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Read the WELCOME ALL BMWFANATICS post.
what was your first bike
- Thread starter Ashy Boi
- Start date
Shahaad
BMW Car Club Member
Mc Member. said:
Totally agree, you will just be wasting your cash on a 125, 250 or 300cc
And you will not get your money back. Apart from that, you will pick up bad habits riding one of those, such as opening full throttle just to get the thing going, then when you climb on to a bigger bike, you might give into these habits and end up getting hurt.
Value for money lies in the 600 range, when you do eventually get one, take it easy on the bike and get used to the throttle response etc.
hoosain
New member
i have been riding for 31years my first bike was a 1979 suzuki gs750
it was a heavy cumbersome bike to ride
i have owned many bikes in between to name a few
yamaha fzr400
kawasaki zx9
suzuki gsxr 1000 k6
yamaha r1 2007
honda fireblade cbr1000 2008
currently bmw s1000rr
my advice is get on a bike and see which one you are comfortable on
dont go anything under a 600cc bike anything smaller you will get bored of quickly
the most user friendly 600 will be the honda cbr600 easy to ride and very forgiving
do a couple of track days this will help you get the feel of the bike especially corners in a controlled environment
let me know when you ready i can ride with you and give you some pointers on the road
good luck finding your first bike
it was a heavy cumbersome bike to ride
i have owned many bikes in between to name a few
yamaha fzr400
kawasaki zx9
suzuki gsxr 1000 k6
yamaha r1 2007
honda fireblade cbr1000 2008
currently bmw s1000rr
my advice is get on a bike and see which one you are comfortable on
dont go anything under a 600cc bike anything smaller you will get bored of quickly
the most user friendly 600 will be the honda cbr600 easy to ride and very forgiving
do a couple of track days this will help you get the feel of the bike especially corners in a controlled environment
let me know when you ready i can ride with you and give you some pointers on the road
good luck finding your first bike
PLV
Well-known member
First bike was a Yamaha RZ50... back in school days
Then couple years later a CBR900RR...
Then a CBR1000RR....
It's different if you start as a kid versus later in life. I would also probably not go under 600 as a starter now. Just be responsible and use your head and ALWAYS look out for chick/other drivers and you will be fine. Anything under 600 will not be able to get you OUT of trouble if you need to (but of course it can get you very quickly into trouble if you are a smart ass).
Just my 5c...
Unless you got no co-ord like some of my old school buddies. Then stick to a car or bicycle... :rollsmile:
Best of luck though. Riding is awesome... you going to love it!
Then couple years later a CBR900RR...
Then a CBR1000RR....
It's different if you start as a kid versus later in life. I would also probably not go under 600 as a starter now. Just be responsible and use your head and ALWAYS look out for chick/other drivers and you will be fine. Anything under 600 will not be able to get you OUT of trouble if you need to (but of course it can get you very quickly into trouble if you are a smart ass).
Just my 5c...
Unless you got no co-ord like some of my old school buddies. Then stick to a car or bicycle... :rollsmile:
Best of luck though. Riding is awesome... you going to love it!
MikeR
Well-known member
:skit: started RD 350.
cant remember the rest Ive been riding nearly 40 years now.
But with regards to starting - each to his own.
the guys who haven't come off yet haven't learn t the true power and speed on a bike yet. Just be wary - that with bigger power come bigger responsibility.
I personally would recommend a mid sized bike - even up to an 800 (BMW GS) to get the feel.
But dont for one second think you are harder than the ground or other cars, after the age of 3 you body dont bounce anymore.
cant remember the rest Ive been riding nearly 40 years now.
But with regards to starting - each to his own.
the guys who haven't come off yet haven't learn t the true power and speed on a bike yet. Just be wary - that with bigger power come bigger responsibility.
I personally would recommend a mid sized bike - even up to an 800 (BMW GS) to get the feel.
But dont for one second think you are harder than the ground or other cars, after the age of 3 you body dont bounce anymore.
Blaino
Member
Mine was a Gsxr 600 k7, scary being a 600 and my first proper bike, i found it so well balanced, forgiving and easy to ride, the gear selector display also assisted at first.
Then moved onto a 2011 cbr 600 abs and never enjoyed the feel of the honda at all.
Would either go for an entry level harley sporter next or a R6.
Good luck with your selection and be safe out there!
Then moved onto a 2011 cbr 600 abs and never enjoyed the feel of the honda at all.
Would either go for an entry level harley sporter next or a R6.
Good luck with your selection and be safe out there!
GoCart
///Member
My first bike was a Hyosung gt250r, I found myself racing I literally everywhere before it even had 1,000km's in it. Then I got a CRF450R for the dirt stuff, and had much difficulty getting use to the huge torque. I believe this was due to me being use to riding the 250 flat out everywhere. Sold the 250 before it hit 1,500km.
Therefore, I support the guys who recommend starting on a 600cc, maybe a little bigger. In this way, you will afford yourself the opportunity to learn on something which would not frustrate you after a month of riding, while developing some riding discipline.
I myself am back in the market, not sure what I'm after just yet, really like the 2017 Z1000XS, but as I don't have all that much experience, I'm thinking of rather getting a good secondhand naked of some kind. So much choice.
Therefore, I support the guys who recommend starting on a 600cc, maybe a little bigger. In this way, you will afford yourself the opportunity to learn on something which would not frustrate you after a month of riding, while developing some riding discipline.
I myself am back in the market, not sure what I'm after just yet, really like the 2017 Z1000XS, but as I don't have all that much experience, I'm thinking of rather getting a good secondhand naked of some kind. So much choice.
[email protected]
New member
My first bike was a Honda VFR400 - NC30, loved it ...interresting that my BMW is a F30..lol... I would say value for money, a,e as most of the 400 superbikes, eg, GSXR400, ZZR400, ZXR400.. you can still pick them up for about R20-R30K...so, if you really want to try out bikes first, it would be a good choice.
Was that the legendary VFR750 - NC30 ???.... collectors pieces now.. Sad moment indeed.
Ebo said:My first and only bike was a Honda VFR 750 still sad about having to let her go
Was that the legendary VFR750 - NC30 ???.... collectors pieces now.. Sad moment indeed.
Mc Member.
New member
[email protected] said:My first bike was a Honda VFR400 - NC30, loved it ...interresting that my BMW is a F30..lol... I would say value for money, a,e as most of the 400 superbikes, eg, GSXR400, ZZR400, ZXR400.. you can still pick them up for about R20-R30K...so, if you really want to try out bikes first, it would be a good choice.
Ebo said:My first and only bike was a Honda VFR 750 still sad about having to let her go
Was that the legendary VFR750 - NC30 ???.... collectors pieces now.. Sad moment indeed.
NO, NO and NO.
Buying a 400 is like buying an import non desirable left hand drive American made car from the 70's.
Poor performance, no parts, badly maintained and poor resale value compared to what you have and will pay for one.
There are very few tyre shops that even stock 160 rears anymore.
And even if they do, they are the wrong profile anyway which means the handling of the bike is compromised in a big way.
180 rears don't fit - try it and the chain will eat up the right side of the tyre. The motor is also underpowered for that size rear.
Insurance will write it off at the smallest off as well. I speak from experience.
Many - many years ago I paid R30 k for a gsxr 400 gk 76 - a yoshimura edition that was a parallel import from japan. Fantastic little bike IF youre in Japan. The mere fact that these bikes are still being sold in the same price bracket is ridiculous.
And an E90 320d will hang with one of these little bikes easily - acceleration and top end.
I was clocked doing 237 on my little 400 may - many - many years ago - by another bike which was bigger and equipped a digital speedo. Thus meaning I was doing just over 220 true speed.
400 cc class is a no go area.
[email protected] said:My first bike was a Honda VFR400 - NC30, loved it ...interresting that my BMW is a F30..lol... I would say value for money, a,e as most of the 400 superbikes, eg, GSXR400, ZZR400, ZXR400.. you can still pick them up for about R20-R30K...so, if you really want to try out bikes first, it would be a good choice.
Ebo said:My first and only bike was a Honda VFR 750 still sad about having to let her go
Was that the legendary VFR750 - NC30 ???.... collectors pieces now.. Sad moment indeed.
Yep indeed, ended up selling her back to the guy I bought it from (minus the ferrings after my last fall) when I got married in 05' :blueCry:
Mc Member.
New member
NtandoN said:
Horses for courses really.
883's are old hat now.
You'd be better off going for the street 750 - newer technology and more power.
Engine design has not changed much since the late 40's / early 50's - I kid you not. Barring the V-rod, but Porsche designed that motor anyway and its also water cooled.
The hardcore Harley guys still say that a V-rod is not a Harley.
I would rather suggest getting the 1200 over the 883.
They are slow and easy going enough to get to know even being a 1200.
I personally have the Dyna street bob pre-abs. Its been modded a fair amount as well.
If I can give anyone any advice on getting into Harleys, get one that has ABS on it.
No jokes.
I have more than enough experience riding street and track, but the crappy Harley brakes caught me out last year September.
I make no bones about it by stating that I hurt more coming off my Harley at slow speed than coming off a superbike at any speed.
The air cleaner knocked my knee for a 6 and I still struggle with aches and pains in the ligaments which I popped.
Having said that though, its something else cruising in a tight pack with a big group of big bore Harleys - the sound is something else.
Mc Member.
New member
Ebo said:Turning 40 I really cant get a bike / cruiser (Harley) anytime soon without it screaming midlife crisis :biglol: But if I did it would be something close to thisMc Member. said:
Hahahaha!
In that case I am in trouble. I am sitting at the tenderish age of 32.
That's a very nice bike there. Based on a v-rod in fact.
If I had the finances and polaris didn't do what they did, I would have bought an Indian.
Alternatively I would have bought the 48 with a nightster tank on it.
The street bob has that 'Cali stance to it which can get tedious over long distances sometimes. I have actually kicked the mini apes a bit forward and put the forward controls on kick back plates - which has helped a fair amount.
Once the Harley is paid, Ill be looking for another superbike.
Either the S1000rr or the new gixxer RR.
The S1000 RR makes a dirty sound with the akra shorty on it plus the shifter and at least they have sorted out the teething issues from the first gen.
I miss the trips to ET and track days for sure.
Theres a certain amount of clarity one gets pushing the envelope on the likes of the '22' and surrounds.
Mc Member.
New member
Nick@TheFanatics said:
Had the pleasure of riding two of them.
Feels very much like a 600 for me in terms of size. Power is from another planet.
Sexytime on a stick is the best comparison I could make.
Alternatively I wouldn't mind the RSV 4 either.
Owned a 1098 S with many extras on it. Fantastic motorcycle, but could be temperamental from time to time.
Kimeran
///Member
It also depends.... Are you loyal to a brand?
From the time I was a kid, my dream was to own a Kawasaki ZX6R.
What was my first bike? Yup! ZX6R!
When shopping for the bike, a lot of people told me it wasn't a good bike to start with because it had an aggressive engine, and aggressive seating position.
They weren't wrong... It wasn't the most comfortable but I didn't care!
My advise? Start with a 600cc, it has plenty of power and is a light bike, not scary at all.
If you are not loyal to a brand, I would recommend either the GSXR600 or CBR600.
Extremely comfortable, and very easy to ride. The GSXR600 also offers different riding modes with different throttle sensitivity settings.
From the time I was a kid, my dream was to own a Kawasaki ZX6R.
What was my first bike? Yup! ZX6R!
When shopping for the bike, a lot of people told me it wasn't a good bike to start with because it had an aggressive engine, and aggressive seating position.
They weren't wrong... It wasn't the most comfortable but I didn't care!
My advise? Start with a 600cc, it has plenty of power and is a light bike, not scary at all.
If you are not loyal to a brand, I would recommend either the GSXR600 or CBR600.
Extremely comfortable, and very easy to ride. The GSXR600 also offers different riding modes with different throttle sensitivity settings.
