...what should I know?

I never owned one, and not sure what I should get. I am 6'3" 185 lbs. Should I go with a bigger bike for my size? Or would a smaller engine be easier to learn on? Which is the better manufacturer? Yamaha? Suzuki? Honda? Kawasaki? Other?

I hear the Yamaha R1 is a nice bike, same with the Suzuki GSX-R 1000..... Went up against a GSX-R 1000 over the weekend, Man, that thing is fast. I couldn't believe how fast the distance grew between us..... DAMN!

Thanks in advance for the advice.

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go kick the tires, sit on them, ride them if you can...
your bike will choose you


for the street I prefer a liter bike
for the trackdays I think a 600 is just about perfection
a nice compromise is the stout GSX-R 750!
if your coming from cruiser land you may prefer the way a twin delivers power & you should not discount the Ducati 1098 or Aprilia R

I am a suzuki fan..
04+GSXR 600/750
03+GSXR 1000

are my likes...

the new CBR1000RR looks nice too tho..

from sportrider.. bike of the year was the 07 GSXR 1000 and second was the 07 CBR600RR

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So there no one that would be better to learn on? Maybe better balanced, easier to control?

I have sat on a few, not sure what I need to be looking for. All have been a bit uncomfortable, hard to get my foot on the shifter. Of course I am use to my cruiser.... it could be a "getting use to it" thing.

Yeah, I would like to ride one before I buy, but unlike cars, that is hard around here, our dealerships don't let you ride them.

One thing is that I am going to get a used one. I do want to learn wheelies and I do not want to learn on a brand new bike... LOL.

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Nuff said! I'm even considering a seven fiddy myself. I'd take a peek at the slew of kick-ass naked (fairingless sportbikes) bikes as well...like the Yamaha FZ-1, KTM Super Duke, Ducati Hypermotard, Suzuki SV1000S, and Kawasaki Z1000. The Duc is my fave...

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2005 Suzuki Hayabusa Limited Edition - lots of mods
2007 Suzuki GSXR600 - wifebeater and flip-flops optional
2000 Honda CBR600F4 - outfitted with the NRC case cover of invincibility
http://www.gleno.net

If you have any bike experience go with something you are comfortable with. If you have no bike experience or very little, i recommend starting on a something a little smaller then a 1000. Get a size a little smaller, 600, 750 is pushing it, but i learned on one after teaching myself and reading up on a lot of books before i ever put my hand on the bar. Makes does not matter, get a bike that you like. its looks, its style, but if it is your first bike, try to get something used in case something does happen and you drop it or break it or worse even crash. Which is why you should take a MSF class to learn how to safely operate a motorcycle and learn evasive riding techniques to save your ass if anything should happen.

And welcome to the site! Do you happen to work for ridenow?

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"Sin City Sportbikes was founded by Las Vegas sport bike enthusiasts in response to a desire to promote a positive and safe image of the sport. Riders and enthusiasts from all over the Las Vegas Valley have joined together in an effort to give back to a community that has helped and nurtured us. "

-Sin City Sportbikes

much to be said for going faster on a slower bike, rather then slower on a faster bike

huge cult surrounding the SV650 a revy twin

you can find lots of used bikes already set up for racing with upgraded boingers/brakes for dirt cheap... then sell it a season later for about what you paid

I have been riding for years, all my bikes have been just standard, uprights.... older Suzuki GS 450, 850, and I had a Honda Goldwing 1200 no fairings and now the warrior....

I would like something that is durable, something I am not having to fix a lot.

No ars0n750, I don't work for RideNow, I can't stand them. Take a closer look at the logo.... ;)

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Makes sense.... sometimes my warrior has a bit too much power for me. That is one big ass bike.... LOL.

Thanks.

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Here's a 6'3" 210lb guy on a 1st gen SV650. I feel like such a dick for selling that bike. But as Gambler stated, I bought it (for my wife) and rode it (myself) for six months and sold it for exactly what I paid for it.

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2005 Suzuki Hayabusa Limited Edition - lots of mods
2007 Suzuki GSXR600 - wifebeater and flip-flops optional
2000 Honda CBR600F4 - outfitted with the NRC case cover of invincibility
http://www.gleno.net

IF you have exp, then I would def look toward the GSXR-750 or even a Ducati 749...... Both bikes have enough power to keep you satisfied and not too much to get you in trouble (Unless you are not a mature rider)..... I rode a GXR-750 for a year and loved every minute of it... It was a great street bike and a wonderful track tool.... I think it is the pound for piound best bike/class avail..... Getting the SV or any of the other smaller bikes would be a smarter move for a novice, but there is always the problem of outgrowing the powerband of the bike and then you are back on the market again.. That is why I suggested the 750 class.... But anything bigger is not a smart move to start on IMO..... IMO......IMO..... But the FZ, and the SV do come in Liter sizes ad I think those are fairly tame bikes to start with as well...


But def go out and sit on all the bikes you might be interested in, nothing tells you about a bike better than the feel.....

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thanks shwell...

I like that vegaseric, seems like it can be laid down without getting too much breakage. I know it will go down a few times while I am learning to wheelie. Been dying to try one on the warrior but I don't want to lay it down. Came close once by accident.... I was racing an R6.... had it off the line, but he was by me in a short distance. LOL.... as I was shifting to 2nd, I let the clutch out a bit too fast and got the front tire off the ground a couple inches.... Kinda freaked me out for a sec, I was not expecting it.... didn't think that bike would get the tire up.

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I got to see the SuperDuke 990 for the first time last weekend, That bike is sweet looking. I bet that would be a fun toy to have..

my .02

SV is the king for a starter bike... I agree with gambler much is to be said for going fast on a slow bike makes all the difference later on

not that the sv is a slow bike but it has it all.

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Yep... a guy had one out at the Harley Davidson Grill when we did our TWT there a couple weeks ago. It was siiick.

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2005 Suzuki Hayabusa Limited Edition - lots of mods
2007 Suzuki GSXR600 - wifebeater and flip-flops optional
2000 Honda CBR600F4 - outfitted with the NRC case cover of invincibility
http://www.gleno.net

IMO, from the sound of your experience and your size I would suggest finding a bike that fits you more than worry bout the overall cc's. Although maturity is the key to that statement. IE.. throttle control.
Used would be a smart idea for your first sportbike.

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"If you ever wanted to see what the law of unintended consequences looked like, you're about to find out."

I'm 6'6" and 190 and a 600 worked fine for me to learn on. I had a 02 honda f4i very balanced bike. Since your taller, suzuki's and honda's might be a little more comfortable

went and sat on a few today. I cannot believe they still let me in RideNow... LOL. But me and a friend were out and about so we stopped.

Kinda like the R1.... R6 felt a bit too small under me. I also liked the Busa.... I'm sure it's a bit too much for a 1st bike, bit it seemed a bit longer....

Saw the SV's, not bad I guess, some had body fairings and some didn't.... all 600's.

Tough decision.

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A used SV650 (like the one in my pic) can be had for under $3K. And you can ride the crap out of it for a year and then sell it for close to what you paid for it. But this is true for all beginner-oriented bikes, especially the SV; they are always in demand. Afterwards, you can get the Busa or R1. Decisions, decisions...

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2005 Suzuki Hayabusa Limited Edition - lots of mods
2007 Suzuki GSXR600 - wifebeater and flip-flops optional
2000 Honda CBR600F4 - outfitted with the NRC case cover of invincibility
http://www.gleno.net

I know a liter bike "fits" your size better....but please reconsider it at a first sportbike...thats a lot of beast to tame...

The SV is an awesome bike IMO.

I'm 6'3" and 220lbs. I have a Honda600rr. It was the most "comfortable" bike to me when I sat on it. It's my second bike and my second 600. A 600 definitely has enough power for me. You can do wheelies all day on one and even get it up to 160mph or so. What else do you need?
If you plan on going on long trips or highway routes that have hills, I would consider a bigger engine. Also, if you plan on having a passenger, I would get a bigger engine. I know when I throw my wife on the back of my 600, the power drop is definitely noticeable.
From what I hear, a 750 is a great compromise. It might be a tiny too much to start off with, but it won't limit you and should last a little longer than a 600 might... that is if you lose interest quickly.

I think my main concern is power on from the throttle. I believe the smaller bikes still have that same punch when you give it a little twist.... Or am I wrong on this?

I know my warrior the throttle is very sensitive so if I twist it wrong, or too much, the bike jumps.... kinda hairy in turns..... you really have to watch not to give it too much or shit happens.

Christ, the other night I was going to grab a bite up the street, I am in the turn and there was a bit of powder on the road.... You all from Vegas should know what I mean with all the construction you have up there and the fine dirt.... well, I turned my head in the turn as I noticed that there was a car flyin up on me.... seeing it was getting a bit too close for comfort, I hit the throttle, well, the back tire just started spinning.... no grip what-so-ever.

Granted, that can happen on any bike, but I do notice some jumping at other times when maybe I hit the turn a bit wrong and my weight is too much up front and the throttle gets hit a bit too hard....

I know how that sounds.... user error, however the throttle is very sensitive so when I say a little hard, that is about normal for any other bike.

So I was thinking that a smaller bike would be better since there was not as much power and I may not flip backwards when I try to wheelie....

I may say screw wheelies and go for comfort and speed. The speed I can handle, I may be too old to learn new tricks.... bones don't heal like they use to LOL.

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My opinions only..

You mention you want something reliable and I think the Honda's are damn near bullet proof. Statistically less maintenance to be done on them although there are the occasional bad apples...like every other brand.

Even though you said you aren't new to riding all together, I agree that a 1000cc I-4 might be a bit much for your first sport bike. Given the fact that you're not new to riding, I think a 1000cc twin might be more to your liking. You're already used to riding V-twins, but the sporting twins take all that you have grown to know and love about twins, and just makes it FASTER. I have an RC51 and absolutely love it. More of a grown man's machine. Even though it's a 1000cc bike, it's a V-twin so it doesn't have the blinding power of an inline. What the twins do bring to the table is a smooth torque curve that lets you use all the bike's power, without the fear of breaking the rear tire loose at a moment's notice. Don't get me wrong, you can break the big twins loose, it's just not quite as likely to happen by accident like on an inline.

Another thing to consider is insurance. Sportbikes are quite a bit more to insure than the cruisers you're used to, and some insurance companies won't touch a sport bike at all. That being said, the insurance rates skyrocket once you get past 750cc so don't forget to consider your legal obligations when making your decision.

Bottom line: Get a twin. You won't regret it!

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-Iron Mike Tyson-

opinions are welcome.... thanks R3K.


since the warrior is classified as a "Sport Cruiser", would this still be my 1st sport bike?


j/k ;)

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You know those ZRX's are a blast (so I hear) Nice seating position, good power and torque and classic lines. I am bias of course.

You may also want to consider something a little older that is a nice compromise. The ZX11 is a nice comfy bike, but will still do 175mph. They stopped making them in about 97 (I think) so a nice one can be had for cheap. Modern sport bikes are waaaaaay more focused machines. They are more for the track than the street. an older bike may be a great starting point.

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BTW...look what I bought used for $2K. It handles great. I used it for the trackday/school I just did at Pahrump.

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2k? Not bad. Not bad at all..... Still not sure what I am going to do yet.... I may just break down and get the new Raider from Yamaha, I really like that thing.... or I may find something 3rd party not too expensive, I'm just not sure about purchasing 3rd party anymore..... not too bright when it comes to mechanics so not too sure what to look for to see if it has been abused. I think people tend to be a bit harder on the sport bikes than someone with a cruiser.... I could be wrong.

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As a SV owner, I can say it's a great introduction to sportbikes. (I started on a small cruiser so I know what ya mean about trying to find the lever)

At the same time, I can say after riding my friend's Gsxr 750, the power response is quite different. The SV is still really fun in corners (I have 650). Also if you're worried about the nekkid look you can always change it up. Here's mine:

I heard they made full fairings for the SV650, but never saw one before. That is really a nice bike.

i like her sv.. i sat on it and boy was it comfy to me!!! i'm 6'1. lol would'nt mind riding one to see the difference a v-twin makes

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I've yet to see another full fairing minus one race fairing sv that comes around 702sb. I like it cause most people have no idea what it is.

That is a nice looking bike!!!!

Yeah, the ones I looked at were all stripped, didn't like the look of them.

So Suzuki seems to be the bike of choice.... can I ask why?

I had two suzuki's in my past, both GS models.... older ones, and both had the same electrical problems that were around 300.00 a pop to fix. Has anyone had any issues with their electrical systems?

I like the Honda's but mostly because they have the best mechanical rating... meaning they hold up real well and are very low maintenance. Yep, and yet I ride a Yamaha... LOL. But so far so good and keeping my fingers crossed... LOL.

Met a guy that lives a few doors down that has a GSXR 1000.... MAN that thing is fast!!!!! He let me take it around the block and I must say, I was very impressed.

Personally, I think I would rather grow into a bike rather than grow out of one... if that makes sense.

I would like to get something else soon though, I want to turn my warrior into a dragster and start hitting the local drag strips. Something I have always wanted to do and with the years quickly flying by me, I want to do this before it's too late.

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Yamaha... But then I am pretty biased.
5 out of 6 bikes I have had have been Yami's. The odd one was an 04 gix 1k. Nice bike, but just doesnt have the feel of the yamis that I prefer. In general my yamaha's have been extremly reliable. I had an fzr 600 for 14 years and never did more than regular maintance stuff to it.
Again, IMO, I wouldnt worry so much which bike has the last 1/100 bit of perfomrmance over the other. Go with what feels the most comfortable to your body/riding style. Which one has the best appeal to your eye.
Personally I would never go back to a 600 on the streets. a 1k has more power on tap to get out of harms way, requires much less shifting on the streets. The track on the other hand I would love to have a 600 since I come nowhere near in my skill to use a 1k on the track to anywhere its potential. Even though I take it out there anyways.

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Is that your R1 in your avatar SynCitizen? I like it in red. I have a friend that is a yamaha guy.... real die hard for yamaha.... he will not buy anything yamaha that is not yamaha blue... LOL.

I do know what you mean about that extra boost, I love that about the warrior, even just cruising, I can be in 5th gear, low RPM's and just give a little twist and it will still snap my hear back, that bike has some AWESOME torque.

so far, the sport bikes I like best are the R1, the GSXR 1000 and the Busa.... although, I like it better with the back seat and not the hump. Personal choice.

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Yup, thats my baby. Except for the RideNot issue, I all but love this bike.

Like I said, even if you buy a bike that is overpowered for the purpose, in this case on the track, It's a matter of using the bike within your own personal limits. Even a 600 can get out of hand easly if your not judicious with the throttle.
If this was your first bike or you had little experience riding I would definatly stay away from a litre bike.
It sounds like you have a few years riding experience and have some respect for the power so again IMHO only, get what you like.

Its kinda like buying a gun. a 22 pistol or an assault rifle. Both can kill someone just as dead, but damn, isnt a blast to have the power when you want too?!?!

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"If you ever wanted to see what the law of unintended consequences looked like, you're about to find out."

I thought about getting one to do wheelies, but at 42 years of age and never breaking any bones in my body (except for a toe) I think I am a bit too old to start breaking them now.... LOL.

I do like the speed though, nothing better than taking 2 wheels to 115 (yeah, I know that's slow in comparison but my bike will top out at 130 DAMN rv limiter!) except the acceleration getting there.

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buy my 03 yam. r1. 5700 bucks. i can email you pics.

tempting. how bad has it been beaten? No offense, but I know you guys ride them things hard. ;)

Post a pic, let me take a look.

Thanks :)

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