First bike?

Buchanan0204 · 6 Jun 2012 at 18:15

What is generally regarded as a good first bike? What's also recommended to a avoid?

I absolutely drool over the Kawasaki ninjas! However I'm a little apprehensive about getting one as my first bike, I dont want to end up in a wheelchair!

I'm learning on a cb500, they're supposed to betray according to reviews, but they're just so ugly! I really don't want to splash cash on a bike I hate the look of and don't particularly enjoy riding, just so I can get experience. However if it's a must, then so be it.

I love the look of super sports and sports etc. hate those cb500 naked bikes or whatever they're called. I quite like the look of late touring bikes like Harley's etc, but these cost a fair bit and not sure they'd be ideal as a first.

I'm 6ft 2 and my weight goes between 15-17 stone if that makes a difference to anything.

So words of wisdom wanted. Cheers guys!

thepeteh · 6 Jun 2012 at 19:32

Well, they only go as fast as you let them go. Depends how sensible you are.

How much do you have to spend? My first bike was a CBR600F for ~£3000 iirc, it was very light, flattered the rider and was cheap to insure. I'm 6ft and felt it was OK size wise, but really your probably going to want something bigger eventually due to your size and weight.

My cbr6F

Other bikes to consider, perhaps suzuki bandit and SV650 but really most manufacturers offer 600cc machines with either sporty or touringish characteristics. Depends what type of riding you might be doing, weekends, commuting, touring etc?

TheCSSDoctor · 6 Jun 2012 at 19:46

First bike for me - Suzuki GSXR600 K5

Had some good fun on it and it is still going well - fancy a change but can't afford it so as long as it is still running I will keep enjoying it

Just had the suspension set up properly about a month ago and that makes a heck of a difference too

lollyhayes · 6 Jun 2012 at 20:58

Like the other guys I started on a cbr600fs1 2002:

I then moved onto a ER6F ABS (650cc) 2009:

I'm now in the process of selling the ER6F ABS if you're interested BTW.

I'm 6ft and 70kgs, both bikes had more than enough power for the newly passed and the ABS saved my neck more than once!

I do like the look of the naked bikes, just not as much as sports bikes...

Ish · 6 Jun 2012 at 22:58

My first 600 is a Yamaha Thundercat (YZF600R). It's been the ideal first bike for me.

daisycutter · 7 Jun 2012 at 05:42

As mentioned, it all depends on what you want your bike for.

My first bike was a Honda Hornet 600, great bike, easy to ride, dirt cheap to insure and very Modable. Re gear it and it will keep you entertained.

I did my first track day on my hornet, now ride a K7 GSXR 600 and love that too but miss the riding position of the hornet when on long runs.

edd1e · 7 Jun 2012 at 06:45

my first bike was a K7 GSX-R600 and I loved it

I would say any bike 600cc or less is fine for a first bike tbh. Just be sensible to start with and you will be fine

hlxbravo · 7 Jun 2012 at 11:05

Yeah I second the er6-f as it was my first bike, April 2011, and still own and love riding it to this day. Think it falls into the sport tourer bracket, as it is slightly more uprightsitting position than your sport bike class.
For info I am 6'2" and about 90kg.