New to all of this
Discussion
Hi,
I am very new to this forum, but have been a long time reader of PistonHeads if that’s worth anything. I am also new the scene of biking, I have just put in for my CBT and have already booked a Direct Access course to get me right in to biking, it’s been something I have wanted to do for years now but have never been able to till now.
I have been looking at bikes for about 3 weeks now and have really got my heart set on a Suzuki GSX R 600 but after talking to a long time rider friend of mine. His first words worried me, “well it’s been nice knowing you I’ll see you in the afterlife”. Would this bike really be that bad as a first time bike. I don’t have anyone to ride with so there is no reason I would try riding beyond my capabilities. It would also be only used for the summer as I would be using my car to commute.
I really could use your help on this one, I will be keeping the bike for many years so I want to be happy with what I get and not need something faster shortly down the road. My budget on this project is £2500 for the bike and £700 on protective gear so any help would be very much appreciated.
Thanks
I am very new to this forum, but have been a long time reader of PistonHeads if that’s worth anything. I am also new the scene of biking, I have just put in for my CBT and have already booked a Direct Access course to get me right in to biking, it’s been something I have wanted to do for years now but have never been able to till now.
I have been looking at bikes for about 3 weeks now and have really got my heart set on a Suzuki GSX R 600 but after talking to a long time rider friend of mine. His first words worried me, “well it’s been nice knowing you I’ll see you in the afterlife”. Would this bike really be that bad as a first time bike. I don’t have anyone to ride with so there is no reason I would try riding beyond my capabilities. It would also be only used for the summer as I would be using my car to commute.
I really could use your help on this one, I will be keeping the bike for many years so I want to be happy with what I get and not need something faster shortly down the road. My budget on this project is £2500 for the bike and £700 on protective gear so any help would be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Edited by Cafuddled on Wednesday 7th March 11:40
Edited by Cafuddled on Wednesday 7th March 11:44
Hi 
and welcome to the best biking forum on the net.
If you do a search in BB for ideal first bike, you will see that there is a varied range of opinion and an ever on-going debate as to what is best.
The thing to remember is that no bike is dangerous, it’s what the rider does with the bike that’s the problem. You are in control, it’s your decisions that are made and you will have to live (hopefully!
) with the consequences.
Get the bike that you want but do some homework to ensure that it really is the bike that you want. Seat height, seating position, weight, centre of gravity etc. will all have a big impact and that’s before you have even started the engine! Likewise, what you want to use the bike for will make a huge difference as a 100cc scooter is probably not the ideal choice for regular 200 mile runs on motorways and the likes of a Ducati 1098 is probably not best suited to a two mile across London daily commute.
Try a number of different bikes and get a feel for different styles, engine capacities and engine configurations.
Most importantly, remember that passing your DAS is just the beginning. Get as much advanced road training as you can.
A GSXR600 is a great bike. If it does what you want it to do then there is no reason it shouldn’t be an ideal first bike.
and welcome to the best biking forum on the net. If you do a search in BB for ideal first bike, you will see that there is a varied range of opinion and an ever on-going debate as to what is best.
The thing to remember is that no bike is dangerous, it’s what the rider does with the bike that’s the problem. You are in control, it’s your decisions that are made and you will have to live (hopefully!
) with the consequences. Get the bike that you want but do some homework to ensure that it really is the bike that you want. Seat height, seating position, weight, centre of gravity etc. will all have a big impact and that’s before you have even started the engine! Likewise, what you want to use the bike for will make a huge difference as a 100cc scooter is probably not the ideal choice for regular 200 mile runs on motorways and the likes of a Ducati 1098 is probably not best suited to a two mile across London daily commute.
Try a number of different bikes and get a feel for different styles, engine capacities and engine configurations.
Most importantly, remember that passing your DAS is just the beginning. Get as much advanced road training as you can.
A GSXR600 is a great bike. If it does what you want it to do then there is no reason it shouldn’t be an ideal first bike.
First of all,
hello and welcome to the mad house....
Best decision of your life, converting to bikes, you won't regret it.
I converted last year,(My god it's been that long, and i still havn't done a track day!!!) and jumped straight on a 636, and i'm still here.
Their only as fast as your right hand, so just go steady....
just make sure it's black!!!!....
D
hello and welcome to the mad house.... Best decision of your life, converting to bikes, you won't regret it.
I converted last year,(My god it's been that long, and i still havn't done a track day!!!) and jumped straight on a 636, and i'm still here.
Their only as fast as your right hand, so just go steady....
just make sure it's black!!!!....
D
Hi and welcome. I passed my Das back in Oct 2006 and bought a 03 Fazer 600 and glad I did . once you pass your direct access I would suggest a naked bike as you will drop it or have a fall int he first year. OK may do that. most cheaper bikes such as the Fazer, Hornet, Sv650 etc are bloody fast and a very good stepping stone to getting some experance and miles under your belt
but thats just my 2 pence
regards
but thats just my 2 pence
regards
My advice would be... Pass your test first and then worry about the bike!
There are loads of different types of bikes, I amazed at how many people decide they are going to have this bike or that bike before actually riding one. Some people suit sports bikes, some don't. Once you have passed, decide what you are going to use the bike for - e.g. everyday transport, commuting, playing, the odd sunday etc. I use my bike everyday - I would be wrecked on a sports bike, so I dont have one. Just playing you'll be fine. Also, your size makes a difference, even in sports bike terms some are more cramped than others. When you have passed go out and ride all sorts of bikes, sports, naked, tourers, off roaders the lot, then make a choice. By taking your time you may avoid an expensive mistake and its great fun riding all sorts of bikes, you may actually find a dealer with a load of different options who will let you try all sorts...
Its great fun! Enjoy!!!!!
There are loads of different types of bikes, I amazed at how many people decide they are going to have this bike or that bike before actually riding one. Some people suit sports bikes, some don't. Once you have passed, decide what you are going to use the bike for - e.g. everyday transport, commuting, playing, the odd sunday etc. I use my bike everyday - I would be wrecked on a sports bike, so I dont have one. Just playing you'll be fine. Also, your size makes a difference, even in sports bike terms some are more cramped than others. When you have passed go out and ride all sorts of bikes, sports, naked, tourers, off roaders the lot, then make a choice. By taking your time you may avoid an expensive mistake and its great fun riding all sorts of bikes, you may actually find a dealer with a load of different options who will let you try all sorts...
Its great fun! Enjoy!!!!!
Firstly welcome to the Forum 
Your question is one that is asked frequently. You will get a myriad of replies saying you should get this or you should get that. I would say get your CBT & DAS out the of the way and test ride a few bikes and buy what YOU want and not what someone else is saying to get. Go with your heart and if you want a GSXR 600 go buy one. When I passed my test way back I was adamant I was getting a sports bike regardless of what people were saying, and that's exactly what I did and have never regretted it. Remember a bike will only go as quick as you turn your right hand on that throttle.
Once you have passed your test and bought your bike you will then start to learn more i.e. different techniques of how to steer the bike such as counter steering, using your body weight and the foot pegs to turn the bike, all of which is obviously not taught on the lessons you have to pass your test.
Good luck with the test and welcome to two wheels.
Also read again what Black K1 wrote, wise words and I believe I have echoed some of them.
Andy.
Your question is one that is asked frequently. You will get a myriad of replies saying you should get this or you should get that. I would say get your CBT & DAS out the of the way and test ride a few bikes and buy what YOU want and not what someone else is saying to get. Go with your heart and if you want a GSXR 600 go buy one. When I passed my test way back I was adamant I was getting a sports bike regardless of what people were saying, and that's exactly what I did and have never regretted it. Remember a bike will only go as quick as you turn your right hand on that throttle.
Once you have passed your test and bought your bike you will then start to learn more i.e. different techniques of how to steer the bike such as counter steering, using your body weight and the foot pegs to turn the bike, all of which is obviously not taught on the lessons you have to pass your test.
Good luck with the test and welcome to two wheels.
Also read again what Black K1 wrote, wise words and I believe I have echoed some of them.
Andy.
Edited by Andy Oh on Wednesday 7th March 13:16
Hello mate,
I did write a response earlier, but god only knows where its gone!
Anyways, welocme, and as most others have said get what you want! The GSXR 600 was my first bike and it was excellent....It's only as dangerous as the rider on it.
Good luck with the CBT and your DAS.
Cheers.
I did write a response earlier, but god only knows where its gone!
Anyways, welocme, and as most others have said get what you want! The GSXR 600 was my first bike and it was excellent....It's only as dangerous as the rider on it.
Good luck with the CBT and your DAS.
Cheers.
I passed in November last year, and picked up my first bike Monday - 2 days ago.
Went through all the 'is this suitable' questions, and opinions varried massively.
I bought a Ducati 748s - a sports bike with just under 100bhp. I was very apprehensive for my first 100yrds, but it is actually easier to ride in some ways than the sit up and beg GS500 I learned on.
So from someone who has just bought a sports bike as a first bike...sit on one and see if it fits...if it does, and that is what you are after then get it. I CAN understand why people advise against a litre bike for your first bike - they will not be for the majority of newbies, but also understand that as a previous poster said...YOU are in control! Don't go silly on it and you should be as fine on that as anything.
If you are going to do something stupid and end up in a hedge or as a bonet ornament, you'll do it whetever you sit on...naked bike, scooter, gixer thou'
E&OE - no liabilities expressed or inferred.
Always read the small print. Bikes can go slow as well as fast
Went through all the 'is this suitable' questions, and opinions varried massively.
I bought a Ducati 748s - a sports bike with just under 100bhp. I was very apprehensive for my first 100yrds, but it is actually easier to ride in some ways than the sit up and beg GS500 I learned on.
So from someone who has just bought a sports bike as a first bike...sit on one and see if it fits...if it does, and that is what you are after then get it. I CAN understand why people advise against a litre bike for your first bike - they will not be for the majority of newbies, but also understand that as a previous poster said...YOU are in control! Don't go silly on it and you should be as fine on that as anything.
If you are going to do something stupid and end up in a hedge or as a bonet ornament, you'll do it whetever you sit on...naked bike, scooter, gixer thou'
E&OE - no liabilities expressed or inferred.
Always read the small print. Bikes can go slow as well as fast
Echo what's been said... no good setting your heart on something and then finding you don't like it, it's a huge disappointment. I should know, I had a Lotus Esprit 
Sports bikes are all well and good for a 7AM Sunday thrash but can be bloody murder for anything else... and be realistic: just HOW much time can you spend at 18K rpm with one knee on the deck?
There's also no faster way to put an inexperienced pillion off than by making them sit on a postage stamp with their feet in their ears and nothing to hang onto, so if you think the little woman might share your enthusiasm for an R1 or a 'Blade, think again
Sports bikes are all well and good for a 7AM Sunday thrash but can be bloody murder for anything else... and be realistic: just HOW much time can you spend at 18K rpm with one knee on the deck?
There's also no faster way to put an inexperienced pillion off than by making them sit on a postage stamp with their feet in their ears and nothing to hang onto, so if you think the little woman might share your enthusiasm for an R1 or a 'Blade, think again
wedg1e said:
Echo what's been said... no good setting your heart on something and then finding you don't like it, it's a huge disappointment. I should know, I had a Lotus Esprit
Sports bikes are all well and good for a 7AM Sunday thrash but can be bloody murder for anything else... and be realistic: just HOW much time can you spend at 18K rpm with one knee on the deck?
There's also no faster way to put an inexperienced pillion off than by making them sit on a postage stamp with their feet in their ears and nothing to hang onto, so if you think the little woman might share your enthusiasm for an R1 or a 'Blade, think again
Sports bikes are all well and good for a 7AM Sunday thrash but can be bloody murder for anything else... and be realistic: just HOW much time can you spend at 18K rpm with one knee on the deck?
There's also no faster way to put an inexperienced pillion off than by making them sit on a postage stamp with their feet in their ears and nothing to hang onto, so if you think the little woman might share your enthusiasm for an R1 or a 'Blade, think again
Err, No sports bikes aren't just for a 7am Sunday morning thrash, I see plenty of sports bikes on the commute, and especially in and out of London, so can't quite agree with your comment, and I do commute everyday on an R1 (70 mile round trip) and I know plenty of other guys on this forum who do the same.
I think it's each to their own to be honest.......some like sports bikes others like big tourers......others like big trallies.........
Andy Oh said:
wedg1e said:
Sports bikes are all well and good for a 7AM Sunday thrash but can be bloody murder for anything else...
Err, No sports bikes aren't just for a 7am Sunday morning thrash, I see plenty of sports bikes on the commute, and especially in and out of London, so can't quite agree with your comment, and I do commute everyday on an R1 (70 mile round trip) and I know plenty of other guys on this forum who do the same.
I think it's each to their own to be honest.......some like sports bikes others like big tourers......others like big trallies.........
I would say that Andy Oh is spot on. Each to their own and get what works for you. I know people who regularly commute/tour on sports bikes and others who ride ‘tourers’ at speeds that would (and do) show sports bikes a ‘clean pair of heals’ on even the twistiest sections of road. None of them felt they were on the ‘wrong type’ of bike.
wedg1e said:
… and be realistic: just HOW much time can you spend at 18K rpm with one knee on the deck?
This is also very true and is the very reason I don’t ride any of the latest crop of 1000cc super sports bikes but it should just be part of you overall consideration and, even if you only spend a total 30 seconds per year at 18K rpm with your knee on the deck, that may be the most important 30 seconds of your motorcycling life. Each to their own!
My first bike was ZX9R, I have been very careful with it. Most bikes are fast beyond understanding (says a newish rider) I looked at it this way. If you ride like a looney then you increase your chances of a big spill. Be sensible (as much as possible) and you get a lovely bike that will see you good for many years. Keep control of yourself and be careful
Rawwr said:
chilli said:
dvs636 said:
chilli said:
....It's only as dangerous as the rider on it.
and this man nows from expierence.....
All experience is good experience!
So, if you experienced bumrape at the hands of a team of Spanish dockworkers...
I'll check with the mrs....but, hell, I'll give it a go!!
Andy Oh said:
wedg1e said:
Echo what's been said... no good setting your heart on something and then finding you don't like it, it's a huge disappointment. I should know, I had a Lotus Esprit
Sports bikes are all well and good for a 7AM Sunday thrash but can be bloody murder for anything else... and be realistic: just HOW much time can you spend at 18K rpm with one knee on the deck?
There's also no faster way to put an inexperienced pillion off than by making them sit on a postage stamp with their feet in their ears and nothing to hang onto, so if you think the little woman might share your enthusiasm for an R1 or a 'Blade, think again
Sports bikes are all well and good for a 7AM Sunday thrash but can be bloody murder for anything else... and be realistic: just HOW much time can you spend at 18K rpm with one knee on the deck?
There's also no faster way to put an inexperienced pillion off than by making them sit on a postage stamp with their feet in their ears and nothing to hang onto, so if you think the little woman might share your enthusiasm for an R1 or a 'Blade, think again
Err, No sports bikes aren't just for a 7am Sunday morning thrash, I see plenty of sports bikes on the commute, and especially in and out of London, so can't quite agree with your comment, and I do commute everyday on an R1 (70 mile round trip) and I know plenty of other guys on this forum who do the same.
I think it's each to their own to be honest.......some like sports bikes others like big tourers......others like big trallies.........
Yes, I'm just saying don't get it fixed in your head that you have to have a sports bike when it might NOT actually be the best tool for your particular job...
Ideally we'd all have a Ferrari or Aston to do the weekly shop in, wouldn't we...
I haven't passed my DAS yet either so i'm just saying hi really... I would tend to think the problem with big bikes at first so low speed manouvreability (god knows if that is even a word), due to their weight and shite turning circle... If you drop a gixer thou at the lights it'll be expensive and you'll feel stupid...Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff