What is a good starter motorcycle?

Question

a ninja 250 is good i know that, but what about the 600 range? would an r6 or ninja650R be too much to learn off of?

Answer 1

A 600cc bike is fast. That is ok if you have some experience. Learning to ride is learning how to stay out of trouble at speed. There are important lessons to be learned before moving up to a 600 or above. A more appropriate bike would be a 250 to 350cc. You wouldn't get in a race car if you were learning to drive. Having an accident on a bike can be bad!

Take your time, learn the dynamics before you step it up. Modern bikes can get you in serious trouble if you are not a rider with some skills. Take a motorcycle safety course and you'll get the essentials for a safer ride and you'll gain some respect for the power of a modern bike. Then you can make the right choice when you move up.

Answer 2

I would get a used 250.  Yes you will out grow it, fast.  But starter bikes hold their value very well after the initial hit a new one takes. Taking a MSF course is a must too.

Answer 3

I don't think that a 600 would be too much to learn on, you just have to be smart about it and know your limits. Many people will say not to go above 600 and others will say you should start learning at about a 600. No matter what size engine you choose to learn on, I think that your best bet would be to take an MSF safety course. They will teach you how to ride SAFELY and how to handle a 650. The class may be a bit pricey, but it's well worth it, if it will help save your life.  

Answer 4

Figure out if you want a sport-tourer or a supersport

The R6 is a supersport.

The Ninja 650R is a sport/sport tourer.

The Kawasaki ZX-6R is a supersport, but it is known as a ninja as well.

Supersports offer extreme performance at a price- cost and ergonomics.

Sport tourers are better suited for less aggressive riding and longer rides. They are typically a little watered down compared to supersports.

Find out what kind of riding you will be doing. Of course theres tons of sportbikes.

Suzuki SV650

Aprilia Shiver 750

Suzuki GSX650F

Honda CBR600F4i

Ducati Monster

Yamaha FZ6

...just to name a few sport-tourers

Answer 5

I just got my license this week, and for my starter bike i went with a Yamaha XT225 Dual Sport bike. It gets great gas mileage like the ninja 250. I myself would not recommend a 600cc bike as a starter, but thats just me. I am gonna upgrade to a 600cc bike next season after more experience. Plus a smaller cc bike gets better gas mileage. Good luck and enjoy

Answer 6

my starter bike is a night rod special.... and i have been riding her for a month.... very fun

Answer 7

You will quickly outgrow a 250.  My starter bike is a Suzuki Boulevard s40,  a 652cc  cruiser.  It's the perfect size for me and easy to maneuver