Beginner Bike Wanted!

[Cindy]

Hello! :)

Just an update: I took the MSF class and didn't quite make it.

However that is not going to stop me. I want to learn, I want to ride. So I went down to the DMV and sat in line and got myself a Learner's Permit!

So now, I'm looking to borrow or rent or buy a cheap bike to start learning on. I figured someone here might have some ideas for me!

(Someone has offered me the use of one of their bikes, but I can't use it until their other bike is done in the shop - which may take awhile... and I want to get going!)

Any info and leads would be greatly appreciated!!

Cindy Wallace :)

[Patrick P]

I've got a 2002 or 2003 (I think) SV 650 sitting in my garage. Originally bought it about 2 years ago when my wife wanted to learn... ya, she never actually got into it the way she had hoped to. :bang:
Purchased it for $2000.00, and since it's accumulated almost 0 use since we got it, I'd let it go for just a little under my purchase price.

650s as far as I know are pretty solid bikes. Lots of room to improve upon them, lots of aftermarket parts available, and their ride height is adjustable for people with shorter legs.

If you're interested, PM me and we can discuss it further. Not really interested in a rent or anything though. Just because if it goes away I really don't want to lose the space in my garage when it would inevitably return.

Let me know.

[floundering]

Two seasons ago, my wife wanted to learn how to ride. She thought she liked the cruiser style and wanted to grow into a bike. We bought a honda shadow 750. My wife is 5'4" and this seemed to fit her fine. It turned out though it was just too big and she would never ride it. I began to think she just wasn't a bike person.

After talking it through awhile, she thought she really just needed something smaller. We sold the 750 and I narrowed my search to two seemingly good beginner bikes, a ninja 250 and buell blast. I test drove a blast and because of all the vibration (mono cylinder) and lack of power, it was really boring. We settled on a ninja 250. She was always hopping on this thing, even taking rides without me. I couldn't get her off it. After a season of riding it, she decided she was ready for a bigger bike.

She now has a lowered ninja 650 and is a pretty good rider. On a side note, we sold the 250 for more than we paid for it. So my two cents, buy a small bike, get proficient and have fun for awhile. Buy your dream bike when you're ready.

[diolopez]

I don't mean to sound like an A$$ put perhaps a scooter. My ex girlfriend started on a scooter an worked her way up after a few months. She was really glad she started on a scooter and then she bought a 600 monster. After a year and a crash (not her fault), she bought a sport 1000. Also now that i think of it one of my best friends first learned on a Honda Ruckus and now has a CBR 600.

[wanaD]

Two seasons ago, my wife wanted to learn how to ride. She thought she liked the cruiser style and wanted to grow into a bike. We bought a honda shadow 750. My wife is 5'4" and this seemed to fit her fine. It turned out though it was just too big and she would never ride it. I began to think she just wasn't a bike person.

After talking it through awhile, she thought she really just needed something smaller. We sold the 750 and I narrowed my search to two seemingly good beginner bikes, a ninja 250 and buell blast. I test drove a blast and because of all the vibration (mono cylinder) and lack of power, it was really boring. We settled on a ninja 250. She was always hopping on this thing, even taking rides without me. I couldn't get her off it. After a season of riding it, she decided she was ready for a bigger bike.

She now has a lowered ninja 650 and is a pretty good rider. On a side note, we sold the 250 for more than we paid for it. So my two cents, buy a small bike, get proficient and have fun for awhile. Buy your dream bike when you're ready.All the write-ups for those Ninja 250s as beginner bikes are 5X5.:thumbup:

[Squirley]

I really did well on my M620 and then the M696......they are great for pushing limits and gaining skills....I'm very biased about the Monsters.:jumping41

[fseven]

Hmm, coincidence? I just saw this post about an M620 for sale. It's $3500, and not sure of your budget, but maybe look into it. I'm sure DaveR & gang would help with the 12k service for you. :)

http://www.desmonorthwest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11047

[martys]

Ninja 250 is a great starter bike. Isn't there one in the used lineup at DucSea right now? Easy to ride, cheap to fix, you won't feel bad if you drop it once or twice then sell it in 6 months to get an M696 :thumbup:

[gregc]

Beth started on a Ninja 250. Those bikes must have some pretty tough plastics as that bike spent quite a bit of time horizontal. Nothing major, the poor bike just seemed to keep tipping over. Beth has now graduated to CBR 600RR and is doing quite well.

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/ff259/s4rs888/Beth.jpg

[motodave]

I have a 2000 Suzuki ls650 for sale cheap $1000. but will sell to someone here for $850 only 6700 miles on it pm me for details:)

[Lotus54]

I don't know your situation, but I've always been a big proponent of learning in the dirt before ever riding on the street.
A little dirt bike (maybe a 125cc 4-stroke Honda from the 80's is really cheap, easy to learn a lot of skills and won't cost much if dropped.
You don't need to be riding out in nasty stuff, even just gravel roads, gravel pits and the like are great ways to learn. Not to mention great fun.
(of course it is easier with a pickup, trailer or close to someplace to ride).

I posted the 620 Ducati from craigslist- I can check it out and like mentioned, I'm sure our friendly dealers would be more than happy to give it a 12k service when needed.


Mark

[aran]

I learned on a 1973 CB 350. It's an easy bike to learn on since it's small and can turn on a dime. Also inexpensive to buy (under $2,000) and light enough to pick up on your own if you dump it. The disadvantage is that they need constant work and that can get expensive if you aren't handy and don't have the tools/space to work on it. If you are handy and have tools/space they are super easy to work on. Just get the climber manual and follow the directions.

[crfracer96]

are you available weekdays? i have a xr250 and access to the Keyport (kitsap) MSF course... i could get you in and let you practice when there are no classes on my wifes XR. Just a timing thing as its tough to do anything weekends.. would be a BUNCH cheaper@

[Mitch]

Do you have a preference on bike style? (I think a dirt bike or standard is the easiest type to pass the license test on.)

The Ninja 250 or 500 are great bikes if you like a sportier/standard style.

I have a 2000 Suzuki ls650 for sale cheap $1000. but will sell to someone here for $850 only 6700 miles on it pm me for details:)
Great price for a cruiser type bike! :thumbup:

Take your time and you'll be fine. Even after passing the test, it took me a few days of neighborhood riding before I felt comfortable enough to ride on an arterial. And close to a week before I ventured out onto the freeway.

[BLueth]

I second the idea of trying a scooter to start with. The smaller wheel size makes them very nimble and they're usually light weight. They are unintimidating; you just jump on and "twist and go" (with all the gear, of course). They help you get familiar with two wheel balance and countersteering, and build your confidence.
The biggest downsides to them are that you don't practice shifting and the rear brake is where the clutch lever is supposed to be. If you're already proficient with a clutch from using a manual shift car, you should be in the clear.
The wife took the MSF course with me after riding her scooter for four months and she was the star of the class on their Honda Rebel 250. If you go this route you'll want to get at least 150cc.
If you plan to ride on the road at all, I'd also strongly encourage that you read "proficient motorcycling" by David Hough available at Amazon and elsewhere (or maybe someone would loan you a copy). He'll open your eyes and help you keep the rubber down, and avoid close encounters of the unpleasant kind.
Cheers and good luck!

[Cindy]

You've all been so helpful with suggestions and ideas, I'm really grateful to you all!

I went and sat on a Ninja 250 for about 20 minutes today - and it just didn't feel right to me.

During the class, I used a Yamaha V Star 250 - and I really liked the way it felt - as far as sitting on it and the reach to the handlebars.

I am open to the scooter idea because I really need to build confidence, I think overall that's what I was lacking.

I have a lot to think about and again, thank you everyone for all your input!

Whatever happens, my dream bike will be waiting for me somewhere down the line. /drool Ducati!

[martys]

what's your commute like? city streets, freeway, backroads? that will guide your scooter choice as far as size goes.

[patorojo]

I don't know your situation, but I've always been a big proponent of learning in the dirt before ever riding on the street.
A little dirt bike (maybe a 125cc 4-stroke Honda from the 80's is really cheap, easy to learn a lot of skills and won't cost much if dropped.
You don't need to be riding out in nasty stuff, even just gravel roads, gravel pits and the like are great ways to learn. Not to mention great fun.
(of course it is easier with a pickup, trailer or close to someplace to ride).

Mark

+1

I re-entered motorcycling years ago on a KLR250 dirt bike. Got my permit, got used to riding again on and off road, then took the MSF course. During the MSF course I chose to use a Yamaha TW200. I have always thought that would be like the best beginner bike in the world. It sits very low so even the shortest person could put their feet down and it has a seriously fat rear tire that makes you feel like you could never tip over. It is a dual sport so you can ride on the street to some gravel roads and practice all you want.

When you are ready, take the MSF again, I know plenty of people who didn't pass the first time.

[Cyndy]

Cindy,

It was great talking with you this afternoon and to see you in good spirits. One part of being a good rider is knowing yourself, and making good decisions for yourself. You're demonstrating that by checking out the Ninja 250, comparing it to the comfort you felt on the V-Star 250, making note of the differences, and taking the time to figure out what's going to work for you. Riding a scooter is a great idea; easy and non-threatening way to get the feel for two wheels.

Let me know if there's anything I can do! Chin up, zip around on a scooter, get your endorsement, and let's ride!!!:jumping41

[corynord1]

"I don't know your situation, but I've always been a big proponent of learning in the dirt before ever riding on the street.
A little dirt bike (maybe a 125cc 4-stroke Honda from the 80's is really cheap, easy to learn a lot of skills and won't cost much if dropped.
You don't need to be riding out in nasty stuff, even just gravel roads, gravel pits and the like are great ways to learn. Not to mention great fun.
(of course it is easier with a pickup, trailer or close to someplace to ride)."

Mark

True that! :bowdown:
I'd bet if everyone learned to ride that way, there would be a lot less highway accidents (just my .02)

[Mitch]

There were a few people who didn't pass in my MSF class, and they were going to come back and try again in the next few weeks. (as well as a few people who were trying for the 2nd or even 3rd time when I was tested).

I don't think I would have passed on a cruiser style bike with the tight turns they have you make.

You should get a scooter if you think that's the best plan, but according to the internet, MotoDave's bike looks like the right style for you -

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k8/mitch8101/2000-Suzuki-LS650Savage.jpg

(And I promise, I'm not getting a commission. :happy57: )

[glendmcc]

Here's a nice looking starter bike:
http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/mcy/1697577015.html

I saw it last weekend when taking the dogs for a walk. I'm sure the guy would take an offer on it. This is the bike I really wanted for a first bike back when I was 18!

[motodave]

There were a few people who didn't pass in my MSF class, and they were going to come back and try again in the next few weeks. (as well as a few people who were trying for the 2nd or even 3rd time when I was tested).

I don't think I would have passed on a cruiser style bike with the tight turns they have you make.

You should get a scooter if you think that's the best plan, but according to the internet, MotoDave's bike looks like the right style for you -

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k8/mitch8101/2000-Suzuki-LS650Savage.jpg

(And I promise, I'm not getting a commission. :happy57: )

Mines Dark Green and White if that even matters new tires/tune up w/ air filter and spark plug

[aran]

I have a couple of friends that have gotten these as their first bike:
http://thekneeslider.com/images/symba.jpg
http://www.sym-usa.com/line%20up/symba/line_up_symba.html

They are brand new modeled after the old honda cub. They are 100cc and about $2,500 new. They are semi-automatic. You shift but no clutch, so that would get you use to shifting while riding. Also, unlike most scooters, you won't look like you are riding around on a toilet. Plus, vintage styling without the vintage headache.

[Dave R]

the search has ended! Feast your wanting eyes on a 1999 CB250 Nighthawk
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/photos/2008models/2008-Honda-Nighthawk250-CB250a-small.jpg
not actual bike due to the fact that she is looking for a stock seat... previous rider had a very cut down Rich's upholstery very custom seat on it.. anyone have a lead on a stock seat any year CB250 Nighthawk

[fseven]

Nice! Congrats, Cindy. Look forward to seeing you on the road with it. :)

[Mitch]

Congrats! :)

Also, unlike most scooters, you won't look like you are riding around on a toilet.
:lmao:

[Cyndy]

Yay Cindy!! I'm so happy for you! :)