First time rider bike recommendations/advice

Snookums

Snookums

Snookums

Soldato
Joined
27 Mar 2013
Posts
3,864
Location
Nottingham
I’ve stuck my head in here in the past, few years back I was looking into my license but things came up with work and we both needed a car so bought my 435i instead.

We got the Mrs a TT last month so I was thinking of replacing the 435i with something else but decided I’ve will keep it and finally do my bike license. So the bike will purely be for fun, and going to the office on the dry days.

I’m 26 so going down the DAS route cbt booked in the end of this month! I’ve been driving for 8.5 years now too so atleast have plenty of experience driving on the roads but understand biking is still very different.

My first question is; what’s reasonable power for a first time rider? I know at 26 with DAS I can ride anything, and I’ve always drooled over super dukes Rs but I know a 1290 out the gate is a huge no so I’m not even thinking about but it gives you an idea of the kind of bike I love. I’ve been looking at the following;

Cb650r
Cbr650r & f
Ninja 650
Z650
R-7
MT-07
Steer triple 765
Duke 790

Last 2 I’m inclined to think they may be a bit too much power for a first bike and with me wanting a super duke r one day feels a bit pointless getting a 790. But basically a combination of super sports and naked is what I’m drawn too.

I’m by no means a small guy, 6ft 3 and 100kg so smaller power bikes/smaller bikes in General I want to avoid for comfort aspect.

For gear I’m just going to find a decent local shop and get trying helmets and things on as I also have a massive head so not much point ordering online for that! If anyone knows any decent shops in the notts area that’d be handy too.

So yeah basically, after advice for what first bikes are good, what’s a good power region to be aiming at and any other tips you seasoned might have.
 
Cheers for the replies guys. As some of you have said it’s more so with a big powerful bike the temptation is always there so no matter how restrained I could be all it takes is one bad expirement.

Yeah the ones I’m liking the most are the z650, street triple & mt-07 But I will be getting to a decent shop and having a feel.

I did see j & s, I drive past everyday! Wasn’t sure if it was a case of just a generic big retail store if they tend to know what they are talking about.

I know car speed doesn’t compare to bike speed but with both my cars having sub 5s acceleration I worry anything too slow will bore me.
 
JonRGV250 said:
I can only comment on my local J&S, and they're super helpful and nothing is too much trouble.
They're a big online retailer, so their prices are competitive.
I wouldn't worry about getting bored on the 3 bikes you like, as they'll all crack a sub 4 second 0-60 and will do double the national speed limit.
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That’s good to know about J & S the school im using for my courses has a couple of shops themselves. Looking at their google reviews they are a very highly regarded training school which is fairly local so I’m happy I’ve got some good people to learn with close by. If there prices are nice I may use their shop.

As for insurance who do people use/how much do you pay. I very briefly looked last night at it was coming to ~£1200 for a 2020 z650. No idea what bike insurance should be costing.
 
JonRGV250 said:
I always use the Meercat site for costs.
MCE almost always come up the cheapest with the best cover for me.
They had a few problems last year, but it’s all good now.
My SDR1290R was just over £300 FC, and ZX10R was £227 FC with them, although our circumstances are quite different.
It’ll come down a lot when you’ve got some no claims bonus.
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Not too dissimilar from car pricing then, I expect a costly first couple of years.
 
Spent so long watching review and comparison videos.

Narrowed down to a mt-07, z650 or a cb650r

Once I’ve got the full license I’ll be sure to go and check all 3 out. Each have their own downfall, z650 may be a bit too small for my size, mt-07 seems to not have the best power delivery form reviews and the cb650r has a circle headlight which I am not a fan off tbh. But I’m certain a naked is the style for me atleast!
 
eddie101 said:
Out of those listed it'd be the mt07 for me, still more than enough power to get you into trouble and I wouldn't worry about the power delivery as you'll learn to manage it and ride it in a way that suits you.

I went from an FZR600, CBR1100xx, Turbo'd CBR1100xx and now on a Tiger 1200. I honestly have so much more fun on the Tiger than any other bike, can throw it around easier and can generally out pace a lot of 'fast' riders when it gets to the twisties and B roads on it too.

Think there's a decent sized J&S in or near Nott's, but i generally now wait for the bike show at the NEC for any gear purchases. I'm not a million miles from Nottingham, so once you've passed happy to go for a bimble to get your confidence up. (IAM advanced and Bloodbike rider)
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Yeah i suppose so. just gotta see what Im comfortable being on at the end of the day.

I appreciate that offer bud, I'll be sure to keep it in mind, would be nice to ride with some more experienced people.
 
Diddums said:
Uh oh :D


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Treated yourself to a new bike?
 
Diddums said:
Fairy's muff, each to their own. Good luck, look forward to seeing the results!
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It's all just research atm anyway. Taster lesson booked 31st, CBT in for 7th (assuming I enjoy/they feel I am competent enough) then onto the "DAS" The place I'm using does it over the course of a few weeks to be better prepare.
 
I may be blessed, most tall people are lanky. I have small a legs at only 32” (which is quite short for someone my height) so I’m hoping I can fit on a lot more than the usual 6’ 3” person.
 
Thought I'd post an udpate in here. Done my taster session on Thursday, CBT now booked in for this wednesday too.

Was a very fun little hour in a car park practice slow speed control then just shifting through gears. Guy was confident I would have no troubles on Wednesday for the CBT
 
CBT complete.

Was so much fun just to be riding a little 125 for a few hours. Booked in for lessons next month to start the path to a full license!
 
Noakesy85 said:
Congrats!

Like Captain said... Get that Theory test done, It's good for 2 years once completed so plenty of time to get your confidence up.
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Captain said:
Get your Theory done and out the way. You need it to start DAS training.
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Tis next on my list to get practicing for and booked in on. Any recommednations for websites/apps to practice on?

When I done my car theory almost a decade ago I forgot about the hazard perception part so didn't practice that bit at all and still passed first time :D
 
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