Whats a good street bike?

[Audie Jo]

Im looking into getting a sports bike and found one i loved, the 1198 Ducati, but after having the dealers give me hell about my size, im 5;8 and only 115lbs, i decided i wanted something else. I love the look of the 1198 and i want to stick with something in that general style, but I have no clue what another good option would be.
I should also apparently add that i am not a begginer. Ive been riding since i was 16 and stated with a 600,
Its not really a matter of experience, just a matter of me being lighter than most =)

 

[vtxpilot]

Well, Audie Jo, I can tell you from first hand experience that any Ducati, as awesome as they are to ride, will devour your cash in maintenance costs alone. The purchase price is one thing to swallow, but the absurd cost of parts and repairs has made me realize that Ducati motorcycles are not for anyone on a budget.

Now, as for your size, I too am 5'8" tall, though substantially heavier than you and I have no problem riding a Honda CBR 1000 RR. It can be a bit of a stretch to the pavement at a stop light due to the shortness of my legs, but you can have the suspension lowered slightly to off-set that problem. There is also the Yamaha R1 (1000cc) and the Suzuki GSX-R 1000, but not one of those bikes are suitable for a novice rider. If that is what you are, then read on.

I'm going to assume that you've been through a basic rider safety course. If not, go. Don't listen to idiots who tell you that it is pointless. It is well worth the time and cost. Also, make sure you ride with full protective gear (i.e. full-face helmet, gloves, leather jacket and pants, or ballistic nylon jacket and pants, and above ankle boots). This is a must for anyone looking to survive their first run in with a 4-wheeled idiot, or for surviving your first serious mistake. Riding with full gear gives you the best chance to walk away with minimal injuries.

Best sport bikes for beginners are in the 600cc class. Honda's CBR600 F4i is great because it has a relaxed upright riding position, delivers power smoothly to the rear wheel, has plenty of power for a beginner and won't kill you on price. They went out of production after 2006, so you'll have to buy one used, but well worth the cash.

Other notables, and in no particular order, are Honda's CBR600RR, Yamaha's R6 (600cc) and Suzuki's GSX-R 600. All can be a handful if you get cocky, but if you ride within your limits and not over your head, you'll do well with any one of those. All have excellent braking systems and all handle exceptionally well. They're all light, quick and manueverable and that's what makes them fun. And, they should fit your frame with minimal adjustments.

Good luck!

 

[Emmett]

most definitely not the 1198 way to much power for a beginner like yourself. personally if i was you i'd start on something with around 500cc's (not a 600cc) they are very hard to learn on for a noob. if you have to get a sport bike go with the ducati 848 its the 1198's lil brother but i suggest a lot of practice if your going straight to a high performance sport bike.

 

[Big B]

Well, I am a Honda guy, and currently have a 2006 CBR 1000RR. The bike is low, but you will have to sit on one to tell if you are comfortable.

I don't know why they question your size for the 1198, unless they think you will have problems with standing the bike at lights. (I have never heard of a complaint for a light rider.)

Bottom line, if you feel good on it, buy it. If you don't feel as if you can hold the bike in a pinch, keep going to dealers and sit on more. As long as you can get just a bit more than toes on the ground, you are fine. Your wight won't matter.

Ride safe.