Death Becomes Him...

Then I would recommend staying with a 1-3 yr old 600cc sportbike from the big Japanese makers. I had a 2001 CBR600 F4i and loved it. Just remember that you are posting your question on an exotic car forum where many people are giving you names of bikes *they* like, not bikes that best fit your objective (above). This often means trying to come off with the most exotic answers. You don't need a Ducati (yes, they're nice) and you don't need anything larger than 600-650. They will all propel your 250lb azz to nearly triple the speed limit so fast you're main problem is there's not enough road left to slow down safely.

The MSF course should be free or dirt cheap if you have a driver's license. You should probably do it. The differences in dynamics of a 1-track vehicle and a 2-track vehicle are many and you can apply those skills to be a better car driver. Wear leather, ride within your limits, always predict that stupid sh|t is going to happen, and understand that you don't get many 2nd chances in a bad bike accident.

good luck

 

I started on a 305 Super Hawk in 1969 at age 16. Have owned all kind of bikes since. Traveled all over the US on bikes. I first went to Keith Code school in 1985 and have been 4 times since. Go, it will save your butt. At 250 lbs. I would buy the BMW R1150GS.

 

NNO, you seem to be in a similar situation to me, minus a few weeks.
Im set on buying a bike - suzuki gs500f, i cant afford a sv650 right now so i figured I'll spend a year or so on a smaller bike to get used to riding. I like the looks of the gs500f and its one of the cheapest bikes you can buy new
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Beloved Carbon, consider the bike, gear, insurance and riding school an *investment*, not an expense. Consider what you'll immediately do when you get the bike of your choice. I want you to re-read the link I posted (Post #2) especially slowly when words of advice regarding said gear and "everybody lays their bike down..." come up.

*investment* - you are irreplaceable.

That said - as this thread goes, is this the bike style that suits you, or are you drawn more to a Cruiser? Bear in mind, you seemed to be quite taken with the Harley you started a thread on, otherwise, well, you wouldn't have posted it. Forget the marque - the style is different than the oft-recommended Suzuki's, let alone Ducatis, etc..

and

There really should be (a) thread(s) on protective gear. Helmets, jackets, pants, gloves, boots, etc. come in all forms and of course, there are different "breathability" requirements for different climates. One man's warmth is another man's greenhouse while another man's breathable fabric is another's pneumonia.

 

Carbie: Bring that bad boy up here to the mountains and I'll show you around.

 

NNO & Doc,

I can't comment on a personal level since I'm not really a bike person, but one of my best friends, after much research, talking to riders, going on bike forums finally purchased a bike....the Suzuki GS500F. He absolutely loves it, has completed a bike driver training course and is looking forward to the ownership experience. I'm heading up to check it out tomorrow, and I'll try to post some pics shortly.

Best of luck on both your searches.

Andrew

 

I thought all you could think about was 134282?

 

Carbon, I was on F-Chat today for other reasons and saw this thread. Please, please, please, take the MSF course. Don't pass go. Don't collect $200. Please I'm breaking my self-imposed ban to say this. Dean is an old biker. That is all that needs to be said. Go up into the hills and visit him. Listen to what he says. You MUST learn about counter steering. You MUST learn about braking. You may not believe this, but there is no car alive (or dead) that can match the most basic motorcycle when it comes to being what it is all about. Yes, that includes Ferraris.

If nothing else, please remember this --

The rubber side is supposed to stay down.

The shiny side goes up.

Your friend, Dale

 

Carbon,

It's too bad you have to get the bike before taking the course. My friend took a two-day riding course where the instructing school provided the bikes. While there, he had the chance to ride several different models/types and dumped a couple. The only damage done were a few bumps & bruises, but he didn't damage his own bike.

I echo Dale's comments about keeping it shiny side up.

Andrew

 

Actually, the MSF course near me is done at the local Communty College Parking lot with THEIR bikes. Check with the AMA in your area.

 

Too expensive? I was under the impression that nearly all MSF courses provided bikes. In my state they do, and the courses run around $170. If thats too much of an investment for you to learn the basics of riding a bike, then your probably shouldn't be riding. Hate to curb your enthusiasm, but taking proper precautions is everything, on top of that, you'll have more fun if you learn properly from the beginning.

 

I missed this thread, so see my post under the Hayabusa thread...

I agree with the SV650 comments but would like to add that the Suzuki V-Strom 650 is also an excellent choice. It is a dual purpose bike but really is at home on the streets. It has the same basic engine as the SV but has different cams and is tuned for a bit more torque and about 3 less hp. The bike has a more upright riding style and you can add bags and boxes for touring very easily.

Steve

 

NNO, Im only 5'10" and about 170 lbs so I'm not as much in need of the extra cc's

edit: the msf course im taking at a local college is three days long (friday evening in the class and all day saturday and sunday on bikes) and only cost $355 CDN and that includes the test and licensing to get my m2 on their bikes, I commend NNO's bravery as I dont have the nuts to get on a bike having never rid one before.



Andrew, pictures would be great Im having a hard time finding shots of the bike from multiple angles

 

Carb: YOu don't even need to own a bike to do the course; they supply 250 beater bikes; i would sign up immediately, because depending on location, the courses may be booked; ideally, you take the MSF course, and at least here in NY, can take your road test at the end of it, so you never even have to deal with the DMV, schlepping your bike there, etc.
Keep in mind that there is a reason why this safety course exists- it is subsidized by the manufacturers in whose interest it is to give new riders every advantage in having a safe, and enjoyable, ownership experience.
And, as others have said, good helmet, and riding gear is also a must. I know that sounds like a broken record, but i have to resist the temptation to say- oh, i'm just running down to the next town, no need to get all geared up- that's when ****e happens....
BTW, as others have said and suggested, it does become addictive. You start thinking about your technique, and certain roads, and when you go back out, you are actually better for it. There's a ton of stuff to learn, and i use that to temper my reasonable fear, because if you think about it, it's crazy, but not to think about it is worse....
Here's the link to the Georgia page- just click on the schedules button to nail it down. http://www.gadmvs.com/training/gmsp/

 

NNO, seriously, please don't buy the bike before you take the class. I know you probably won't hurt yourself or anything, but its just not worth the risk. Plus its pretty sad when you buy a bike and can't ride off on it. I watched a kid purchase a ZX12 last summer, he had never been on a bike before. The salesmen spent the better part of an hour trying to convince the kid that he shouldn't buy the bike, going so far as to turn the sale over to another salesperson while saying "I can't have that on my conscious". They all stood and watched as he dropped it three times in the parking lot, damn near looped it, and basically destroyed the bike in the span of about 100 feet.

 

Carbie, everyone is right. You MUST get a good jacket. I found a nice First Gear for sale here:

http://thedigitalshutter.com/bartkim/firstgearjacket.jpg