what was your first bike

[Ashy Boi]

So i'm looking at getting a bike soon :rollsmile: (well once i get my learners and go for a few lessons), just wanted to see what was everyone's first bike, also if you have recommendations that will be highly appreciated.

i also don't want to start the whole 300cc vs 600cc as a starter bike debate, but seeing as there are bikers on the forum, figured this will be a good place to start.

 

[Nick]

My 1st was my tiger XC 800cc, thought i bought to much bike at the time but as time went on i wanted more power.


The newer bikes have rider modes so no reason to start small, just get a 1000cc and ride it in rain mode till you are comfy.

My thread : http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=73223

 

[that_guy_Ettiene]

Start with a 600cc ( even that is stupid, start riding 125cc etc bikes to get a feel).

My first was a Yamaha R6. Holy crap that thing revved like a mofo, very very fast.

But the R6 was a very aggressive superbike, Honda CBR 600 are more "relaxed". Also try out the Suzuki GSX R 600/750.

But I suggest some training courses and buy your gear first!

Buy the best helmet you can afford, do not skimp on this!

Wear your gear everytime you are on your bike, even when just going to the shop around the corner.

From my S7_Edge

 

[Mc Member.]

Sheesh......where to start.........

Been riding for about 16 years now?

Learnt to ride on an old XT500 --------- fracking down low.......bike was too tall for me, kick start was a bugger and being a thumper meant I was white knuckled every time I got some seat time on the thing.

My first actual bike was a gsxr 400 gk76. Fantastic little bike. Never before have I heard such a glorious sound going so slowly - back then it seemed REALLY fast though. Wouldn't recommend a bike like this in S.A though. Parts are hard to come by, these bikes have been wrecked and rebuilt on the cheap.

Had my fair share of off's. Broken my shoulder badly. Damaged both knee's as well. Fractured radius left elbow. Fractured wrist. Fractured clavicle.

All part of it though.

Bikes owned have ranged from Sports to supers and cruisers.

Did the whole track and fast road thing a lot, many memories made with many good people - Hey Tjopper, remember the E.T trips? Remember when we almost got arrested for speed......wait.....how safe is this forum???

Now currently an Mc member of a well known club. Being a member of a club is either something you get or you don't. There is no in between.

I concur with the above.

But I also suggest you decide what it is you REALLY want from a bike in the future. Do you want the superbike or the cruiser?

There is a clear difference in riding styles and even riders - trust me on that one.

Also, advice on gear - just stay with the leather, there is a clear difference. Full face helmet - not open or pop up.

Also, if you need advice on a bike you have spotted, give me a shout. will gladly go look with you even if its local.

Current bike: Harley Davidson dyna street bob - with extras.

 

[graan13]

At the age of 35 my first bike was a Honda Fireblade.......

A must though is go to the likes of Dirk du Plooy's school if they still going - invaluable info/training etc. They will tell you starting small and jumping to a big bike has its pit falls - to confident on the smaller bike and think you can get away with it on a large capacity will end in tears.

 

[Yuben]

Mine was a Western Flyer, 50cm. BMX :crazylaugh::roflol::biglol::rollsmile:

 

[Ralf*]

1) Honda MB50 (1982)
2) Suzuki TS185 (1983-1985)
3) Honda 550 four SuperSport (1985-1987)
4) Yamaha XS 1.1 (1987-1989)
5) Honda Goldwing GL1100 (1995 - PRESENT)

 

[Webmaster]

My first was a yamaha TZR125 2stroke, then a Honda VFR400 which almost killed me. No more bikes since then...

 

[nemo_jhb]

My first was a Ducati Moster m400 Black Edition. Learned to ride on her, enjoyed every moment.
2nd was a Triumph Street Tripple 675cc, sounded like a bat outta hell! Was well balanced & had great power.

Looking for my next bike...

 

[FerdiBotha]

Sheesh......where to start.........


My first actual bike was a gsxr 400 gk76. Fantastic little bike. Never before have I heard such a glorious sound going so slowly - back then it seemed REALLY fast though. Wouldn't recommend a bike like this in S.A though. Parts are hard to come by, these bikes have been wrecked and rebuilt on the cheap.

+1 on everything regarding the GSX-R 400. I had one as well.

The power/performance/handling is sublime for the price you pay, but that's where the great news stops. Part are hard to come by, if not completely impossible.

Whatever you buy make sure parts are available, cause having something break (due to falling or not) isn't really a matter of if, rather a matter of when.

After selling the GSX-R 400 I got a 2003 R1 at a steal. I honestly use the R1 as a runaround and don't often ride like a hooligan, BUT I know the power is there if I do need it.

I would go the 600cc route as there are many great ones on the market, they're relatively affordable and they go like stink if you give it some revs. The torque etc. is nowhere near a 1000cc, but for all intents and purposes it's an equally great bike, especially for a beginner.

 

[Phoenix]

I started out on dirtbikes in various cc's since the age of 8. First street bike was a TZR 125 RR. Long story short, 2 and a half days later I was in ICU and it was a year and a half (and many operations) before I could walk unassisted again.

I was still on crutches when I got my second street bike, 1987 GSX750R, rode it for a while, motor was built and too fast for it's brakes, suspension and skinny ass tyres. Then got my 2006/7 GSX 600 R. Had some close calls but got me confident and gave me time to develop a proper riding style and about a year later I hopped up to a ZX14R.

I was riding everyday though (70-100km depending on the day), so had plenty seat time, hence hopping up to a "big" bike so quickly.

My recommendation?
Well, you didn't really tell us what you're into. Do you want to buy a new bike? What's the budget? Do you want a naked bike, supersport, tourer, chopper, GS/Tiger type?

Would be happy to point you to what in my opinion is the right direction if you can give me an idea of the above.

 

[Mc Member.]

Sheesh......where to start.........


My first actual bike was a gsxr 400 gk76. Fantastic little bike. Never before have I heard such a glorious sound going so slowly - back then it seemed REALLY fast though. Wouldn't recommend a bike like this in S.A though. Parts are hard to come by, these bikes have been wrecked and rebuilt on the cheap.

+1 on everything regarding the GSX-R 400. I had one as well.

The power/performance/handling is sublime for the price you pay, but that's where the great news stops. Part are hard to come by, if not completely impossible.

Whatever you buy make sure parts are available, cause having something break (due to falling or not) isn't really a matter of if, rather a matter of when.

After selling the GSX-R 400 I got a 2003 R1 at a steal. I honestly use the R1 as a runaround and don't often ride like a hooligan, BUT I know the power is there if I do need it.

I would go the 600cc route as there are many great ones on the market, they're relatively affordable and they go like stink if you give it some revs. The torque etc. is nowhere near a 1000cc, but for all intents and purposes it's an equally great bike, especially for a beginner.

I would also recommend a 600 honestly.

AFTER some time spent with the beginner courses and track time.

Following that, riding with the right people.

The group you ride with has a massive impact on how your career progresses.

Only draw back with the 600 comes down to height - are you tall enough for the bike.

All supersports are setup with a tall tail and pitch forward in the frame/suspension.


And don't EVER - EVER - EVER - EVER - drop a bikes suspension.

 

[VictorMike]

1hp.

light.

Very fuel efficient.

So much fun...

 

[OOONYIGP]

My first bike was a 2007 Yamaha R6

 

[Tjoppies]

R6
ZX6
Daytona 600

R1 (2004)
ZX10 (2005)
GSXR 1000 (2006)
R1 (2008 - white & red)
R1 (2007 - black)

 

[Shahaad]

As stated.....

1. Proper helmet
2. Wear the gear all the time when you ride
3. Go for proper lessons

I followed the above and did proper research just like you, my first and current bike is a 2008 Yamaha R6, it is a very aggressive bike, I was however debating what to get.

Best thing to do is to get on the bike and see which one feels right and which one suits your riding stance and physic.

I was just comfortable on the R6 from the get go when compared to the other bikes that I tried.

Remember, you will be in control of the bike, so how you ride it will determine the outcome. So irrespective of the aggressiveness, one can always be as careful as possible.

Just be safe. I would also def suggest a few track days, these really allow you to open the bike up in a safe environment.

First of all go for a few proper lessons, this allows you to get used to the feel of a bike, if you are a complete newbie.

Having said that, I never sat on a bike till I went for the lessons, got my learners, bought the R6 and got my license, never looked back :rollsmile:

 

[Ashy Boi]

WOW thank you all for the feedback .... :ty:

i have no riding experience at all. I am looking at something like a Super/Sports bike, something that looks and sounds cool, not really interested in speed for now till i learn what i am capable of (if that makes any sense)

budget around 60K - i will be financing the bike when i eventually come around to getting one.

Advise given to me is get a 125cc around 10K, doesn't have to be anything fancy, use it till i get the experience and confidence to get on a bigger bike.

I must however admit that the kawasaki ninja 300 anniversary edition has really caught my eye.

 

[Mc Member.]

WOW thank you all for the feedback .... :ty:

i have no riding experience at all. I am looking at something like a Super/Sports bike, something that looks and sounds cool, not really interested in speed for now till i learn what i am capable of (if that makes any sense)

budget around 60K - i will be financing the bike when i eventually come around to getting one.

Advise given to me is get a 125cc around 10K, doesn't have to be anything fancy, use it till i get the experience and confidence to get on a bigger bike.

I must however admit that the kawasaki ninja 300 anniversary edition has really caught my eye.

Getting a cheapy 125 isn't a bad idea if you have the money to burn.

300 cc is a pitfall of money imho.

You can get a fairly new low mileage 600 maybe with a few mods for less than the price of one of those small capacity bikes.

An E90 320d will easily keep up and most likely pass one of those 300cc's on the big end - no jokes. Then theres the money youll pay for a new one. Pointless IMHO.

 

[Mia225]

Mine was a Suzuki RF400F

smack in the middle of the perfect bike to learn with...

 

[camzm3]

2003 yzf R6 ... miss it so much

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