Looking for first bike, NEED HELP

B

BP-7

New member
I have been driving stick for 2 years now, and pick things up of that sort very quickly...I am also one of the most attentive drivers I know.

With that said I have only ridden on the bikes that were provided at the introduction class. So my riding skill is limited, however I used to competitively run downhill bicycles, if that at all pertains to this.

Much like yourself, my first car that was all mine has been this 350Z. I had not driven clutch prior to buying it and within a month I had it down, true I am still learning but at some point everything else you learn is just additional knowledge that helps. So I would expect that I would be able to be mature and give the bike the proper amount of respect because much like bikes, this car can get me into trouble very quickly. It is one of the most tail happy cars out because I dont have Traction Control.

Not to digress but what I am trying to say is that I did not push my car and hit the gas the first day, I waited until I found my limits and the cars, and my skills were up. So on that front I think I would be capable of being able to handle a superbike, but the weight is one of my concerns.

Does this help at all?

Also is there any specific site I can go to to find used bikes?
 
See, it has nothing to do with what you are capable of. Or if you'll go easy while you learn. Theres so much more to it that that. You will be a better rider if you start on a lower powered more forgiving first bike. It's just that simple. I can tell by what you're writing that isn't the answer you want to hear. I know you're hoping if you keep saying you're careful and you learn quickly that people will tell you that you're the exception to the rule. I'm sorry, but that isn't how it is. Being good at driving your car doesn't translate into jumping on to a superbike as your first bike.

In the end, you'll buy what you want. And I hope it makes you very happy. And you stay safe. But, in all honesty, if you have any interest in not just riding, but becoming a skilled rider, then youshould start on a smaller bike. Preferably one thats cheaper, since you're going to hammer it. All that said, if your goal is just to get an 848 or 1098 and putt around and look cool, go for it.

I know someone will say the 1098 was their first bike and they've done fine. Well, ok. But I can promise you'd be a better rider now if you spent a year on an SV650.
 
I agree. I wouldn't equate car time with bike time. As far as looking cool on the bike, myself I could care less what anyone thinks I look like. I would just assume be out on some roads where there were absolutely no people. But thats just me.
 
I completely understand what youre saying, and what I meant is that I believe that if I were to get one I could handle myself on it, not be able to ride it well. I want professional opinion as to whether or not the Monster would be ok... because I know the older monsters have less power.

Also would an older monster with more ccs be ok? like a 2001 900M?
 
It is not only the matter of power, but also what is bike meant for.
Following is not necessarily a 100% true, but will apply to most bikes: Some bikes are made for aggressive, fast and responsive riding, these are less forgiving bikes- you lean it little bit too much, or troutle little hard and you might end up in the dirt. Other bikes are made for more casual riding- they usually less CC and built differently, you sit on them differently, and usually they are more forgiving, if you make minor mistakes riding.
I started with Suzuki SV 650 naked, and oddly suggest that to any starter, than I switched to SV 650 with fairing, the riding became more difficult and bike more responsive. Same bike yet different rear-set position and clip-ons instead of Bar. than i switched to GSXR 600, now this nike with smaller CC was faster and more aggressive than my SV, and i had to polish my skills, once i was confident riding it... now I just got myself a 999.
 
And by the way, you should not compare car driving to riding. only time it would become simlar if you race cars, only than u push your car to the max, and you are on that razor thin line where if you push too hard, you crash, and if you don;t push hard enough.... well, than you'll eb a pussy and should quit racing.
Just like with bikes, i started racing MIATA series, was forgiving, didn't crash too much, etc.. later moved on to bigger and faster cars.
 
If you must start with Ducati, than Monster is the way to go. But otherwise I would probably start with SV or something similar. also keep in mind, no matter how careful you are ( or maybe because u r TOO careful) there is chance you drop ur bike here-n-there. Parts on Ducati will cost you, SV will not be even 1/3rd.
Ride it for year or so, and than upgrade to something more aggressive, if that is what your goal is.

Here is a good site for sv owners:
www.socalsvriders.org

they are pretty helpful guys. They also organize canyon ridding for beginners.
on guy ( racingteach) is a good mechanic and extremely reasonably priced.
Check it out, think about, shop around, and DECIDE FOR YOURSELF.
 
cycletrader.com of course. the forums for actual bikes ( like this one for Ducati or the one i gave you for SV) If u r gambling man look for salvage title bikes , though be aware, that u might have issues insuring the bike. you save $$$ buying salvage title bike, and if there is high chance that you might drop the bike anyways, but in other hand it is harder to sell, and you should really know what to look for in order not to get a bike with bent frame. This is an open issue with all riders, some love the bargain, some won't touch it with 10' poll.
It is a hot market right now. Lots of people getting bikes with Gas prices and everything, so don't be surprised if some sellers are firm on their price.
Good luck. Let me know what u get.
 
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