Motorcycle advice

mellow_pilot · Post by **mellow_pilot** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 4:49 pm

Ok, so I'm looking for a small, cheap bike to learn on. Is a 1983 honda 250 custom for $1700 a good buy? I realise no one has seen it, but does that sound outrageous?

Also if anyone has any suggestions on what to get (keep in mind, I only plan on learning on this machine, so i'm looking to keep it simple and cheap, then upgrade later.)

Cheers all.

xsbank · Post by **xsbank** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 5:00 pm

I think you'll get bored with it very quickly. Buy something bigger, that can also be docile. You'll find something with torque will make you stay interested longer. As for cheap, I like BMWs and Harleys....

My first bike was a 1970 Triumph 500 and I traded it 2 months later for a 1970 Bonneville because the first was just too slow...yes, I know, "what's a Triumph?"

mellow_pilot · Post by **mellow_pilot** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 5:02 pm

I know exactly what a Triumph is!!!

Like I said, this is just for learning, I've never actually owned/ridden a bike b4. I can well afford to get bored with it, specially if ICBC thinks I'll be boring!

Doc · Post by **Doc** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 6:22 pm

Okay, first off, if you're learning, you WILL drop it. Buy something used. And cheap. But I wouldn't go less than 500cc's, unless you're a small girl. You can get into stuff really cheap in the States on ebay. Good place to start. xsbank is really correct though. You'll get bored really fast on a 500, so get a real rat bike...spend a sumer on it. Then get back to us. Any bike will do to get your licence on. Make sure you can "flat foot" the thing with both feet. And, have fun!!

Hedley · Post by **Hedley** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 6:26 pm

Even though I'm a Honda guy, for a beginner bike I'd recommend either a kawi zzr250 (aka ninja 250) or kawi ex500 (aka ninja 500). Parallel twins, good power, good insurance. Women and smaller men often prefer the 250 because of it's lighter weight.

Unless you have considerable discipline, stay away from 600/750/1000 sportbikes, which have awesome power and can get newbies in trouble very, very fast. Also difficult to insure (impossible for newbies).

Motorcycle riders tend to inhabit one of the 3 following camps: sportbike, cruiser (eg Harley and clones, Goldwing) and dirt. As a rule of thumb, if you're under 40 you ride a fast, uncomfortable, light sportbike and if you're over 40, you ride a slow, comfortable, heavy Harley.

angry inch · Post by **angry inch** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 6:40 pm

Agreed with Hedley.... good info...

I think $1700 is pretty steep for the bike you're talkin' about. Bikes do hold their value quite well though, so I wouldn't be too worried about buying something on the smaller side. Should be easy to trade up next season if need be...

Good luck & have fun...

xsbank · Post by **xsbank** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 7:09 pm

And take a course! In fact, in Van they provide the bikes, so you can try a couple out.

bandaid · Post by **bandaid** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 7:13 pm

My first bike was a Kawi 550 ltd. If you can find that particular bike get it, one of the easiest to ride and most reliable bike out there.

CarbIce · Post by **CarbIce** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 7:29 pm

Definitely take the safety course. When I did it a few years ago I snagged a honda 250 dirt for the course. They also had some old kawi cruisers and some little two strokes to try as well.

Worth every penny!

Snowgoose · Post by **Snowgoose** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 7:37 pm

I second taking a course. Very valuable knowledge and helps with the insurance rates as well. Plus it shortens the time to get a full license, depending on province. My first bike was a 86 Yamaha 600. Rode it for 2 years. It was great in that it was light, easy to ride, and easy to fix. Hedley's right about the size of bike. But there is more too it. A friends first bike was a '01 Yamaha R6. A 600 like my bike except that his had 120hp and mine had 57.

Not sure how big of a dude you are but I rode a 125 and 250 at my course at Centennial college. In 3 days they got to be too slow, too small, and too light. I'm 6' and 190lbs.

looproll · Post by **looproll** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 10:47 pm

stay away from 600/750/1000 sportbikes, which have awesome power and can get newbies in trouble very, very fast. Also difficult to insure (impossible for newbies).

I started on a Kawi ZX-6R and did just fine. Insurance was a breeze through the CAA where I had existing vehicle insurance. It was and remains a blast. I agree that $1700 is pretty steep for a bike of that age and type. In hindsight, I would have got a cheap used bike instead of a shiny new supersport.

. ._ · Post by **. ._** » Wed Feb 14, 2007 11:09 pm

If the bike is in great shape, $1700 doesn't sound too bad.

I think something 400-500CC for $1000 is good for the first season. My 1st was a 83 Kawasaki 550LTD. Nice POS bike I bought for $600 saftied. This was a few years ago.

I never took the course, but I wish I did. It would have saved me some aggro. I still might take it one day.

-istp

still_bluenoser · Post by **still_bluenoser** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 5:07 am

Took the course, and started out on old honda 360. really depends on what ya want to do, I drove a friends 1985 250 rebel, in a headwind I couldnt go 80k's, although I'm 250lb. There is a HUGE difference in a CB750 of the 70's and 80's, and the 750 cruiser honda has now. Just because it has the same CC's doesn't mean it is as easy to ride.

monkeyspankmasterflex · Thu Feb 15, 2007 7:23 am

F2s and F3s are decent first bikes if you're relatively responsible. You won't get bored too quickly (if ever) yet they are forgiving, comfortable and reliable.

l_reason · Post by **l_reason** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 12:00 pm

I started on dirt bikes as a kid then progressed onto the street when I was 16. Personally I think a dual sport, on/off road bike will be forgiving WHEN you drop it. they are easy to learn on, difficult to get board on, economical and they hold there value. Spending some time on loose gravel or dirt will greatly improve your skills as rider.

A few bikes I would look at are the KLR250, XL250, XL350 DR350, XT225, XT350, or a KLR 650 if you are tall/big.

BUY SOME PROPER RIDDING GEAR!!!!

Hedley · Post by **Hedley** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:32 pm

It is worth repeating: TAKE THE COURSE! Even if you're an expert dirt rider (which is an excellent place to learn to ride - a little slippery surface won't make you panic) just tell them you're an advanced rider, they'll put you in an advanced group.

As Patrick says, WEAR THE GEAR. Helmet, gloves, jacket with armor, boots that come up above the ankles, and at least jeans. NO EXPOSED SKIN. Even denim is like tissue paper compared to thick leather.

Rudy · Post by **Rudy** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:38 pm

Are you set on a pure street machine? There's a few dualsport bikes you should consider if you have any dirt around where you live. They'd be a lot cheaper on insurance for a beginner rider.

Kilo-Kilo · Post by **Kilo-Kilo** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:43 pm

In BC insurance is cheaper if the bike is under 500cc. I rode a Kawi 454 Ltd for years and sold it for almost 3 times what I had into it. Rare though. Belt drive, six speed, liquid cooled and only made for two years.

pilotbc69 · Post by **pilotbc69** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:44 pm

All very good avice. The dual terrain is a great idea. You can pick up a very nice KLR or something that won't require too much skill and allows you to mess up a bit and not get dumped onto the pavement. Since you will have a proper jacket, helmet and gloves it won't be a big deal. Look around on the autotrader.ca or canadatrader.com to find prices in your area but they will be sparce now with the snow and all. You don't want to worry about keeping it brand new all of the time...Just enjoy the ride and experience. Welcome to the club man and don't forget to wave to the rest of us when we pass.

ozone · Post by **ozone** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 9:11 am

I would also recommend buying a cheap 80's bike or something like that to learn on for a year. Unless you have lots of money for plastics and paintjobs, a sportbike might be alright. Every rider I know including me has dropped their bike at least once weather in the parking lot or on the street. Either one of these will cause quite a bit of damage to a sportbike. And yes a new rider on a sportbike can get into a lot of trouble very quick!

still_bluenoser · Post by **still_bluenoser** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 9:18 am

If you do want a sportbike, be aware that these bikes are usually treated a little rough through their lifetime, and should be inspected very closely.

cruisers are usually easier to find in better shape.

Dual sports likely have the same issue.

CarbIce · Post by **CarbIce** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 9:53 am

My first bike as a Suzuki DR650 dual sport... been riding 2 years now and still love the bike. Great to start on, easy to ride and lots of fun.

On the gear issue, anyone have any comments on the leather vs ballistic nylon thing? I've always been told leather is the only way to go... it will hold up WAY better than the nylon in a spill.

Doc · Post by **Doc** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 10:10 am

The DR650, and the KLR650 are great bikes. BUT, if it's your first bike, they are a little tall for guys under about 5'10"....try it on. Be sure you can flat foot it on both sides. I feel this is really important on a first bike. If you're tall enough, these are great first bikes....and you may never need to change. These things are capable of going anywhere, form Alaska(where, BTW the rent KLR's for adventure tours) to the southern tip of South America. Try that on a Gold Wing!

CarbIce · Post by **CarbIce** » Fri Feb 16, 2007 10:49 am

Agreed Doc, Im about 5'11" and tried on a Honda 650 dual sport first, but I could barely get both toes on the pavement and didnt feel comfortable. The Suzuki was a little shorter and I could keep both feet flat.. felt alot better. Also, theres not many after market options available for the 650.. Go with the DR400... if you can find one.

mellow_pilot · Post by **mellow_pilot** » Tue Feb 27, 2007 6:18 pm

Well folks, I found her!!

She's a 1983 Honda nighthawk 450. Looks like I'll be joining the 2 wheel club afterall!