Ok, I have noticed that many of you guys on this forum have a sportbike in addition to an S2k. Well, I am considering getting one. I've been looking around, but I am very new to the sportbike world. In fact, I don't even know anyone who has one. Any tips for models to look at for a beginner? I think I remeber hearing that lighter is better for beginners (also better for insurance). I probably be looking to spend, at the most, around 5 grand or so. Is there anything else I should do if I decide to get one, like a training course, etc?? Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

I'll give you the same advice that I've given others. If you're new at this sort of thing, take a bike course. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (I think that's what it's called in the U.S.) would be a good starting point. Now only will they teach you how to ride but how to ride safely and properly. You'll get all sorts of advice on a forum like this but the limiting factor is that none of us really know you, your age, your character, your frame of mind and a mutitude of things that will come into play before such advice is given and taken. These things, your future motorcycle instructor will get to know. He/she will also be in the best position to advise you as to what kind of bike to get for the person and skill that you are and will become. He/she may even be able to assist you in the selection of that bike so you don't get a POS or something you're not prepared to live with. He/she will know the conditions of the marketplace where you reside. I speak with some experience. I was a M/C instructor for 12 years with the Canada Safety Council. Good Luck, happy bikin'.

 

I would suggest that you stay away from the hard edge sportbikes( CBR, GSX-R, YZFR) until you develop the skills to handle this class of bike. They have high end power, short wheelbases, and quick steering- which can lead to an unpleasant introduction to the world of motorcycles for a beginner. I recommend the MSF class before you buy because you may change your view of what's best for you as a result of the class. If yor looking for a new bike I you highly recommend the Suzki SV650. It's a lightweight V-twin with great handing and insurance is very reasonable. Most sporkbikes are boring at speeds under 100MPH; the SV is a bike that's a blast at 50!!

 

You could opt for the Yamaha FZ-1, you don't need to be in a superbike position to drive it so its more comfortable. The engine is slightly de-tuned from the R-1 but the power ain't that hard to handle. Handling is great even thought the riding position makes a lot of windnoise so you better get earplugs. The brakes are excellent since they were taken from the R-1. It should help you.

 

I started out with a Kawasaki 250r. The bike looks like a normal bike, but has the engine of a lawnmower basicaly. 30hp to the wheel. Very good bike to learn of off. You can't flip it, unless you really tried too. You can treat that bike like an idiot and it will only throw love back at you. Can't say that for most bikes. If your super cautious, go with the 250r. If not, go with the r6.

 

An excellent 'sport-bike' that doesn't put you too hunched over (a difficult position for first timers), but is very capable and looks bitchin' is the Ducati Monster. You won't find a new one for 5K but you could find an good used one.

 

Those bikes have to much sharp handling and power for a beginner

 

For the money you are considering, buy a clean 94-96 Honda 750 VFR. In its class, it has been rated tops for 10 out of the last 12 years. Clean low milage ones are readily available and most have enjoyed adult supervision. It is not the very best at anything, but if a person can only have one bike for all applications, this is the one choice of those who know about motorcycles! The SV 650 is also a good suggestion. And ditto on the motorcycle safety courses, if you are not experienced. Good hunting.

 

Not true, my wife rides a Ducati 750 Monster and she is still pretty much a beginner, and I ride it on occasion. It is as predictable and neutral handling as anything I've ever ridden. Extremely easy. The in-line fours generally have a very peaky power band that can be hard to control for the beginner. Most 2-cylinder bikes have a broader power band in the lower rpm ranges and this makes them a lot easy to learn on.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Dave T
[B]

Not true, my wife rides a Ducati 750 Monster and she is still pretty much a beginner, and I ride it on occasion.