What size bike should i start out on?

Question

Ive riden dirt bikes and scooters plenty of times but I have never been on a street bike. Im getting my license soon and i need to find a bike. I want a sport bike with and aggressive look like the R1, but not that much power. Most people say to start out with a 250 like the Ninja 250 but i dont like the looks of those or the 500r's. Ive been researching the Kawasaki ZX600 or other 600cc bikes. Is that to much power for my starting off? Thanks

Answer 1

Get the sport bike after you learn to handle a regular street bike, it's ALL about safety. Take the ABATE motorcycle class or one offered at some dealerships. Dirt bikes are nothing like sport bikes, take the class it will save your life some day. A great bike for a starter is the Honda Rebel 250. This "little" bike will get you 80 mpg and still do 75 to 80 mph, and have great resale when you do move up to that sport bike.

Answer 2

A 600cc bike is great to start out on, but if you don't feel comfortable on it at first, just go to a day training course in your area. These courses help tremendously.

Answer 3

If you are confident try a Suzuki SV650. These are 71 hp and plenty hot - really too hot for your application but it cost like heck to trade up these days. Or, look at a Suzuki Katana 600 or a Bandit 600. These are also energetic bikes but down scale from the GXRs & RRs etc. Buy a helmet and have fun.

Answer 4

You and I face the same problem. The need to come out with something like an R4, GSXR400, CBR350RR, or ZX535!!! I'm stuck inbetween a 250 and 600! Insurance costs is like night and day.

Get something like a Suzuki SV650S or Ducati Monster (6 series). They are V-twins and provide a nice manageable torque curve, unlike high strung inline 600's. The Kawasaki Ninja 650R (US) ER6(UK) is an inline 2 cyl, like a four wheeler. Another bike, though slightly dated looking is the Suzuki GS500F. All these are more friendly than a razor sharp 600.

Aprilia has the Shiver 750, Triumph has the Speed Triple, if you're into naked bikes.

Answer 5

Having been in your position before, I would suggest getting a used 200-500 cc bike for a little while. Once you've taken a safety course and ridden your bike for a while, you'll be well prepared for a 600cc bike like a Honda CBR or Ninja.

If you're confident that you can handle a bike on the street and that you can stop yourself from making bad decisions like hot-dogging it, then 600cc won't be too much power for you.

My advice would be to give some different bikes a test ride to see what suites you best.