• From: St. Louis, Missouri
  • Registered: 2012-09-19
  • Posts: 128

Re: Any bikers here?

I agree that this is definitely a preference based on what you think "looks good".... I would have to agree that a Suzuki sv650 would be great bike for you to really look into. I ride a restored 1984 Honda Shadow VT700c, which is a cruiser bike. However, have a riding buddy that has a Suzuki sv650 and he loves his choice. It is comfortable, reliable and plenty of power without getting "out of control". He has been riding it for over 2 years and never once thought about getting another bike that was any bigger.

Either way, good luck on your adventure to finding your new bike! I also agree with Spider.... take the motorcycle safety course, it is well worth it.

20 Reply by Jlowther (edited by Jlowther 2012-10-09 10:35:10)

  • From: Cambridge
  • Registered: 2011-01-15
  • Posts: 912

Re: Any bikers here?

I can't thank you all enough for your advice on this topic.

Here in England we have a more extensive training course than in the USA..I hear there you just have to pass some simple training then you can ride any CC bike you want straight away (16 years olds on a 1000cc? Certain death!). Here you must either pass a CBT which allows you only to ride a 125cc or a restricted 33BHP license which is self explanatory.

Hi Andy, I think that they would be too powerful for me, but restricted I will definitely consider.

Hi HollenbergSTL, I have heard that the sv650 is a great starter bike - I'm just not a huge fan of the aesthetics, which, when you're 18 years old, is an important factor! wink

I very much like the supermoto style of bike

Jonny L

Videos of my playing: http://www.youtube.com/user/JonnyLowtherMusic
  • From: Was NY now FL/GA line
  • Registered: 2007-12-16
  • Posts: 2,855

Re: Any bikers here?

No matter what bike you ride, ride safely. Drivers don't look out for bikes.
Just be careful, please!!!!!

  • From: East Lancashire, UK
  • Registered: 2011-06-24
  • Posts: 3,019

Re: Any bikers here?

You could try a Suzuki V Strom 650. More of an adventurer styling. I had the 1000 version and it was a superb bike.

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)
  • From: Cambridge
  • Registered: 2011-01-15
  • Posts: 912

Re: Any bikers here?

Thanks Andy! I intend to be safe smile

V strom is a nice bike, just not for me I don't think...I'm looking for a sleeker bike and maybe something a little smaller than a large engined bike as it will be easier to control smile

Jonny L

Videos of my playing: http://www.youtube.com/user/JonnyLowtherMusic
  • From: St. Louis, Missouri
  • Registered: 2012-09-19
  • Posts: 128

Re: Any bikers here?

I hear ya, and you have to love your bike at first site. I always said if I got a first street bike it would be the Honda 600RR... 1000 is way to big a bike for sure. The 600RR is at least a smaller engine, but that being said don't be fooled.... still a worthy race bike that is setup to fly! Be safe and keep us posted on your options!

25 Reply by Jlowther (edited by Jlowther 2012-10-09 15:05:18)

  • From: Cambridge
  • Registered: 2011-01-15
  • Posts: 912

Re: Any bikers here?

HollenbergSTL wrote:

I hear ya, and you have to love your bike at first site. I always said if I got a first street bike it would be the Honda 600RR... 1000 is way to big a bike for sure. The 600RR is at least a smaller engine, but that being said don't be fooled.... still a worthy race bike that is setup to fly! Be safe and keep us posted on your options!

Thanks for the advice smile

If I got a 600 as a first bike I would surely end up on the tarmac facing the sky lol I must say I'm pretty set on either the CBR250R or the Ninja 250R - reliability is my number 1 priority along with being able to keep up with highway/motorway speeds ... I think it's maybe more dangerous to have a slower bike sometimes..

Really appreciate all the advice...I'm only a 'newb' smile

Jonny L

Videos of my playing: http://www.youtube.com/user/JonnyLowtherMusic
  • From: St. Louis, Missouri
  • Registered: 2012-09-19
  • Posts: 128

Re: Any bikers here?

I like your approach.... you seem very realistic in your choice which is great! You can always trade-up later (if you so choose) but getting too much, too fast can really be dangerous. I am a Honda guy so CBR250R for reliability to me makes sense. Although, between these two you probably couldn't go wrong. Good choices!

  • From: Cambridge
  • Registered: 2011-01-15
  • Posts: 912

Re: Any bikers here?

HollenbergSTL wrote:

I like your approach.... you seem very realistic in your choice which is great! You can always trade-up later (if you so choose) but getting too much, too fast can really be dangerous. I am a Honda guy so CBR250R for reliability to me makes sense. Although, between these two you probably couldn't go wrong. Good choices!

Thanks a lot man. A concern I have though is that they are both considered to be super sports...therefore insurance could possibly be quite high even though they have relatively small engines..

Jonny L

Videos of my playing: http://www.youtube.com/user/JonnyLowtherMusic
  • From: East Lancashire, UK
  • Registered: 2011-06-24
  • Posts: 3,019

Re: Any bikers here?

Jlowther wrote:
HollenbergSTL wrote:

I like your approach.... you seem very realistic in your choice which is great! You can always trade-up later (if you so choose) but getting too much, too fast can really be dangerous. I am a Honda guy so CBR250R for reliability to me makes sense. Although, between these two you probably couldn't go wrong. Good choices!

Thanks a lot man. A concern I have though is that they are both considered to be super sports...therefore insurance could possibly be quite high even though they have relatively small engines..

That is the very reason for my suggestions. You will buy with your heart though. big_smile

Come on the Blades (sorry Idolbone just had to borrow your line)
  • From: Cambridge
  • Registered: 2011-01-15
  • Posts: 912

Re: Any bikers here?

PSmith1946 wrote:
Jlowther wrote:
HollenbergSTL wrote:

I like your approach.... you seem very realistic in your choice which is great! You can always trade-up later (if you so choose) but getting too much, too fast can really be dangerous. I am a Honda guy so CBR250R for reliability to me makes sense. Although, between these two you probably couldn't go wrong. Good choices!

Thanks a lot man. A concern I have though is that they are both considered to be super sports...therefore insurance could possibly be quite high even though they have relatively small engines..

That is the very reason for my suggestions. You will buy with your heart though. big_smile

I will seriously consider your suggestions for that very reason...a few hundred pounds is a lot to an 18 years old smile

Thanks for the help big_smile

Jonny L

Videos of my playing: http://www.youtube.com/user/JonnyLowtherMusic
  • From: Cambridge
  • Registered: 2011-01-15
  • Posts: 912

Re: Any bikers here?

CBT booked!

Jonny L

Videos of my playing: http://www.youtube.com/user/JonnyLowtherMusic
  • From: St. Louis, Missouri
  • Registered: 2012-09-19
  • Posts: 128

Re: Any bikers here?

very cool! Keep us posted!

  • From: Cambridge
  • Registered: 2011-01-15
  • Posts: 912

Re: Any bikers here?

HollenbergSTL wrote:

very cool! Keep us posted!

Will do!!

Jonny L

Videos of my playing: http://www.youtube.com/user/JonnyLowtherMusic