Sport Bike
 

Im looking for very basic advice and direction based on the variables given below on how to purchase, find and or learn to even ride a bike:

-Budget $2000-$2500

-1st Time Rider

-Age 22 But Values Life !

-Prefers looks over Performance (For starters)
(Chances of downing a bike are high, at least its what ive been reading for beginners learning to ride?) I did learn to drive a DSM with a bad Manuel drive train set up,.... in the winter ....before ever stepping foot in a car ....and manage to get my license and havent been in an accident... I figure learning to ride a bike cant be that much harder lol (I am Joking about the comparison)


With that being said, of course there are a few more things i would like or prefer but i think the above mentioned criteria are sufficient to help point me in the right direction. Share some do's and dont's or how you went about learning and purchasing. What things to look out for, or simply where to look at to purchase a bike. For all i care just some name's of bikes!

This is completely new to me! SO PLEASE BARE WITH ME OR JUST SCROLL ON!

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:lol:

http://www.instablogsimages.com/imag...ycle_15699.jpg

Re: Sport Bike
 

Once I got my permit I went out and bought a beater '85 Honda Shadow that was 500cc. I rode that thing for a week or two every spare chance I got before taking the MSF class. http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.aspx?state=MN

Once I took the class and got my license I went out and got a new R6. I think it was good for me to get a 600 as a first rocket as I don't have as much self control as others when it comes to having that throttle in my hand. I rode every chance I get and tried to push myself while still being in 100% control and feel like I've learned a lot over the past few years.

I wouldn't worry so much about getting a cool looking bike right away, just something thats a good deal. Chances are a lot higher that you will lay down your first bike or drop it. Shit happens. If you do drop/lay it down that super clean bike you paid good money for is now is damaged and you wont get your money back. I'd start off on a 600 or maybe even a cheap cruiser to see if you like riding. Take the MSF class to get your license and have fun. Rockets can kick your ass if you don't treat them right so I'd say ride within your limits and have fun

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Honda f4i's are cheap and good starter bikes or a old gsxr but the f4i you get fuel injection witch I love , I had a old 1000 gsxr and hated the carb's .

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I would say a cheap f4i would be a good starter bike. Or any 600 rocket that is fuel injected. My first bike was a yzf 750 carb. It was a great starter bike but not built to wheelie. That bike locked up on me in the middle of a wheelie. What about a newer ninja 250? That would be a great starter bike that would be cheap to insure. f4i can be found cheap and some gsxr 600. Stay away from r6 unless its pretty new. I have a 09 ninja 650 at my work thats been laid down. You can buy that cheap. needs some love but would make a great bike

Re: Sport Bike
 

Sign up for a BRC course and get your license. Hopefully you can get a permit before that though. You might need to up that budget being it's getting closer to riding season though to find anything you'd prefer that "looks good". A sv650 is good place to start as well.

Re: Sport Bike
 

I would agree with the BRC and Permit. If you get an SV650 make sure you look at a 2nd Gen. They are fuel injected and is a fun bike to ride but it is not going to be in your price range. Also look at Ninja 500 or Honda 500EX.

Good luck and ride safe!

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I agree SV650 is probably the best learner bike out there, they have a SV650s that looks more like a rocket. The F4i is a good option too, well mannered and stable bike, but not much personality. Think of it as the civic of rockets. It would be good as a first bike, then decide which route to go later as far as what suits your taste.

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I'd say the ninja 250 too, they look good are new and super cheap

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/cs...603030899.html

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...603302303.html

Re: Sport Bike
 

Wow, so much input ! Thank you everyone ! I agree with the laying a bike down...hehe i dinged up my first vehicle quite a bit and learned quickly where not to park ...what not to be around ...what not to do ect ect but im definitely going to look into those classes. As far as actually sourcing the bikes craigslist dosnt seem to have to much...ill check again with the specific make and models...:D

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Once the snow starts to melt cl should be flooded with bikes. People might want alot for them too. Best time to buy a bike is fall and winter time. Spring you can find some deals but you have to be quick.

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PM me a few details about what happened, and what would be needed to get it rideable safety and visually vise...

Thanks

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I agree with the suggestions for a Ninja 250R; I had one back in high school for about a year and it was a very fun and easy to ride bike. The new ones have been updated to 300cc.

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Seems like the Ninja 250's look nice ...carry the lowest mileage and best price...but cheap is not always good with most things...i imagine bikes are not quite different from anything else?

Looks like there is plenty of info out there and with key words the search becomes a lot easier Nice ! As far as when people start selling...few class mates as well as instructors were saying the exact same thing about timing the purchase. But even mid season through lots of kids will buy these spendy bikes ...and unfortunately lay them down as mentioned above...and the Gold minds are fully stocked again, which is interesting to me.

I dont quite understand how some cosmetic damage results in bikes being totaled when they are still perfectly ride-able and what not. Im going to have to spend some quality time reading reviews, and narrowing the search down. I liked the Honda civic of the bike world thats funny but sounds very plausible.

Re: Sport Bike
 

I would bring someone who knows about bikes with you to a sale though. That would help immensely. Check out that f4i he posted. That looks like perfect starter bike. Otherwise you will be using a 250. I forgot how good the new ones look now.

You won't be done wheelies so I wouldn't worry about the issue he had. I'm sure it had to do with the oil pick up and not having enough oil or something and starved the motor.

There is a lot of bikes to choose from as well as styling and riding style. Go sit on some at a dealership and see what you like best.

Remember, there are 2 types of riders...

Totaled because plastics are expensive! As well as other things that can be tweaked during a crash.

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This might be a Stupid question, but i dont quite understand the 250 600 1000 number rating...sometimes i hear some ppl say CC sometimes i dont...is the same thing implied? If i was to use common sense assuming that CC still stands for Cubic centimeter...? the bigger the number the bigger the engine...? But than again size dosnt necessarily mean power in the world of cars? Is it different when it comes to bikes?

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the bigger the number, the bigger the motor. More so the more power output.

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I should of mentioned im a smaller guy....as in height and weight...strong i guess but yeah just being able to handle a bike makes a difference 2 dosnt it? Then again i see girls riding rockets every sweet once in a while! :cheer:

This is rather embarrassing but humerus at the same time...Never rode a bike haha....Sooooo how would I/one even test ride it or test sit it...LOLOL!? Im pretty mechanically inclined i could work on it and do general inspections and what not but static tests only tell you so much.... I guess i do have a few friends that ride but man....i didnt think about that part untill you just mentioned the test sit/feel some bikes...

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bigger numer = more horsepowa!

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Hahahaha Good heart you just inspired me to get one of those and mount it to my Civic's Roof Rack ! But this does not qualify under Sport bike ha!

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If you've never even ridden then take that riders safety course I linked before proceeding. They'll provide the bike to you for the course and then you can decide if you even want to ride.

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250 is one quarter of 1000CC and ive seen a buddy take of on a 1000CC...thats disturbingly fast....as my criterias said I VALUE LIFE HA! 250 sounds small but looks the nicest, (refering to the ninja) seems easiest to ride and get a good concept on what it takes to ride...

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I've met you before. Your about my size. They aren't that heavy and you don't really muscle it through a corner. That is what counter-steering is for. TBH, go watch some youtube videos about riding. That will help you as well.

example,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izJ1nStJTog&hd=1

You've ridden a pedal bike before right?

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Ok just finished reading up on the website, and it looks like the beginner rider course which is 160 will be the best option they really go over all the topics that came to mind just contemplating learning. But that 1st sentence wasnt to encouraging....''Due to the Fatality's....'' Ha Nice :bf_nonew:

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Dont forget to add gear cost into that budget. Helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, boots.

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Buy a good helmet too; money well spent for various reasons (safety, comfort, breathability, ability to remove and clean the lining, weight, etc.)

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Yeah, have i use to be pretty good...got hurt trying BMX'n that was the end of that ...i enjoyed Mountain biking and stuff...ridding my bike with no handle bars :D its been so long since then though. Maybe Ill start riding a normal bike once the snow is gone...to get a good idea again! Then take that class and i should be good.

The course mentioned i would need my own eye protection pants boots ect but DOT approved helmet?

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Your all over the place with this adventure of yours. Take the BRC course with me at DCTC on april 5th, night classes if you want someone to go with and not be a lonely newb.

As for the helmet, yes you can as long as it's snell 2005 approved or newer as well as DOT. You will need a jacket and gloves and boots for a minimum I believe for the BRC course. They also provide bikes for you so definitely $160 is worth it. But in actuality, your spending about 500-600 for the gear and course.

This is the class I'm in. http://dctc.augusoft.net/index.cfm?m...t_catalog_id=0

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That's the absolute bare minimum; plan on spending more to get a Snell M-rated helmet.

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Very true ill most likely will get the better of the helmets...., I feel its so pointless to wear a helmet but ride in a wife beater and shorts....I can see how it might feel nice and be comfortable ...but you cant ever EVER account for other peoples stupidity.

I guess ill keep saving up untill april so i can take that class. Get gear and all Ive been reading the handbook already ill keep looking for gear and get the bike once i find a good deal. Even though those links posted are super tempting ...That green ninja and red what ever cbr look so NICE! :) Ride slow, but look cool....:P With the price of gas....it might just also be an economical choice...

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There's a textile joe rocket jacket and pants for $80 someone is selling.

I feel we have a squid on our hands.

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Yeah i am....little to excited...but im really going to consider that date. It would be nice having another person there 2 ha.

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who and huh? i was born in Germany im still playing catch up on the metaphors/slang ha!

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There are several theories on how squid got started, the one that stuck with me is that you will soon be a squid mark on the road.

I would normally try to talk someone out of a 250, they are pretty horrible, but it sounds like it might be good for you. They do have a ninja 500 that is much better and you won't be looking to upgrade in a month. Don't be dumb, get some decent riding gear and wear it.

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Dont be cheap on gear and fucking wear the gear EVERYTIME YOU RIDE. I learned my leason omce not wearing my gloves. Buy a good helmet and dont buy a used one. If you drop a helmet on the ground they are junk. my shoei helmet saved my head when I flipped my 929 doing a high chair. I pefer leather jacket cause they do take alot of the beating from you. Get gloves that go past your wrist.

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FWIW, I'll be picking up a used Ninja 250 this spring as my first bike. They're relatively cheap @ 3k-ish and look pretty legit. Idk if Simply Street Bikes in Eden Prairie is shady or not, but they do have some nice used bikes

tehehodi - is that offer open to anyone? I'm looking to take the class around then as well. Would rather not be Forever Alone

+1 on riding in just a wife beater. Let's start a cruise!

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I guess i might be blessed then, meaning i love wearing helmets i think the jackets are rather comfy ...only thing i guess ill have difficulty with his ...throttle control with gloves...they dont seem to be to flexible for the feness that is needed to ride...but then again i havent tried it...this is all just theorizing.

As far as the squid part goes....yeah id rather not be a squid...but i know that i cant be to timid of a driver...the class should help out a lot. and regular city driving...and night time highway practice....avoid my super defensive attempt at riding during rush hours and what not ....but whoop whoop for a potential 3 DSM'rs perhaps in one class together!

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Feel free to join me and jungy jdlohr! The more the merrier. Strength in numbers haha. Seems like it's filling up fast. Hopefully it doesn't get cancelled on us due to ice conditions.