Best first Motorcycle?

[sithgt6]

Figured I'd chime in I usually just lurk to pick up advice...

I just got my 'first' bike -- used to ride my father's (86 Electra Glide w/sidecar) I am the proud owner of a 2003 HD XL1200C sporty. The wife picked it up for me for Father's Day, but I had the final say for about 7K (only had 500 miles on it).

It's great and not a girl's bike by any stretch of the imagination... sure there are the hardcore guys who spew that crap but to each his own I guess. I look at it all this way: get what works for you new, used, sport, cruiser... don't let anyone choose for you and piss on'em if they don't like what you ride.

Two wheels is two wheels - Ride safe and often.

D>

[Annah]

I've been riding for many years, too. A good first bike? Hmm... dirt/dual-purpose bikes are good because they're lightweight, but they're not good if you have short legs. I started riding on a Honda XL125S, which was perfect for me.

Right now I have a 2000 Suzuki Bandit 600S, which I strongly feel is the best bike I've ever owned (it's my fifth one). It's lightweight, has great power, seat height is good (not too high) and it's nimble and badass! But my next bike will either be an R1 or a Gixxer 1000. Mmmm.....!

Doh! Just saw that you chose the SV650. Nice bike! Good luck! If anyone is in the Austin area and looking to hook up for rides, I ride almost every weekend. Sometimes with the group from www.austinbikeforum.com. Great bunch of people.

[jgcable]

I've been riding for many years, too. A good first bike? Hmm... dirt/dual-purpose bikes are good because they're lightweight, but they're not good if you have short legs. I started riding on a Honda XL125S, which was perfect for me.

Right now I have a 2000 Suzuki Bandit 600S, which I strongly feel is the best bike I've ever owned (it's my fifth one). It's lightweight, has great power, seat height is good (not too high) and it's nimble and badass! But my next bike will either be an R1 or a Gixxer 1000. Mmmm.....!

Doh! Just saw that you chose the SV650. Nice bike! Good luck! If anyone is in the Austin area and looking to hook up for rides, I ride almost every weekend. Sometimes with the group from www.austinbikeforum.com. Great bunch of people.

There is nothing hotter than a girl on a bike!!

[khabibissell]

Nice choice on the Suzuki John. You will love that bike... docile if you want it to be but definitely has enough power to provide thrills. As stated above, many use SV650's for track bikes... they're that good. As a matter of fact, my next bike might be an SV1000. They are sweet!

[zeegler]

There is nothing hotter than a girl on a bike!!

Oh yeah?

[Cleveland Metal]

Haha... Not that pic again! That was featured on one of famous photochop threads...

Forgot where those where at, but they were hilarious. Seems it was some car forum.

[Mr.Lizardman]

I have several pics like that from poker runs....surprised my camera still works....

[Trypp Powell]

Wanting to "sell up" potential buyers is not unique to Harley dealerships. I have known far too many guys who went in looking for a Kawasaki 250r and ended up leaving with something 900cc or larger. Unfortunately, almost everyone one of them had an accident within a week. There is nothing wrong with buying a smaller bike and then selling it when you are ready for something bigger. As noted in the other bike thread, people are always looking for clean starter bikes.

For years my father rode a bike 500 miles a week to and from work. He never had an accident or took a spill. I attribute that to his starting off on a small bike and then moving up as his skills increased. He also took a number of rider safety classes and obsessed over making sure his bike was in perfect working order. Also, when he was tired or not feeling well, he drove the car.

The SV650 is a nice bike-enjoy.

[jgcable]

Wanting to "sell up" potential buyers is not unique to Harley dealerships. I have known far too many guys who went in looking for a Kawasaki 250r and ended up leaving with something 900cc or larger. Unfortunately, almost everyone one of them had an accident within a week. There is nothing wrong with buying a smaller bike and then selling it when you are ready for something bigger. As noted in the other bike thread, people are always looking for clean starter bikes.

For years my father rode a bike 500 miles a week to and from work. He never had an accident or took a spill. I attribute that to his starting off on a small bike and then moving up as his skills increased. He also took a number of rider safety classes and obsessed over making sure his bike was in perfect working order. Also, when he was tired or not feeling well, he drove the car.

The SV650 is a nice bike-enjoy.

Yea, it was crazy.

I walk into a typical HD dealership. Here is the typical chain of events:

Everybody in there is tat'd up with beards and leather. Most of them are old guys like me all dressed up like Fonzie. Even the chicks are tough broads.

Jap bikes or "ricers" are throw aways and they all suck.

HD riders are a brotherhood.

Most HD riders smoke.
Most HD riders drive by alot of gyms but have never actually been in one.

I think the reason they don't like sport bikes is because many of them have big guts that would hit the gas tanks. Also.. their big fat biker momma's need a bigger seat to sit on.

883 Sportsters are girls bikes
1200 Sportsters are beginner guys bikes that will last not longer than 2 years before you will want something bigger and faster.

If you are a 1ST TIME RIDER EVER..... be prepared to be talked up to something around a Fatboy or Deuce in around 5 minutes.

If you are into the biker HD thing.. its a VERY cool place to go and hang out. If you aren't.. its not.

I'm not. I just want to get a bike and I am more concerned about safety and enjoyment as opposed to speed and image.