Buy a sport bike sometime in the next year

[franznietzsche]

Ok, I'm looking to buy a sport bike sometime in the next year (possibly two years, depending on university financials, some things have to come first afterall). I intend for it to be my primary transport 80-90% of the time. Incidently, it will be my first bike, and no I don't have the license yet. I'll probably do some learning on my dad's chopper to get my license upgraded.

I'm looking for suggestions on possible choices. The only decision I've made so far, is that I'm fairly certain I want a sport bike, not a chopper. I've looked at the Honda CBR600F4i, but that seems a little pricey for a first bike, but from what I've read it looks like its worth the money. I've also looked over the Suzuki Katana 600/750 (I have no preference on motor size, though I don't know if I'd be happy with something as small as say the Ninja 250). There's also the Ninja 500R, or even the BMW F650 CS (cheaper than that Honda).

I'm mostly looking for recommendations and comments. Again, keep in mind that it will be my first bike. Price, and ease for a beginner are my primary concerns.

 

[Cyrus]

Suzuki GSXR-600 or Honda CBR.

My friend totaled his CBR and just got a new black and silver GSXR.

Be safe but have fun.

 

[JasonRox]

Personally, if this your first bike, I doubt you can handle a 600 or higher sports bike! Or even afford in the INSURANCE!

I'd say go with a Ninja 250. I've never driven one of those, but I'm sure they would be fine. They top out at like 160km/h (not 100% sure though).

Definitely do not get a 600 for your first bike. That's like suicide.

 

[franznietzsche]

Personally, if this your first bike, I doubt you can handle a 600 or higher sports bike! Or even afford in the INSURANCE!

I'm paying insurance on a Sebring convertible now, so as long as its no worse, I'll be ok (I have no idea actually, haven't looked into that end of it, glad you brought it up though).

I'd say go with a Ninja 250. I've never driven one of those, but I'm sure they would be fine. They top out at like 160km/h (not 100% sure though).

Definitely do not get a 600 for your first bike. That's like suicide.

Aside from the weight, how so ( I just checked the katana closer, its a wopping 458 lbs, that's a bit much)? I've checked through user reviews, and it seems a fair number of people start out on 600s.

As a side note, I'm a little over 6'3" (190 cm) so riding comfort may/may not be an issue. Just another thing I'd thought I'd mention.

I've really just started looking into this with any seriousness in the past week.

 

[JasonRox]

I'm paying insurance on a Sebring convertible now, so as long as its no worse, I'll be ok (I have no idea actually, haven't looked into that end of it, glad you brought it up though).



Aside from the weight, how so ( I just checked the katana closer, its a wopping 458 lbs, that's a bit much)? I've checked through user reviews, and it seems a fair number of people start out on 600s.

As a side note, I'm a little over 6'3" (190 cm) so riding comfort may/may not be an issue. Just another thing I'd thought I'd mention.

I've really just started looking into this with any seriousness in the past week.

I still wouldn't be surprised if it cost you more on insurance than your car.

It's freaking expensive, especially for first year riding. It probably cuts by 40% after the first year though.

 

[Cyrus]

Franz, get a 600 unless you want cars riding your rear tire. My friend started with a 600. A 600 is fine..

Insurance is not bad in the US Jason. Actually, my friend told me insurance is higher for a 600 because most people start with one. Its lower for a 750. I don't know if its true or not. If it is, get a 750. But 750 or 1000cc is quite a lot of power.

 

[franznietzsche]

Franz, get a 600 unless you want cars riding your rear tire. My friend started with a 600. A 600 is fine..

Insurance is not bad in the US Jason. Actually, my friend told me insurance is higher for a 600 because most people start with one. Its lower for a 750. I don't know if its true or not. If it is, get a 750. But 750 or 1000cc is quite a lot of power.

Its also a lot more money for one that size.

I was leaning towards the Katana (for price mostly) until I saw the weight.

I'll have to look more closely at what the insurance rates would be.

 

[JasonRox]

I have another question.

Are you sure a sports bike is practical for 80-90% of transportation?

Sure it's cool, but I've never met anyone using their bike 90% of the time. Usually like maybe 50% at most and that's not even year round. Sport bikes aren't the most comfortable ride. If they are short trips, then that's ok. When I say short, I mean no longer than 10 minute rides. You can ride longer than that, but it won't be pleasant doing it everyday, back and forth.

Have you looked into 500's?

 

[Kurdt]

Suzuki gs500 is a very good starter.

 

[turbo]

Check with your insurance company before deciding on displacement. There is usually a boost in the premiums at the 600cc level, so a 500 could cost less and save you money every year in insurance premiums. A Buell Blast could be the perfect 1st sport bike. They are very light and powerful, and you'll get around 70 mpg. 492cc making 34 hp at 6500 rpm is pretty darned good in a bike that weighs in at 360#.

 

[scorpa]

Check with your insurance company before deciding on displacement. There is usually a boost in the premiums at the 600cc level, so a 500 could cost less and save you money every year in insurance premiums. A Buell Blast could be the perfect 1st sport bike. They are very light and powerful, and you'll get around 70 mpg. 492cc making 34 hp at 6500 rpm is pretty darned good in a bike that weighs in at 360#.

Buell Blasts are good bikes but depending on how tall you are you might find them a bit small (size wise not powerwise). I am 5'8 and find them way to little. If you get a 600 sportbike don't think that just because it is only a 600 it won't be a big deal...those things go like the devil! They absolutley fly...so have fun but be careful especially while you are getting used to it. I've known a few people who have totalled them off because they have underestimated them (code for being really stupid lol). I'm sure they are very fun bikes just not my style. If you are considering a BMW 650 I would look at those more closely...they are great very versatile bikes. You can get a used Harley Davidson sportster 883 or 1200 for a very good price if you look at the models before the rubber mounted engine was introduced...not really the style you seem to be looking for but it's also something you might want to just look at to see if you would like it or not. Have fun

 

[JasonRox]

Check with your insurance company before deciding on displacement. There is usually a boost in the premiums at the 600cc level, so a 500 could cost less and save you money every year in insurance premiums. A Buell Blast could be the perfect 1st sport bike. They are very light and powerful, and you'll get around 70 mpg. 492cc making 34 hp at 6500 rpm is pretty darned good in a bike that weighs in at 360#.

Yeah, that's the bike I was thinking of. Nice bike too.

 

[franznietzsche]

I have another question.

Are you sure a sports bike is practical for 80-90% of transportation?

Sure it's cool, but I've never met anyone using their bike 90% of the time. Usually like maybe 50% at most and that's not even year round. Sport bikes aren't the most comfortable ride. If they are short trips, then that's ok. When I say short, I mean no longer than 10 minute rides. You can ride longer than that, but it won't be pleasant doing it everyday, back and forth.

Have you looked into 500's?

That sort of thing is exactly why I'm asking. Like I said, I just started looking into this, and it will probably be at least a year before I actually get one (basically, whenever my car finally goes caput).

 

[franznietzsche]

Buell Blasts are good bikes but depending on how tall you are you might find them a bit small (size wise not powerwise). I am 5'8 and find them way to little. If you get a 600 sportbike don't think that just because it is only a 600 it won't be a big deal...those things go like the devil! They absolutley fly...so have fun but be careful especially while you are getting used to it. I've known a few people who have totalled them off because they have underestimated them (code for being really stupid lol). I'm sure they are very fun bikes just not my style. If you are considering a BMW 650 I would look at those more closely...they are great very versatile bikes. You can get a used Harley Davidson sportster 883 or 1200 for a very good price if you look at the models before the rubber mounted engine was introduced...not really the style you seem to be looking for but it's also something you might want to just look at to see if you would like it or not. Have fun

Looking at the Blast, I like it, but the height will probably be an issue (again, I'm 6'3"). I'm not so worried about the power in the 600s, mostly because I'm not a particularly psychotic driver (unlike my cousins, I have yet to wreck the 700cc Raptor, or the 600cc jetskis. Not the same thing, I know, but from experience my tendency has always been to overestimate the power of the vehicle I'm driving, rather than to underestimate it.). I will probably look more closely at the BMW F650.

 

[scorpa]

Looking at the Blast, I like it, but the height will probably be an issue (again, I'm 6'3"). I'm not so worried about the power in the 600s, mostly because I'm not a particularly psychotic driver (unlike my cousins, I have yet to wreck the 700cc Raptor, or the 600cc jetskis. Not the same thing, I know, but from experience my tendency has always been to overestimate the power of the vehicle I'm driving, rather than to underestimate it.). I will probably look more closely at the BMW F650.

A similar bike to the F650 that will be a lot cheaper is the Suzuki Vstrom 600...not nearly as pretty as the 650 but it still has great reviews. I would take the Beemer over the Suzuki though anyday. I'm really not a fan of the japanese brands unless it is for dirtbikes, quads...ect.

 

[franznietzsche]

A similar bike to the F650 that will be a lot cheaper is the Suzuki Vstrom 600...not nearly as pretty as the 650 but it still has great reviews. I would take the Beemer over the Suzuki though anyday. I'm really not a fan of the japanese brands unless it is for dirtbikes, quads...ect.

I am a big fan of yamaha quads. I've had a lot of fun with the Raptor and the Banshee, even with the Warrior (which I nearly took over a cliff once).

 

[berkeman]

Have you taken the MSF class yet? That's a good start, and it gives you some VERY valuable street riding strategies and tips. Cages are dangerous to us bikers.

An F4 or the SV650 would be good initial choices, as long as you exercise some self control with your right hand. I commute all year-round on my sportbike here in Northern California (rain or shine), and I used to go to the racetrack with my sportbike at least twice a year. After I got my first motocross bike, though, I'd rather ride the dirt instead of taking my sportbike to the track. The important thing is to keep the high-speed fun and wheelies and stoppies off the public roads, and get those thrills at a racetrack (school or track day), or in the dirt. If you fall into the trap of riding canyons fast or stunting on the road, you will start to pile up the tickets, and run the risk of a very bad crash.

Oh yeah, I started on a VFR, then rode F3/F4 bikes for a long while, and now have a Buell XB-12R Firebolt.

 

[franznietzsche]

Have you taken the MSF class yet? That's a good start, and it gives you some VERY valuable street riding strategies and tips. Cages are dangerous to us bikers.

No, but I do intend to. Like I said, I just really made the decision to do this in the past week, though I'd been considering it for a few months. And it will still probably be a year before I make a purchase.

An F4 or the SV650 would be good initial choices, as long as you exercise some self control with your right hand. I commute all year-round on my sportbike here in Northern California (rain or shine), and I used to go to the racetrack with my sportbike at least twice a year. After I got my first motocross bike, though, I'd rather ride the dirt instead of taking my sportbike to the track. The important thing is to keep the high-speed fun and wheelies and stoppies off the public roads, and get those thrills at a racetrack (school or track day), or in the dirt. If you fall into the trap of riding canyons fast or stunting on the road, you will start to pile up the tickets, and run the risk of a very bad crash.

I have little intention of doing any sort of stunt riding on public roads. Cops out here have too much time for catching speeders as is.

I'm curious, how long is your commute?

Oh yeah, I started on a VFR, then rode F3/F4 bikes for a long while, and now have a Buell XB-12R Firebolt.

 

[scorpa]

I am a big fan of yamaha quads. I've had a lot of fun with the Raptor and the Banshee, even with the Warrior (which I nearly took over a cliff once).

Oh yeah yamaha quads are great! We used to have a little blaster...not very big but tons of fun! Their dirtbikes are awesome to but I think if I were buying a new one I would go for a Honda or KTM.

 

[berkeman]

I'm curious, how long is your commute?

It's varied over the years, but it's in the range of 35-45 minutes depending on traffic. There have been some days where traffic was backed up for the whole commute for an accident or something, and that can take a bit longer. My daily commute is about 30-40% lane splitting and the rest straight 80mph or so. Slower in the rain, obviously. It takes several years of riding and experience before you should do much rain riding.

 

[turbo]

It takes several years of riding and experience before you should do much rain riding.

I took my motorcycle road test in a wet slushy snow-storm. My buddy and I had to ride our bikes 25 miles each way to get to the examination site, then the MC inspector told us that we couldn't take the road test due to the snow. The other inspector pointed out that we had successfully ridden 25 miles in these very conditions and suggested the the bike inspector should give us our road tests, which he then did. We both passed. I don't make a habit of riding in the snow, but then again, I've had another 35 years to smarten up a bit. When I took the road test, I was young enough to think I was bulletproof.

 

[berkeman]

The other inspector pointed out that we had successfully ridden 25 miles in these very conditions and suggested the the bike inspector should give us our road tests, which he then did. We both passed.

Very impressive. I've ridden my dirtbikes in the snow before, but never on my sportbike.

 

[turbo]

Very impressive. I've ridden my dirtbikes in the snow before, but never on my sportbike.

Keith and I each had Yamaha 350 2-strokes, and we rode them in snow, bombed around in sand-pits, and generally treated them like they were dirt bikes with street tires. Those little bikes were quick!

 

[WhyIsItSo]

As a side note, I'm a little over 6'3" (190 cm) so riding comfort may/may not be an issue. Just another thing I'd thought I'd mention.

I don't think Honda makes it anymore, but if used is an option, consider the VFR 800.

It is sporty, has respectable power, and is stable. Given your size, I might suggest this would be a reasonable combination of features for a new rider. It is about 470Lbs dry, and the seat height is about 32 inches.

It is not a full "crotch rocket" seating position. Sporty, yes, but leaves a little more "stretch room".

You aren't going to win any "Red Light Grand Prix" with one, but it is definitely NOT embarrassing.

The only real downside I can think of would be if you are going to go long distances on it. It does have a lot of vibration (being a V-twin), though not anything like a cruiser. You'll get a bad case of "numb-bum" after a few hours on the highway, and your arms may tingle too :)

At the end of the day, you just can't beat throwing your leg over different bikes and seeing how you like it (or not). Remember too that your short 10 minute test ride won't tell you how you'll feel after riding for two hours.

Later, when you have more experience, you might be able to extrapolate your test ride into what it will feel like after several hours. Several years ago, I considered the Hayabusa. Felt far more stable than I expected, but I could tell I'd be hurting after an all-day ride. I bought a Honda 1100 Blackbird instead. Sure, ride all day, for several days, and you'll hurt, but I knew it was the most comfortable bike for what I wanted, sports-touring.

Good luck, and keep the rubber-side down.

 

[scorpa]

It takes several years of riding and experience before you should do much rain riding.

Unfortunately sometimes you just can't avoid it. I remember being out riding a KLR 650 on a nice sunny day, when all of a sudden dark clouds moved in fast and it just poured. About 5 minutes later in the middle of nowhere I ran out of gas...thank god for reserve!

 

[Ascetic Anchorite]

it will be my first bike, and no I don't have the license yet.

Get one of these engine kits for a (any) bicycle:

http://www.bikeengines.com/brianbike5.jpg

http://www.bikeengines.com/vrobin.jpg

http://www.bikeengines.com/

250 - 300mpg at 30mph, and you get to peddle too so you will retain your fitness and health, also good in case the engine conks out.

No license needed in most states, no registration, tax, etc.

 

[franznietzsche]

Get one of these engine kits for a (any) bicycle:

http://www.bikeengines.com/brianbike5.jpg

http://www.bikeengines.com/vrobin.jpg

http://www.bikeengines.com/

250 - 300mpg at 30mph, and you get to peddle too so you will retain your fitness and health, also good in case the engine conks out.

No license needed in most states, no registration, tax, etc.

I have to say, that's not going to cut it on my 20+ mile commutes (I have several, different ones depending on the time of year, and yes the shortest is 20 miles, the longest about 75. Each way).

edit: I have had bicycles, many. When I said bike, i meant motorcycle.

 

[scorpa]

I can't believe I forgot about the SV 650...that would probably be the ideal bike for you to start on. If there are any bike shows coming up I would definitely go to one, very nice to be able to see all the bikes in one place.

Oh yeah, I started on a VFR, then rode F3/F4 bikes for a long while, and now have a Buell XB-12R Firebolt.

How do you like the Buell? Those are pretty cool bikes. Isn't the oil in the swingarm and gas in the frame or something like that?

 

[berkeman]

How do you like the Buell? Those are pretty cool bikes. Isn't the oil in the swingarm and gas in the frame or something like that?

Yeah, and the front brake disk is mounted on the wheel rim, not on the inner hub. There are several unusual features like that. They're okay, but I bought the bike because I liked the idea of having an American sportbike. Neat concept.

Overall I like the Buell, but it took a while to get used to it. It's about the same size and weight as my 600F4, and it has about the same horsepower rating (around 95-100hp). But it has twice the torque and half the redline of my F4, so it takes some getting used to. Plus, when you hit the rev limiter, it's like hitting the brakes -- pretty obnoxious. So you spend a lot more attention during hard acceleration to listen for the sound of approaching redline. It's a little easier to wheelie than my F4, but a little harder to stoppie (all on private property, BTW, no stunting on public roads). The stock tires have an obnoxious wide/flat profile that makes turning-in a chore, so I was happy to wear those out quickly and switch to more standard D208 tires.

 

[franznietzsche]

I can't believe I forgot about the SV 650...that would probably be the ideal bike for you to start on. If there are any bike shows coming up I would definitely go to one, very nice to be able to see all the bikes in one place.

What do you think about the GS500F?