Buying a bike

[hayden695]

I am looking to get a crotch rocket (or sport bike or w/e you call it). I am not too experienced with these types of bikes, I only have rode dirtbikes and stuff, but I have some extra money and I have always wanted one.

Sorry I am a n00b in this, I have been trying to do some research but I felt I should ask my ISH brothas.

btw I am a pretty tall guy too so take that into account.

I am just wondering what would be a good beginner bike.

[AtomSmasher]

Honda nighthawk is a great starter bike and you can probably find ones that run pretty cheap. I have an 84 and it's awesome.

[rezznor]

R6 or R1

[Lebowsky]

If you've never touched a sport bike before, I'd advise you to get a small one first, like 250cc or so, and take your time learning to ride properly. Otherwise, chances are you'll hurt yourself badly. Sport bikes are no joke. Aprilia and Honda have some crazy 250cc. models, like Honda NSR 250 (this is an old model, should be pretty cheap if you can find one) and Aprilia RS 250:

http://www.2-takt.net/16tortenet/nsr/nsrmodels/MC21%2091%20NSR%20250%20R%20black-grey.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1f/Aprilia-rs250.jpg

After some time, when you feel you're ready, you can always upgrade and get something faster/more powerful. A personal favourite of mine is the Honda CBR 600.

http://www.queguai.com/images/HONDA%20CBR%20600%20RR%20%2803-06%29.png

[DukeDelonte13]

Honda nighthawk is a great starter bike and you can probably find ones that run pretty cheap. I have an 84 and it's awesome.


i got an 83 650 and i love the ****ing thing. Bought it for 600 bucks, runs like a champ. Never had the need to buy another bike yet.


But to the OP, don't waste your money. Get a naked bike. Same engine + tranny as the sport bike, but cheaper, less plastic, better ergonomics, less maintenance, less insurance, and better low speed handling. The only thing crotch rockets really do good at is go above 130 mph.

Go naked.

[DukeDelonte13]

R6 or R1


R1 is quite far from a beginner bike

[netsfan549]

How much a bike cost? Is it possible for someone to rent a bike?

[phoenix18]

First of all, nothing too powerful. So get rid of all the dreams of having a 600-1000+cc bike.

Why?

Because you didnt learn to drive in a super car so why would you learn to drive on a superbike?

Also, get a naked bike. What I mean by Naked is that they dont have any fairings(the plastic on the sides). Beginners usually drop bikes and fairings are expensive to replace.

[hayden695]

BTW I was thinking of taking the course for learning how to ride, its just that you need your own bike for it. Also it cuts insurance costs a bunch apparently.

Like I said I know basically how to ride, and an uncle of mine is big into bikes so he could show me what I don't know and all that.

So naked bikes just don't have fairings? Or is there other differences?

For te lower CC bikes how much does the size of the entire bike change, like what would be the difference in like a 250 to a 600 or something. I understand what CC is but is it like dirtbikes where when you are bigger you go higher because the rest o the bike is bigger.

[Lebowsky]

BTW I was thinking of taking the course for learning how to ride, its just that you need your own bike for it. Also it cuts insurance costs a bunch apparently.

Like I said I know basically how to ride, and an uncle of mine is big into bikes so he could show me what I don't know and all that.

So naked bikes just don't have fairings? Or is there other differences?

For te lower CC bikes how much does the size of the entire bike change, like what would be the difference in like a 250 to a 600 or something. I understand what CC is but is it like dirtbikes where when you are bigger you go higher because the rest o the bike is bigger.

Well, I've only owned 250cc and 600cc bikes, and I'd say the differences in size aren't that big. 600cc are bigger and (slightly) heavier, but not that much. It's all about speed and power. 250cc make great starting bikes, because they're fun and (relatively, since they're still bikes) safe. Top speed is around 120-130 mph, and the acceleration is already sick. Now a 600cc is a different animal. There's a huge increase in power, (from 70 to 120 hp in the bikes I owned), which translates in an out-of-this-world acceleration and sometimes makes you feel like you're riding an angry horse about to go bananas.

[dough]

http://www.fietswereldmelse.nl/imagehandler/product/Batavus_Robusta_N7.jpg

[phoenix18]

Well, I've only owned 250cc and 600cc bikes, and I'd say the differences in size aren't that big. 600cc are bigger and (slightly) heavier, but not that much. It's all about speed and power. 250cc make great starting bikes, because they're fun and (relatively, since they're still bikes) safe. Top speed is around 120-130 mph, and the acceleration is already sick. Now a 600cc is a different animal. There's a huge increase in power, (from 70 to 120 hp in the bikes I owned), which translates in an out-of-this-world acceleration and sometimes makes you feel like you're riding an angry horse about to go bananas.


Have you riden a 1000?:eek:

[Lebowsky]

Have you riden a 1000?:eek:

No, never. My CBR 600 is the biggest bike I've ever ridden. I sold it last year and I regret it.

[pete's montreux]

It'd be cool to get something cheap for like $600-$800 for the summer.

[phoenix18]

No, never. My CBR 600 is the biggest bike I've ever ridden. I sold it last year and I regret it.
On a stupid dare, I rode one and pissed my pants. Literally.

I never got out of first gear..:eek: Never had that kind of acceleration before in my life.

I have been thinking about buying a bike for a looong time, but I always chicken out.

[Lebowsky]

On a stupid dare, I rode one and pissed my pants. Literally.

I never got out of first gear..:eek: Never had that kind of acceleration before in my life.

I have been thinking about buying a bike for a looong time, but I always chicken out.

That's what I was talking about, on a first approach these machines feel as though they have too much power to be controlled. It takes time to get used to them, that's why one should always start with something small and safe and upgrade from there.

[DukeDelonte13]

It'd be cool to get something cheap for like $600-$800 for the summer.


ill sell you my bike for 700$

[DukeDelonte13]

That's what I was talking about, on a first approach these machines feel as though they have too much power to be controlled. It takes time to get used to them, that's why one should always start with something small and safe and upgrade from there.


1000 and + are just too heavy for me. They are awful bikes to ride around town.

[paperstreet]

If you are pretty tall, not sure a 250 would work for you. I would look at the Suzuki Bandit 600, Honda 599, Yamaha FZ6, Suzuki Vstrom 650, maybe a Sv650. Probably stick with used, and invest in a pair of frame sliders if you dump it.

And invest in some good gear, Jacket with armor, helmet, gloves, pants, boots.There are some good websites out there to buy these things. If possible, go to a dealer and try some stuff on, but try to avoid buying there because the dealer markup is usually pretty high.

I didn't, but I understand if you take a motorcycle class, your insurance company will cut your rates.

[hayden695]

I'm in the range of 6'4 to 6'6. Haven't measured in a while.

Thanks for all the help everyone.

[rezznor]

I'm in the range of 6'4 to 6'6. Haven't measured in a while.

Thanks for all the help everyone.
6'6" on a 250... You'll look like a clown.

[hayden695]

6'6" on a 250... You'll look like a clown.
I figured as much. How hard will it be to find something so that doesn't happen?

I stopped by a dealership today and checked a few, had a buddy there and I sat on some bikes, he said it looked alright.

[rezznor]

I figured as much. How hard will it be to find something so that doesn't happen?

I stopped by a dealership today and checked a few, had a buddy there and I sat on some bikes, he said it looked alright.
honestly, buy a cheap used 600 to learn on. i learned on a cbr600 before i bought a new r1.

cbr 600 or r6 would be good bikes to start off with, they handle well. i would avoid a gsxr for now.

[hayden695]

honestly, buy a cheap used 600 to learn on. i learned on a cbr600 before i bought a new r1.

cbr 600 or r6 would be good bikes to start off with, they handle well. i would avoid a gsxr for now.
A guy I know just bought a gsxr, I don't know much about bikes, but that thing is sick. I wasn't thinking about buying one though, and I was gonna go used for sure.

What would be a good price range for a cbr600 or r6, I just don't wanna get ripped.

[rezznor]

A guy I know just bought a gsxr, I don't know much about bikes, but that thing is sick. I wasn't thinking about buying one though, and I was gonna go used for sure.

What would be a good price range for a cbr600 or r6, I just don't wanna get ripped.
its definitely a nice bike, but its harder to handle and maneuver then an r6 or cbr. its also heavier.

[rezznor]

A guy I know just bought a gsxr, I don't know much about bikes, but that thing is sick. I wasn't thinking about buying one though, and I was gonna go used for sure.

What would be a good price range for a cbr600 or r6, I just don't wanna get ripped.
really depends on how old and what condition it is mine. my friend bought a 3 year old r6 for 3000 but that was a good deal. my r1 was 12,000 when i bought it brand new.

[hayden695]

really depends on how old and what condition it is mine. my friend bought a 3 year old r6 for 3000 but that was a good deal. my r1 was 12,000 when i bought it brand new.
Alright thanks for all the help. I will definately check some out.

[Lebowsky]

I sold my 4 yr. old CBR for 5500€, including all my equipment.