Motorbike for beginners?

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RandomGRK

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So, my new car is on the way and my next goal is a 2nd hand motorcycle.

Since I know nothing about bikes but have always admired them, what would be a good cheap choice for a beginner? Something that I wouldn't grow out of in a year or 2?

I'm quite partial to cruisers, like the Victories but they are obviously a tad expensive. What looks similar, has great power and is much cheaper?

Not really keen on sport/super bikes. Mainly because I will probably kill myself. Haha.

Thanks,
 
RandomGRK said:
So, my new car is on the way and my next goal is a 2nd hand motorcycle.

Since I know nothing about bikes but have always admired them, what would be a good cheap choice for a beginner? Something that I wouldn't grow out of in a year or 2?

I'm quite partial to cruisers, like the Victories but they are obviously a tad expensive. What looks similar, has great power and is much cheaper?

Not really keen on sport/super bikes. Mainly because I will probably kill myself. Haha.

Thanks,
Click to expand...

Honda CBX250, new it goes for R34 000 , there a coulpe going 2nd hand for pretty good prices(R20 000+) not too bad looking http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Zr8FDB7gtRk/TLzrUQZLvjI/AAAAAAAABYo/3SDmM8yIzMk/s1600/cbx250.jpg and you will probably get like 30km/l off of her
 
It has been discussed before. IIRC, someone recommended a Hyabusa as an excellent starter bike.

5
 
Go for >= 600cc, no smaller. You will grow out of smaller bikes very quickly. For a beginner, I recogmend the HONDA CBR600 or CBR600RR (ROAD) / Kawasaki KLR650 (ON + OFF-ROAD) or Yamaha XV650Dragstar if you're into cruisers.
 
Also, do attend a riding school, you will make great friends there and learn some new skills.
 
Suzuki SV650, Excellent Gear and Riding Lessons
 
Riding lessons will be had before I even touch a bike. ;)

What about something like the Kawasaki ER-6N? Its relatively cheap at R69k but would that mean that bike itself is a piece of sh*t?http://www.kawasakisa.co.za/details.php?category_id=1&products_id=95

Obviously with something like a bike I would rather pay a little extra for it to have better features.

How about the Kawasaki Z750? Probably my favourite looking.

What are some of the features all bikes should have? ie: a car should always have airbags, ABS, crumple zones etc?
 
RandomGRK said:
Riding lessons will be had before I even touch a bike. ;)

What about something like the Kawasaki ER-6N? Its relatively cheap at R69k but would that mean that bike itself is a piece of sh*t?http://www.kawasakisa.co.za/details.php?category_id=1&products_id=95

Obviously with something like a bike I would rather pay a little extra for it to have better features.

How about the Kawasaki Z750? Probably my favourite looking.

What are some of the features all bikes should have? ie: a car should always have airbags, ABS, crumple zones etc?
Click to expand...

That Kawa ER-6N is siiiiiiiick. Any of the name brands will blow your socks off.
 
RandomGRK said:
How about the Kawasaki Z750? Probably my favourite looking.
What are some of the features all bikes should have? ie: a car should always have airbags, ABS, crumple zones etc?
Click to expand...

I ride a little Z750S (Previous generation - 2005) as my commuter. They're awesome little bikes and they go lik ethe clappers but if you're planning on longer runs, either get something with a fairing or at least a windscreen for the Z (Pity they don't make the S model anymore).

The SV650 is also a great recommendation but they're getting a bit old now. You could also look at the Suzuki GSR600 (also naked) or the GSX650F. In that range the Yamaha Fazer 600 or FZ6R is also great, if a tad expensive.

The ultimate bike, for the long run, would be the new Kawasaki Z1000SX. That is a gorgeous bike and it's perfectly set-up for the long road.

As for features, ABS is a definite plus. Your bike style choice will dictate the other features. Try not go for a superbike as a first bike. The drop-bars and rear pegs make it uncomfortable for city riding and it strains your body over longer distance. They were developed for the track, not the street.
 
Nocturnity said:
I ride a little Z750S (Previous generation - 2005) as my commuter. They're awesome little bikes and they go lik ethe clappers but if you're planning on longer runs, either get something with a fairing or at least a windscreen for the Z (Pity they don't make the S model anymore).

The SV650 is also a great recommendation but they're getting a bit old now. You could also look at the Suzuki GSR600 (also naked) or the GSX650F. In that range the Yamaha Fazer 600 or FZ6R is also great, if a tad expensive.

The ultimate bike, for the long run, would be the new Kawasaki Z1000SX. That is a gorgeous bike and it's perfectly set-up for the long road.

As for features, ABS is a definite plus. Your bike style choice will dictate the other features. Try not go for a superbike as a first bike. The drop-bars and rear pegs make it uncomfortable for city riding and it strains your body over longer distance. They were developed for the track, not the street.
Click to expand...

Yup, not looking at a superbike. I want a better riding position.

What bikes that look like the Kawasaki en-6r or z750 have ABS? I think the 750 has it but I'm specifically looking for a 600. Looks of the bike are quite important as I've always admired them. It should also be naked.

I really like the BMW R1200 but that's a bit hectic for me.
 
Give some thought to the BMW F800ST. Little bit on the expensive side, but it's nice and light with decent power, and it has the safety features of a BMW. Plus it looks beautiful :)

Personally I started out on a 125 scooter, and once I'd learned how to ride, I moved onto bigger and better bikes. I'd recommend doing the same ;)
 
ABCpt said:
What about a BMW 650GS?
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Looking towards a sportier looking road bike. Like the Kawasaki EN-6R Its going to be a weekend toy and since I live next to work ill use it to drive up and down every now and then. Not really keen for a multi purpose.
 
Dnoch said:
Give some thought to the BMW F800ST. Little bit on the expensive side, but it's nice and light with decent power, and it has the safety features of a BMW. Plus it looks beautiful :)

Personally I started out on a 125 scooter, and once I'd learned how to ride, I moved onto bigger and better bikes. I'd recommend doing the same ;)
Click to expand...

I've had a vespa 200 and a 125 scooter so I'm not completely lost. My dad owned the scooters and I rode them often enough.
 
They ugly and sound horrible with a stock exh on. What about something like a Bmw 650 Dakar or something? They run Rotax engines.
 
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