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Trillian

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What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« on: June 14, 2010, 11:33:52 PM »

I've decided I'm getting bike. I've never actually driven one, been on the back of one enough to know that I love them.  I've done some research and I think the 250r Ninja is the way to go, and a lot of people seem to think so. It's something that I could probably keep for a while or outgrow and be able to resell relatively quickly.  I like the idea of a sportier bike then a cruiser, but really just want to start on something that's not going to kill me.

I also saw a bike I don't know much about nor could find much info on them- Lifan GS... it's Chinese and I found an '08 with 3K miles on it for 1250.  It's worth a look at it since it's about 2 grand less than I'd pay for a Ninja of the same year and miles. Lifan info

I know my best bet would be to start with a motorcycle safety course, but that aside... I'm going to buy a first bike what should it be?
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Diogenes The Cynic

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #1 on: June 14, 2010, 11:48:33 PM »

The Admiral rides, and I am sure he will se this thread.

In my humble nonriding opinion, the kawasaki ninja is the best looking bike out there.
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Trillian

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #2 on: June 15, 2010, 12:34:20 AM »

I think so too mostly, but the Lifan is also really pretty. But I'm thinking it's probably crappy since they're cheap
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Sam Gunn (since nobody got Admiral Naismith)

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #3 on: June 15, 2010, 12:38:46 AM »

The lifan will be a great learner bike if you were only buying new.  But you're not gonna get crap resale out of it.  Whereas with a Ninja 250 you can pick one up for 2 grand and ride it for a year till you're ready for a 600 or 650 and sell it for 2 grand assuming you kept it in good condition.  To be honest, I kinda want one of those Korean Q-Link 200 cc dual sports.  I think they look pretty good, but I don't think I'll be pulling the trigger on a Korean or China bike until I feel like the money I'm throwing down on one is actually expendable.  The reliability of the China bikes has yet to be proven.

I'd push you toward a Ninja 250 or Ninja 500 or Suzuki GS500 for a first bike, depending on how much background in two wheeled sports you have and how much you weigh and how tall you are.

Even a Suzuki SV650 or Ninja 650R would be good learner bikes, (stay away from the 600's for first bikes if you have zero experience, trust me) if you can be very respectful of them.

Another avenue that would be worth pursuing for a first bike would be a dual sport.  I know they might not have popped up on your radar if you're interested in just street riding, but so long as you don't plan on riding the freeways for more than a few miles at a time the Suzuki DR200S or the Yamaha XT250 (or XT225) or TW200 are PERFECT learner bikes.  They are super easy to ride.  If you are taller and interested, the Yamaha WR250R or WR250X (has the Motard wheels and street slickers) or the Kawasaki KLX250 are also great learners for the street, and do pretty well offroad as well.

The dual sports are excellent learner bikes because they weigh so little, and have few parts to damage or scratch up if you dump them in a parking lot.  I can't even count how many times I've gone down in the dirt on my old XT225, but the bike did not look trashed at all.  Compared to my Kawasaki 1000 which I've dumped once on the street.... well yeah plastics are expensive and full fairings get battered easily, even against 5 mph parking lot asphalt.
« Last Edit: June 15, 2010, 12:44:19 AM by Admiral Naismith »
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Turd Ferguson

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #4 on: June 15, 2010, 12:42:26 AM »

Get one of these !!!!




or one of these..........

« Last Edit: June 15, 2010, 12:49:18 AM by quickmike »
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Trillian

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #5 on: June 15, 2010, 01:00:46 AM »

I don't plan on getting anything more than a 250. I'm a big fan of getting on something that was too powerful for me. The Ninja I found on craig's list had 1 owner (female) and was an experienced rider, 4K miles on it for 1900. I feel really good about that bike. It's an EX though I think and not an R.  I'm not sure how much difference that makes.
   As far as my two wheel driving experience goes, there's not much. I know how to ride a bicycle, and a moped/scooter. I started a motorcycle once, didn't put it in gear or anything.  I will probably take a motorcycle course, but I don't really want to right away, I'd rather be taught by someone I know first, then take the course to learn the stuff that experienced drivers forget to teach you.
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Trillian

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #6 on: June 15, 2010, 01:01:33 AM »

Man those are crazy looking, and huge!
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BobRobertson

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #7 on: June 15, 2010, 03:57:23 PM »

I wouldn't do a 250 unless you can get one for practically nothing.

500cc at least, so you don't get bored after a week.
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blackie

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #8 on: June 15, 2010, 04:08:25 PM »

Get something you won't care about dropping a few times.
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Sam Gunn (since nobody got Admiral Naismith)

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #9 on: June 15, 2010, 04:19:22 PM »

I don't plan on getting anything more than a 250. I'm a big fan of getting on something that was too powerful for me. The Ninja I found on craig's list had 1 owner (female) and was an experienced rider, 4K miles on it for 1900. I feel really good about that bike. It's an EX though I think and not an R.  I'm not sure how much difference that makes.
   As far as my two wheel driving experience goes, there's not much. I know how to ride a bicycle, and a moped/scooter. I started a motorcycle once, didn't put it in gear or anything.  I will probably take a motorcycle course, but I don't really want to right away, I'd rather be taught by someone I know first, then take the course to learn the stuff that experienced drivers forget to teach you.
The only difference between the newer and later Ninja 250's are looks.  They have the same carbs and the same engine and the same suspension pretty much.  The newer ones are just prettier and more expensive.

How much do you weigh and how tall are you?
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Trillian

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #10 on: June 15, 2010, 04:42:45 PM »

Quote
How much do you weigh and how tall are you?

I'm 5' 7' and like 160.
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alaric89

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #11 on: June 15, 2010, 06:12:20 PM »

If I can chime in. I ride Dirtbikes and haven't done much more than test drive friends street bikes in 20 years. So take what I say with a grain of salt.
You really need to try the different bike types before you buy. 
I would buy a duel purpose type, if I were to buy something street legal, but I like to jump off ramps and thrash.
Motorcycle types are vastly differently engineered. Different seat heights and riding positions. A cafe racer is uncomfortable town driving, whereas a cruiser can seem boring on long curvy roads etc.
Engins are also a important factor. Torque, like a V-twin gives, is easier for a novice rider, where as a inline 4 gives a great rush on the highway. Powerbands and torque are incredibly different depending on engine configuration.
A bike is a lot more than just looks, you really should try 500cc (give or take 150cc) of a Cafe racer type, a V-twin cruiser, a duel purpose and just a plain old road bike. Try and not worry too much about the look of the thing. Let your body feel for comfort and ridability because you will look a lot better on a plain bike that feels right than a bike that looks cool and you are scared of.
I mean you wouldn't buy a pair of shoes just from looks would you?
*checks Profil*
Um sorry I see you are a chick....Ya uh just buy the cute bike. :lol:
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BobRobertson

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #12 on: June 15, 2010, 06:26:26 PM »

Hey, I'll second the "dirt bike" idea. With turn-signals, etc, of course.

Dirt bikes don't care if you drop them a few times, which you WILL do.

My first bike was 50cc, yes, lawnmower size, but it was a full road bike that simply wouldn't do more than 40 mph. I dropped that plenty of times, enough to learn how to bend the foot controls back into shape.

I couldn't stand to drop my FJ12 as many times, nor would the bike survive it.

I know there are people who started riding on Harleys, I just can't imagine anyone with a choice doing so.
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"I regret that I am now to die in the belief that the useless sacrifice of themselves by the generation of 1776 to acquire self-government and happiness to their country is to be thrown away by the unwise and unworthy passions of their sons, and that my only consolation is to be that I live not to weep over it."
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Trillian

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #13 on: June 15, 2010, 07:15:54 PM »

Quote
Um sorry I see you are a chick....Ya uh just buy the cute bike. Laughing

I'm going to say you're partially correct. I'm sure the dirt bike is a good idea, and I know I shouldn't care as much as about the look.  But the dirt bikes are beyond my ability to not care what they look like realm. I also want to be able to get up and go some, but I don't think I'll ever be someone who wants to jump ramps with a dirt bike, or go 200 mph on a sport.

It's a starter bike, so I know I'm going to drop it (but still I hope I might not), so if there's dings, and scratches on the one I'm looking at it won't kill me. I know the next bike I grow into I'll get more of what I want. That being said, since I'm not a speed seeker and just want something to get me around the city, you never know I may want to keep a 250. But mostly doubtful.. I think the main reason I'd upgrade is so I could carry a passenger regularly around, or stuff which there is no way you can do that on a such a small bike. I've got an 8 year old that will eventually ride with me when I feel 100% comfortable on the bike itself. I think a smaller bike could handle her and me for now, but not forever.

I sat on a Buell Blast 400, and watched the boyfriend ride it, I saw how he jerked back a little when he took off, and it kinda worries me to start off with some that pulls you back like that. And it was only a 400, so you can see why I hesitate to go any bigger than that...besides watching craig's list it seems as long as I take decent care of it, and don't drop it I can resale for about the same as I bought it for even a year later.

I think overall I'm pretty set on the Ninja 250, and there was the cutest black with a little bit of pink for sale, but it was way overpriced. However if something came along cheaper that was around the same size, or even a little bigger I'd get it.


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John Shaw

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Re: What kind of motorcycle should I get?
« Reply #14 on: June 15, 2010, 07:20:52 PM »

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