some lessons or something after this next winter season

Because liability insurance depends a lot on how much damage you can do to another vehicle. SUVs are heavy and cause a lot of damage, so they pay a lot. Motorcycles are light and don't cause a lot of damange.

 

[CVSiN]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: AgaBooga

Originally posted by: klah

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
How much could insurance be for a 400-500cc bike for a 16 year old?

$250-$300/yr for 25k/50k liability.

For the bike about $700-$800/yr for a bike in the $8k range.

Wow, that's it? How's it so low?

If that's really a true price, I might begin to seriously consider taking some lessons or something after this next winter season

Because liability insurance depends a lot on how much damage you can do to another vehicle. SUVs are heavy and cause a lot of damage, so they pay a lot. Motorcycles are light and don't cause a lot of damange.

guess you have never seen what happens when a car pulls out in front of a bike doing 160 mph...
bike splits car in 2 peices inside car and rider become a blended squid mess..

yes this happened here.....

 

[nakedfrog]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: AgaBooga

Originally posted by: klah

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
How much could insurance be for a 400-500cc bike for a 16 year old?

$250-$300/yr for 25k/50k liability.

For the bike about $700-$800/yr for a bike in the $8k range.

Wow, that's it? How's it so low?

If that's really a true price, I might begin to seriously consider taking some lessons or something after this next winter season

Because liability insurance depends a lot on how much damage you can do to another vehicle. SUVs are heavy and cause a lot of damage, so they pay a lot. Motorcycles are light and don't cause a lot of damange.

And yet, strangely enough, liability on my 73 Beetle is MORE than on my 04 Sebring Sedan. That still kinda boggles my mind.
I found a couple cheap used bikes in my area I may check out this weekend. A Suzuki 400 and a Suzuki GN400. They're both in my price range for a toy that may or may not become a commuter.

 

[The Stigenator]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: AgaBooga

Originally posted by: klah

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
How much could insurance be for a 400-500cc bike for a 16 year old?

$250-$300/yr for 25k/50k liability.

For the bike about $700-$800/yr for a bike in the $8k range.

Wow, that's it? How's it so low?

If that's really a true price, I might begin to seriously consider taking some lessons or something after this next winter season

Because liability insurance depends a lot on how much damage you can do to another vehicle. SUVs are heavy and cause a lot of damage, so they pay a lot. Motorcycles are light and don't cause a lot of damange.

And yet, strangely enough, liability on my 73 Beetle is MORE than on my 04 Sebring Sedan. That still kinda boggles my mind.
I found a couple cheap used bikes in my area I may check out this weekend. A Suzuki 400 and a Suzuki GN400. They're both in my price range for a toy that may or may not become a commuter.

If the Suzuki 400 is good.. it might be the "Bandit 400".. its an awesome bike.. only sold in the US for a few years..

 

[Klixxer]

Originally posted by: Cattlegod

Originally posted by: Klixxer
250 is plenty for a new rider, those who are recommending the 600 series don't have a clue, unless it is a cruiser, i actually have a harder time driving a 600 than a heavier bike because the low weight and the high power makes it too damn hard to drive.

I used to own a Hayabusa but sold it when i got kids, nowdays i am riding a Harley, but the Haya was fun, no doubt about it.

I have a friend who has a CBR600R (not RR like some knowitall thought it was, it is 600R, 900RR and 1100XX) and i would have no problems getting myself killed on it.

Get a 250 and learn to ride, step up slowly because going from 250 to a 1000+ is hard too, there are a lot of differences, go from the 250 to a 500 in a couple of seasons, then go over 750 if you like, things change after 750cc, it's a different kind of bike, heavier, easier to handle but different if you ask me.

Going from the Haya to a Harley wasn't easy either, if you go from sport to cruiser you have to learn how the new bike handles, well that goes from one bike to another no matter what i guess, but the transition i made was a bit extreme.

Good luck, have fun and remember that out there you are the one who has to look out, the cars have no idea how fast you can go from 65-0 or how fast you can take your turns, you need to think for both them and yourself.

sorry ding bat, there is no such thing as a CBR 600R. it is the CBR600RR www.600rr.net or go to honda's website and look it up. i have one for god's sake.

Its all about the rider, if you have enough self control, you can handle a 600cc bike no problem. if people are saying don't get a 600, then they think you do not have enough self control. you can kill yourself on any bike. if you are a newb, you can go too fast into a corner and wipe just like any other bike. any of these bikes people mention can go 100+, 100 or 140, it doesn't matter, you go down, you die.

what bike you get comes down to the type of person you are. if you are responsible, there isn't any problem with getting a 600.

I apologize for insulting you and stand corrected, my cbr was a cbr 600R, not RR, i have been out of the loop for a while on the hondas, obviously.

I still say get anything but a 600RR if they are anything like the 600R, it is a BAD beginners bike.

 

[Klixxer]

Originally posted by: CVSiN
Klixx.. Im not as rude as the person above but Honda doesnt use R in thier naming ..
Honda Offers 2 600s this year...
the CBR600RR which is the race ready 600 supersport.. and
the F4I which is a no frills entry level 600..
your also a few years behind on your higher designations... the 900RR has since been replaced by.. the CBR929RR the CBR954RR and now the CBR1000RR.. Honda since the early days has always used double RR when they label thier bikes desigating Race Ready.... even down to the CBR400RR in Japan and Europe..
sorry but you are mistaken.

Honda has never used the 600r designation.. that was kawasaki and thier Ninja series.

Goodguy nice post bro... I didnt think my SV was that wheelie prone till way after we threw some money at it.. now in first gear it feels like a GSXR1000.. straight to the air under hard accell.. but thats after about 1000 bucks in parts and work...
but your GS is an excellant bike..
the newbs will never learn till they are at the track and have a guy on a HONDA HAWK... smoke them on the inside line while they think theya re going balls out... this happened to me on my 2003 GSXR600 at Cresson Motorsport ranch...
I do ok for myself in my class. I have quite a few 2-3rd place trophys... but man.. get on the track with some guys that run in the expert class.. you will quickly get respect for the abilities of even the smallest of motorcycles..
The truth is motorcycle technology where its at has no business on street motorcycles at all...
0-60 in under 3 seconds.. 0-150 in under 7 seconds... the whole time on 1 wheel.... I mean where does it stop... especially for US bikers that can go get a bike license on a whim and the next day be in the dealer buying a GSXR1000 ZX10 R1 or CBR1000RR all with over 175 horses stock... I dunno Im tired of bikes being Trendy now... too many dead newbs on rocket bikes..

Exuse me but you are wrong, there was a cbr 600R i know because i owned one. Bought in Finland about ten years ago.

 

[Klixxer]

Originally posted by: SWorks

Originally posted by: Cattlegod

Originally posted by: Klixxer
250 is plenty for a new rider, those who are recommending the 600 series don't have a clue, unless it is a cruiser, i actually have a harder time driving a 600 than a heavier bike because the low weight and the high power makes it too damn hard to drive.

I used to own a Hayabusa but sold it when i got kids, nowdays i am riding a Harley, but the Haya was fun, no doubt about it.

I have a friend who has a CBR600R (not RR like some knowitall thought it was, it is 600R, 900RR and 1100XX) and i would have no problems getting myself killed on it.

Get a 250 and learn to ride, step up slowly because going from 250 to a 1000+ is hard too, there are a lot of differences, go from the 250 to a 500 in a couple of seasons, then go over 750 if you like, things change after 750cc, it's a different kind of bike, heavier, easier to handle but different if you ask me.

Going from the Haya to a Harley wasn't easy either, if you go from sport to cruiser you have to learn how the new bike handles, well that goes from one bike to another no matter what i guess, but the transition i made was a bit extreme.

Good luck, have fun and remember that out there you are the one who has to look out, the cars have no idea how fast you can go from 65-0 or how fast you can take your turns, you need to think for both them and yourself.

sorry ding bat, there is no such thing as a CBR 600R. it is the CBR600RR www.600rr.net or go to honda's website and look it up. i have one for god's sake.

hahahahahahahaha

CBR 600R

 

[fredtam]

There is definately a 600R. It is the "base" version.

 

[CVSiN]

post it.. beacsue here in the US.. 10 years ago we had the Honda Hurricane which did not carry a number desgination
after that in the US it was CBR600 then the CBR600F2 F3 up through F4i now its 600rr..
sorry bud..
better do some homework...
becasue I had every single one of those except the 600rr =P

 

[RiDE]

Originally posted by: Klixxer

Originally posted by: SWorks

Originally posted by: Cattlegod

Originally posted by: Klixxer
250 is plenty for a new rider, those who are recommending the 600 series don't have a clue, unless it is a cruiser, i actually have a harder time driving a 600 than a heavier bike because the low weight and the high power makes it too damn hard to drive.

I used to own a Hayabusa but sold it when i got kids, nowdays i am riding a Harley, but the Haya was fun, no doubt about it.

I have a friend who has a CBR600R (not RR like some knowitall thought it was, it is 600R, 900RR and 1100XX) and i would have no problems getting myself killed on it.

Get a 250 and learn to ride, step up slowly because going from 250 to a 1000+ is hard too, there are a lot of differences, go from the 250 to a 500 in a couple of seasons, then go over 750 if you like, things change after 750cc, it's a different kind of bike, heavier, easier to handle but different if you ask me.

Going from the Haya to a Harley wasn't easy either, if you go from sport to cruiser you have to learn how the new bike handles, well that goes from one bike to another no matter what i guess, but the transition i made was a bit extreme.

Good luck, have fun and remember that out there you are the one who has to look out, the cars have no idea how fast you can go from 65-0 or how fast you can take your turns, you need to think for both them and yourself.

sorry ding bat, there is no such thing as a CBR 600R. it is the CBR600RR www.600rr.net or go to honda's website and look it up. i have one for god's sake.

hahahahahahahaha

CBR 600R

I just thought it was funny when you called someone a know it all. :laugh: I didn't say there wasn't a CBR 600R either, but I honestly didn't even know there was one. :Q :thumbsup:

 

[CVSiN]

that is NOT a 600r..
that is a CBR600F2...
use hondas real desgination Not some other moron on the web..

 

[Klixxer]

Originally posted by: CVSiN
that is NOT a 600r..
that is a CBR600F2...
use hondas real desgination Not some other moron on the web..

My 600R had CBR600 and a single R, let me see if i can find an old pic to scan for you.

Until then, here is another

CBR 600R