Comments on: What makes a Good Starter-Bike? http://www.citybikerblog.com/2007/05/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/ Thu, 29 Jul 2010 06:22:12 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: glow http://www.citybikerblog.com/2007/05/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-2074 glow Sun, 25 Apr 2010 18:45:58 +0000 http://citybiker.wordpress.com/2007/05/15/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/#comment-2074 you talked about a lot of sport bikes, was just wondering what would be a good harley to start on? you talked about a lot of sport bikes, was just wondering what would be a good harley to start on?

]]> By: maxx http://www.citybikerblog.com/2007/05/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-2031 maxx Thu, 15 Apr 2010 02:36:36 +0000 http://citybiker.wordpress.com/2007/05/15/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/#comment-2031 So I took the MSF and changed my mind. I ended up buying a 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 instead of the Virago 250 or Vstar 650. I figured it was a good middle ground. I read that the Vulcan is nimble and has a forgiving throttle but has plenty of power to out-muscle some 650's. I bring her home on Saturday! Thanks Leo! So I took the MSF and changed my mind. I ended up buying a 2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 instead of the Virago 250 or Vstar 650. I figured it was a good middle ground. I read that the Vulcan is nimble and has a forgiving throttle but has plenty of power to out-muscle some 650’s. I bring her home on Saturday! Thanks Leo!

]]> By: maxx http://www.citybikerblog.com/2007/05/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-1971 maxx Sun, 28 Mar 2010 20:05:58 +0000 http://citybiker.wordpress.com/2007/05/15/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/#comment-1971 Leo, Thanks for the great advice. I think I'm still leaning towards learning faster on a smaller, cheaper bike and selling at the end of the season. I read that the Virago 250 can hit 70mph but will beg for mercy after a while (I can live with that for now) and may let you down if you're going 55 and you're trying to pass a car going the same speed (that's my only concern at this point). I did pay attention to my car driving habits on the BQE, GCP and JR and can rarely maintain speeds above 65.. even on a relatively clear Sunday morning, so I think the 250 is the better short-term fit. But who knows, I could very well change my mind after the MSF. I'll keep you updated.. thanks again! Leo,
Thanks for the great advice. I think I’m still leaning towards learning faster on a smaller, cheaper bike and selling at the end of the season. I read that the Virago 250 can hit 70mph but will beg for mercy after a while (I can live with that for now) and may let you down if you’re going 55 and you’re trying to pass a car going the same speed (that’s my only concern at this point). I did pay attention to my car driving habits on the BQE, GCP and JR and can rarely maintain speeds above 65.. even on a relatively clear Sunday morning, so I think the 250 is the better short-term fit. But who knows, I could very well change my mind after the MSF. I’ll keep you updated..
thanks again!

]]> By: Leo http://www.citybikerblog.com/2007/05/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-1968 Leo Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:31:13 +0000 http://citybiker.wordpress.com/2007/05/15/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/#comment-1968 Hey Maxx, The cruiser 250's and 125's (like they use for the MSFs) are loads of fun and great to learn on...BUT they don't work so well on highways (top speed somewhere in the 50-60 mph range). So it's not fast enough for Jackie Robinson or Grand Central...except during rush hour. The only 250 I recommend is the EX250 - you can find older ones for around 1k, and they hit 100mph, so they have enough power for the highways, and have a "standard" (not leaned over or leaned back) riding position... They're really unfortunate-looking though (ie ugly). On the other hand, plenty of people learn to ride on 650 twins. There's more power...but air cooled twins are still manageable for novices after an MSF (in my experience). The main problem is the weight...it weighs over 500lbs. The kind of problems you'll have in the first few months have to do with things like coming to a full stop and forgetting to straighten out the wheel... On a 250 you'll put your foot down hard and catch it...on a 500+ lbs machine you'll probably drop it. It's not life-threatening, but painful (if your leg is under it) and embarrassing if there are people around. But if you're willing to live with that - all the other dangers are pretty much equal... So after you take the MSF, if you feel like "I want to really develop my riding skills and master this stuff as fast as I can" then get a 250...you'll learn faster on a smaller bike (and you can probably sell it in August for the same price you bought it in the Spring). But if you feel like "I like this, and I can do it, and I don't mind taking it slow..." then go straight for the v-star and enjoy the riding season... Either way good luck! Hey Maxx,

The cruiser 250’s and 125’s (like they use for the MSFs) are loads of fun and great to learn on…BUT they don’t work so well on highways (top speed somewhere in the 50-60 mph range). So it’s not fast enough for Jackie Robinson or Grand Central…except during rush hour. The only 250 I recommend is the EX250 – you can find older ones for around 1k, and they hit 100mph, so they have enough power for the highways, and have a “standard” (not leaned over or leaned back) riding position… They’re really unfortunate-looking though (ie ugly).

On the other hand, plenty of people learn to ride on 650 twins. There’s more power…but air cooled twins are still manageable for novices after an MSF (in my experience). The main problem is the weight…it weighs over 500lbs. The kind of problems you’ll have in the first few months have to do with things like coming to a full stop and forgetting to straighten out the wheel… On a 250 you’ll put your foot down hard and catch it…on a 500+ lbs machine you’ll probably drop it. It’s not life-threatening, but painful (if your leg is under it) and embarrassing if there are people around. But if you’re willing to live with that – all the other dangers are pretty much equal…

So after you take the MSF, if you feel like “I want to really develop my riding skills and master this stuff as fast as I can” then get a 250…you’ll learn faster on a smaller bike (and you can probably sell it in August for the same price you bought it in the Spring). But if you feel like “I like this, and I can do it, and I don’t mind taking it slow…” then go straight for the v-star and enjoy the riding season…

Either way good luck!

]]> By: maxx http://www.citybikerblog.com/2007/05/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-1966 maxx Fri, 26 Mar 2010 05:12:35 +0000 http://citybiker.wordpress.com/2007/05/15/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/#comment-1966 I live in Brooklyn. I'm (hopefully) getting my license next week after taking an MSF course and I've been doing a lot of research about what makes a great first bike. I'm a young 36 years old, but cruisers appeal to me more than sport bikes. I was originally looking at getting a Yamaha V-Star 650 but after finding that an overwhelming number of veteran riders/bloggers recommend starting small (one recommended 125cc) and then increasing CCs after a year or 2 of building confidence and experience, I think I've changed my focus to a Yamaha Virago or V-Star 250. The one piece of conflicting information I keep coming across is this: With great power comes great responsibility and a beginner can easily get into trouble with power he or she doesn't have the experience to harness -vs- There are instances where you need power to get out of sticky situations. Since this site is geared towards the city biker, what's your take on this, knowing NYC traffic? I'm an athletic 5'6, 145lbs and plan to mostly ride around BK and Manhattan and occasionally into Queens and LI (when I drive, I take the Jackie Robinson) and hope to ride into the Poconos region in PA a few times per summer. thanks in advance. Dope site, btw. I live in Brooklyn. I’m (hopefully) getting my license next week after taking an MSF course and I’ve been doing a lot of research about what makes a great first bike. I’m a young 36 years old, but cruisers appeal to me more than sport bikes. I was originally looking at getting a Yamaha V-Star 650 but after finding that an overwhelming number of veteran riders/bloggers recommend starting small (one recommended 125cc) and then increasing CCs after a year or 2 of building confidence and experience, I think I’ve changed my focus to a Yamaha Virago or V-Star 250.
The one piece of conflicting information I keep coming across is this: With great power comes great responsibility and a beginner can easily get into trouble with power he or she doesn’t have the experience to harness -vs- There are instances where you need power to get out of sticky situations. Since this site is geared towards the city biker, what’s your take on this, knowing NYC traffic?
I’m an athletic 5′6, 145lbs and plan to mostly ride around BK and Manhattan and occasionally into Queens and LI (when I drive, I take the Jackie Robinson) and hope to ride into the Poconos region in PA a few times per summer.
thanks in advance.

Dope site, btw.

]]> By: Jesse http://www.citybikerblog.com/2007/05/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-1938 Jesse Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:38:09 +0000 http://citybiker.wordpress.com/2007/05/15/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/#comment-1938 I'm 6' 11", and my first bike was a Ninja EX650R. The KLR is even MORE comfy. (KLR is really exceptional in the comfort department for tall folks.) The Versys was OK, but the '07 seat was pretty craptastic. (I dunno if they fixed it.) I’m 6′ 11″, and my first bike was a Ninja EX650R. The KLR is even MORE comfy. (KLR is really exceptional in the comfort department for tall folks.) The Versys was OK, but the ‘07 seat was pretty craptastic. (I dunno if they fixed it.)

]]> By: NP http://www.citybikerblog.com/2007/05/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-1931 NP Tue, 09 Mar 2010 03:15:09 +0000 http://citybiker.wordpress.com/2007/05/15/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/#comment-1931 Thanks so much! Thanks so much!

]]> By: Leo http://www.citybikerblog.com/2007/05/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-1928 Leo Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:01:05 +0000 http://citybiker.wordpress.com/2007/05/15/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/#comment-1928 Hey NP, Big guys can ride smaller bikes too. Smaller bikes don't necessarily mean a smaller riding position. So a Ninja 250 or SV650 is just as roomy with your feet on the pegs as pretty much any standard motorcycle... But...having said that - I think taller riders have a broader range selection to start off with...so if you want to stretch your legs... Dual sport bikes like the KLR650 are pretty good bikes to learn on if you can flat foot them, and worth keeping for the long run... The Versys (another 650) is also not a bad way to go...and really practical for the city. Lots of people learn to ride on 800cc (like the 880 Sportster) Harley's - they'll probably give you the most leg room... And I'm sure there are some other's I can't think of at the moment... They're not the sexiest bikes out there - but lots of bikers think these are some of the best and most practical... So if you're big enough to flat-foot them, and comfortable enough with the weight...I've known guys in the city who managed to learn to ride on them. Hope that helps, cheers! Hey NP,

Big guys can ride smaller bikes too. Smaller bikes don’t necessarily mean a smaller riding position. So a Ninja 250 or SV650 is just as roomy with your feet on the pegs as pretty much any standard motorcycle…

But…having said that – I think taller riders have a broader range selection to start off with…so if you want to stretch your legs… Dual sport bikes like the KLR650 are pretty good bikes to learn on if you can flat foot them, and worth keeping for the long run…

The Versys (another 650) is also not a bad way to go…and really practical for the city.

Lots of people learn to ride on 800cc (like the 880 Sportster) Harley’s – they’ll probably give you the most leg room…

And I’m sure there are some other’s I can’t think of at the moment…

They’re not the sexiest bikes out there – but lots of bikers think these are some of the best and most practical… So if you’re big enough to flat-foot them, and comfortable enough with the weight…I’ve known guys in the city who managed to learn to ride on them.

Hope that helps, cheers!

]]> By: np http://www.citybikerblog.com/2007/05/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-1927 np Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:02:24 +0000 http://citybiker.wordpress.com/2007/05/15/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/#comment-1927 So you have recommendations for average size guys and lighter fellas. How about a starter bike recommendation for a big dude (assuming over 6 feet tall etc). So you have recommendations for average size guys and lighter fellas. How about a starter bike recommendation for a big dude (assuming over 6 feet tall etc).

]]> By: J.Schwartz http://www.citybikerblog.com/2007/05/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/comment-page-1/#comment-771 J.Schwartz Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:12:09 +0000 http://citybiker.wordpress.com/2007/05/15/what-makes-a-good-starter-bike/#comment-771 One thing to keep in mind with the Ducati Monsters - the seat is very low, which is good, but for many people the reach to the handlebars is a long one. So it's a good idea to throw a leg over one and see how comfortable it is for you (which is really advice that applies to all bikes you might be considering.) One thing to keep in mind with the Ducati Monsters – the seat is very low, which is good, but for many people the reach to the handlebars is a long one. So it’s a good idea to throw a leg over one and see how comfortable it is for you (which is really advice that applies to all bikes you might be considering.)

]]>