First bike as an adult...
Discussion
Evening all, after some sage words of wisdom from you folk in leather.
Looking to do my motorbike licence someone soon (if I can stop smoking it'd be my 'reward') and have a couple queries RE what to go for first.
I'm 28, I've had & got my fast cars and I would like to think I've got a lot of the usual young and dumb stunts out the way. I've been looking at a few options for what route I'd want to go down in regards to bike style/power. I'd be doing a full unrestricted licence so the only real limitations would be insurance and the size of my cojones. I've no interest in super quick things bikes, I'm more wanting something fun.
Without having even done the test I've drawn up a wee short list of bikes that interest me and Im wandering what experience folk may have of them and any potential other options. For most of these I'd ideally be looking for new/nearly new.
Firstly, a KTM Duke 390. I like the appeal that you can wring its head off without being totally stupid but I'm not sure if potentially being down on power may grate as I mature as a rider. Also include the husqavra 401 in this.
SV650, hear so many different opinions on these being suitable for beginners, which comes down to self control I guess but nice looking bikes that'd do for a number of years
Ducati monster, much the same as above but with extra Italian running costs/spice involved
Yamaha Mt07, Jack of all trades, I do like them but I also like something a bit left field!
Now I realise when I get a licence, I may learn to hate all of these potential options but I'd appreciate any input from you lot, any do/donts for first bike ownership! I'd love to get an older bike like I know many will suggest but for whatever reason I'm deciding to be an age snob with bikes
I know questions along these lines will have been asked a million times but it's an ever changing world so always interested in new opinions!
Looking to do my motorbike licence someone soon (if I can stop smoking it'd be my 'reward') and have a couple queries RE what to go for first.
I'm 28, I've had & got my fast cars and I would like to think I've got a lot of the usual young and dumb stunts out the way. I've been looking at a few options for what route I'd want to go down in regards to bike style/power. I'd be doing a full unrestricted licence so the only real limitations would be insurance and the size of my cojones. I've no interest in super quick things bikes, I'm more wanting something fun.
Without having even done the test I've drawn up a wee short list of bikes that interest me and Im wandering what experience folk may have of them and any potential other options. For most of these I'd ideally be looking for new/nearly new.
Firstly, a KTM Duke 390. I like the appeal that you can wring its head off without being totally stupid but I'm not sure if potentially being down on power may grate as I mature as a rider. Also include the husqavra 401 in this.
SV650, hear so many different opinions on these being suitable for beginners, which comes down to self control I guess but nice looking bikes that'd do for a number of years
Ducati monster, much the same as above but with extra Italian running costs/spice involved
Yamaha Mt07, Jack of all trades, I do like them but I also like something a bit left field!
Now I realise when I get a licence, I may learn to hate all of these potential options but I'd appreciate any input from you lot, any do/donts for first bike ownership! I'd love to get an older bike like I know many will suggest but for whatever reason I'm deciding to be an age snob with bikes
I know questions along these lines will have been asked a million times but it's an ever changing world so always interested in new opinions! Edited by Rod200SX on Monday 24th August 19:05
My son passed his bike test in January this year at 29 years of age , like you he could not decide what to buy.
He did not fancy an SV650 as he had done his training on one and wasn't keen on it.
Looked at a MT07 as it ticked a lot of boxes but on a short test ride on a friends he found the seating position uncomfortable, he is six foot with long legs.
He then foolishly bought a 2016 675 Street Triple R without a test ride, ( understandingly the dealer was reluctant to give him one as he had just passed his test ), The Street Triple is a great bike but he felt perched on top of it and his legs felt very cramped , I felt same on it and I am only 5 foot 8, it now sits in my garage next to my MT09 and I use it occasionally for short B road blasts. I much prefer my MT09, more comfy and easy to ride.
He had always liked the KTM 390 and just sitting on one in the dealers it felt right, so he bought their 2019 ex demonstrator and just the few miles riding it home convinced him that he had made the right decision. The seat is a plank so a used comfort seat was fitted and a used Leo Vince end can , he has done about 500 miles on it and loves it. It has enough power for him, comfy and frugal on petrol as well. He plans to keep it at least a year or two then move up to a 890 Duke if he has the cash.
But in the end it is only you who can decide what bike to go for, try to get as many test rides as possible, ( not easy after just passing your test ) , try friends bikes if you can and take your time, the right bike is out there waiting for you
He did not fancy an SV650 as he had done his training on one and wasn't keen on it.
Looked at a MT07 as it ticked a lot of boxes but on a short test ride on a friends he found the seating position uncomfortable, he is six foot with long legs.
He then foolishly bought a 2016 675 Street Triple R without a test ride, ( understandingly the dealer was reluctant to give him one as he had just passed his test ), The Street Triple is a great bike but he felt perched on top of it and his legs felt very cramped , I felt same on it and I am only 5 foot 8, it now sits in my garage next to my MT09 and I use it occasionally for short B road blasts. I much prefer my MT09, more comfy and easy to ride.
He had always liked the KTM 390 and just sitting on one in the dealers it felt right, so he bought their 2019 ex demonstrator and just the few miles riding it home convinced him that he had made the right decision. The seat is a plank so a used comfort seat was fitted and a used Leo Vince end can , he has done about 500 miles on it and loves it. It has enough power for him, comfy and frugal on petrol as well. He plans to keep it at least a year or two then move up to a 890 Duke if he has the cash.
But in the end it is only you who can decide what bike to go for, try to get as many test rides as possible, ( not easy after just passing your test ) , try friends bikes if you can and take your time, the right bike is out there waiting for you
Onelastattempt said:
My son passed his bike test in January this year at 29 years of age , like you he could not decide what to buy.
He did not fancy an SV650 as he had done his training on one and wasn't keen on it.
Looked at a MT07 as it ticked a lot of boxes but on a short test ride on a friends he found the seating position uncomfortable, he is six foot with long legs.
He then foolishly bought a 2016 675 Street Triple R without a test ride, ( understandingly the dealer was reluctant to give him one as he had just passed his test ), The Street Triple is a great bike but he felt perched on top of it and his legs felt very cramped , I felt same on it and I am only 5 foot 8, it now sits in my garage next to my MT09 and I use it occasionally for short B road blasts. I much prefer my MT09, more comfy and easy to ride.
He had always liked the KTM 390 and just sitting on one in the dealers it felt right, so he bought their 2019 ex demonstrator and just the few miles riding it home convinced him that he had made the right decision. The seat is a plank so a used comfort seat was fitted and a used Leo Vince end can , he has done about 500 miles on it and loves it. It has enough power for him, comfy and frugal on petrol as well. He plans to keep it at least a year or two then move up to a 890 Duke if he has the cash.
But in the end it is only you who can decide what bike to go for, try to get as many test rides as possible, ( not easy after just passing your test ) , try friends bikes if you can and take your time, the right bike is out there waiting for you
That's actually quite good to hear as I sound a similar shape (long legs & 6ft) and sounds similar to what I hear about the Dukes! Annoyingly we've only kawasaki, triumph and suzuki dealers near me so will need to travel unless I find something PXed locally! He did not fancy an SV650 as he had done his training on one and wasn't keen on it.
Looked at a MT07 as it ticked a lot of boxes but on a short test ride on a friends he found the seating position uncomfortable, he is six foot with long legs.
He then foolishly bought a 2016 675 Street Triple R without a test ride, ( understandingly the dealer was reluctant to give him one as he had just passed his test ), The Street Triple is a great bike but he felt perched on top of it and his legs felt very cramped , I felt same on it and I am only 5 foot 8, it now sits in my garage next to my MT09 and I use it occasionally for short B road blasts. I much prefer my MT09, more comfy and easy to ride.
He had always liked the KTM 390 and just sitting on one in the dealers it felt right, so he bought their 2019 ex demonstrator and just the few miles riding it home convinced him that he had made the right decision. The seat is a plank so a used comfort seat was fitted and a used Leo Vince end can , he has done about 500 miles on it and loves it. It has enough power for him, comfy and frugal on petrol as well. He plans to keep it at least a year or two then move up to a 890 Duke if he has the cash.
But in the end it is only you who can decide what bike to go for, try to get as many test rides as possible, ( not easy after just passing your test ) , try friends bikes if you can and take your time, the right bike is out there waiting for you
zzrman said:
Do you have an idea of the sort of riding you might be doing? Short Sunday morning blasts. Longer days out - maybe 250-300 mile days? Touring maybe in the UK but also in Europe? Dry weather only or prepared to put up with rain, maybe heavy?
That would be handy, wouldn't it! Likely just weekend/evening. No commuting unless a rare occasion.Would mainly be b-roads and trips in to the Highlands, I'm up in Aberdeen so can head in to the Highlands without the need for masses of luggage so no need for a bigger bike & not too interested in going to Europe on a bike at this moment in time. Though a few hundred miles in a day wouldn't be out of the question for trips like NC500 and similar.
Annoyingly I don't know too many folk with bikes, only ones I can think of are my father who has a k1600 GT and a friend with an S1000RR, both of which are not overly suitable
I learnt on and er500, bought a new sv650 and loved it, kept it for a year, but only because I took it to the dealer's for a service and took out a demo gsxr750. I was so impressed I bought a new k8 and kept it 11 years.
Stunning bike and ace to ride, but I found after 10 years I wasn't riding it as much as I should as it was giving me back issues, battled with selling it but eventually made the decision to get a super naked, so I'm now on a gen 2 superduke 1290r.
But yeah as a first bike, the sv was cracking!
Stunning bike and ace to ride, but I found after 10 years I wasn't riding it as much as I should as it was giving me back issues, battled with selling it but eventually made the decision to get a super naked, so I'm now on a gen 2 superduke 1290r.
But yeah as a first bike, the sv was cracking!
Sit your bum on a few bikes and get a feel for the size / seating position of different bikes.
I've recently purchased a Suzuki Gladius, I was after a beginner bike having been off of them for a long while. I like it, I fit alright, it's plenty quick enough for now (a whopping 76bhp).
I always find myself gravitating to 600cc+ bikes as I feel they are better put together and suit my heavier frame.
I've recently purchased a Suzuki Gladius, I was after a beginner bike having been off of them for a long while. I like it, I fit alright, it's plenty quick enough for now (a whopping 76bhp).
I always find myself gravitating to 600cc+ bikes as I feel they are better put together and suit my heavier frame.
My don'ts
- Buy something as a stepping stone
- Buy new for your first bike
- Forget that you don’t actually learn to ride until after you pass your test
- Buy without an extended test ride of that model or similar
- Buy an ugly bike
- Listen to folks on a forum
- Enjoy it, whatever it is. All bikes, even the worst, are great fun riding
- Buy some good protective gear
- Watch your speed, its very easy to three figure
I can’t help with your suggestions as I’m a new rider too.
I’m 32 and passed a week before lockdown. The training centre I used had a fleet of newish CB650Fs. After looking around a while after I passed I ending up getting one too as it was cheap on insurance (£350) and I kinda fit on it (6ft 1). Ideally I’d like a bigger bike but it suits me just fine and has a healthy 86hp - enough to scare you a few times whilst you’re learning the ropes!
There’s a website called cycle ergo, you can select a bike, input your height and inside leg and it shows a mannequin sitting on the bike and lists hip and knee angles. I found this really useful when I was looking around as you can scroll between bikes to compare.
Now I just need to get a few years under my belt ready for an S1000R 😃
I’m 32 and passed a week before lockdown. The training centre I used had a fleet of newish CB650Fs. After looking around a while after I passed I ending up getting one too as it was cheap on insurance (£350) and I kinda fit on it (6ft 1). Ideally I’d like a bigger bike but it suits me just fine and has a healthy 86hp - enough to scare you a few times whilst you’re learning the ropes!
There’s a website called cycle ergo, you can select a bike, input your height and inside leg and it shows a mannequin sitting on the bike and lists hip and knee angles. I found this really useful when I was looking around as you can scroll between bikes to compare.
Now I just need to get a few years under my belt ready for an S1000R 😃
I passed my test in February this year, have a 2004 Suzuki GSXR600 and a 2014 Monster 696, absolutely love the Gixxer, love the looks, power and sound, it's easy to ride, fairly docile below the power band (mental in the power band), on longer rides (two hours) my lower back gets a bit sore but not unbearable, got the Monster as it's a complete contrast to the GSXR (also i sold my classic car so had a bit of money spare), sounds amazing (L twin with sports cans), only drawback with the Ducati is the cam belts need doing every two years but it's a DIY job for me, battery is a tank off job to get to, as is an air filter change so they are a bit of a swine to work on (compared to the Suzuki), the other thing is Monster is pretty small (i'm 5'8" so suits me) so at 6' i'd try one out for size.
simonre7 said:
I can’t help with your suggestions as I’m a new rider too.
I’m 32 and passed a week before lockdown. The training centre I used had a fleet of newish CB650Fs. After looking around a while after I passed I ending up getting one too as it was cheap on insurance (£350) and I kinda fit on it (6ft 1). Ideally I’d like a bigger bike but it suits me just fine and has a healthy 86hp - enough to scare you a few times whilst you’re learning the ropes!
There’s a website called cycle ergo, you can select a bike, input your height and inside leg and it shows a mannequin sitting on the bike and lists hip and knee angles. I found this really useful when I was looking around as you can scroll between bikes to compare.
Now I just need to get a few years under my belt ready for an S1000R ??
I own a S1000R and applaud your control. The S1000R is definitely not a bike for beginners although the safety nets are superb so if you can exercise self control and it’s affordable then jumping on one after a year is reasonable.I’m 32 and passed a week before lockdown. The training centre I used had a fleet of newish CB650Fs. After looking around a while after I passed I ending up getting one too as it was cheap on insurance (£350) and I kinda fit on it (6ft 1). Ideally I’d like a bigger bike but it suits me just fine and has a healthy 86hp - enough to scare you a few times whilst you’re learning the ropes!
There’s a website called cycle ergo, you can select a bike, input your height and inside leg and it shows a mannequin sitting on the bike and lists hip and knee angles. I found this really useful when I was looking around as you can scroll between bikes to compare.
Now I just need to get a few years under my belt ready for an S1000R ??
Markgenesis said:
I passed my test in February this year, have a 2004 Suzuki GSXR600 and a 2014 Monster 696, absolutely love the Gixxer, love the looks, power and sound, it's easy to ride, fairly docile below the power band (mental in the power band), on longer rides (two hours) my lower back gets a bit sore but not unbearable, got the Monster as it's a complete contrast to the GSXR (also i sold my classic car so had a bit of money spare), sounds amazing (L twin with sports cans), only drawback with the Ducati is the cam belts need doing every two years but it's a DIY job for me, battery is a tank off job to get to, as is an air filter change so they are a bit of a swine to work on (compared to the Suzuki), the other thing is Monster is pretty small (i'm 5'8" so suits me) so at 6' i'd try one out for size.
Similar to me, my first bike was an 09 GSX-R600 which is completely gutless below 8k but then can get you into trouble if you rev it out! The GSXR is easy for new riders to ride as its light and has little power unless rev’d hard. The only mistakes I made was dropping it in the back garden due to walking it through mud and dropping it on a roundabout in wet conditions on cold tires at about 10mph due to too much throttle and too little experience! Personally, I'd recommend anything upright, ie naked or small tourer with a relatively low seat height. Dont get me wrong, you can learn on anything but something easy to handle at slow speed will help you to not get caught out early on.
Set Ebay search to desired price and distance and grab whatever you like best out of what is available. Hone your skill on that and then move on to something you really like when you're ready. If it's in reasonable condition itll sell easily and you wont lose money.
Set Ebay search to desired price and distance and grab whatever you like best out of what is available. Hone your skill on that and then move on to something you really like when you're ready. If it's in reasonable condition itll sell easily and you wont lose money.
Stopping smoking paid for my training and all of my gear and got me a decent first "big" bike within 18 months and fags were a lot cheaper then!
All the bikes on your list are good choices; if you feel that it will be a stepping stone to something bigger (sounds likely from your post) then there are plenty of older bikes for a couple of grand that can put a grin on your face for a year or two before you pass it on for something bigger for little to no loss; or you can get something bigger to start with.
I like pottering around on my SV650, it's economical and easy to ride with plenty of bottom end so you can change up at 6k all day long, but from there up to 10k it's got enough poke to piss by slow moving traffic. Suspension could be classier but it's a budget bike.
All the bikes on your list are good choices; if you feel that it will be a stepping stone to something bigger (sounds likely from your post) then there are plenty of older bikes for a couple of grand that can put a grin on your face for a year or two before you pass it on for something bigger for little to no loss; or you can get something bigger to start with.
I like pottering around on my SV650, it's economical and easy to ride with plenty of bottom end so you can change up at 6k all day long, but from there up to 10k it's got enough poke to piss by slow moving traffic. Suspension could be classier but it's a budget bike.
Some good tips form everyone! Much appreciated! Had a wee look at the calculator a poster mentioned above and my awkward leg length may cause some issues for a few bikes so will need to pop round to a few places to have a seat on a couple things. Appreciate the bike tips, a few new things to think about and some things that confirmed my previous thoughts.
Looking forward to getting in to all this. Not fussed about getting out on to a fast bike or anything like that, just the feeling of being on a motorbike sounds brilliant to me.
Looking forward to getting in to all this. Not fussed about getting out on to a fast bike or anything like that, just the feeling of being on a motorbike sounds brilliant to me.
For what it's worth from 40+ years of riding bikes, the most useful experience I look back on, has been riding off-road. I started off on small dual-mode bikes, went onto big trialies, then a touring bike (VFR750) and finally big sports bikes. Today, I have every type of bike, from a 2-stroke for off-road, through a motard for wheelies and silliness, to a very tricked out sportsbike and a few others in between. I tend to ride quick when the conditions are right and I've never had a major accident (just minor spills on diesel, etc).
If I were starting out all over again, I'd do the same - learn to avoid falling off OFF ROAD and it's how I've taught my 8 year old son. This way when a rear wheel slides, or the front gets away from him, he'll know how to save it and be in relative safety and slower speeds when he gest it wrong. It only takes locking up the front and momentarily panicking.
It's also a lot of fun, learning how to wheelie, to get over small logs, etc. power slide the rear, etc. Riding off road, makes us much better road riders too.
The worst thing we can do on a road bike, is panic when one of the tyres starts to slip. I suppose we could alternatively have the bike's electronics and gyroscopic controllers make sure we don't lock up a wheel, or be too exuberant with the throttle. Still doesn't really hone our skills though; at best we learn to rely on them and get a false sense of ability. Off road & motard bikes don't have this nannying stuff.
Just look at what each of the most successful bike racers do for training. They pretty much all train & hone their skills off-road and learn tofinely control a bike as it slides. Good luck.
If I were starting out all over again, I'd do the same - learn to avoid falling off OFF ROAD and it's how I've taught my 8 year old son. This way when a rear wheel slides, or the front gets away from him, he'll know how to save it and be in relative safety and slower speeds when he gest it wrong. It only takes locking up the front and momentarily panicking.
It's also a lot of fun, learning how to wheelie, to get over small logs, etc. power slide the rear, etc. Riding off road, makes us much better road riders too.
The worst thing we can do on a road bike, is panic when one of the tyres starts to slip. I suppose we could alternatively have the bike's electronics and gyroscopic controllers make sure we don't lock up a wheel, or be too exuberant with the throttle. Still doesn't really hone our skills though; at best we learn to rely on them and get a false sense of ability. Off road & motard bikes don't have this nannying stuff.
Just look at what each of the most successful bike racers do for training. They pretty much all train & hone their skills off-road and learn tofinely control a bike as it slides. Good luck.
Rod200SX said:
Firstly, a KTM Duke 390. I like the appeal that you can wring its head off without being totally stupid but I'm not sure if potentially being down on power may grate as I mature as a rider. Also include the husqavra 401 in this.
SV650, hear so many different opinions on these being suitable for beginners, which comes down to self control I guess but nice looking bikes that'd do for a number of years
Ducati monster, much the same as above but with extra Italian running costs/spice involved
Yamaha Mt07, Jack of all trades, I do like them but I also like something a bit left field!
All good sensible choices and all were on my list when I did similar last year - I'm a bit older with dirt bike experience but was thinking similarly, I was lucky that I found a dealer who had a new 401 and a used 690 Duke in stock and let me test ride both.SV650, hear so many different opinions on these being suitable for beginners, which comes down to self control I guess but nice looking bikes that'd do for a number of years
Ducati monster, much the same as above but with extra Italian running costs/spice involved
Yamaha Mt07, Jack of all trades, I do like them but I also like something a bit left field!
First around the car park - the 401 felt great really small, light and nimble, the 690 felt huge !
Then I went on the road - the 401 felt like a toy and just wasn't fast enough I knew I'd be bored within a week, then I rode the 690 and after a few minutes it shrank and was ideal
I sold it as I wanted to try other bikes, having now owned 3 others I realise how bloody good it was (for me at least) instant power, light weight and fun at sensible speeds 2016 facelift onwards is the one to get.
Maybe RSV4 1100 Factory is not a good first bike as you will want to keep it above 5000 as that is where the engine starts making that addictive heavenly sound (and you start going high speeds).
But for example latest S1000RR. It is so docile and well fueled at low rpms, a doddle to ride slow, very light, handles beautifully, comfortable, has splendid instrumentation, mirrors work, heated grips, cruise control. I mean, you can do everything on this bike!
The only problem is to control your right hand, hehe.
If a naked, personally, I think the best choice is Street Triple 675R or 765R or 765RS, and 675Rs can be had for very low money, there are so many around. They are maybe not as exciting as some motard-based bikes and such, but because they are so polished they are very easy to ride for a beginner and at the same time have the power and handling to excite an experienced rider.
I am going tomorrow to test ride the latest 765RS. Can't wait.
But for example latest S1000RR. It is so docile and well fueled at low rpms, a doddle to ride slow, very light, handles beautifully, comfortable, has splendid instrumentation, mirrors work, heated grips, cruise control. I mean, you can do everything on this bike!
The only problem is to control your right hand, hehe.
If a naked, personally, I think the best choice is Street Triple 675R or 765R or 765RS, and 675Rs can be had for very low money, there are so many around. They are maybe not as exciting as some motard-based bikes and such, but because they are so polished they are very easy to ride for a beginner and at the same time have the power and handling to excite an experienced rider.
I am going tomorrow to test ride the latest 765RS. Can't wait.
...For those just (re-)starting out and in their 40's - 50's, remember - born again bikers tend to be the ones most likely to have serious accidents.
Most think it won't happen to them. I've lost a few friends along the way, who died - thinking they wouldn't make mistakes at speed.
Best to NOT start on bikes that can get you into trouble with riding at beyond your abilities.
Most think it won't happen to them. I've lost a few friends along the way, who died - thinking they wouldn't make mistakes at speed.
Best to NOT start on bikes that can get you into trouble with riding at beyond your abilities.
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