[robz71lm7]

I asked a few others (co-workers, local F-body board etc) but thought I'd ask here as well since I trust the judgement and value the opinions on this board. First of all I have never ridden a motorcycle, but have toyed with the idea for the past few years. I got my motorcycle permit last week and am taking an MSF course in a couple of weeks. As you can probably guess I want a sportbike. I have a 30 mile one way commute on 2-lane roads and the interstate (70 mph+). I'd mainly be getting it as a toy, but I'd like to be able to ride to work too so I can somewhat justify it in my head. I have thought about track days, but that is a ways away if ever.

I've had recommendations ranging from a 250 all the way to a 750 sport bike (Ninja 250r, R6, or GSXR 600 or 750). Thoughts?

[prockbp]

- I suggest buying the exact bike that you want regardless of your experience.

- Be aware that used bikes have typically been worked on by clueless owners. You could easily put yourself into a dangerous situation by buying a used bike. It's OK to buy used, but you need to know what you're looking at.

- The Yamaha FZ6 and FZ1 are easy bikes to ride. That doesn't mean that they aren't dangerous. They're as fast as any other 600cc or 1000cc bike out there, but the ergonomics are great and the handling is intuitive. The FZ series is more difficult to ride fast than other sportbikes because they lack road feel especially in the front end. You can not buy fork upgrades for the FZ6, you might be able to get them for the FZ1.

- The SV650 is only considered a "starter bike" because it has about 65-70hp. It is NOT a starter bike, it is a fast bike. The SV650 is easy to ride fast. The front end feels very light on a SV650 due to the motor design and placement in the frame. This bike gives you the confidence to enter corners at a much higher speed and carry higher corner speeds. The SV650 also makes a great race bike and there are plenty of class participants. The SV1000 merely looks like an SV650, but it does not handle like one. The front end is not upgradable on a 650, but you can install virtually any GSXR 600, 750 or 1000 front end onto the bike.

- All the 600cc sport bikes are good; the Yamaha R6 seems to be the hot ticket for privateer racers currently.

- There isn't anything wrong with buying a Ninja250. They are as fast as any other bike in the turns. Kawasaki really stands by their 250 designs. The Ninja 250r was only recently revised for the first time in 20 years. The bike only has 25-30hp, so on the highway you will be revving the motor at about 9,000-11,000 rpms and the bike is not very fuel efficient in that rpm range.

- All the Italian sport bikes are more difficult to work on when compared to the Japanese bikes. It will cost you a lot more to pay someone to maintain an Italian bike. Suzuki's are the easiest Japanese bike to work on.

- Any sport bike that you buy will benefit from a proper geometric set up and a properly built suspension. When you're ready to go racing, give us a call. http://www.cyclemall.net

- You are going to crash, so get geared up. Do me one favor and use a proper full face helmet. Do not buy a swivel jaw helmet, the jaws swivel back during crashes. It really does hurt to crash on your face. I suggest buying a Shoei X-Eleven helmet.

This post has been edited by prockbp: May 27 2010, 04:25 PM