new rider
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553 Posts
Spend liberally on safety gear, take the rider's course and check out as many bikes in person as you can to get a feel for what you might want. Then buy used and bank whatever's left.
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4,129 Posts
You're absolutely correct! As for rides- in your "learning" curve you want to keep things simple. Don't listen to friends and be influenced by "bling". Pay between $2000-$3000 on the first ride. You will without doubt break parts off your first bike doing something stupid (like forgetting to put the kickstand down or your feet for that matter). Something like a mid 90s Honda Nighthawk, Suzuki Bandit 600, the dogged reliable Yamaha Seca II, if you live in the sticks and want fun in dirt look at the Suzuki DR650 or Honda XR650. All can be had for cheap and easy to insure.
Kirk
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285 Posts
Personally, I'd start by using punctuation and capitalization.
After that, don't worry about how you'll look on a street bike. If you're in it for the look, don't bother. Find something you're comfortable on and learn to ride it. For first bike suggestions, check out the new rider "sticky" thread.
$7k is more than enough - you can easily find a bike for under $2k (depending on where you are and when you buy). Buy good, comfortable gear, and while "expensive" doesn't necessarily mean "good" (especially with helmets), don't be afraid to spend money. If you don't like it, you won't be as likely to wear it.
And as others have suggested, take some courses. The MSF is a good place to start, but shouldn't be the only training you take.
Welcome, and enjoy!
After that, don't worry about how you'll look on a street bike. If you're in it for the look, don't bother. Find something you're comfortable on and learn to ride it. For first bike suggestions, check out the new rider "sticky" thread.
$7k is more than enough - you can easily find a bike for under $2k (depending on where you are and when you buy). Buy good, comfortable gear, and while "expensive" doesn't necessarily mean "good" (especially with helmets), don't be afraid to spend money. If you don't like it, you won't be as likely to wear it.
And as others have suggested, take some courses. The MSF is a good place to start, but shouldn't be the only training you take.
Welcome, and enjoy!
Helpful advice, I gotta be in the wrong place. Like everyone says, get the gear, and always wear it. Get the training (MSF is a place to start looking, but there are other options as well). Get a mid-sized bike, whatever you get will be faster than what you've been driving. Dual sports are great for tall folks. I'm 6' 1" and have a number of bikes, but started on an XT350. It doesn't matter what you look like, if you're on two wheels you're way ahead.
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7,113 Posts
And don't forget to contact the friendly folks at A.C.E. Specialty Insurance before you hit the road. Remember, one minor mistake on a bike can result in thousands of dollars of property damage, crippling or fatal injuries, and even millions of dollars in liability, resulting in your living in abject poverty for the rest of your life, working only to pay off the lawsuits.
Maybe you should just get a new gas grill and croquet set instead.
Maybe you should just get a new gas grill and croquet set instead.
I'm 6'2", and I ride a GS500F. I put bar risers on it so I'd be more comfortable. But realistically, you should be able to fit on a 250 (yes, I've ridden on a Ninja 250 too) to 500 cc sport bike, and that would have enough power to tote you around without getting you in trouble. If you're over 6'6", then one of those might feel rather cramped.
The other sort of bike I feel comfortable on would be a dual-sport. These things are really comfortable for tall guys. Sometimes I wish I had a KLR650 instead of my little sportbike, as the KLR really gives you room to stretch out.
Don't fall into the trap of thinking you need a huge engine to haul your weight around. My 500 will out-accelerate my car easily... and my car is a Corvette. I generally would say to stay under 60 hp for your first bike. Frame size also doesn't match closely to engine size in many cases - there are literbikes that are more cramped than a Ninja 250.
BTW, any of the bikes I mentioned as good first bikes could be bought new on your budget and leave you room for some really good gear and a riding course.
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11,482 Posts
We'll be certain to properly-abuse the next Newbie asking for help. Just had to take a "breather" for awhile..........
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4,129 Posts
Yeah, I know. I've had four Honda CB models, Yamaha Maxim X, Suzuki GS850 and a 69 Triumph Bonni (Rat bike) that combined didn't equal that.
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