A what first bike question.
Discussion
I imagine some may be a bit tired of the 'what first bike question' but im after some opinions from people with more experience than myself and others I know who have been riding for less than a year.
I have recently passed DAS, not had any previous bike experience other than using a 125 for the last month while learning and done a few hundred miles on that. I am now after a 'proper' bike for the summer - Im in my 30's and dont plan on going out and riding like a complete too but I do want something nice - its part of the appeal - I want something modern / new and would prefer a bike I can 'grow into' rather than feel the need to change after 6 months.
So, kind of style of bikes I like are 'nakeds' with a lean towards more 'retro' if possible - MT09/XSR900, Duke 790, BMW RnineT, Husqvarna vitpilen 701 (out front fave looks wise but not sure about the engine) possibly street triple (with round headlight). - I dont want a 'sports' bike, my riding will be mainly weekends out around country lanes, a few hours after work and the odd commute (not a city commute but some traffic) - I am more interested in 30-70mph roads - Oh, I am a bit of a short arse at 5,8-9ish.
I understand with many of the above you can select a 'rain' or 'B' mode to slow things down a little for a few months while you get used to things but will that be enough for me not to be completely intimidated by a triple / twin as opposed to an inline 4?
Thanks.
I have recently passed DAS, not had any previous bike experience other than using a 125 for the last month while learning and done a few hundred miles on that. I am now after a 'proper' bike for the summer - Im in my 30's and dont plan on going out and riding like a complete too but I do want something nice - its part of the appeal - I want something modern / new and would prefer a bike I can 'grow into' rather than feel the need to change after 6 months.
So, kind of style of bikes I like are 'nakeds' with a lean towards more 'retro' if possible - MT09/XSR900, Duke 790, BMW RnineT, Husqvarna vitpilen 701 (out front fave looks wise but not sure about the engine) possibly street triple (with round headlight). - I dont want a 'sports' bike, my riding will be mainly weekends out around country lanes, a few hours after work and the odd commute (not a city commute but some traffic) - I am more interested in 30-70mph roads - Oh, I am a bit of a short arse at 5,8-9ish.
I understand with many of the above you can select a 'rain' or 'B' mode to slow things down a little for a few months while you get used to things but will that be enough for me not to be completely intimidated by a triple / twin as opposed to an inline 4?
Thanks.
All I can say is that the MT09 is just superb. Such a fun bike to ride and the engine is a gem, so smooth and with a nice exhaust can, it sounds fantastic. The power modes don't make masses of difference, but do slow down throttle response slightly. Every time I have ridden one, it puts a huge smile on my face.
Thanks for the replies guys, I had heard it's hard for a newly passed rider to get a test ride?
In fairness, as I have so little experience I wonder if I would know what does and doesn't feel 'right' anyway but I suppose fit is something I can look for and being on the short side this is a concern with the xsr900 having a 835 seat height.
The Yamaha does seem to have the best mix of local dealership, peroformance, looks and price at the moment.
I have a CMC not far away and they have a good mix of bikes so will get down there and have a sit on some / talk about a test ride.
It's good to not get the 'you will die, get a 400' opinion written back too.
In fairness, as I have so little experience I wonder if I would know what does and doesn't feel 'right' anyway but I suppose fit is something I can look for and being on the short side this is a concern with the xsr900 having a 835 seat height.
The Yamaha does seem to have the best mix of local dealership, peroformance, looks and price at the moment.
I have a CMC not far away and they have a good mix of bikes so will get down there and have a sit on some / talk about a test ride.
It's good to not get the 'you will die, get a 400' opinion written back too.
The XSR900 is a fantastic bike. I'm 5'9.5 with around 30" inside leg and I did find it a little tall but not unmanageable. They gave me one when I took my MT07 in for a service. Personally I'd not rule out the XSR700 until you've tried one either. The engine is such a peach and has significant performance if you're willing to use some of the revs (more fun than just relying on a lazy wall of torque IMHO). These Yamaha's are much more upright than the likes of the street triple which can feel more like a naked sportsbike with quite a lot of forward lean. Look at www.cycle-ergo.com for the ergonomics.
It only goes as fast as you twist the throttle. So just don't be a dick and twist it on too much to soon.
They'll all ride very different, but being new you won't really know what you like or what looks good. Why people suggest a cheaper 2nd hand bike, so when you change your mind you don't loose so much.
In this case, they're all nice good bikes. Get the one you like the look of most, won't be disappointing.
They'll all ride very different, but being new you won't really know what you like or what looks good. Why people suggest a cheaper 2nd hand bike, so when you change your mind you don't loose so much.
In this case, they're all nice good bikes. Get the one you like the look of most, won't be disappointing.
Rick1.8t said:
Thanks for the replies guys, I had heard it's hard for a newly passed rider to get a test ride? Depends on the dealer I think, no harm in asking
In fairness, as I have so little experience I wonder if I would know what does and doesn't feel 'right' anyway but I suppose fit is something I can look for and being on the short side this is a concern with the xsr900 having a 835 seat height. I'm 29" inside leg and my mate's XSR felt fine...I do usually ride a Tiger Sport, though, so maybe I'm acclimatised to a high seat!
The Yamaha does seem to have the best mix of local dealership, peroformance, looks and price at the moment.
I have a CMC not far away and they have a good mix of bikes so will get down there and have a sit on some / talk about a test ride. Is that Cannock? Just round the corner from me. Always a cuppa available if I'm home - you could have a run round the block on the Tiger, too. If not, where are you?
It's good to not get the 'you will die, get a 400' opinion written back too. You won't get that much here, but it's not unheard of!
In fairness, as I have so little experience I wonder if I would know what does and doesn't feel 'right' anyway but I suppose fit is something I can look for and being on the short side this is a concern with the xsr900 having a 835 seat height. I'm 29" inside leg and my mate's XSR felt fine...I do usually ride a Tiger Sport, though, so maybe I'm acclimatised to a high seat!
The Yamaha does seem to have the best mix of local dealership, peroformance, looks and price at the moment.
I have a CMC not far away and they have a good mix of bikes so will get down there and have a sit on some / talk about a test ride. Is that Cannock? Just round the corner from me. Always a cuppa available if I'm home - you could have a run round the block on the Tiger, too. If not, where are you?
It's good to not get the 'you will die, get a 400' opinion written back too. You won't get that much here, but it's not unheard of!
- I did think that about the street triple myself - it looks to be a more 'focussed' position than the Yamahas.
- I have thought about getting hold of a cheaper bike for this year to try and understand better what I would like but I really cannot see me wanting to do the full leather / sports bike thing and don't want a super lazy cruiser - I suppose the difficult middle ground is what I am after, something I can do a little bit of everything on and also have as a bit of garage eye-candy, newer bikes also have ABS and traction control which I am sure I would appreciate especially while still learning so to speak. - I wont rule the idea out.
- I did my DAS on a MT07, so very similar to the XSR700 and in my limited experience did like the bike and position, the engine seemed great and was certainly an eye opener after using the 125 as it has quite a lot of torque (obviously not in the real world but for a newbie) - I do worry about XSR900 height adding to the fact it is a more powerful bike and making it a bit too much for me, they don't seem to offer a low seat option like many do.
- The Monster could be a good shout, they look really nice and seem to have a good spec, sound great and have an adjustable seat but are quite expensive and probably pretty expensive to work on too I imagine.
- I have thought about getting hold of a cheaper bike for this year to try and understand better what I would like but I really cannot see me wanting to do the full leather / sports bike thing and don't want a super lazy cruiser - I suppose the difficult middle ground is what I am after, something I can do a little bit of everything on and also have as a bit of garage eye-candy, newer bikes also have ABS and traction control which I am sure I would appreciate especially while still learning so to speak. - I wont rule the idea out.
- I did my DAS on a MT07, so very similar to the XSR700 and in my limited experience did like the bike and position, the engine seemed great and was certainly an eye opener after using the 125 as it has quite a lot of torque (obviously not in the real world but for a newbie) - I do worry about XSR900 height adding to the fact it is a more powerful bike and making it a bit too much for me, they don't seem to offer a low seat option like many do.
- The Monster could be a good shout, they look really nice and seem to have a good spec, sound great and have an adjustable seat but are quite expensive and probably pretty expensive to work on too I imagine.
I've got the cbr650f and passed my test in October. There is the naked version the cb650f which is pretty much the same bike.
Great little bike which I really can't fault, it's more than quick enough to terrify me and decent on fuel but I already find myself wanting something different, I came from a yamaha mt-125 and I bought this on a whim before passing my das and wish I'd waited and test rode other stuff first.
Great little bike which I really can't fault, it's more than quick enough to terrify me and decent on fuel but I already find myself wanting something different, I came from a yamaha mt-125 and I bought this on a whim before passing my das and wish I'd waited and test rode other stuff first.
Rick1.8t said:
- I did think that about the street triple myself - it looks to be a more 'focussed' position than the Yamahas.
- I have thought about getting hold of a cheaper bike for this year to try and understand better what I would like but I really cannot see me wanting to do the full leather / sports bike thing and don't want a super lazy cruiser - I suppose the difficult middle ground is what I am after, something I can do a little bit of everything on and also have as a bit of garage eye-candy, newer bikes also have ABS and traction control which I am sure I would appreciate especially while still learning so to speak. - I wont rule the idea out.
- I did my DAS on a MT07, so very similar to the XSR700 and in my limited experience did like the bike and position, the engine seemed great and was certainly an eye opener after using the 125 as it has quite a lot of torque (obviously not in the real world but for a newbie) - I do worry about XSR900 height adding to the fact it is a more powerful bike and making it a bit too much for me, they don't seem to offer a low seat option like many do.
- The Monster could be a good shout, they look really nice and seem to have a good spec, sound great and have an adjustable seat but are quite expensive and probably pretty expensive to work on too I imagine.
A mate at work had a monster as his first "big" bike. Before that he was a HUGE Ducati fan. He now has an XSR900 and will never have another Italian.- I have thought about getting hold of a cheaper bike for this year to try and understand better what I would like but I really cannot see me wanting to do the full leather / sports bike thing and don't want a super lazy cruiser - I suppose the difficult middle ground is what I am after, something I can do a little bit of everything on and also have as a bit of garage eye-candy, newer bikes also have ABS and traction control which I am sure I would appreciate especially while still learning so to speak. - I wont rule the idea out.
- I did my DAS on a MT07, so very similar to the XSR700 and in my limited experience did like the bike and position, the engine seemed great and was certainly an eye opener after using the 125 as it has quite a lot of torque (obviously not in the real world but for a newbie) - I do worry about XSR900 height adding to the fact it is a more powerful bike and making it a bit too much for me, they don't seem to offer a low seat option like many do.
- The Monster could be a good shout, they look really nice and seem to have a good spec, sound great and have an adjustable seat but are quite expensive and probably pretty expensive to work on too I imagine.
dibblecorse said:
Maybe also take a look at the SV650 or even the SV1000, neither massively powerful but both really user friendly and good value ones always available ...
+1 for the SV650,Here's mine - it's my first bike and I'm loving it! Great for evening and weekend pottering around the countryside with more than enough power for me - plus it sounds great too with the Scorpion can.
IMG_E3905The new CB1000R looks very nice and is a bike that you can grow with. There's a decent review at: https://youtu.be/WmojyK2UYvM
You'll be fine on any of them. They're unfaired so you'll feel the speed and that'll keep you in check.
You may still drop it (all of us do) and the bikes you're mentioning are nice and therefore expensive to repair. Along as you're aware off that, then get what you want and what will make you smile every time you go to the garage!!
Bev
You may still drop it (all of us do) and the bikes you're mentioning are nice and therefore expensive to repair. Along as you're aware off that, then get what you want and what will make you smile every time you go to the garage!!
Bev
you'll only end up in a n+1 position anyway... as others have said go for the one you want, life's too short.
I went through the same thought process: naked = slower speeds. Please don't kid yourself! anything from 600 up for a newbie has plenty of go in it. All a naked does is encourage you to fold yourself over the tank when you are north of '70'. As other have said the throttle twists both ways, I have to keep myself in check as growth in confidence seems to outpace competence in most things I do, and when the gap between the two get's too big it's usually painful.
Any of the bikes you have listed will be great, go and try some out and enjoy! for ref: I went for an 2017 monster 821 based on sound alone - and i love it, it's very easy to ride, with lots of low down grunt.. enough power? hmm for now. Anyway there is no escape from n+1!! I'll be adding a sports bike to the garage next year, then a cruiser probably at some point after that
(i'm working on the man maths)
side thought: If someone doesn't want you to ride the bike, f
k them! go somewhere else (assuming dealer/trader scenario). You'll be in to see them a lot over the coming years, servicing, advice, kit, add ons, replacement bits, upgrades etc. They should be bending over backwards to help you part with your cash and sparking up a good relationship with a garage is mutually beneficial imho.
I went through the same thought process: naked = slower speeds. Please don't kid yourself! anything from 600 up for a newbie has plenty of go in it. All a naked does is encourage you to fold yourself over the tank when you are north of '70'. As other have said the throttle twists both ways, I have to keep myself in check as growth in confidence seems to outpace competence in most things I do, and when the gap between the two get's too big it's usually painful.
Any of the bikes you have listed will be great, go and try some out and enjoy! for ref: I went for an 2017 monster 821 based on sound alone - and i love it, it's very easy to ride, with lots of low down grunt.. enough power? hmm for now. Anyway there is no escape from n+1!! I'll be adding a sports bike to the garage next year, then a cruiser probably at some point after that
(i'm working on the man maths)side thought: If someone doesn't want you to ride the bike, f
k them! go somewhere else (assuming dealer/trader scenario). You'll be in to see them a lot over the coming years, servicing, advice, kit, add ons, replacement bits, upgrades etc. They should be bending over backwards to help you part with your cash and sparking up a good relationship with a garage is mutually beneficial imho.Rick1.8t said:
I have thought about getting hold of a cheaper bike for this year to try and understand better what I would like but I really cannot see me wanting to do the full leather / sports bike thing and don't want a super lazy cruiser - I suppose the difficult middle ground is what I am after, something I can do a little bit of everything on and also have as a bit of garage eye-candy, newer bikes also have ABS and traction control which I am sure I would appreciate especially while still learning so to speak. - I wont rule the idea out.
I passed my DAS 3 years ago now and like the same kind of bikes you do. I went for the cheaper bike option and picked up a Monster 620ie. Bike has done me proud, never let me down and is perfect for the 30-70mph speeds you mention; nice and torquey and sounds great.3 years on I'm now considering upgrading (probably a bigger Monster) so if you do go down the cheap route get in touch!
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