Beginner bike suggestions for a "mature" rider...
Discussion
Cars have always been my first love but I've also been interested in bikes since I was a teen. However, I never got around to it, firstly because the rules for young riders seemed so complicated and I wanted a "proper" bike, not a dirt bike or moped and my mother worked in a spinal unit for all of her professional life, so came across a lot of people who had been in motorbike accidents and would never have allowed it whilst we lived under the same roof! I just turned 40 earlier this year, have my own family now and obviously don't live with my parents anymore but I still never took the plunge because I "needed" a car but didn't "need" a bike and in the early days still go my fun out of driving. I saw a motorbike more as a luxury item and didn't have the disposable income to justify buying one. However, as much as I still love cars, I'm a little disenchanted with driving. I have a mk7 Golf Estate which I like very much. It's quick enough, economical enough, comfortable enough, safe enough and meets all my practical requirements but I wouldn't call it fun. Obviously, there are more "fun" cars out there but I can't justify and don't have room for an additional "fun" car and the more fun cars that can "do it all" are way out of my budget both to buy and run. I have owned several "fun" cars when I was younger, my favourite of which was a Peugeot 205 GTi but I wasn't under the same constraints of what I needed in a car back then e.g. practicality, safety, comfort and refinement etc. I just don't think that most modern cars, despite being very competent, for the most part are that fun. I can't say that a 205 GTi is any way similar to a motorbike (as I've never ridden one) but it certainly had the steering feel, throttle response, visceral feel and aroma of hot oil that you don't get with a modern car (and maybe still do with a bike?) and I miss that experience. I'm sure that something like a Caterham or Morgan 3-Wheeler would be a closer experience to a motorbike though.
Having been bored and had a bit more time to think about things recently, I've decided that maybe it's now or never with respect to getting a motorbike (or maybe it's a terrible idea and I'm too old to start riding)! What appeals to me about a motorbike right now is that you can get a pretty decent one for not much money, I have room to store one and have more of a driving/riding experience without having to compromise on the daily practicality of my car. I would probably limit my use to fine evenings and weekends, with the occasional summer commute rather than use it to commute every day in all-weathers. I've spoken to a couple of friends, one who had a bike in his 20s but doesn't any more and another who has owned bikes for the last 15 years (he has a Fireblade and a 90s ZX-7R currently). I don't pretend to know much about bikes. As a teen, my dream bike would have been a Fireblade or at least a CBR600 but now I prefer the looks of a naked/retro bike and would prefer to be sat a bit more upright. I'd love a Triumph Speed Triple but that's probably more of a 2nd or 3rd bike than a beginner bike. I thought that the Honda CB500F was quite a neat-looking little bike, good value and fairly cheap to insure but my friends seem to think that I'd be better off with a 650cc (ie - I might tire quickly of the relative lack of power of a 500cc bike) and probably something Japanese for reliability.
I quite like the look of the Kawasaki Z650 and the Yamaha MT-07 and Suzuki SV650 are possibilities too and I'm probably looking for something fairly new i.e. up to 6 years old but probably not brand new, as if I decide that it's not for me, I don't want to be too much out of pocket.
Which of these would work best as a beginner bike or have I overlooked any other good options? As I said, I know very little about bikes but would like something reliable, well-built, cheap to maintain, "friendly" and easy to ride but that can still give me that fun, visceral experience that I am missing in my driving. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Having been bored and had a bit more time to think about things recently, I've decided that maybe it's now or never with respect to getting a motorbike (or maybe it's a terrible idea and I'm too old to start riding)! What appeals to me about a motorbike right now is that you can get a pretty decent one for not much money, I have room to store one and have more of a driving/riding experience without having to compromise on the daily practicality of my car. I would probably limit my use to fine evenings and weekends, with the occasional summer commute rather than use it to commute every day in all-weathers. I've spoken to a couple of friends, one who had a bike in his 20s but doesn't any more and another who has owned bikes for the last 15 years (he has a Fireblade and a 90s ZX-7R currently). I don't pretend to know much about bikes. As a teen, my dream bike would have been a Fireblade or at least a CBR600 but now I prefer the looks of a naked/retro bike and would prefer to be sat a bit more upright. I'd love a Triumph Speed Triple but that's probably more of a 2nd or 3rd bike than a beginner bike. I thought that the Honda CB500F was quite a neat-looking little bike, good value and fairly cheap to insure but my friends seem to think that I'd be better off with a 650cc (ie - I might tire quickly of the relative lack of power of a 500cc bike) and probably something Japanese for reliability.
I quite like the look of the Kawasaki Z650 and the Yamaha MT-07 and Suzuki SV650 are possibilities too and I'm probably looking for something fairly new i.e. up to 6 years old but probably not brand new, as if I decide that it's not for me, I don't want to be too much out of pocket.
Which of these would work best as a beginner bike or have I overlooked any other good options? As I said, I know very little about bikes but would like something reliable, well-built, cheap to maintain, "friendly" and easy to ride but that can still give me that fun, visceral experience that I am missing in my driving. Any advice would be much appreciated.
Edited by white_goodman on Tuesday 16th June 20:38
Edited by white_goodman on Tuesday 16th June 20:38
Edited by white_goodman on Tuesday 16th June 20:40
Edited by white_goodman on Tuesday 16th June 20:43
I would encourage you to get the bike you want, given your age insurance shouldn't be too much of an issue.
The reason I suggest you get the bike you want is your entry into biking needs to be good so you get to enjoy it and ride it often (hopefully) as you need to have time in seat to really learning biking and become at ease with it.
Riding is far more difficult than driving a car (but infinitely more rewarding too!) so requires practice to cement what you'll learn on your DAS.
The Triumph street triple is a fun bike and isn't too powerful for you not be able to manage it.
The reason I suggest you get the bike you want is your entry into biking needs to be good so you get to enjoy it and ride it often (hopefully) as you need to have time in seat to really learning biking and become at ease with it.
Riding is far more difficult than driving a car (but infinitely more rewarding too!) so requires practice to cement what you'll learn on your DAS.
The Triumph street triple is a fun bike and isn't too powerful for you not be able to manage it.
Scobblelotcher said:
I would encourage you to get the bike you want, given your age insurance shouldn't be too much of an issue.
The reason I suggest you get the bike you want is your entry into biking needs to be good so you get to enjoy it and ride it often (hopefully) as you need to have time in seat to really learning biking and become at ease with it.
Riding is far more difficult than driving a car (but infinitely more rewarding too!) so requires practice to cement what you'll learn on your DAS.
The Triumph street triple is a fun bike and isn't too powerful for you not be able to manage it.
Thanks. Good advice. I've seen they do a Street Triple too and I like it. Are the Triumphs as well-built, reliable and easy to maintain/use as the Japanese bikes?The reason I suggest you get the bike you want is your entry into biking needs to be good so you get to enjoy it and ride it often (hopefully) as you need to have time in seat to really learning biking and become at ease with it.
Riding is far more difficult than driving a car (but infinitely more rewarding too!) so requires practice to cement what you'll learn on your DAS.
The Triumph street triple is a fun bike and isn't too powerful for you not be able to manage it.
The street triple is a 105bhp bike - whilst I've no doubt some have had one as a first bike I've equally no doubt it's very easy to get into trouble on one.
The SV650 you mentioned is a great bike, cheap, plentiful, fun, reliable and its not slow with 70bhp and you can get a good one for £2k which you'd sell for the same price in a year's time.
The naked has bars the S has clip ons.
The SV650 you mentioned is a great bike, cheap, plentiful, fun, reliable and its not slow with 70bhp and you can get a good one for £2k which you'd sell for the same price in a year's time.
The naked has bars the S has clip ons.
I have a Z650, my first ever bike. Only previous riding experience was going my CBT and DAS course. It’s a good starter bike, loves to be chucked around in the corners and is nice and comfy. I’m only 5’7 / 5’8 and can flat foot on the floor, so if you’re tall you’ll probably find it a bit small, in fact it’s pretty tiny for a 650. Overall though it’s good, just a shame it sounds like a 300cc bike! I’m looking to upgrade to something else now I’ve got a years riding under my belt. Z650 does sometimes feel like I’m on a baby bike when out with others
brad93 said:
I have a Z650, my first ever bike. Only previous riding experience was going my CBT and DAS course. It’s a good starter bike, loves to be chucked around in the corners and is nice and comfy. I’m only 5’7 / 5’8 and can flat foot on the floor, so if you’re tall you’ll probably find it a bit small, in fact it’s pretty tiny for a 650. Overall though it’s good, just a shame it sounds like a 300cc bike! I’m looking to upgrade to something else now I’ve got a years riding under my belt. Z650 does sometimes feel like I’m on a baby bike when out with others
I'm about the same height as you, so that's worth knowing. Thank you! Does it feel pretty light too? Comfy is important, didn't mention that. That's why I was less keen on a sports bike now I'm a bit older.Bonneville. Here's a nice example: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bikes-for-sale/triu... With some useful accessories, like a centre stand. FSH, low miles, one owner. You could probably get it for £4k and they say they'll service it and give it a fresh MOT.
white_goodman said:
I'm about the same height as you, so that's worth knowing. Thank you! Does it feel pretty light too? Comfy is important, didn't mention that. That's why I was less keen on a sports bike now I'm a bit older.
I don’t have much to compare it to but it’s fairly light. I have to many our mine around the garden and through the gate and manage without issue (both on and off the bike). Can get quite a bit of wind blast hitting you, but I have the screen on mine as it’s a performance edition which helps a little. If you still need to do your DAS, a lot of schools use the Z650. Mine did and that’s why I ended up getting on myself after passing. Pothole said:
Bonneville. Here's a nice example: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bikes-for-sale/triu... With some useful accessories, like a centre stand. FSH, low miles, one owner. You could probably get it for £4k and they say they'll service it and give it a fresh MOT.
Thanks. I do like that. 900cc but they're not super powerful are they?white_goodman said:
Pothole said:
Bonneville. Here's a nice example: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/bikes-for-sale/triu... With some useful accessories, like a centre stand. FSH, low miles, one owner. You could probably get it for £4k and they say they'll service it and give it a fresh MOT.
Thanks. I do like that. 900cc but they're not super powerful are they?I'm 45 and have been riding since 17 and currently have a KTM990SMT and a ZX6R (2 differing experiences) so like to think I'm pretty well versed.
Personally I think a 100bhp bike like a speed triple is too much for a first bike. Something up to 600cc and maybe 80bhp is probably about right as being mature and used to driving a car for years you don't need a 'beginner' bike as you will be road aware and know about driving conditions etc but powerful bikes can catch many new riders out as they get up to silly speeds very quickly and of course on a bike it's not like a car where jamming on the brakes may just trigger some anti lock and slow you down rapidly but rather either end up spitting you off (no anti lock) or you carrying onto the other carriageway and into another vehicle (with anti lock) as bikes tend to 'stand up straight' under hard braking hence if on a bend you would go straight on (hedge on a right hander or other carriageway on a left hander).
Also I'd go for something you can easily get both feet flat on the floor when sat on (good for confidence) and without too hunched over/sporty a riding portion so you can keep a good view of the road rather than the dash.
Hope that helps but most of all DO IT, bikes were my first love and having as a teen started out as bike then car then bike then car I finally got to have both simultaneously in my twenties and am now lucky (age helps) to have 2 cars and 2 bikes but the bikes still get lots of use. Be safe but have fun.
Personally I think a 100bhp bike like a speed triple is too much for a first bike. Something up to 600cc and maybe 80bhp is probably about right as being mature and used to driving a car for years you don't need a 'beginner' bike as you will be road aware and know about driving conditions etc but powerful bikes can catch many new riders out as they get up to silly speeds very quickly and of course on a bike it's not like a car where jamming on the brakes may just trigger some anti lock and slow you down rapidly but rather either end up spitting you off (no anti lock) or you carrying onto the other carriageway and into another vehicle (with anti lock) as bikes tend to 'stand up straight' under hard braking hence if on a bend you would go straight on (hedge on a right hander or other carriageway on a left hander).
Also I'd go for something you can easily get both feet flat on the floor when sat on (good for confidence) and without too hunched over/sporty a riding portion so you can keep a good view of the road rather than the dash.
Hope that helps but most of all DO IT, bikes were my first love and having as a teen started out as bike then car then bike then car I finally got to have both simultaneously in my twenties and am now lucky (age helps) to have 2 cars and 2 bikes but the bikes still get lots of use. Be safe but have fun.
Sv650, z650, mt07 are all used by training schools so I am sure they would be fine. Clearly the quality of the training is more important than the bikes they use but you should know if you like the bike by the time you pass.
Once you have your licence if you are unsure or can't get a test ride you could always get follow up training from another school on another bike.
The thing is most bikes will feel great just after you pass your test so you may feel like a change after 6 months. Finding out what bikes you like is the fun bit.
I did my DAS on an Sv650 with a CBR600f4i waiting in the garage, I didn't really get on with the cbr powerband and perhaps excess performance and changed it for an Aprillia Dorsoduro 750 which was more linear and torquey. Would I have been better off choosing my first bike with an open mind, who knows?
Good luck
Once you have your licence if you are unsure or can't get a test ride you could always get follow up training from another school on another bike.
The thing is most bikes will feel great just after you pass your test so you may feel like a change after 6 months. Finding out what bikes you like is the fun bit.
I did my DAS on an Sv650 with a CBR600f4i waiting in the garage, I didn't really get on with the cbr powerband and perhaps excess performance and changed it for an Aprillia Dorsoduro 750 which was more linear and torquey. Would I have been better off choosing my first bike with an open mind, who knows?
Good luck
Edited by Ed. on Tuesday 16th June 22:09
I did my DAS a few years ago at the age of 38. Honestly, if your a bit bored of cars then do it, you will feel like your 17 again and just got your driving license! I don’t think it’s a bad age to start, you will have a bit more sense and self preservation than you would at a younger age.
Myself and a mate passed at the same time, I bought a late model Hornet and he bought an MT-07. Very different bikes, the MT has instant low down grunt and I think about 75bhp and the Honda 103bhp but being a four cylinder you have to get the revs up to really get it going. The twins run out of steam at 10k rpm which is when the four cylinders really get going. Personally I prefer the revs and have since upgraded to a GSXR but I reckon the twins are certainly easier to ride but you’d probably get bored of the performance quicker.
The Hornet was a great bike and bulletproof but maybe a bit old as the youngest is I think 8 years old now. Everyone raves about Triumph Street Triples, I had a try of one and it was a great bike, good low down power and also quite revvy but it just felt too small for me and I’m only 5’10.
If it felt comfy though I think that’s where my money would go.
Myself and a mate passed at the same time, I bought a late model Hornet and he bought an MT-07. Very different bikes, the MT has instant low down grunt and I think about 75bhp and the Honda 103bhp but being a four cylinder you have to get the revs up to really get it going. The twins run out of steam at 10k rpm which is when the four cylinders really get going. Personally I prefer the revs and have since upgraded to a GSXR but I reckon the twins are certainly easier to ride but you’d probably get bored of the performance quicker.
The Hornet was a great bike and bulletproof but maybe a bit old as the youngest is I think 8 years old now. Everyone raves about Triumph Street Triples, I had a try of one and it was a great bike, good low down power and also quite revvy but it just felt too small for me and I’m only 5’10.
If it felt comfy though I think that’s where my money would go.
All good suggestions. I passed my bike test in 2011 aged 40, so similar to you. I bought a Street Triple R as a first bike as nobody had a bad word to say about them and a test ride felt great. It was far more capable than I was, but I’m a big boy and took it easy (largely, not completely). I liked the look of a more upright, naked bike, but also it helps keep speeds sensible. At 70mph when upright and without a fairing it feels like the wind wants to rip you off. That helps vs a more aerodynamic and/or faired bike.
I drive cars rather more sportingly, but bikes I still ride like my granny almost 10 years later. Doesn’t mean I don’t want a capable bike though. As one of the earlier posters said, go with what you like and engage brain before throttle. I’ve since bought an Africa Twin for the station trip and a Thruxton R for the weekends. I think the Street Triple was the best though! You’ll be fine.
I drive cars rather more sportingly, but bikes I still ride like my granny almost 10 years later. Doesn’t mean I don’t want a capable bike though. As one of the earlier posters said, go with what you like and engage brain before throttle. I’ve since bought an Africa Twin for the station trip and a Thruxton R for the weekends. I think the Street Triple was the best though! You’ll be fine.
I started at 43. Passed my test on a Honda CG 125 and went straight onto a Honda VFR 750 which had 100 bhp and close to 150 mph top speed.
You can get yourself into all kinds of trouble whether the bike has 50 bhp or 150 bhp. So my recommendation is buy the bike that fits you and you feel comfortable on, and then - and this is the important bit...................................
GET ADVANCED RIDER TRAINING as your Number 1 priority.
IAM/ROSPA are both OK places to start.
If you want the top - IMO - people then www.rapidtraining.co.uk are well worth spending money on.
You can get yourself into all kinds of trouble whether the bike has 50 bhp or 150 bhp. So my recommendation is buy the bike that fits you and you feel comfortable on, and then - and this is the important bit...................................
GET ADVANCED RIDER TRAINING as your Number 1 priority.
IAM/ROSPA are both OK places to start.
If you want the top - IMO - people then www.rapidtraining.co.uk are well worth spending money on.
I am similar age to you, passed my test years ago and had a CBR600 which I didn't get on with, too small and uncomfortable (don't like the clip on handlebars - narrow and low) and a sticky carb meant it was stuttery as hell and hard to ride slowly or get moving....fell out with it - life moved on, no space for a bike etc - haven't ridden since.
Am looking to get back into it now - and really want the MT-07. I know it is small, but being a more sit up riding position I hope will be ok (I am 6ft)
I keep trying to look at other bikes, everyone says should get something else, but I love how the MT range look, and every time I hear that twin with the akra pipe, it just makes me smile.....
My alternate would be the SV650 which is what I learned on - that was a great bike, not as easy as the bandit 600 I also rode when learning, but more enjoyable to ride I thought - sounded better
Am looking to get back into it now - and really want the MT-07. I know it is small, but being a more sit up riding position I hope will be ok (I am 6ft)
I keep trying to look at other bikes, everyone says should get something else, but I love how the MT range look, and every time I hear that twin with the akra pipe, it just makes me smile.....
My alternate would be the SV650 which is what I learned on - that was a great bike, not as easy as the bandit 600 I also rode when learning, but more enjoyable to ride I thought - sounded better
I’ve owned an SV650S and a Street Triple at 35, so well placed to answer your question.
The SV was my first bike and was great, if a little uncomfortable around town due to the clip ons. It had plenty of power, in fact I can still remember the first time I opened it up. It was mind blowing. A slow bike, relatively speaking, is still a good deal quicker than many cars on the road. That’s ignoring the fact you’re sat on, rather than in something that’s insulating you from the engine + airflow. It felt built to a price, with budget suspension and brakes and slightly agricultural.
The Street Triple R I had was an improvement in every way. Smoother, nicer sounding, much better finish, sharper and more comfortable. It was easier to ride than the SV as the bars were upright and the weight felt lower down. It was like a little BMX! It had 4 pot Brembo brakes and so both power and feel were a marked improvement on the SV.
In hindsight, I would have been fine on the Street Triple as a first bike. In many ways it was easier to ride than the SV and the throttle was nice and progressive so there’s nothing nasty in the power delivery. I’d have another although I think I’d search for a model with ABS this time.
The SV was my first bike and was great, if a little uncomfortable around town due to the clip ons. It had plenty of power, in fact I can still remember the first time I opened it up. It was mind blowing. A slow bike, relatively speaking, is still a good deal quicker than many cars on the road. That’s ignoring the fact you’re sat on, rather than in something that’s insulating you from the engine + airflow. It felt built to a price, with budget suspension and brakes and slightly agricultural.
The Street Triple R I had was an improvement in every way. Smoother, nicer sounding, much better finish, sharper and more comfortable. It was easier to ride than the SV as the bars were upright and the weight felt lower down. It was like a little BMX! It had 4 pot Brembo brakes and so both power and feel were a marked improvement on the SV.
In hindsight, I would have been fine on the Street Triple as a first bike. In many ways it was easier to ride than the SV and the throttle was nice and progressive so there’s nothing nasty in the power delivery. I’d have another although I think I’d search for a model with ABS this time.
I took my test 3 years ago at 37 and bought a 2015 BMW F800R, this for me was a great first road bike ( I rode motocross before). Very similar to you in the fact I have always wanted a road bike but circumstances didn't suit.
anyway,,I went through the list of usual first bikes but really wanted a Street Triple, the dealer local to me is a BMW & Triumph dealer and actually suggested the BMW as a first bike over the ST. The BMW is 90hp and plenty of fun to ride and a little more forgiving than perhaps the ST. It really was a great first bike, still had the street look (ish). It had enough power that it was fun and I didn't get bored. I made mistakes as you will do but as its not a 140hp weapon it gave me confidence. After 3 years I still had the hankering for the triple and bought a 2020 model for my 40th, its a great bike and I love it but there's a big difference from 90hp to 120hp. Too much power is the same old debate that you control the throttle etc but I can see it would easier to get into a sticky situation if you didn't know the bike and were learning the skills. My mate on the other hand went a bought a CBR600RR as his first bike and soon realised that bike wasn't for him and changed it after 3 months for a ninja 650, more forgiving and comfortable I guess, now rides a Z1000SX.
I test rode the Speed and the Street and both were fantastic bikes but the speed was more than I needed and I felt more comfortable on the Street, my legs are short too so the street felt more my size.
Try a few see how you feel on them and go from there, don't forget to keep us updated and enjoy,
anyway,,I went through the list of usual first bikes but really wanted a Street Triple, the dealer local to me is a BMW & Triumph dealer and actually suggested the BMW as a first bike over the ST. The BMW is 90hp and plenty of fun to ride and a little more forgiving than perhaps the ST. It really was a great first bike, still had the street look (ish). It had enough power that it was fun and I didn't get bored. I made mistakes as you will do but as its not a 140hp weapon it gave me confidence. After 3 years I still had the hankering for the triple and bought a 2020 model for my 40th, its a great bike and I love it but there's a big difference from 90hp to 120hp. Too much power is the same old debate that you control the throttle etc but I can see it would easier to get into a sticky situation if you didn't know the bike and were learning the skills. My mate on the other hand went a bought a CBR600RR as his first bike and soon realised that bike wasn't for him and changed it after 3 months for a ninja 650, more forgiving and comfortable I guess, now rides a Z1000SX.
I test rode the Speed and the Street and both were fantastic bikes but the speed was more than I needed and I felt more comfortable on the Street, my legs are short too so the street felt more my size.
Try a few see how you feel on them and go from there, don't forget to keep us updated and enjoy,
Edited by Lemanandbeyond on Wednesday 17th June 07:48
Edited by Lemanandbeyond on Wednesday 17th June 07:49
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