New Rider, First bike: Which one??? (Guide to choosing your first ride)

[LilMel]

Awesome read Ron thanks
I am a petite rider of 4'11" 3/4 I sat on about 20 bikes after I got my licence,nothing fit me right as I couldn't reach the ground .I was def not ready to do the butt shifting thing so many small riders do ,I had next to no experience.So I researched it and found my bike (for now) I found a Suzuki Savage LS 650 -2003 and i have had to do 0 mods to it .
Just wanted to add this for us shortys

[Stryker48]

Hi Everyone,

At the ripe "old" age of 52, I have decided to look into getting myself a motorbike.
I have been looking at ads for a while and a bike I am thinking of getting is a used 2005 KYMCO VENOX for $1900 in pristine condition.

What are your thoughts on this as a 1st.Bike?

I don't have my motorcycle licence yet, so need to get the ball rolling on that written test ASAP, so I can at least start. Even though I'm 52 with a vehicle licence, I'm sure I'm still going to get "nailed" don't we all?

[nakkers]

Hi Everyone,

At the ripe "old" age of 52, I have decided to look into getting myself a motorbike.
I have been looking at ads for a while and a bike I am thinking of getting is a used 2005 KYMCO VENOX for $1900 in pristine condition.

What are your thoughts on this as a 1st.Bike?

I don't have my motorcycle licence yet, so need to get the ball rolling on that written test ASAP, so I can at least start. Even though I'm 52 with a vehicle licence, I'm sure I'm still going to get "nailed" don't we all?

There is a saying, you get what you pay for. I think you'll do yourself a favor by looking at some of the cruiser standards to start out with. But, at the end of the day, it's your choice. Before pulling the trigger, you have your budget but, sit on the bike or bikes that you are considering. Some don't fit as well as others.

As the season transistions to the cooler months, there are some deals to be found. In the cruiser range, there are some other well established brands. Suzuki Marauder, Kawi Vulcan, etc. I'd even consider an older Honda Shadow/Magnum or Virago.

If you don't like it afterwards, you can almost always sell them for what you paid for.

And yeah, Murphy's law will always prevail. It's cheap and easy to go get that M1. Just do it. If you get caught, you risk your whole license and insurance rates if you get caught. For something less than $20? It's just not worth it.

A couple of things to consider as well. Look into the riders courses available in your area. You'll get your M2, it's good for 5 years (instead of 90 days for the M1)

Make you budget account for good gear and get some quotes for insurance on the bikes you are considering.


Good luck and let us know how you make out.

[nakkers]

I wonder what you think my chances of harmoniously growing with the machine are. Keep in mind I got the bike to relax and enjoy not to break any land speed records. I also understand physics, mainly the part about Newton's laws of pain and suffering. Lol.

Regards.

Your chances are very good. Just depends on how much time you spend in the saddle and what your riding preferences develop into.

[Stryker48]

There is a saying, you get what you pay for. I think you'll do yourself a favor by looking at some of the cruiser standards to start out with. But, at the end of the day, it's your choice. Before pulling the trigger, you have your budget but, sit on the bike or bikes that you are considering. Some don't fit as well as others.

As the season transistions to the cooler months, there are some deals to be found. In the cruiser range, there are some other well established brands. Suzuki Marauder, Kawi Vulcan, etc. I'd even consider an older Honda Shadow/Magnum or Virago.

If you don't like it afterwards, you can almost always sell them for what you paid for.

And yeah, Murphy's law will always prevail. It's cheap and easy to go get that M1. Just do it. If you get caught, you risk your whole license and insurance rates if you get caught. For something less than $20? It's just not worth it.

A couple of things to consider as well. Look into the riders courses available in your area. You'll get your M2, it's good for 5 years (instead of 90 days for the M1)

Make you budget account for good gear and get some quotes for insurance on the bikes you are considering.


Good luck and let us know how you make out.

Thanks for your valued input. I have to say of the bikes I have seen and sat on (not ridden) within my budget, The Kymco Velox 250 felt and looked the best for me. The other deciding factors, is the low milage (22000km) and it's pristine all round condition it's certified. Also the reviews I have read have been positive. So late yesterday I bit the bullet and made the purchase. I also manged to get my M1 License by 11 am yesterday
I do plan to do my M2 after 60 days and do an approved riders course with test. It's NOT going to affect my insurance though as I was told by my broker I already have the "cheapest" rate avilable.
He specialises in Motorcycle insurance.

[Jordy]

I just got my M2, and I am looking into the suzuki v-strom 650 as my first bike.. any pros or cons i should know?

[Vlad]

I just got my M2, and I am looking into the suzuki v-strom 650 as my first bike.. any pros or cons i should know?

I'd only be concerned about the height - a bike you have to tiptoe on (or worse, do the ***-wiggle) is not a good first bike. The good news is that the 650 can be lowered both front and back quite significantly without sacrificing much of ground clearance or ride-ability/stability. A rider height of about 5'10" would be required for stock, less if it's lowered.

Other than that, "Vee-Strom" is an excellent bike, although maybe at the higher end of the beginner power range. Ergonomics are great which inspires confidence and promotes learning. The engine is proven reliable and the state of tune is such that it's quite manageable and not intimidating. There's very little this bike can't do well, from touring to sport riding to rough road plowing. You have made a very good choice, providing you take it easy and don't get carried away by it's friendliness. Best of luck!

[Jordy]

Thanks Vlad, thats exactly what I was looking for.

[FZ1Oakville]

tons of options....its easier to say - what NOT to get....

[kawasakimatt]

Ninja 500 is a great starter.
Ps I have one for sale...
lol
dbbs4@hotmail.com

[Stryker48]

Thanks for your valued input. I have to say of the bikes I have seen and sat on (not ridden) within my budget, The Kymco Velox 250 felt and looked the best for me. The other deciding factors, is the low milage (22000km) and it's pristine all round condition it's certified. Also the reviews I have read have been positive. So late yesterday I bit the bullet and made the purchase. I also manged to get my M1 License by 11 am yesterday
I do plan to do my M2 after 60 days and do an approved riders course with test. It's NOT going to affect my insurance though as I was told by my broker I already have the "cheapest" rate avilable.
He specialises in Motorcycle insurance.

UPDATE: 2 weeks ago I completed a course at the Riders Training Institute in Toronto (cost $420 with taxes - highly recommended) and have clocked a few hundred kilometers on my Venox and very happy with my purchase. Unfortunately the cold weather is almost apon us and only a couple of weeks riding left before I store her away for the cold winter.

[LilMel]

I'm new this season and because i'm short I didnt find a 250 or any sport bike to fit me ,so i ended up getting the suzuki Savage 650 LS and it has been awesome and shes teaching me alot and yes i admit have put her down a few times learning my balance and other things.But to be honest I love this lil cruiser with a kick and i'm keeping her till i'm able to get something else. And also ive done some work on her to look the way i wish her to look like Good luck all.

[Lazy Foot]

I'm new this season and because i'm short I didnt find a 250 or any sport bike to fit me ,so i ended up getting the suzuki Savage 650 LS and it has been awesome and shes teaching me alot and yes i admit have put her down a few times learning my balance and other things.But to be honest I love this lil cruiser with a kick and i'm keeping her till i'm able to get something else. And also ive done some work on her to look the way i wish her to look like Good luck all.

How short are you?

Is there a height adjustment on bikes for shorter or taller people?

[Rotten_Ronnie]

How short are you?

Is there a height adjustment on bikes for shorter or taller people?

She has a 22" inseam if I recall correctly.

It really depends on the bike. There are three areas where a bike's height could potentially be adjusted for a shorter rider:

Front suspension - typically involves lowering the triple clamp on the forks to lower the front end.

Seat - material removed or changed (shaved) off so it is lower or not as wide to straddle. Some bikes have adjustable seat heights, but very few.

Rear Suspension - where the shock is not directly mounted to the swing arm, "lowering links" can be used, where the shock is attached directly to the swing arm, you can rebuild the shock with a custom spring.

Any method of lowering the bike comprises it's handling ability, and you should also consider shortening the kickstand or it may fall over on you.

I'd suggest sitting on as many as you can, and ensure that it CAN be lowered. Some fork or shock setups are non-adjustable by these methods and may need expensive aftermarket work.

[LilMel]

Yes you are right RR And Lazy Foot As RR says they do tell you you can lower front and rear suspension on some sport bikes but what happens also is the bottom is so close to the ground as i have seen that you even go over a curb on a driveway you scrape the bottom up i can't even imagine if you go over a a bump or something bigger lol ,I think if you short as me 4'11-3/4 lol we have to compremise the sport bikes unless you have tons of exspeirience shifting your but when stopping .Which I don't have yet lol. It's all about rideing time .
Shop around sit on lots ...i did

[borakikay]

My name is Tanya, I'm a new rider and this is my new ride Yamaha Mio Sporty black violet.. And it was a brand new.. I brought this one because i want a personal service, that i can drive in a long ride and it never be hazzle in the other schedule..

What yours???

[Stryker48]

UPDATE: Due to the beautiful Fall weather we have been having I have been keeping storing the bike for the winter on hold for a bit. I have recently done a round trip from Toronto to Ottawa on my Venox and all I can say is, I am very impressed and happy with the bike. It definitely doesn't look like a 250 nor ride like one. It looks and rides like a much bigger bike. Nobody believes me it's only a 250.

http://www.bikepics.com/members/stryker48/ (OK, so I was a "little trigger happy!"

Since purchasing the Venox, I have installed Highway Bars from Tucmoto and plan to upgrade the rear sprocket to 44 teeth for next Spring, which seems to be the mod that most Venox owners have done and very glad they did.
I'm also going to put on a set of new tires, which I'm hoping to pick up for a good deal at the upcoming motorcycle show in Toronto in December.

I plan on keeping my Venox for at least another 2 full seasons before even looking at getting a "bigger" bike, which to be honest, I don't really need as the Venox more than meets my needs and expectations.
It's only my ego I would be stroking if I do and I've checked that at the door, a long time ago.

Truthfully we all like our egos stroked once in a while and "if" I do decided to go bigger, I would still want to keep it under 1000cc. (cheaper on insurance) Top of my list would be the Yamaha VStar 950, I also like the Yamaha VStar 650 classic as well as the Kawasaki 900 vulcan classic and I'm on the fence regarding the "love it or hate it" Hyosung GV650. (it's still not growing on me)

[LilMel]

Stryker your bike is sick!!! many happy miles on her ,I am new and have not put enough on my gurl as I had a few injerys early in season which didn't make this year very nice for rideing .But i plan on rideing a few more times before storeing her . Have fun

UPDATE: Due to the beautiful Fall weather we have been having I have been keeping storing the bike for the winter on hold for a bit. I have recently done a round trip from Toronto to Ottawa on my Venox and all I can say is, I am very impressed and happy with the bike. It definitely doesn't look like a 250 nor ride like one. It looks and rides like a much bigger bike. Nobody believes me it's only a 250.

http://www.bikepics.com/members/stryker48/

Since purchasing the Venox, I have installed Highway Bars from Tucmoto and plan to upgrade the rear sprocket to 44 teeth for next Spring, which seems to be the mod that most Venox owners have done and very glad they did.
I'm also going to put on a set of new tires, which I'm hoping to pick up for a good deal at the upcoming motorcycle show in Toronto in December.

I plan on keeping my Venox for at least another 2 full seasons before even looking at getting a "bigger" bike, which to be honest, I don't really need as the Venox more than meets my needs and expectations.
It's only my ego I would be stroking if I do and I've checked that at the door, a long time ago.

Truthfully we all like our egos stroked once in a while and "if" I do decided to go bigger, I would still want to keep it under 1000cc. I like the Yamaha VStar 650 classic as well as the Kawasaki 900 vulcan classic and I'm on the fence regarding the "love it or hate it" Hyosung GV650.

[skitta]

Congratulations, Stryker! What a great-looking bike. Really nice pictures. Must admit, I felt a twinge of jealousy I wanted my first bike to come with saddlebags (for all my girly stuff) and a windshield. Hopefully my next bike will. I'm riding a Honda CBR125r right now and more than likely will do so for at least another season. I'm happy with my bike. Just wish I had more time to ride.

Take care, and happy and safe riding!

[Stryker48]

Stryker your bike is sick!!! many happy miles on her ,I am new and have not put enough on my gurl as I had a few injerys early in season which didn't make this year very nice for rideing .But i plan on rideing a few more times before storeing her . Have fun

Thanks for the compliment. Sorry to hear about your injuries, hope it was not bike related.
It's November 19th. and I still haven't stored my bike yet, however plan on doing so on Wednesday next week.
I'm looking forward to the upcoming motorcycle show in Toronto, as I'm looking for new tires for the spring as well as the Sena SMH10 bluetooth bike to bike intercom system.

I'm also going to upgrade my rear sproket to 44 teeth to get better acceleration through all my gears. (apparently it's the best mod one can do and that most Venox owners do)
I will keep you posted.

Good luck with your new ride and hopefully you will get a couple of days riding before the real cold weather sets in.