/n2/ - Transportation » Thread #54841

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Anonymous Tue 21 Oct 2008 23:06:00 No.54841 View View Reply Original Report

Quoted By: >>56050

Hay /n/, not sure if this would go here or in auto, but doing a quick look through both I see more pics of motorcycles here than in /o/.

I'm looking to start riding a motorcycle. Inb4 dead.

I think sport-bikes are the style for me. But everybody reccomends something different. Dealerships want me to buy a Ninja 650R, which I was skeptical of. Internet sources generally agree that 250's are the best to learn on. A guy at the bodyshop I go to is selling his Ninja 500, and though personally I think it's pretty ugly, I wouldn't mind if it was a good bike to learn on.

tl;dr best bike to learn on? My long term goal would be commuting.

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 01:58:00 No.54860 Report

Quoted By:

Ninja 250s are both easy to ride and are good for commuting. If you are looking for speed, go with something different.

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 02:17:00 No.54864 Report

Quoted By:

The 250 is the bike to learn on. The 500 is a turd. The 650r is not much better. Get a 250 and learn your basics, then decide what direction you want to go in. It will be easy to sell when the time comes.

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 02:34:00 No.54868 Report

Quoted By:

fuck yeah ninja 250r

my first bike was a naked suzuki bandit, i was a poorfag and i wanted a real light bike to start on. it was a great decision. i now ride a honda cbr600rr 2008, but will always have a place in my heart for those lightweight 250s

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 02:36:00 No.54871 Report

Quoted By:

pick up a used ninja 250 and ride it around for a year. When you want to upgrade to something else, you can sell that ninja for damn near what you paid for it. Think of it as a year long rental for $200-$500.

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 03:25:00 No.54875 Report

Quoted By:

How far is your commute and what type of roads will you be using, where do you live and what are the weather conditions like (do you get harsh winters?), these are all considerations that need to be taken before advice should be offered.

Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 03:29:00 No.54877 Report

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Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 05:04:00 No.54888 Report

Quoted By: >>54892

Not OP, but I was wondering: how would a 250 fare in a place like Canada?

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 05:36:00 No.54892 Report

Quoted By:

>>54888

WTF is the difference? unless your planning on riding through the winter: which is a greatt idea!!

Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 10:20:00 No.54926 Report

Quoted By: >>54927

Alright guys, here's the skinny on sport bikes:

500cc: If you weigh 240 pounds or more, you are going to need a 500cc or higher bike to get you through town. 500cc's do have some nice power, they usually are a v-twin and are skinny enough to weave through traffic without any problems. You can also travel on the freeway with no problems, once the bike is past the break-in point which is usually 1000 miles. They also have sufficient torque(meaning you move the throttle and the bike moves quickly to that new speed), and an average resale value. The Kawasaki Ninja 500r has an almost bullet-proof engine/system as they haven't changed much of anything for the past 20 years or so. You normally sit upright with a very slight lean forward and are comfortable to ride on.

250cc: These are one of the great learning tools for just beginning to ride type of people. They also sell for really cheap and are easy to throw around. While these bikes are quick little things when pulling away from a stop, as all bikes are, it does not have high torque. This is not a freeway bike. You can take it on the freeway, but will be pushing the bike to it's limit, and it will not be comfortable for long. However, these get absolutely great mileage, 70+. This also has an upright seating position, and some of the newer ones have pretty good styling on them. It is possible that you can have a passenger on this bike with no problems, but neither of you can be fatties, otherwise you are going to have trouble.

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 10:20:00 No.54927 Report

Quoted By:

>>54926

650cc: These are defined as the mid-range. They are basically a 500cc bike but with a bigger motor; same cylinders, but bigger bore v. stroke. These are actually okay to start on, however, these do pack some power. They can easily get out of bad situations quickly like the 500cc. At 650cc's and up, the suspension improves, seating is more forward, brakes are more powerful, you can very easily do wheelies, stoppies, all sorts of tricks with them - which is why a seasoned rider can be comfortable with this bike as well as a new person. Remember, you can always make a fast bike go slow.

1000cc: These are defined as the liter bikes. From this point forward, these bikes don't mess around. A Kawasaki 10R can do a wheelie while going 120mph in a turn. They are tuned for both big riders as well as carrying passengers, and making track records. These bikes will kill you if you put it into first with 25% of the throttle, example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8_BYLDXMUE

Choose wisely: 250cc - not for freeways, only for people scared of motorcycles and are going into town to check out hot chicks. 500cc - now you've got some power, can go on freeways, and can carry the chicks back to your place. 650cc - makes the girls scream your name as you speed up, and make them fall in love with you, ripping off your clothes while walking through your door. 1000cc - will dump you and the girl into a nearby ditch, welcome to jail.

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 10:41:00 No.54929 Report

Quoted By:

Also, a couple other things - there are of course deviants from the above list, but then you're crossing from sport bikes into either racing bikes, like a Honda CBR, Kawsaki ZX-6R, or into standard bikes, like a laid-back but fast Suzuki 650, or even into harleys.

If you know the limits of your bike, you are exponentially that much safer on the road, as you won't be trying to find out how fast your bike can go, nor having to figure out how powerful your front brake is in an emergency. Best way to test out your bike? get out on the track, possibly with a veteran teacher, and learn - or at least practice in an empty parking lot.

Also, people suggest that you do not ride in inclement weather and they are bullshitting you - a bit. While you may only have 3 square inches of traction at any given time, if you know your bike and it's limits, it's kind of hard to crash all by yourself.

Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 18:24:00 No.54960 Report

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Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 18:25:00 No.54961 Report

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Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 18:26:00 No.54962 Report

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Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 18:26:00 No.54963 Report

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Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 18:28:00 No.54964 Report

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Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 18:29:00 No.54965 Report

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Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 18:29:00 No.54966 Report

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Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 18:30:00 No.54967 Report

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Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 18:30:00 No.54968 Report

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Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 18:32:00 No.54969 Report

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Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 18:32:00 No.54970 Report

Quoted By: >>54990

Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 18:33:00 No.54971 Report

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Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 18:33:00 No.54973 Report

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Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 18:35:00 No.54974 Report

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Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 18:35:00 No.54975 Report

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Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 18:53:00 No.54976 Report

Quoted By:

If they sold the YZF-125R here in US, I would so buy one of those as a daily commute bike and leave my 600 for the track.

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 20:16:00 No.54979 Report

Quoted By:

I would say, as your first bike. Go for it, get good gear to wear because sweat can be wiped off, road rash can't.

Practise a couple of times on low speeds before speeding it up. High speeds are easier then low speeds on the corresponding roads.

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 20:30:00 No.54980 Report

Quoted By:

I picked up a 2002 Ducati Monster 750 Dark as my starter bike and I couldn't be happier. It's got enough power to keep me happy for a good long time and it looks great to boot.

Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 21:34:00 No.54986 Report

Quoted By: >>55015

I really love the lines on a Honda CBR600RR, greatest looking sports bike imo. And not too expensive.

Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 22:06:00 No.54990 Report

Quoted By: >>54991

>>54970
I approve...Sexiest thing on two wheels...

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 22 Oct 2008 22:12:00 No.54991 Report

Quoted By:

>>54990
Too bad 99% of its owners rarely use more then 10% of its capacity.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 23 Oct 2008 01:32:00 No.55007 Report

Quoted By:

i love my kawasaki Z750

david

david Thu 23 Oct 2008 02:06:00 No.55015 Report

Quoted By:

>>54986
It looks amazing but a race replica is not a good starter.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 23 Oct 2008 02:23:00 No.55017 Report

Quoted By:

i bought the 2008 ninja 250r and loved it, in three months i put over 4500 miles on it going back and forth to work. If you are looking to get a solid foundation in motorcycle riding and dont plan on going on any long highway trips this is the vest starter bike out there.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 23 Oct 2008 04:30:00 No.55036 Report

Quoted By: >>55443 >>55758 >>56027

oh also, whatever the fuck you do, if you live in America, don't get a scooter. You will be laughed at by every single motorcyclist that spots you. This is including girls.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 23 Oct 2008 07:23:00 No.55093 Report

Quoted By:

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 23 Oct 2008 10:58:00 No.55132 Report

Quoted By:

Anonymous

Anonymous Sat 25 Oct 2008 09:10:00 No.55428 Report

Quoted By:

Anonymous

Anonymous Sat 25 Oct 2008 16:21:00 No.55443 Report

Quoted By: >>55455

>>55036
I'll enjoy my scooter while clutchfags enjoy their HepC and MRSA.

Anonymous

Anonymous Sat 25 Oct 2008 19:47:00 No.55455 Report

Quoted By:

>>55443

When I see scooter fags, I cry a little inside. I feel so bad for people who don't realize how bad they look

Anonymous

Anonymous Mon 27 Oct 2008 10:28:00 No.55621 Report

Quoted By:

Anonymous

Anonymous Tue 28 Oct 2008 10:24:00 No.55721 Report

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Anonymous

Anonymous Tue 28 Oct 2008 19:04:00 No.55758 Report

Quoted By: >>55767

>>55036
Pathetic little b/o/ys still in highschool might believe that's true, but it isn't.

FZR1K !tgnywOHJ.M

FZR1K !tgnywOHJ.M Tue 28 Oct 2008 21:02:00 No.55767 Report

Quoted By:

>>55758
it is true, actually. there's no excuse for something as stupid as a scooter.

Anonymous

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Anonymous Tue 28 Oct 2008 21:15:00 No.55770 Report

Quoted By: >>55783 >>56013

I have a Ninja 650 and I think it would be a great first time bike.

Its enjoyable on long trips in the mountains and on the race track. Also great on gas

FZR1K !tgnywOHJ.M

FZR1K !tgnywOHJ.M Tue 28 Oct 2008 21:50:00 No.55783 Report

Quoted By: >>55811

>>55770
you've never been to a trackday...

Anonymous

Anonymous Tue 28 Oct 2008 23:48:00 No.55811 Report

Quoted By:

>>55783
I think he meant it's possible you can take on the track and have a good time, but feasible? hell no - it's not going to win you any races

Mod! \( '-')c[~]

Mod! \( '-')c[~] Wed 29 Oct 2008 00:36:00 No.55814 Report

Quoted By: >>55883

test

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 29 Oct 2008 10:15:00 No.55883 Report

Quoted By:

>>55814

Tast failed. Please try again.

Anonymous

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Anonymous Wed 29 Oct 2008 15:36:00 No.55901 Report

Quoted By: >>55915

I know you said Sport Bike, but if you're going to use it for commuting, why not get something you can actually sit straight on? And what about carrying stuff?

The pic is my bike, it's a good allrounder and pretty fun on and off the road. Although I have to admit on the Autobahn I'd always like a couple of horses extra.

Anonymous

Anonymous Wed 29 Oct 2008 18:30:00 No.55915 Report

Quoted By:

>>55901

On a 250/500cc ninja, you sit upright. If you're not a fatty, 650's should be no problem

Anonymous

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Anonymous Thu 30 Oct 2008 06:22:00 No.56013 Report

Quoted By:

>>55770

Because you know me? lawl go back to /b/

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 30 Oct 2008 08:04:00 No.56026 Report

Quoted By:

my buddy owned a ninja ex 500 for his first year of riding then graduated to a cbr 600 f4i, and they both did him pretty well. you just don't want something with too much juice that could get you killed before you get some experience. ex 500s get pretty good gas mileage too (better than sport bikes), i would say if it's in good condition go for it! (maybe get it checked out by a mechanic first)

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 30 Oct 2008 08:06:00 No.56027 Report

Quoted By:

>>55036
this

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 30 Oct 2008 10:51:00 No.56050 Report

Quoted By: >>56149

>>54841

If you haven't already, go take a basic riding course that teaches you how to get clutch control. Most people who want to get bikes are posers and get them for looks. Honestly for "commuting", the Ex500 has excellent gas mileage and power.

Don't buy a new bike, buy a used one. Keep in mind that most of the I4 SS bikes today have more HP than the superbikes of yesteryear. For example, a modern I4 600cc bike like the R6, GSXR-600, or CBR-600 have more than 100hp and better HP/Weight ratio than most production sports cars.

If you want still want the "look" but something good to learn on, the Ninja-650R is a pretty good bike to learn on. It has a predictable torque curve due to its parallel twin engine. A close competitor with the Ninja-650R would be the SV-650/S/SF.

Unless you're in europe, quit lying to yourself. After insurance and gear a motorcycle is not a practical means of transportation.

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 30 Oct 2008 12:14:00 No.56054 Report

Quoted By: >>56132 >>56149

Just wondering (I don't plan on throwing down my life's savings just to become a road pancake), but -- I'm 6'7" and around 220 pounds. Is there a bike best suited to my frame? Would a 250 still be good to start out with?

Anonymous

Anonymous Thu 30 Oct 2008 12:26:00 No.56057 Report

Quoted By:

>Unless you're in europe, quit lying to yourself. After insurance and gear a motorcycle is not a practical means of transportation.
A pity you catch AIDS from scooters.

Anonymous

Anonymous Fri 31 Oct 2008 06:07:00 No.56132 Report

Quoted By:

>>56054

A 250 will do you well in the city. But if you want to go on the highway a 500cc will be better suited.

The majority of new riders crash within the first 2 months of getting the bike, and then again at two years.

I'd recommend reading the book "Proficient Motorcycling" by David Hough.

Real motorcycle riders in the US need a specific "mindset".

Anonymous

Anonymous Fri 31 Oct 2008 09:37:00 No.56149 Report

Quoted By:

>>56054

former 500ex rider here - 250 or 500 would fit you just fine, at the time I had my bike I was 260 and 5'10, and I had a blast riding it and no problems at all leaving stops. Then again, I low-sided the bike into a curb 3 months into having it - but I was able to walk away because I had full gear on.

One thing I wish I did is what this guy recommends
>>56050
Either taking a course other than the standard MSF course required by the DMV(which taught me the many basics of using a bike) or flipping through Keith Code's "Twist of the Wrist" book, which is pure awesome by the way.

Anonymous

Anonymous Fri 31 Oct 2008 18:19:00 No.56187 Report

Quoted By: >>56244

>The majority of new riders crash within the first 2 months of getting the bike, and then again at two years.

fuck yeah, I'm not in the majority

Anonymous

Anonymous Fri 31 Oct 2008 22:25:00 No.56207 Report

Quoted By:

Anonymous

Anonymous Sat 01 Nov 2008 09:14:00 No.56244 Report

Quoted By:

>>56187

In all seriousness, I wish I could be you. I dropped my bike after 3 months, and to this day I do not stop thinking about riding again. I miss it so much. Even though insurance covered everything, I was left without a bike. The economy is shit so I can't get a loan either.

Anonymous

Anonymous Sat 01 Nov 2008 09:55:00 No.56247 Report

Quoted By: >>56250

I, like OP, want to learn how to ride a motorbike. The laws in ausfalia though only allow 250 max for a p-plater (basically can ride by myself without someone else). I'm wondering, is that enough for a 30 minute ride on a highway?

Anonymous

Anonymous Sat 01 Nov 2008 10:23:00 No.56250 Report

Quoted By: >>56383

>>56247

go for a test ride on one if you can. Basically you'll be riding at the bike limit - so you don't have any torque to maneuver around obstacles, pass cars, etc. and you'll hear the high pitched whine and high vibrations from the bike the whole time. It's doable - but not comfortable.

Anonymous

Anonymous Sun 02 Nov 2008 14:03:00 No.56365 Report

Quoted By:

I see some hate for the 650R Ninjas. What the heck, I loved mine.

I also loved my 500, but quickly grew out of it.

Anonymous

Anonymous Sun 02 Nov 2008 18:37:00 No.56383 Report

Quoted By:

>>56250
But keep in mind that overtaking on a 110km/h highway is just wanking yourself.

Anonymous

Anonymous Sun 02 Nov 2008 21:43:00 No.56397 Report

Quoted By:

Hop straight on the litre bike budday, if you want to end up toast.

Drive a 250 for a year. What's the harm? Bikes are very different to cars. You have to know what to watch out for. Previous road experience counts for very little.
It's not you, it's other people.

Take my advice - I ride through central london everyday.

Anonymous

Anonymous Mon 10 Nov 2008 13:55:00 No.58066 Report

Quoted By: >>58068

get a ninja 250, i ride so i know..... ninja500 max, do not go above 500cc.... doesn't matter how careful you are, it increases the chances of your skin becoming road paint. also u just cant beat 70mpg XD

Anonymous

Anonymous Mon 10 Nov 2008 13:58:00 No.58068 Report

Quoted By:

>>58066
Same person writing again. Also, no such thing as "growing out" of a bike. A 250 is still better than a 1000 at many things. The things I can do on my ninja 250 people on their 650s cant even dream of doing due to size and weight. But if you're looking for going as fast as possible in a straight line.. well be my guest.

Anonymous

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Anonymous Mon 10 Nov 2008 15:20:00 No.58074 Report

Quoted By:

the ergonomics of sportbikes is only useful at 100mph+

I'd prefer something useful

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