what was your first bike

[NtandoN]

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.

Thank you for the invaluable feedback. The last thing I want, is to get on a bike that will leave wondering why I chose to ride.
I want something comfortable and "safe" to cruise in, and I prefer the seating position of the cruiser to a super as well. So will definitely look for one with ABS.

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The 883 looks cool, it rides like its made of wood though.
Brakes are bad and the suspension is worse.

:crazylaugh: not looking to break bones while on the bike, so I'll start looking at something else.

 

[f30-Enthusiast]

First bike was a mini trail 50 back in 1987 I was 3. First street bike was a Honda magna v45 (750cc), currently I ride a 2007 Yamaha R1. Why speed limits when you can break them all in 1st gear [SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES].

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[Nick]

The r1 holds a place in my heart also, the new R1M oozes sexyness.

 

[DINODENASH]

RGT 50
then had a VFR400

 

[Dewald Basson]

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.

SUPER DUKE R :tease:

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Got my first and only bike last year March, brand new 2016 KTM 390 Duke.

Real easy to learn to ride on and fits trough traffic no worries, the bigger bikes pull over most times when I catch up in traffic, which what it does everyday including the rainy weeks like this past week.

 

[WIDEOPN-X5]

First bike was a Yamaha DT175 which my Dad bought me for my birthday.....it came in 4 boxes :rollsmile: . Awesome time spent with the ol' man rebuilding it then bush riding.

Then:

Kawa KDX 175
Yamaha YZ250

Looooong break from bikes because of broken back (rugby not bikes)

Started again in 2002

Honda CR 500 - Animal of a machine
Ktm 200 x 3
Ktm 250f
Ktm 250 SX
Ktm 250 EXC
Ktm 300 XC
Ktm 250 EXC - 6Days Edition (2 smoke)
Ktm 250 EXC-F
Ktm 250 EXC-F - 6Days Edition - Current

But

The best one is the KTM 1190 Adventure I had for a year. Rode every weekend rain or shine and did over 20k km's in that year. Best divorce therapy ever:roflol::roflol:

As a daily, I agree with the sentiments expressed in rather going for something 600cc upwards. It's got the grunt to get you out of trouble (especially if you are at altitude in Jozi?)

Respect the twist grip and you'll be fine :=):

Oh and in traffic, EVERY car driver is an inconsiderate twat when you are on 2 wheels. If you approach the traffic with that mindset and ride as though the steel cage operators don't care about you then you're safe:rollsmile:

 

[individj]

used to play around on RG50's, NSR MC16's, 3MA TZR's etc..always wanted a NC30 VFR but never got 1..might get 1 for old times sake in Rothmans Colours...rode a MV Augusta & i was shocked..quickshift etc..wow...i won't ride often now so want a Ducati ..cue the comments :hammerhead:

 

[Mc Member.]

used to play around on RG50's, NSR MC16's, 3MA TZR's etc..always wanted a NC30 VFR but never got 1..might get 1 for old times sake in Rothmans Colours...rode a MV Augusta & i was shocked..quickshift etc..wow...i won't ride often now so want a Ducati ..cue the comments :hammerhead:

Owned a Ducati, was a.......labour of love? - best description I could come up with?

It was red obviously - another oversight on my part. My family history from my late fathers side doesn't work well with red vehicles, seems to be a family cures. All the males in our family that have owned red vehicles have had nothing but bad luck with them - both bikes and cars.

Ducati I owned however was a 1098 S with many extras on it.

Fantastic bike, could pull the white off of rice and stop on a dime.........but finicky.

Sadly though the run of bad luck with the bike put me off of that bike in specific.

Replaced battery, full major service, replaced clutch, issues with AFM and occasional stalling - ARGH!

And then there was a slight off which meant a R70 k rebuild - front to back, top to bottom.

 

[individj]

damn & thats a late model bike too...thought a lot of the issues were sorted by the time the 999 came out..the the MV was new & needed a new engine too...beautiful machines..an exotic italian in your garage..the 1098 s is a beautiful bike!

 

[Dewald Basson]

First bike was a Yamaha DT175 which my Dad bought me for my birthday.....it came in 4 boxes :rollsmile: . Awesome time spent with the ol' man rebuilding it then bush riding.

Then:

Kawa KDX 175
Yamaha YZ250

Looooong break from bikes because of broken back (rugby not bikes)

Started again in 2002

Honda CR 500 - Animal of a machine
Ktm 200 x 3
Ktm 250f
Ktm 250 SX
Ktm 250 EXC
Ktm 300 XC
Ktm 250 EXC - 6Days Edition (2 smoke)
Ktm 250 EXC-F
Ktm 250 EXC-F - 6Days Edition - Current

But

The best one is the KTM 1190 Adventure I had for a year. Rode every weekend rain or shine and did over 20k km's in that year. Best divorce therapy ever:roflol::roflol:

As a daily, I agree with the sentiments expressed in rather going for something 600cc upwards. It's got the grunt to get you out of trouble (especially if you are at altitude in Jozi?)

Respect the twist grip and you'll be fine :=):

Oh and in traffic, EVERY car driver is an inconsiderate twat when you are on 2 wheels. If you approach the traffic with that mindset and ride as though the steel cage operators don't care about you then you're safe:rollsmile:

I have not found "cage drivers" so inconsiderate, everybody tells you they will drive over you but actually it is two way street in IMO. That blind spot is the area you should just avoid at all times.

372cc gets me out of "trouble" easy enough :tease:

 

[Mc Member.]

damn & thats a late model bike too...thought a lot of the issues were sorted by the time the 999 came out..the the MV was new & needed a new engine too...beautiful machines..an exotic italian in your garage..the 1098 s is a beautiful bike!

Don't get me wrong, its a fantastic bike, sadly its just finicky and demands a bit more attention than a jap or german bike.

I did have that butterfly feeling when I opened the garage and opening the throttle would have the front wheel loft skyward very easily......

But....leave the bike to stand for a few days and the starter would drain the battery of all life and any future life in the push of three buttons.

Because of the long stroke motor, the starter is as bulky and heavy set as a trucks - so its power hungry.

My ducati had an open clutch option with a race slipper clutch option - which was wonderful when going down the gear box at pace. It would dump flames out of the exhausts with an angry snarl. It wasn't so fun when the clutch decided that was enough and I had to replace fibre plates - R2500 trip.

Also, washing the bike with the open clutch setup was new to me. I had to either cover the clutch up or take her for a ride if I hadn't covered the clutch. If no ride or cover up, the plates rust together rendering them useless.

When it wasn't puking its battery up or battering the clutch into submission, it was a fantastic bike to ride. Handling was sublime if a bit harsh, brakes WORKED and the sound was amazing.

 

[WIDEOPN-X5]

First bike was a Yamaha DT175 which my Dad bought me for my birthday.....it came in 4 boxes :rollsmile: . Awesome time spent with the ol' man rebuilding it then bush riding.

Then:

Kawa KDX 175
Yamaha YZ250

Looooong break from bikes because of broken back (rugby not bikes)

Started again in 2002

Honda CR 500 - Animal of a machine
Ktm 200 x 3
Ktm 250f
Ktm 250 SX
Ktm 250 EXC
Ktm 300 XC
Ktm 250 EXC - 6Days Edition (2 smoke)
Ktm 250 EXC-F
Ktm 250 EXC-F - 6Days Edition - Current

But

The best one is the KTM 1190 Adventure I had for a year. Rode every weekend rain or shine and did over 20k km's in that year. Best divorce therapy ever:roflol::roflol:

As a daily, I agree with the sentiments expressed in rather going for something 600cc upwards. It's got the grunt to get you out of trouble (especially if you are at altitude in Jozi?)

Respect the twist grip and you'll be fine :=):

Oh and in traffic, EVERY car driver is an inconsiderate twat when you are on 2 wheels. If you approach the traffic with that mindset and ride as though the steel cage operators don't care about you then you're safe:rollsmile:

I have not found "cage drivers" so inconsiderate, everybody tells you they will drive over you but actually it is two way street in IMO. That blind spot is the area you should just avoid at all times.

372cc gets me out of "trouble" easy enough :tease:

I agree that not all "cage" drivers are inconsiderate; many are pretty decent and as I have been on both sides, I always create gaps for the "tweelies" where I can. I guess what I am trying to say is that defensive riding is a must. Expect the unexpected at all times and that way you can generally stay out if trouble.:=):

Dewald come on bud, KTM 372cc is equivalent to every other manufacturers 600cc.....:rollsmile::rollsmile:

That is of course a totally unbiased and factual assessment :roflol:

 

[Kavi44]

Honda CBR125 2006

 

[Dewald Basson]

First bike was a Yamaha DT175 which my Dad bought me for my birthday.....it came in 4 boxes :rollsmile: . Awesome time spent with the ol' man rebuilding it then bush riding.

Then:

Kawa KDX 175
Yamaha YZ250

Looooong break from bikes because of broken back (rugby not bikes)

Started again in 2002

Honda CR 500 - Animal of a machine
Ktm 200 x 3
Ktm 250f
Ktm 250 SX
Ktm 250 EXC
Ktm 300 XC
Ktm 250 EXC - 6Days Edition (2 smoke)
Ktm 250 EXC-F
Ktm 250 EXC-F - 6Days Edition - Current

But

The best one is the KTM 1190 Adventure I had for a year. Rode every weekend rain or shine and did over 20k km's in that year. Best divorce therapy ever:roflol::roflol:

As a daily, I agree with the sentiments expressed in rather going for something 600cc upwards. It's got the grunt to get you out of trouble (especially if you are at altitude in Jozi?)

Respect the twist grip and you'll be fine :=):

Oh and in traffic, EVERY car driver is an inconsiderate twat when you are on 2 wheels. If you approach the traffic with that mindset and ride as though the steel cage operators don't care about you then you're safe:rollsmile:

I have not found "cage drivers" so inconsiderate, everybody tells you they will drive over you but actually it is two way street in IMO. That blind spot is the area you should just avoid at all times.

372cc gets me out of "trouble" easy enough :tease:

I agree that not all "cage" drivers are inconsiderate; many are pretty decent and as I have been on both sides, I always create gaps for the "tweelies" where I can. I guess what I am trying to say is that defensive riding is a must. Expect the unexpected at all times and that way you can generally stay out if trouble.:=):

Dewald come on bud, KTM 372cc is equivalent to every other manufacturers 600cc.....:rollsmile::rollsmile:

That is of course a totally unbiased and factual assessment :roflol:

:roflol::roflol::roflol:

I agree defensive and focused, you must look way ahead and constantly behind you.

 

[Barkie]

1st bike was a Yamaha RD50, way back in 1977, Current on my 3rd YZF R1, love these.

 

[Pho3niX90]

I suggest a R6, also depends on yiur height. When getting your first bike just drive relaxed, downside with r6 is the wrist position, heard a gixer is lower and better riding position. Dobnot get something you know you will be bored with in 2 months.

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And also, it needs a loud exhaust, as they say, loud exhaust saves lives. And never over estimate you brakes.

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[335i MTX]

First bike :Yamaha PW50
Second bike: Yamaha 105cc scooter
Third bike: Hyusong 250
Fourth bike: Kawasaki ninja zx6r 2008.

I rode the R6 but found the Ninja quicker, better sounding, better handling and more comfortable. I hit a bag of cement which was on the center of my lane and that was the end of that.

 

[MrJingles]

My first bike was a Yamaha TZR 125RR, what a little bike. I then jumped to a 750 Kawasaki, 600 yamaha, TL1000R Suzuki, BMW1200GS and BMW 1200RT. I'd say a very easy bike to ride is a cbr600. It handles well and turns in quick and feels light. Not a fan of the brand but that bike impressed me when a mate of mine wanted his first bike and i tested it for him. He had no experience whatsoever and hit the road after 2 or 3 days of practicing pull aways and turns.

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[deveng]

A 600 might be good , be gentle and you should be fine

In 6 months you might be ready for more power , you can then upgrade


I stated on a honda cnr 600 rr , and moved on from there.

0 injuries, 0 bike drops etc.....

Practice skills all the time , twist of the wrist by Keith Code ....

Watch it , great tips


Also read this : http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Riding/Getting-Started

The site has great guides , read all of them

Good luck


Ps : I think we are way overdue for a jhb breakfast run ?

 

[hoosain]

A 600 might be good , be gentle and you should be fine

In 6 months you might be ready for more power , you can then upgrade


I stated on a honda cnr 600 rr , and moved on from there.

0 injuries, 0 bike drops etc.....

Practice skills all the time , twist of the wrist by Keith Code ....

Watch it , great tips


Also read this : http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Riding/Getting-Started

The site has great guides , read all of them

Good luck


Ps : I think we are way overdue for a jhb breakfast run ?

hook it up