I’m looking to start riding and have decided on a sport bike. I’m taking the motorcycle safety course 2 weeks from now, and plan to learn how to ride from them, rather than a friend. I figured I’d better start off on a clean slate before developing any bad habits.



Anyway, are there any good starter sportbikes? Some people have mentioned R6’s, GXR750, CBRs, etc. I only have at most 4 grand to spend, since I plan on dropping $800 on safety gear (jacket, pants, gloves, helmet, etc.). I was looking at a CBR 929….



As far as size goes, is something like an R1 too much for someone first starting out? I’ve read a lot of threads telling newbies to stay away and I was wondering if that is because they’re hard to control, or the risk of an inexperienced rider hitting 180 is too high. Obviously it’s a bad idea to give a 16 year old a compact sports car for that reason. I don’t want to get something I can’t control, but don’t want to be unhappy later on either. I started out kitesurfing without ever buying a trainer kite….. kinda along the same lines. Just because you can go 187 does mean you should. I’d be happy taking my time going through back roads at 35 for a few months. Beside’s, if you die on a sweet bike, you can’t show it off anymore. Hehe.



Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Also, does anyone know where I could get a good deal? I guess the rough part is anyone selling their bike is parting with their baby….. to them it’s always worth more than they’re getting. Any advice would be great

 

get a 500/600 for a first bike, preferably something mid to late 90's.

you'll save some cash, get some good experience, and not be out much if/when you dump it.

get a feel for a couple thousand miles, and a few seasons (they tend to react differently in colder or warmer weather) then move on up.

 

yup i agree, my first was a 94 cbr 600 f2. i dropped it a couple of times and man am i glad it wasnt an expensive one that i did that with. i just purchased a busa after 5 months of riding. but, i really think you should go with less in the beginning. just my 2 cents

 

seems like you are at least considering your options. I say the guys are giving you great advice....buy used.

 

Welcome aboard. Most importantly, be careful! Showing off is lethal; read the rider down posts.

 

The reason for a smaller bike is there more forgiving. But I know a lot of people who started out on new liter bikes and all is well. Its all in how you ride and your self control.

 

PM me if you're looking for a late '90's cbr600. Other than that, whatever you do, ride safe and keep an eye out .

 

You my friend are starting of on the right foot.
Ride Safe and Wear your gear.

A 600cc sport bike is crazy fast, but still somewhat forgiving.... no need to go any bigger.

Good Luck with the course and bike selection.

 

and when it's not lethal.... it hurts really bad

 

Indeed.. if you're not sure of what you are getting yourself into with how powerful the bike will be.. go with a 600, they are fast enough.