Best first Motorcycle?

[Mr.Lizardman]

It wouldn't matter what I said, you clowns would still argue with me and toss out your lame half assed bullshit- you know where that can go- all the way up. I've been nice and respectful most of the time, whereas a couple of you have chosen to act like the petulant little shitheads you probably are- you probably just can't help it. Sorry if that's all ya got- sucks to be you I guess. I feel sorry for you. Life's going to be really hard....Grow up and stop being assholes just for the sake of being assholes. You're exactly the kind of self righteous fools that DO get their asses kicked by the hardcore bikers. You totally deserve it and still never figure out it was your own pigheaded fault for just having to open your ignorant pie hole and spout insulting crap in someone's face.

If I have to explain you just wouldn't understand....applies to bikes and people skills both apparently....
I like nice bikes- that's the pride thing- mine isn't all that 'show' nice, but it is to me, and that's what matters. It's a rider not a show bike. Part of it is the American thing, (I'm an Army veteran) but none of it is loyalty to Harley Davidson- the company. They're a bunch of money grubbers and not really much more. If you don't believe me, check into some parts pricing! They've been gouging folks for their bikes ever since they realized they could ride the wave of the yuppie wannabe fad. That doesn't make them much different than Gibson or Jackson....we're the ones who get the short end of the stick, and most of us are more than happy to play their silly game or they'd all be out of business. I totally agree that Harleys are overpriced! That's why I buy mine used and build it myself into something totally my own. I like the styling of some models and not others- same with any other make or model.
It's like comparing a Chevy to a VW- while there are obvious similarities in them, they are just DIFFERENT. Some people prefer Chevys to VWs....some don't. One feels one way the other feels another. More power to ya! No big deal- knock yourself out! Have fun! Ultimately that's what it's all about!
Mine's not a stock bike either- all the better. With the inefficient and outdated nature of the HD engine designs, they aren't HP monsters- Harleys are about torque. (Part or their appeal, too) Either way, if you aren't accustomed to it, trouble could arise that would hurt the bike or more importantly YOU. Being comfortable is the first step to getting sharp on your skills- definitely keep that in mind and you should be okay irregardless of what bike you're on. If you outgrow the bike you choose, maybe doing a bit of hot rodding would bring it up to your new expectations- I think that's part of the enjoyment that brings a whole new perspective to the bike....It's yours, and there are no others just like it!
I always keep the mind set that I'm both invisible and silent when I'm riding, because that's the way most cage drivers are with anything smaller than a car. (and I'm definitely NOT silent with my engine mods and Python 3 pipes!) If you ride like you're always watching for trouble, you can usually be prepared to react or avoid troubles all together.
Hope this part of the thread helps you out and keeps you safe! Try your new bike out in some parking lot or deserted street at first if possible to get the feel of the controls before having to deal with thinking about other traffic.
And always keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down! LOL

Those Enfields are cool retro bikes- check out the Ural bikes from Russia! Killer prices! Cool sidecars available, too-

[SEEGERMANY]

Some of the suggestions in this thread are totally ridiculous. I'm thankful John's a smart cat and a smart shopper.

[YetAnotherOne]

It wouldn't matter what I said, you clowns would still argue with me and toss out your lame half assed bullshit- you know where that can go- all the way up. I've been nice and respectful most of the time, whereas a couple of you have chosen to act like the petulant little shitheads you probably are- you probably just can't help it. Sorry if that's all ya got- sucks to be you I guess. I feel sorry for you. Life's going to be really hard....Grow up and stop being assholes just for the sake of being assholes. You're exactly the kind of self righteous fools that DO get their asses kicked by the hardcore bikers. You totally deserve it and still never figure out it was your own pigheaded fault for just having to open your ignorant pie hole and spout insulting crap in someone's face.

If I have to explain you just wouldn't understand....applies to bikes and people skills both apparently....
I like nice bikes- that's the pride thing- mine isn't all that 'show' nice, but it is to me, and that's what matters. It's a rider not a show bike. Part of it is the American thing, (I'm an Army veteran) but none of it is loyalty to Harley Davidson- the company. They're a bunch of money grubbers and not really much more. If you don't believe me, check into some parts pricing! They've been gouging folks for their bikes ever since they realized they could ride the wave of the yuppie wannabe fad. That doesn't make them much different than Gibson or Jackson....we're the ones who get the short end of the stick, and most of us are more than happy to play their silly game or they'd all be out of business. I totally agree that Harleys are overpriced! That's why I buy mine used and build it myself into something totally my own. I like the styling of some models and not others- same with any other make or model.
It's like comparing a Chevy to a VW- while there are obvious similarities in them, they are just DIFFERENT. Some people prefer Chevys to VWs....some don't. One feels one way the other feels another. More power to ya! No big deal- knock yourself out! Have fun! Ultimately that's what it's all about!
Mine's not a stock bike either- all the better. With the inefficient and outdated nature of the HD engine designs, they aren't HP monsters- Harleys are about torque. (Part or their appeal, too) Either way, if you aren't accustomed to it, trouble could arise that would hurt the bike or more importantly YOU. Being comfortable is the first step to getting sharp on your skills- definitely keep that in mind and you should be okay irregardless of what bike you're on. If you outgrow the bike you choose, maybe doing a bit of hot rodding would bring it up to your new expectations- I think that's part of the enjoyment that brings a whole new perspective to the bike....It's yours, and there are no others just like it!
I always keep the mind set that I'm both invisible and silent when I'm riding, because that's the way most cage drivers are with anything smaller than a car. (and I'm definitely NOT silent with my engine mods and Python 3 pipes!) If you ride like you're always watching for trouble, you can usually be prepared to react or avoid troubles all together.
Hope this part of the thread helps you out and keeps you safe! Try your new bike out in some parking lot or deserted street at first if possible to get the feel of the controls before having to deal with thinking about other traffic.
And always keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down! LOL

Those Enfields are cool retro bikes- check out the Ural bikes from Russia! Killer prices! Cool sidecars available, too-

[Mr.Lizardman]

And there's the proof in what I'm saying- nice touch adding the ugly pic of yourself, by the way. Not juvenile at all! Guess what I said goes for you too since you're part of the circle jerk going on here. Fucking stupid assholes are everywhere....you just can't wrap your mind around it, can you?

[YetAnotherOne]

And there's the proof in what I'm saying- nice touch adding the ugly pic of yourself, by the way. Not juvenile at all! Guess what I said goes for you too since you're part of the circle jerk going on here. Fucking stupid assholes are everywhere....you just can't wrap your mind around it, can you?

[jgcable]

I went to another HD dealer today and checked out a Nightster.
Killer bike. Totally comfortable on it. Its just way more than I want to spend on a first bike now that I have gotten all the great responses from you guys. I even told the HD sales girl that I was told by almost everybody (except my HD riding friends) that getting a big bike as a first bike is a bad idea. She had the same philosphy as all the other HD sales people and riders. The 883 is a womens bike and the 1200 is a beginners bike at best.
I am going to the Kawasaki dealer to check out a used Ninja EX500 tomorrow or Monday. The 250 looked a tad small but the 500 is perfect. I am also looking at a used Ducati 620. Both of these bikes are under 3K used with low miles. The Nightster I looked at was 12K. Thats too much for a first bike.

[442w30]

Parts are kind of pricey on the Ducati if I remember right. My buddy has a monster in the garage right now with its second cracked tripple clamp. I think each one was ~300 used. Can't remember for sure.

Cool bikes though, I bet the Ninja is ok. Never been huge on sport bikes, I prefer hopping a curb every once in a while (that and laying it over a couple of times steers me toward a dual-sport).

Still, it's hard to lose much if you are laying out three g's. The expense will come in the proper safety gear. Don't skimp on a lid or leathers.

[jgcable]

Parts are kind of pricey on the Ducati if I remember right. My buddy has a monster in the garage right now with its second cracked tripple clamp. I think each one was ~300 used. Can't remember for sure.

Cool bikes though, I bet the Ninja is ok. Never been huge on sport bikes, I prefer hopping a curb every once in a while (that and laying it over a couple of times steers me toward a dual-sport).

Still, it's hard to lose much if you are laying out three g's. The expense will come in the proper safety gear. Don't skimp on a lid or leathers.

I won't. Safety gear is paramount. Thanks

[Mr.Lizardman]

Real brave hidden behind your computer- worthless chickenshit in real life I bet.
At least my point was made FOR me-

From all I've heard from people I know who have them, those Ducs might have more expensive parts than just about anyone. I'm a believer in good leathers as well! The helmet is required in some states, but eye protection is pretty much universal as well as common sense.
You'll want all three if you ever do the Shovel race....but then that's not a beginner thing doing a Bike Rodeo-

[Thrust]

I went to another HD dealer today and checked out a Nightster.
Killer bike. Totally comfortable on it. Its just way more than I want to spend on a first bike now that I have gotten all the great responses from you guys. I even told the HD sales girl that I was told by almost everybody (except my HD riding friends) that getting a big bike as a first bike is a bad idea. She had the same philosphy as all the other HD sales people and riders. The 883 is a womens bike and the 1200 is a beginners bike at best.
I am going to the Kawasaki dealer to check out a used Ninja EX500 tomorrow or Monday. The 250 looked a tad small but the 500 is perfect. I am also looking at a used Ducati 620. Both of these bikes are under 3K used with low miles. The Nightster I looked at was 12K. Thats too much for a first bike.

Sounds to me like you're going to end up with a killer bike. I think the Ninja 500's are a GREAT beginner's bike and you'll get some "growing time" on one. Also, someone mentioned the Suzuki DRZ400 motard......another bike worth checking out (and it would be a TON of fun).

Personally, I'd look at these three heavily:

Ninja 500
Suzuki SV650
Suzuki DRZ400
Ducati Monster (<-- higher maintenance, however).

Good luck!! Please post pictures of what you get!! Here's a pic of my new bike. I picked it up 3 weeks ago!

[Endrik]

Those Enfields are cool retro bikes- check out the Ural bikes from Russia! Killer prices! Cool sidecars available, too-

old Urals kick ass. Fucking monsters, very loud and powerfull. I love bikes with driveshafts. We used to terrorize the whole neighbourhood with those bikes.

[dd3keegs]

This was my first...remember these????

[zeegler]

Real brave hidden behind your computer- worthless chickenshit in real life I bet.
At least my point was made FOR me-

My god man. Do you realize how much of a tool you are? I think everyone else does.

[clifffclaven]

I went to another HD dealer today and checked out a Nightster.
Killer bike. Totally comfortable on it. Its just way more than I want to spend on a first bike now that I have gotten all the great responses from you guys. I even told the HD sales girl that I was told by almost everybody (except my HD riding friends) that getting a big bike as a first bike is a bad idea. She had the same philosphy as all the other HD sales people and riders. The 883 is a womens bike and the 1200 is a beginners bike at best.
I am going to the Kawasaki dealer to check out a used Ninja EX500 tomorrow or Monday. The 250 looked a tad small but the 500 is perfect. I am also looking at a used Ducati 620. Both of these bikes are under 3K used with low miles. The Nightster I looked at was 12K. Thats too much for a first bike.

the ex is by far the best choice. Cheap, reliable as a freaking camry, great riding position, and enough power for a beginner.

I would not reccomend a duc for a first bike. the maintenence is (generally) too expensive on them. Ive had 9 bikes, all japanese and mostly sportbikes, and the worst thing maintenence wise ive had go wrong was a leaking valve cover gasket, and an ignition switch that went bad.

[YetAnotherOne]

I would not reccomend a duc for a first bike. the maintenence is (generally) too expensive on them.

I had a friend who was a duc dealer when I lived out west. Hourly rates really aren't any worse than at any other bike shop and he maintains that it's the owners and the way they treat their machines rather than the ducs themselves that are responsible for their poor reputation for quality. Not sure I buy it but there it is.