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Just got a motorcycle license - What engine size for a first bike?
04-03-2015, 01:58 PM
Is there a bodyweight to motorcycle ratio that is ideal for controlling a bike?
I weigh 160 lbs,
I got on a 900cc Vulcan cruiser that weighs over 650 lbs I couldn't control it at all.
Im starting to think I could never go above a 300lb bike, my body doesn't have enough mass to control the larger bikes
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Just got a motorcycle license - What engine size for a first bike?
04-03-2015, 02:16 PM
No, if you know how to ride and have good balance your bodyweight doesn't matter.
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Just got a motorcycle license - What engine size for a first bike?
04-04-2015, 02:08 AM
If you're after a sports bike then I'd go for a 250cc four stroke engine from Honda, Kawasaki Yamaha or Suzuki, take your pick. I definitely wouldn't bother with anything as low as 125cc as you'll outgrow it fast.
If considering something other than a sports bike then you may want something a bit bigger maybe in the 400-650 range, it really depends on the bike. I have also heard that the Suzuki SV650 is a good bike for beginners. If you are really just riding around town I used to own a Honda vtr250 which was awesome for that purpose, and would be a really easy bike to learn on, but it wouldn't really be suitable for long trips on the highway or anything like that.
Finally, I'm not sure of your budget but buying second hand is never really a bad idea for a first bike, as its less worry if you drop it, and you'll lose less money on the sale when you decide to upgrade. Use the money saved for decent helmet and other riding gear. (Well, you should be getting that anyway!)
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Just got a motorcycle license - What engine size for a first bike?
04-04-2015, 11:47 AM
I have a self imposed 250cc max, and I wouldn't recommend 125cc. As soon as you come to a hill you feel like you should help your bike out by pushing too. Most of the guys I know with bikes started on 250cc. They also say after a while of riding it 'I want something bigger', but that's a conversation you have to have with yourself.
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Just got a motorcycle license - What engine size for a first bike?
04-07-2015, 03:33 PM
I started with a Yamaga R6 at the age of 16. Rode it for about 4 months, the whole summer and then someone crashed into me and it was totaled. Rode it ridiculously fast hitting 250kph on the highway because it was a beast, I think that was the most dangerous thing I've ever done in my life. Was a cool feeling, the absolute only thing I was focused on was the throttle, brakes, and clutch and the roar of the engine. There was nothing else at all in my mind other then that. Now that I'm older, I'd never go that fast on a public road again, that kind of riding is only for the track. Too many pot holes, loose gravel, and shitty drivers. If you plan on going fast I suggest getting earplugs.
I also had a buddy of mine around that age die riding a Ninja. Just be careful. I suggest getting a 600cc though. You'll get bored of anything less very fast.
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Just got a motorcycle license - What engine size for a first bike?
04-08-2015, 01:20 AM
If you're looking a smaller bikes then safety aside, the most important thing to say is avoid Chinese crap and stick with Japanese. Can't stress that enough.
A Jap 4-stroke ten to fifteen years old will be easy enough to maintain, and simply won't depreciate any more as long as it is running. Keep the oil fresh and she'll keep running.
Yeah, a ten year old Jap bike will be the same money as a new Chink one. Which one do you think will still be running in another ten years?
It also means that if you do want to upgrade you'll never loose money. I have two 125cc 4-stroke dirt bikes for my guys to use at work. I could sell them both after three years hard use for the same as I bought them, despite the extra 25k miles on each. Age and miles become irrelevant on older Jap bikes, so long as compression and chassis are good then they hold their money.
They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety- Benjamin Franklin, as if you didn't know...