Whats the best bike for a beginner

[Shahaad]

Hey guys :=):

Heres the deal, I plan on getting my first bike within the next few months,

However as I have never ridin before I am a bit confused, im currently debating between a CBR250R(new) or an R6(09 model).

The thing is that I have spoken to a quite a few riders, and a lot of them rekon that a 600 is ok to start out with, they have told me that I will get bored within a few weeks of the 250, hence I would just like to get some more opinions.

Please dont get me wrong, im not just going to jump on the thing, I am taking lessons first(quite a few) before I get on a bike.

Any input would be greatly appreciated raise:

 

[Nick]

Depending on how big of a dude you are (80ks+) the 600 will get to small very quick IMO, id say nothing smaller than 800cc. but if you are willing to sell the 600 after getting some riding XP its a good place to start , the 250 is a waste of time.

 

[Hawk318ti]

I would say go for a CBR600RR for your first bikes as they are comfortable and are forgiving. Otherwise I would say BMW 800st as it is similar positives as the Honda and also have a longer range fuel wise. The Honda is a lot quicker than the St though and can keep up with the big boys.

 

[moranor@axis]

wtf do you honestly think learning on a 600 is a good idea? for learning i would go with a 250 then when you confidant look at a 600-800

jumping strait onto a 600 will most lightly end in tears i have seen this a few times...

 

[Heinrich]

wtf do you honestly think learning on a 600 is a good idea? for learning i would go with a 250 then when you confidant look at a 600-800

jumping strait onto a 600 will most lightly end in tears i have seen this a few times...

it's all in the mind.

if you are going to be able to limit yourself to what you are capible of, yuo can start on any bike you want(by bike i mean something you can classify as a bike, not goldwings and harley's, those are battle ships).

my first (and only bike) was GSXR750.it's hard to learn but doable and try and save yourself from upgrading too soon as you always end up losing a lot of money on this kind of thing.

just my 2c

 

[gpgold]

I ride regularly on a CBR 900 and a friend of mine has an R6. I would definitely suggest the R6 rather than a CBR 250. The R6 is a very quick motorcycle so you will not become bored with it for a long time however if you want comfort, try go for a Honda CBR600 or the older CBR 900's are very comfy and powerful. These new CBR250 4 strokes are designed for people who want to commute to work on a shoe string budget and aren't interested in any fun.

Good luck with your search

 

[Jacques Motorem]

Learning to ride on a "full on" sport bike is not as easy as on a tourer or dual purpose bike. So you need to decide on the type of riding you are going to be doing.

A friend recently learned to ride on his first bike, a K1200GT BMW (grand tourer). He would not have had the confidence to start on any sport bike. So if you don't want a "superbike" you can start nearer the top on something more relaxed but still relatively big.

Remember also that modern 600cc super bikes are delivering similar power to the Yamaha R1 of ten years ago. While the BMW 650cc single remains a plodder.

Good luck and don't skimp on the safety gear.

 

[Hawk318ti]

Like everyone else has stated here if you go for a 250 you will be bored of it in a couple of months, sport bikes (CBR, R, GSX, ZX) handle very similar when compaired to their smaller brothers (125 and 250's), the only areas where you will feel the difference is in the power and when you have to pick the bike up from a horizontal position :rollsmile: .

What will you be using the bike for???

 

[eend]

1. go to the thinkbike forum, introduce yourself and read around the site. http://forum.thinkbike.co.za
2. Make sure you get some gear - not just a helmet. ATGATT - All The Gear All The Time. A minimum of a decent lid, jacket, gloves and boots and if you can afford it, some riding jeans or easy overs. Budget for abou R7k's worth of safety gear!
3. Let the bike chose you - same as a car. Go sit on a few, see how they feel. What kind of riding style do you like? Superbikes (CBR600) is very harsh on the wrists if you are not used to it.
4. Get lessons for sure - you will never regret it!
5. Get your learners - don't be a weekend warrior and ride without it. The cops won't take to you nicely otherwise!

I have ridden many a bike and currently own a F650GS (BMW of course!) and it is a very comfortable bike as it has a nice upright riding position. I sat on a few bikes ad the BMW was just the perfect all rounder

If you can afford it, why not start on a smaller 250, get your full licence and then decide to go bigger. Some people are happy learning on a 600 and others prefer a 250 - the choice is yours at the end of the day, and whatever you feel comfortable with

Oh - and did I mention you should go to the Think Bike site as well :rollsmile:

 

[CARBON ATTACK]

I started with a 400cc and i still have it. Its a good bike to start of with. Its not to slow or fast. Perfect for learning.

 

[Hawk318ti]

I started with a 400cc and i still have it. Its a good bike to start of with. Its not to slow or fast. Perfect for learning.

Only issue with the 400's are that they are grey imports so spares can be extremely pricey depending on the model.

 

[Shahaad]

:=):

Guys thanks a million for all the advice, lol i wasnt expecting so many responses so quickly.

To answer a few questions:

Basically the bike will be used on the weekends for breakfast runs etc, ie no track days or commuting.

On the safety gear, I have already spent around 8K on gear so thats well covered lol, that was also my first priority thus far.

And yes ill def be going for the learners as I feel thats the legit way and thereafter the full license.

I hear what a lot of you are saying and based on what I mentioned in the first thread a 600 does look more promising long term.

I will also not be jumping straight onto one, I plan on going for extensive lessons in excess of 10 - 15 with some advanced courses.

The 250 was a dead deal until i gave it some real thought and started asking around, and as far as affordability goes 6 months down the line I would probably want to upgrade and would end up taking a big knock.

Cheers for all the advice, ill def be using it.

watch this space :rollsmile:

 

[eend]

Snip.......

On the safety gear, I have already spent around 8K on gear so thats well covered lol, that was also my first priority thus far.

raise:

Depending on where you stay, go past a few bike dealers and go sit on a few rides. That will give you an uindication of what "fits" you the best.

once you have you learners and you have some confidence, go take a few different bikes for a test ride and then decide. like I said previously - the bike will chose you!

And don't knock the beemer 800St - awesome bike that keeps up with the rest of the field and service intervals are 10k and not 6k like most of the others!

 

[Heinrich]

all this has got me looking for a bike again.
DAMMIT!!!!!
i hate budget's!!!!

 

[Shahaad]

lol, cheers guys :rollsmile:

Heinrich go get one lol.

Ill go have a look, and ill def have a looksie at the BMW 800.

Depends where everyone is based we should then organise a breakfast meet

:rollsmile:

 

[MikeR]

:thumbdo: THERES A REASON THAT AROUND THE WORLD LEARNERS START ON 125. (Except Africa – we are so far behind).

think about it carefully Ive been riding for over 30 years and my 1000 still catches me out sometime...everyone is brave when they ride a few time or only on weekends - Ive lost many a friend who think they know better.

Please decided wisely and dont decide from advice from people who dont ride regular.

 

[Raybimmer]

My first bike was a Honda Xl 185 street scrambler , still have it 15 years later !!I can go over traffic islands , get to 100km/h quick and get 25 km/litre and weekends its off the road . For me its ok , so each to his own , you will put yourself on the tar sooner or later so on a bike speed must be respected .Be safe , learn from the older guys , do not be scared to ride a bike for a year or so , know its traits and then move up . :thumbs:
Good luck , only if you buy a BM :roflol:

 

[hoosain]

get the 600 they are quite simple to ride just remember the throttle works both ways

 

[eend]

Honestly, go ask the guys on the TB forum - they will give you tons of valuable advice and they are kinda like the peeps here - helpful, sometimes cocky, but always willing to lend a hand in the info department.

http://forum.thinkbike.co.za
www.thinkbike.co.za

I know I am punting it a bit - okay a lot!!!!, but i am a paramedic and i ride regularly as well - the worst call to go to is someone that has just got a bike and has bailed - puts them off for good - literally! Ask Scouse - he will back me up on this one.

 

[MikeR]

Honestly, go ask the guys on the TB forum - they will give you tons of valuable advice and they are kinda like the peeps here - helpful, sometimes cocky, but always willing to lend a hand in the info department.

http://forum.thinkbike.co.za
www.thinkbike.co.za

I know I am punting it a bit - okay a lot!!!!, but i am a paramedic and i ride regularly as well - the worst call to go to is someone that has just got a bike and has bailed - puts them off for good - literally! Ask Scouse - he will back me up on this one.

:thumbs: BEST IDEA MATE...to many bad ideas from part time riders, tell these guys what its like to pick up up a kid who has dropped a bike. :thumbs: