Recommendations on a sports bike?

[Zenmervolt]

If you get a sport bike that fits you, they are not really very uncomfortable at all. I have a Suzuki RF600R and I really like it for commuting.

I recommend getting a 500-600cc bike for your first bike. The best thing about sports bikes is how cheap the generally are; you should easily be able to find a used 600cc bike for less than $3k in good condition.

Also, there are luggage accessories for sport bikes. You can get saddle bags or a tank bag.

*sigh*

Under no circumstances should someone start out as a novice rider with a 600cc sportbike. The RF600R is a 100 hp machine that runs the 1/4 mile in 11 seconds. It is emphatically not an appropriate recommendation for a novice.

ZV

 

[simonizor]

*sigh*

Under no circumstances should someone start out as a novice rider with a 600cc sportbike. The RF600R is a 100 hp machine that runs the 1/4 mile in 11 seconds. It is emphatically not an appropriate recommendation for a novice.

ZV

My RF600R is my first bike. The only other bike that I've ever ridden was an old honda 70 dirtbike when I was younger. Just because it can do a 1/4 mile in 11 seconds doesn't mean that you have to drive it that fast all of the time. If you know how to control a twist throttle, it's not that difficult to adapt between bikes, regardless of the engine size.

A 500-600cc bike makes a good starter bike because it's not so small that you'll be wanting to sell it for something more powerful in a month, but it's also not so large that you'll be tempted to do insane speeds. Sure, a 500-600cc bike will get up to speed very fast, but they top out around 140 usually (again, it's not like you have to go that fast) compared to over 180 on a larger bike.

 

[Greenman]

If you get a sport bike that fits you, they are not really very uncomfortable at all. I have a Suzuki RF600R and I really like it for commuting.

I recommend getting a 500-600cc bike for your first bike. The best thing about sports bikes is how cheap the generally are; you should easily be able to find a used 600cc bike for less than $3k in good condition.

Also, there are luggage accessories for sport bikes. You can get saddle bags or a tank bag.

Why get a bike that's "not very uncomfortable at all" when he can get a bike that's very comfortable? Why put bags on a bike that was never intended to have them? And why on earth would you recommend a race bike to start out on? Why not buy the correct bike to begin with? Get a standard bike, equip it properly, learn to ride, then decide if you need a race bike.
You guys need to understand that race bikes are designed for RACING. They were never intended to be touring bikes, and they sure as hell aren't a beginners bike.
For most people, the only reason to get a sport bike is so you can tell your friends how fast it is, why not just get a slower bike and lie? They'll never know.

 

[Zenmervolt]

My RF600R is my first bike. The only other bike that I've ever ridden was an old honda 70 dirtbike when I was younger. Just because it can do a 1/4 mile in 11 seconds doesn't mean that you have to drive it that fast all of the time. If you know how to control a twist throttle, it's not that difficult to adapt between bikes, regardless of the engine size.

A 500-600cc bike makes a good starter bike because it's not so small that you'll be wanting to sell it for something more powerful in a month, but it's also not so large that you'll be tempted to do insane speeds. Sure, a 500-600cc bike will get up to speed very fast, but they top out around 140 usually (again, it's not like you have to go that fast) compared to over 180 on a larger bike.

I've heard it before. Every kid buying an ego bike brags about being able to handle a supersport just fine by "controlling the throttle" and makes ridiculous comments about "outgrowing" a smaller bike. Most of the time they also lack enough knowledge of bikes to realise that 600cc is a racing class and that almost every 600cc sportbike is effectively a homologation special for the manufacturer. A 600 with an inline 4 will outrun a 650 with a parallel twin (which is why the ZX-6R is a horrible starter bike while the 650R is merely sub-optimal) because the 600 is a thinly-disguised race bike.

There is a world of difference between a 500cc parallel twin and a 600cc inline 4. The RF600R has nearly double the horsepower of a 500cc twin and the delivery is much peakier. It's not a good beginner bike. Just because you happened to be lucky doesn't change that fact.

The RF600R was a supersport in its day. It was designed for expert riders and was never intended to be a forgiving starter bike. The 500R, on the other hand, was designed to be one step up from the 250; still a beginner's ride but better for freeway cruising.

If you can't tell the difference between a 100 hp supersport and a 60 hp entry-level sportbike, you're probably not the best person to be handing out advice to a novice rider. Just sayin'.

ZV

 

[Soccerman06]

2008 kawasaki ninja 500r is $3200 (09 for 3700)

cant go wrong for that price.

 

[Fenixgoon]

My RF600R is my first bike. The only other bike that I've ever ridden was an old honda 70 dirtbike when I was younger. Just because it can do a 1/4 mile in 11 seconds doesn't mean that you have to drive it that fast all of the time. If you know how to control a twist throttle, it's not that difficult to adapt between bikes, regardless of the engine size.

A 500-600cc bike makes a good starter bike because it's not so small that you'll be wanting to sell it for something more powerful in a month, but it's also not so large that you'll be tempted to do insane speeds. Sure, a 500-600cc bike will get up to speed very fast, but they top out around 140 usually (again, it's not like you have to go that fast) compared to over 180 on a larger bike.

while "just because i can doesn't mean i will" is true in theory, the fact of the matter is that people who start out on 600cc sportbikes are far worse off because of their inexperience and their inability to control a bike.

stick to 500cc or less, IMO. if the OP wants a sportbike, the ninja250 is perfect for him (ninja500 max). my FZ6Rhas a detuned, previous-gen R6 engine - and that can get you into plenty of trouble (and no, it's not my first bike)

 

[JulesMaximus]

I believe your confusing the 650r with something else.

Also, I find these posts hilarious. Every time I see an individual make a post about getting a motorcycle the same people post nearly the same responses. You guys should just save your comments so you don't have to keep typing them out.

Maybe we should just not comment at all...at the very least you would no longer be amused. After all, it's all about you isn't it?

 

[pyr02k1]

I appreciate all the info. Sorry for disappearing for a while (long day at work, trying to sleep, not working. it is 2a after all)

I am a complete novice to bikes. I've done quads on occasion, but i still wouldn't even say my knowledge is much higher on motorcycles as a whole. I mentioned sports bike as a saying of almost anything but a Harley style motorcycle. Mainly, its because I've seen 3 harleys get whacked by a bad driver who either didnt move over (I always do, even if theres no one next to me, just to be nice) or because the guy on the bike thought he could fit somewhere I knew he couldn't. I've only seen 1 sports bike hit one car (the driver pulled in front of him, and instead of just getting clear like he should have in the 400ft he had, he put up his hands in a WTF motion, and the van couldnt go anywhere, he swerved last second, took off his own mirror).

I do plan to take a training course of sorts as the wife requires it. She's scared I'll kill myself. I pride myself on being a good driver as a whole. I can judge gaps to within a few inches and fit my 84 Toyota 3/4ton long bed into them without issue and I also tend to learn the vehicle I'm driving before I test any limits on it. With that, I wouldn't be afraid of getting a 500-600cc sports bike, in the true sense of the word, as I dont think I'd go wild on the throttle or go beyond my limits in any manner. On the other hand, I noticed MiataNCs post of the V-Strom and that seems like it'd be along the lines of something that would both please the wife, and make the ride a bit more comfortable. Number 4 on his list was a kicker, as it is true. Insurance in cali is absurd, but knowing how many of my friends have been in accidents, had tickets, had cars impounded for reckless driving and so on, I'm not surprised at all.

Thanks for all the info though, I do appreciate it. I think what I'll look to do is something like the V-Strom. Then I can see about getting my hands on an actual sports bike a year or 2 down the line when I have more experience and the wife is more comfortable (but, being that I'll probably like the more comfortable [looking] ride on the V-Strom, I'll probably keep it).

And with that, I think I found a new place to post. I wasn't expecting so many responses so quickly, so it ought to be nice to have an active forum to post on again.

Thanks again,
--pyr0

 

[JulesMaximus]

I appreciate all the info. Sorry for disappearing for a while (long day at work, trying to sleep, not working. it is 2a after all)

I am a complete novice to bikes. I've done quads on occasion, but i still wouldn't even say my knowledge is much higher on motorcycles as a whole. I mentioned sports bike as a saying of almost anything but a Harley style motorcycle. Mainly, its because I've seen 3 harleys get whacked by a bad driver who either didnt move over (I always do, even if theres no one next to me, just to be nice) or because the guy on the bike thought he could fit somewhere I knew he couldn't. I've only seen 1 sports bike hit one car (the driver pulled in front of him, and instead of just getting clear like he should have in the 400ft he had, he put up his hands in a WTF motion, and the van couldnt go anywhere, he swerved last second, took off his own mirror).

I do plan to take a training course of sorts as the wife requires it. She's scared I'll kill myself. I pride myself on being a good driver as a whole. I can judge gaps to within a few inches and fit my 84 Toyota 3/4ton long bed into them without issue and I also tend to learn the vehicle I'm driving before I test any limits on it. With that, I wouldn't be afraid of getting a 500-600cc sports bike, in the true sense of the word, as I dont think I'd go wild on the throttle or go beyond my limits in any manner. On the other hand, I noticed MiataNCs post of the V-Strom and that seems like it'd be along the lines of something that would both please the wife, and make the ride a bit more comfortable. Number 4 on his list was a kicker, as it is true. Insurance in cali is absurd, but knowing how many of my friends have been in accidents, had tickets, had cars impounded for reckless driving and so on, I'm not surprised at all.

Thanks for all the info though, I do appreciate it. I think what I'll look to do is something like the V-Strom. Then I can see about getting my hands on an actual sports bike a year or 2 down the line when I have more experience and the wife is more comfortable (but, being that I'll probably like the more comfortable [looking] ride on the V-Strom, I'll probably keep it).

And with that, I think I found a new place to post. I wasn't expecting so many responses so quickly, so it ought to be nice to have an active forum to post on again.

Thanks again,
--pyr0

Harley riders aren't any more accident prone than any other rider despite what you've witnessed...in fact, it's the sport bike riders who tend to be over-represented in accident statistics. Youth and inexperience combined with the power of a sport bike are a very bad combination, and the statistics definitely support this statement.

I would highly recommend you take the MSF course before you buy a bike. It will give you the advantage of having your M1 endorsement before you start riding (you'll be legal) and it will also help you learn the basics before you get out on the street. Other than having a similar control layout to a motorcycle riding a quad translates zero into riding a street bike.

The V-Strom is a great bike, perhaps a bit much for a new rider, but a much better choice than a 600cc super sport. Also, I think that buying used is the way to go, don't get suckered into buying a new bike because people tend not to ride them much so you can easily find a 5,6, or 7 year old bike with less than 10,000 miles on it for half the cost of a new bike. Plus, if you decide down the road that riding isn't for you, you can always sell it for what you paid for it (assuming you don't trash it). I saw a very clean, low mileage V-Strom 650 for sale on Craigslist.org in Orange County for $3,600 earlier this week. It was a 2001 model IIRC which is perfectly fine for a bike like this. They haven't changed much over the years and I think the only difference between that and the later models was the addition of fuel injection vs carbs and the option of ABS on the 2007+ models.

Regarding your plan to use the bike for commuting. Commuting on a motorcycle daily takes a bit of commitment. I know, I've done it in San Diego for a few years (not everyday mind you but probably 1-2 days a week). You will sweat when it's hot, you will freeze your ass off when it's cold, you will be uncomfortable at first until your muscles and arse get used to riding a motorcycle, and you have to be constantly aware of what's going on around you. You are out there exposed to the elements, other traffic, rocks, animals, bugs, etc. People aren't used to looking before they change lanes and they just won't see you. You need to be prepared for this and always expect the unexpected. If you cannot maintain this level of focus when you ride you should not be riding a motorcycle...and definitely not commuting on one. People are at their worst when commuting, they are angry, they are tired, they are hung over, they are almost never paying complete attention to the task of driving.

That said, I love riding and will probably always have at least one bike in my garage. Commuting, not so much fun...but still better than sitting in a cage. Canyon carving is where it's at and you don't need a sport bike to have fun doing that. I ride a Suzuki SV650 myself (it is very similar to the V-Strom but setup more toward sport riding vs touring).

Good luck! Hope this helps.
-Jules

 

[MiataNC]

The V-Strom is a great bike, perhaps a bit much for a new rider, but a much better choice than a 600cc super sport.

I have owned:
2003 Ninja 500R

2004 Suzuki SV650S

2005 DL650K V-Strom (the day I traded it in)

The V-Strom is MUCH easier to ride than either the 500 or the SV650. The power delivery is softer much more manageable. The changes in the cam timing and gearing on the Wee-Strom give it a completely different character, and you would swear the engine was not so closely related to the SV.

The V-Strom is so easy to ride, you can focus all of your attention on the traffic around you. Around town it is mild mannered and you never have to click it past 3rd. Yet it has plenty of get up and go for the freeway (75-85 from Bakersfield to Vegas with bursts to 90+ when passing without dropping down a gear). Lane splitting on So-Cal freeways is a breeze with hard bags on the back as long as you have enough room for the bars up front.

With a full tank of gas it does feel a little top heavy, but the wide bars make it easy to handle at parking lot speeds. Also if you are under 5'11" you may have issues with the seat height, but the bike can be lowered.

Also, I think that buying used is the way to go...

The DL650K V-Strom has been produced since 2004, and used is the ONLY way to go. Most DL riders customize the crap out of their bikes (points to self), and you can save a small fortune getting one that is already fully accessorized.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Here's my 2008 SV650. I bought it new in April 2008 and it has about 12,000 miles on it now. I'm on my third rear tire, second front.

I changed the fork internals to beefier springs, heavier weight fork oil and cartridge emulators to improve dampening and spring it for a rider my size. I also replaced the rear shock with a fully adjustable one tuned to my weight. Tires are Michelin Pilot Powers, front brakes are off a GSXR, handlebar is a Suburban Machinery type II bar, lower and more aggressive riding position. M4 slip on can, rear seat cowl, Rizoma turn signals (much brighter than the huge stock signals) and a fender eliminator complete the mods. I also removed all the badging and most of the decals along with the mini-fairing that was over the gauge pod.

Edit-Forgot the CRG Lanesplitter mirrors, Pazzo levers, and the Motosliders frame sliders. 😉

 

[Zenmervolt]

I am a complete novice to bikes. I've done quads on occasion, but i still wouldn't even say my knowledge is much higher on motorcycles as a whole. I mentioned sports bike as a saying of almost anything but a Harley style motorcycle. Mainly, its because I've seen 3 harleys get whacked by a bad driver who either didnt move over (I always do, even if theres no one next to me, just to be nice) or because the guy on the bike thought he could fit somewhere I knew he couldn't. I've only seen 1 sports bike hit one car (the driver pulled in front of him, and instead of just getting clear like he should have in the 400ft he had, he put up his hands in a WTF motion, and the van couldnt go anywhere, he swerved last second, took off his own mirror).

As Jules correctly mentioned, this is a distinct anomaly. Overall accident statistics are much, much better for Harleys than for sportbikes. However, as Jules also correctly pointed out, the risk factor is largely due to the riders and not the bike itself. Harleys show up less often in accidents overall because they tend to be ridden by older riders and at lower speeds. The 30-and-under crowd on sportbikes do a hell of a lot to spike the accident rate for sportbikes.

I do plan to take a training course of sorts as the wife requires it. She's scared I'll kill myself.

"Of sorts"? Take a real MSF class, not some watered-down just-barely-enough-to-meet-requirements class. There is real value in the full MSF class, we're not pulling your leg on this one.

I pride myself on being a good driver as a whole. I can judge gaps to within a few inches and fit my 84 Toyota 3/4ton long bed into them without issue and I also tend to learn the vehicle I'm driving before I test any limits on it.

I don't mean to be harsh here, but being a great driver with a car or truck doesn't mean sh*t on a bike. While basic things like situational awareness do carry over, every control on a bike is different than on a car or truck. A bike responds differently to input, sometimes completely opposite to how you expect it would, and a bike is much more sensitive to road irregularities (the first time you hit grooved pavement it'll shock you).

I'm not trying to discourage you, but you have to keep in mind that no matter how good you are with a car, the first year or two that you're on a bike you're not a "good rider"; you're not even likely to be a "decent rider". It's easy to get overconfident on a bike if you only see good conditions for a while so be on guard against that.

With that, I wouldn't be afraid of getting a 500-600cc sports bike, in the true sense of the word, as I dont think I'd go wild on the throttle or go beyond my limits in any manner.

The reason behind recommending against sportbikes, especially 600cc bikes, is not because we think people won't have self control, but because of the way that bikes closely derived from racing machines magnify any mistake. The same design features that make them handle well on the track also make them extremely twitchy over irregular pavement. The high center of gravity that makes them nimble on a track makes them harder to deal with in low-speed maneuvers. The highly-tuned engines that give them top-end rush on the track give them a throttle that is sometimes like an on/off switch rather than a rheostat, just an 1/8th turn too much throttle can be the difference between controlled acceleration and an unintentional 50 mph wheelie.

I started out on an old 450cc Honda (~45 hp) and even that was capable of a few "oh shit!" moments from too much throttle at the wrong time when I was learning to ride; had I been on something with 100 hp, those moments could have gone from learning experiences to hospital experiences all too easily even though I was never trying to "push" the bike.

On the other hand, I noticed MiataNCs post of the V-Strom and that seems like it'd be along the lines of something that would both please the wife, and make the ride a bit more comfortable.

The V-Strom 650 is a fantastic bike. It will do everything comfortably and is just plain an insanely capable machine. And the powerband won't be as "on/off" as a 600 sportbike; much more comfortable.

And with that, I think I found a new place to post. I wasn't expecting so many responses so quickly, so it ought to be nice to have an active forum to post on again.

Thanks again,
--pyr0

Great to have you around. When you get that bike, definitely post some photos. We'll be around to help out when you start tinkering with it yourself. 🙂

ZV

 

[SpatiallyAware]

The only problem with a strom is (possibly) the ride height. Admittedly I've never ridden the 650; but the 1000 is a beast of a bike with all the weight up top.


Part of the benefit of a starter bike is becoming comfortable with parking lots and weird situations that you just don't deal with in a car or on a bicycle..

Good example, I saw a short guy on a supersport pull up to a redlight that was tilted slightly to the right. He went to put his right foot down and just fell right over. I'm sure he would've been able to save it if he was on a GS500 or Ninja 500. There are 100's of odd little situations like this that you'll have to encounter as you learn and it's MUCH easier on a 'normal' bike.

I've put 100's of thousands of miles on bikes. I really can't count how many I've owned, 10+ at least.

An SV is still too big for a first bike unless you're heavy or tall.

It will NOT be your last bike. This notion of buying a bike that 'will last you awhile' is flat out stupid.

Rather than look for a bike you can grow into, look for a bike that you plan on selling after a year. Wait for a good deal (easy this time of year) and just plan on selling it next Spring, it's really easy to actually make some money on it.



In my opinion a GS500, Ninja 500 is the biggest 'first bike' you should get - period. Take two equal newbies, put one on a GS500 and the other on an SV. Give them a year, move them both to a supersport and I guarantee that the GS rider will be faster, safer, and much more capable.



BTW - the guys in the mountains that blast down the straights and have to stop for the corners are squids. That's why we call them squids - a squid can't turn while moving forward, it jets forward, stops, turns, then jets off again.

 

[MiataNC]

Here's my 2008 SV650. I bought it new in April 2008 and it has about 12,000 miles on it now. I'm on my third rear tire, second front.....

Damn! That is a gorgeous ride Jules. Now I miss my SV650S!

I need to get the wife to an MSF course so I can "justify" getting another bike. 🙂

 

[soccerballtux]

It will NOT be your last bike. This notion of buying a bike that 'will last you awhile' is flat out stupid.

Rather than look for a bike you can grow into, look for a bike that you plan on selling after a year. Wait for a good deal (easy this time of year) and just plan on selling it next Spring, it's really easy to actually make some money on it.

it's really not stupid, no point in going through the fuss of selling it and buying another used one in only 2 months.

OP: you don't want a 600cc bike, because they have 125hp and 1mm of twist on the throttle means 3k+ RPM difference. On the highway you hit a bump, rocket forward immediately, and then slam on the brakes in panic. The brakes are very tight on these 600 sport bikes.

Because of the way the engine works, they really aren't fun to ride around the city. I was dead set on the styling of the sport bikes, but found styling with much less horsepower and a easier ride around town-- it just made sense. So instead of getting the GSX-R600, I'm going to get a Kawa Ninja 650r. Looks cool, but isn't going to shoot you into the car in front of you if you accidentally twitch on the throttle. Once you understand the magnitude of what I'm talking about, your desire to get the 125hp monster sport bike will leave you.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Damn! That is a gorgeous ride Jules. Now I miss my SV650S!

I need to get the wife to an MSF course so I can "justify" getting another bike. 🙂

Thanks! I liked your SV, that blue color looks great...why'd you get rid of it?

 

[JulesMaximus]

The only problem with a strom is (possibly) the ride height. Admittedly I've never ridden the 650; but the 1000 is a beast of a bike with all the weight up top.


Part of the benefit of a starter bike is becoming comfortable with parking lots and weird situations that you just don't deal with in a car or on a bicycle..

Good example, I saw a short guy on a supersport pull up to a redlight that was tilted slightly to the right. He went to put his right foot down and just fell right over. I'm sure he would've been able to save it if he was on a GS500 or Ninja 500. There are 100's of odd little situations like this that you'll have to encounter as you learn and it's MUCH easier on a 'normal' bike.

I've put 100's of thousands of miles on bikes. I really can't count how many I've owned, 10+ at least.

An SV is still too big for a first bike unless you're heavy or tall.

It will NOT be your last bike. This notion of buying a bike that 'will last you awhile' is flat out stupid.

Rather than look for a bike you can grow into, look for a bike that you plan on selling after a year. Wait for a good deal (easy this time of year) and just plan on selling it next Spring, it's really easy to actually make some money on it.



In my opinion a GS500, Ninja 500 is the biggest 'first bike' you should get - period. Take two equal newbies, put one on a GS500 and the other on an SV. Give them a year, move them both to a supersport and I guarantee that the GS rider will be faster, safer, and much more capable.



BTW - the guys in the mountains that blast down the straights and have to stop for the corners are squids. That's why we call them squids - a squid can't turn while moving forward, it jets forward, stops, turns, then jets off again.

I'm 5'11" and had no trouble with ride height on the SV1000 my friend had.

 

[Occ]

OP: you don't want a 600cc bike, because they have 125hp and 1mm of twist on the throttle means 3k+ RPM difference. On the highway you hit a bump, rocket forward immediately, and then slam on the brakes in panic. The brakes are very tight on these 600 sport bikes.

While I won't argue with the overall sentiments being expressed, I can tell you that equating "1mm of twist on throttle" with 3k+ RPM increase is a gross exaggeration. Factory for the gsx-r600 there are 2-4mm of slack before the throttle even starts to grab power, and good luck reaching WOT from the default position of your hand. You have to either shift and bunch your grip, or start with your wrist and forearm straight up and literally grab a hand full of throttle. A common mod is to replace the throttle grip in order to shorten its travel and improve its response.

 

[Silex]

Exhausts are passé. I want my bike to sound like a tie fighter aka Brammo Enertia TTR or the recently unveiled Empulse RR. Google them and you'll know what's up. But for a commuter bike you can buy this one now for $5700k after incentives:

Brammo Enertia:
http://vimeo.com/9500762

If you must have a gas guzzler (albeit a light one) then a Nin250R are hella awesome. But I'm a fan of low liter, high revving motors where you have to keep the RPM's high to make power. But that's also why I have a 2.2L NA and 2.0 Turbo cars.

White gets me every time:

 

[roguerower]

I'm riding my first bike right now and it's a GS500F. Great first bike, getting 55mpg, definitely got some torque and speed to it and if you rejet you'll get even more. You can either sit up and ride or crouch if you want. I commute with it and sit up but when I was riding last weekend I shifted my ass backwards and was able to lean over the tank comfortably. I was originally looking at a SV650 but after listening to some advice on here and other sources I went with the GS500 and haven't looked back. Now I just need to learn some more and save my pennies for a Triumph Street Triple R. It's "only" 675cc but it looks fuckin sick.

Jules, that is a wicked lookin SV. Props. Did you ever own a GS500?

 

[Silex]

Triumph is awesome. Buell is awesome. But the Aprilia RS250 takes the cake. No more two-strokes guys so snatch them up!

 

[MiataNC]

Thanks! I liked your SV, that blue color looks great...why'd you get rid of it?

Needed money when I got divorced. Then when I had a little money I got the V-Strom, because I was traveling a lot. Then I got the itch for a hooligan bike, and couldn't resist the Triumph.

The new wife wants to learn to ride. (She is a huge upgrade over Wife 1.0) So I have the perfect excuse to get another Strom or SV, but first I will get her a 250/500 Ninja (which I will turn into a track bike).

 

[JulesMaximus]

I'm riding my first bike right now and it's a GS500F. Great first bike, getting 55mpg, definitely got some torque and speed to it and if you rejet you'll get even more. You can either sit up and ride or crouch if you want. I commute with it and sit up but when I was riding last weekend I shifted my ass backwards and was able to lean over the tank comfortably. I was originally looking at a SV650 but after listening to some advice on here and other sources I went with the GS500 and haven't looked back. Now I just need to learn some more and save my pennies for a Triumph Street Triple R. It's "only" 675cc but it looks fuckin sick.

Jules, that is a wicked lookin SV. Props. Did you ever own a GS500?

Thanks. No, I never owned a GS500. My first bike was an old Honda that was quite a bit heavier than my current bike...really, too heavy for a new rider IMO but it was cheap and I had fun with it.

I love the Triumph Street Triple R. It's a hell of a bike, high reving, makes over 100hp so it's more like a Japanese sport bike as far as power but it makes more torque down lower in the revs. It is basically a detuned Triumph Daytona motor in a great chassis and I dig the two headlights. When I get rid of the SV it will be for a Ducati Monster or a Triumph Street or possibly a Speed Triple.

 

[pyr02k1]

Thanks for the extra responses. It makes me debate more on the first bike bit of it all. I still like the V-Strom for the first bike and I'm not hugely worried on the ride height aspect of it as I'm 5'11 and not expecting huge issues with it. I do know harleys as a whole are in fewer accidents. I only mentioned it because it was what I'd seen.

I do understand it'll take me a while to get used to a bike for commute purposes, and I plan to stick to it when I get started. But I dont plan to just say "let's drive the 100 mile round trip today, my first ride past the store." Instead, I plan to work my way into it by driving increasing distances over a few weeks until I feel comfortable on the bike as a whole. On another end to it, I didnt mean a watered down, bare minimum course for the training. I was more going with it as a I haven't looked in California so I'm not quite sure (though I did spot a few in Florida, where it wasnt required to insure a bike [not sure if it still applies]).

I did look at the Ninja as an option but I'm not sure yet as to where I'll end up until I get to the days of "heres the money, go buy one" from the wife. Thats still a little ways out (roof repair killed the idea of doing it sooner).

I know that a bike will be completely different then a car or truck and that it doesnt translate into a motorcycle very much at all (beyond the basic laws and common sense, which many do lack). I know that it's a more risky experience, no matter what, in that most other drivers dont pay attention. All I meant by the good driver comment was that being good in a car or truck will let me bring over the good habits (knowing when i can and cant make a move, etc) and, being a completely different experience will let me change the bad habits I have.

The goal I have is to get a bike, I plan to do it the right way. That's something the wife will be happy about and that means less arguing because she's worried. I wont cut any corners, and I dont plan to do anything that is out of my league until I feel comfortable that I can control the bike with minimal risk to myself and others. In other words, no plans to pop a wheelie right away, none to go racing at 130 around a blind curve or any curve for that matter. Eventually, I'll be comfortable taking the bikes speed up to a higher level and taking risks beyond the daily driver aspect. I wont be ok with doing it right away because the possibility of having fun and the possibility of making a mistake go hand in hand, and I wont be able to afford to repair the bike right away if i make a serious enough mistake.

Like I said though, huge thanks to everyone for the answers. I appreciate having a variety of angles to look at it from beyond the typical "I want one" angle.

--pyr0

 

[Greenman]

It will NOT be your last bike. This notion of buying a bike that 'will last you awhile' is flat out stupid.

I have to disagree with you here. My D will be the only bike I ever own. There is a very slim chance I'll get a Geezer Glide someday, but it's far more likely that I'll put a full faring and bags on the V-Rod.