New Rider - First bike in Monster or Street Triple style

[benmc]

All

Wife and I have just moved to Dallas Texas from the UK and I have finally got around to taking my bike test.

Now comes the subject of what should I look at for my first bike. Looked and tested a cruiser (Triumph America) lovely bike but not for me, not sporty enough and too laid back.

I have fallen in love with the looks of the Monster or Street Triple and would love to get one in a year or two.

In the mean time what should I be looking at in a similar style that is much more suited to a beginner?

Any help appreciated and no I am not going to go American and get a Harley!

Thanks
Ben

[SVS]

Can you test ride both bikes? They will feel quite different and you should try before you buy.

[Wildfire]

The smaller monsters are great first bikes. Especially the earlier ones. Loads of parts about if you drop it and a good community. Really fun chassis. I have an M600 and have a blast on it!

[gareth h]

I think you will find the triple engine more forgiving as a first bike, although twins are torquey you do need to rev them otherwise they feel like they are shaking themselves to bits.

[Rawwr]

I KNOW YOU.

[benmc]

So it would not be crazy/stupid to have a Monster or Street Triple as a first bike? I assume I should start on something smaller for 6+ months

Ben

[Rawwr]

benmc said:

So it would not be crazy/stupid to have a Monster or Street Triple as a first bike? I assume I should start on something smaller for 6+ months

Ben

It'll be fine. You'll be amazed how quickly you get used to it.

[mpusch]

benmc said:

So it would not be crazy/stupid to have a Monster or Street Triple as a first bike? I assume I should start on something smaller for 6+ months

Ben

Eh, this forum is fairly lenient for first bikes. Perhaps because of the stringent testing in the UK before you get your license. All the American ones suggest starting small, and I agree with them. Small bikes are fun too, and more forgiving for the inevital mistakes you'll make. I had a blast on my Ninja 500, and it felt plenty fast for the year or so I had it. But it was also a great bike to learn on, and I'm sure glad I didn't start on my Daytona.

[benmc]

mpusch said:

Eh, this forum is fairly lenient for first bikes. Perhaps because of the stringent testing in the UK before you get your license. All the American ones suggest starting small, and I agree with them. Small bikes are fun too, and more forgiving for the inevital mistakes you'll make. I had a blast on my Ninja 500, and it felt plenty fast for the year or so I had it. But it was also a great bike to learn on, and I'm sure glad I didn't start on my Daytona.

Interesting point that I took my test in the US which involved about 7 hours of driving around a coned off car park. Speed no more than 20 mph and no interaction with other road users. While I can 'ride' a bike, my experience in driving in the real world is zero.

[mpusch]

benmc said:

Interesting point that I took my test in the US which involved about 7 hours of driving around a coned off car park. Speed no more than 20 mph and no interaction with other road users. While I can 'ride' a bike, my experience in driving in the real world is zero.

The MSF course right? Glad you took it. Unfortunately, that's only if you opt for that style. The actual motorcycle license test (in my state, NY) is like 10 minutes long and consists of doing a couple circles and a couple figure eights.

I'm quick learning, well-coordinated, and studied technique for months before riding a bike. I'm still glad I started small for the first year. First bike, not your last bike.

[benmc]

Yes MSF test last weekend. Don't get me wrong it was good and the instructor was great but leaves you will no real world experience.

[mpusch]

benmc said:

Yes MSF test last weekend. Don't get me wrong it was good and the instructor was great but leaves you will no real world experience.

No it doesn't, but it gives you the tools to ride so that when you're on the road, you're learning about riding on the road, not how to ride.

[jackh707]

street triple, with ABS for added noob saftey.

very easy handling, flat torque curve, means no camming on, no sudden surprises, comfy and sporty... decent steering lock etc. so wont catch you out round town. Yes its got over 100hp, but the way its delivered is very friendly.

Very easy bike to ride, tractable in any gear, but won't bore you as you get faster and more confident, hoiks the front on impulse, a well ridden one is a very fast bike on the road.

I love street triples, I think its the easiest bike to just jump on and ride the wheels off it, just a matter of time before I actually by one instead of beg/borrowing them of triumph dealers and my mate.

[TimmyWimmyWoo]

Didn't you hear? Getting a Street Triple is a visa requirement. Get one!

[MC Bodge]

Hmmm.

I suggest working up so I'd recommend something less potent, maybe like an SV650, as a first bike.

A Street Triple is a great bike but might encourage point and squirt behaviour in some new riders.

I ride a Street Triple.

[Mastodon2]

mpusch said:

benmc said:

Yes MSF test last weekend. Don't get me wrong it was good and the instructor was great but leaves you will no real world experience.

No it doesn't, but it gives you the tools to ride so that when you're on the road, you're learning about riding on the road, not how to ride.

The UK equivalent of that would be sending a CBT-er out on the road for the first time, unsupervised, on any bike they want.

[mpusch]

Mastodon2 said:

The UK equivalent of that would be sending a CBT-er out on the road for the first time, unsupervised, on any bike they want.

I'm from the US, so though I have some exposure to your licensing process, I don't know it through and through. I learned in a parking lot, practiced in my local neighborhood, and rode on the road. Then I got my license. Things are very different here.

[DesmoTip]

from Houston!

My vote is for the Duke (but I'm biased). One thing I will say for driving requirements here compared to blighty is they have a much less stringent education and testing for driving/riding, as well as some other differences like recommended lane position. I would 100% advocate that you study the UK DAS material as a supplement if you haven't already.

And though I'm not a Harley guy, they are much more in context over here....so buy a Diavel if you prefer something cruiser-ish.

[DesmoTip]

SVS said:

Can you test ride both bikes? They will feel quite different and you should try before you buy.

SVS - dealerships over here are not as forthcoming with test rides as they are back home. I have yet to find a dealer that entertain the notion (not sure if this is just a Houston or Texas thing).

[nidieunimaitre]

Suzuki SV650/SV650S makes a good first bike. Enough power to have a blast but not at all intimidating. You might outgrow it in 6-12months but that's the point, right?