2nd bike can't make a decision

vlocka

vlocka

Well-known member
Forum Sponsor
So this is my first season as a rider. I started riding in middle of august on a 2008 cbr125. I put almost 1000km on it already. I plan on upgrading this winter or early spring.

I been researching a lot and can't decide on my next bike . I'm 6"1 and 180lbs so tall and lanky hah. I say this because when I was looking for my next bike for next season I realized how intimidating the tanks are on super sports. I don't know if I would be comfortable on one. I think the cbr600r f4i is one that I could handle but not sold on it xomplety also I looked into super motos and saw a drz400sm today and didn't realize how high off the ground they are. Maybe I'm too used to the low seating on the CBR? I also liked the ninjas zx6r but how aggressive is the seating position on those?

I know I'm not a experience rider yet but I'm ready to start learning on a. Bigger bike. I took the MSF coarse and passed and started learning to ride by taking the right steps

What are some good bikes to look at for a 2nd season rider?

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4
 
i had a cbr125 since 2008, then this year i got a 2011 ninja 650. great on insurance especially since im under 25 and has alot more juice than you think. Definitely enough power if you dont plan on going to the track. Also found maintenance on the 650 is a joke and very easy to do yourself. Really comes down to how much money can you blow on the bike + insurance + maintenance. Also you're saying you've only done 1000KM on your bike, thats still not alot of experience, do you have more experience on other bikes?
 
Also cbr500r looks nice but its hard to find any for sale that isn't brand new

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 4
 
F4i and 500R and are completely different bikes. F4i is a 600cc super-sport. It's more comfortable than regular 600 SS, but it's still an SS. Try SV650 or Kawi 650R if you're desperate for a bigger bike?
 
I've got a later model katana for sale if you are interested. Its sort of a pretend sportbike...

Has sport-bike-ish ergos but not agressive and comfortable to ride
600cc's
cheap to insure, insurance classifies it as a standard
bulletproof engine
easy to ride and pretty forgiving.
 
End of season is a good time to pick up a good deal on used or new bikes. Depending on exactly what you are using the bike for, your next bike option could be quite extensive. I have an older zx6r, the riding position is quite aggressive compared to the cbr125. I also have a ninja 250 which is more of a commuting bike. Between the two, each has its own advantages.

If you use your bike to commute, the ninja 250 or someone suggested a ninja 650 is a good option. For any SS bikes, zx6r, r6, etc. are going to be very uncomfortable for anything over half an hour of continuous riding. If you are in city traffic, the zx6r is horrendous. The stop and go traffic, slouching your back constantly from the aggressive riding position is not fun at all riding in city traffic during rush hour.

On the highway without traffic, the zx6r is a dream to ride. I am a bit on the heavy side, 200+, so on the ninja 250, I am quite under power and feel like I am always at the mercy of other drivers when I am on the highwar. If its heavy traffic on the highway, the 250 is completely fine otherwise, I feel a lot safer on my zx6r on the highway, a lot more stable and on demand power enables you to get out of bad positions a lot easier. With my weight, I can't imagine what it feels like riding a cbr125 on highway, only time I rode it was at the motorcycle course.

Also, a challenge I have is my height, I am vertically challenge, about 8 inches shorter than you, so the zx6r is quite a bit too high for me but I got used to it. For your height, I think the more ideal bike for you might the r6 which has the highest seat height but then again, there are other factors that comes into play. The gsxr600 is a good option, quite balance and probably the most comfortable of the SS middleweight from many accounts. For me its probably the best option since it has the lowest seat height and narrower as well, hence, I was able to tip toe with both feet (my zx6r, I can only tip toe on one foot only...haha)

Most people that have a fascination of SS bikes will get a 600cc eventually, some move on to litre bikes (1000cc) and some move towards cruiser or touring when they find out on their own that SS bikes are no longer their thing (constant backaches).

Base on what you wrote, I think you should narrow your search on SS 600cc as your next bike. The ninja 650 is a good option too but essentially its not a SS and you will want to experience that at some point, might as well get that out of the system as your next bike.

However, if you do get a SS bike, take it slowly to get use to the bike, its a big jump from your 125cc. 1000km under your belt is not much to tell you the truth. Some guys I know put on over 500 km a day on their weekend rides.
 
Ninja10 said:
i had a cbr125 since 2008, then this year i got a 2011 ninja 650. great on insurance especially since im under 25 and has alot more juice than you think. Definitely enough power if you dont plan on going to the track. Also found maintenance on the 650 is a joke and very easy to do yourself. Really comes down to how much money can you blow on the bike + insurance + maintenance. Also you're saying you've only done 1000KM on your bike, thats still not alot of experience, do you have more experience on other bikes?
Click to expand...

i do not of any other experience but i ride everyday atleast an hour. i know like i said i dont have much expierence other then that 1000km of riding. i dont put many km on the bike because it is a cbr125r so i can only do so much as riding but i do as much as i can and take it as far as i can because i love riding it anyways even if it is a 125. but ya i think im ready to upgrade just dont think im ready for the SS yet so i think my next option would be the 650s? what are some good 650s that are still sport type looking bikes i kind of like the ninja 650. also do you think the 650 is a good bike to upgrade to for a new rider like myself?

ViperZ said:
F4i and 500R and are completely different bikes. F4i is a 600cc super-sport. It's more comfortable than regular 600 SS, but it's still an SS. Try SV650 or Kawi 650R if you're desperate for a bigger bike?
Click to expand...

not desperate for a bigger bike hahah but i think next season will be the time to upgrade. i didnt plan on riding a 125 for 2 seasons. im just asking what would be a better bike to upgrade to for a beginner going into next season

Eric Homes said:
End of season is a good time to pick up a good deal on used or new bikes. Depending on exactly what you are using the bike for, your next bike option could be quite extensive. I have an older zx6r, the riding position is quite aggressive compared to the cbr125. I also have a ninja 250 which is more of a commuting bike. Between the two, each has its own advantages.

If you use your bike to commute, the ninja 250 or someone suggested a ninja 650 is a good option. For any SS bikes, zx6r, r6, etc. are going to be very uncomfortable for anything over half an hour of continuous riding. If you are in city traffic, the zx6r is horrendous. The stop and go traffic, slouching your back constantly from the aggressive riding position is not fun at all riding in city traffic during rush hour.

On the highway without traffic, the zx6r is a dream to ride. I am a bit on the heavy side, 200+, so on the ninja 250, I am quite under power and feel like I am always at the mercy of other drivers when I am on the highwar. If its heavy traffic on the highway, the 250 is completely fine otherwise, I feel a lot safer on my zx6r on the highway, a lot more stable and on demand power enables you to get out of bad positions a lot easier. With my weight, I can't imagine what it feels like riding a cbr125 on highway, only time I rode it was at the motorcycle course.

Most people that have a fascination of SS bikes will get a 600cc eventually, some move on to litre bikes (1000cc) and some move towards cruiser or touring when they find out on their own that SS bikes are no longer their thing (constant backaches).

Base on what you wrote, I think you should narrow your search on SS 600cc as your next bike. The ninja 650 is a good option too but essentially its not a SS and you will want to experience that at some point, might as well get that out of the system as your next bike.

However, if you do get a SS bike, take it slowly to get use to the bike, its a big jump from your 125cc. 1000km under your belt is not much to tell you the truth. Some guys I know put on over 500 km a day on their weekend rides.
Click to expand...

ya i figured a 125 to a SS is to big of a jump so what is a medium that would prepare me for a supersport that is not to big of a learning curve from the 125?
i dont really want to spend next season on a 250 or 300 but if you guys think thats more ideal then a 650 i might have to just to do it. but if you guys think the 650 is manageable for a beginner let me know? i would love a SS but i dont think im ready yet for that kind of power. also the bike will be for commuting and rides on weekends. dont plan on any track days.
 
I like the middleweight sportbikes, but several of them are too radical (seating position I mean) for me, because most of my riding is commuting. That's why I like the older CBR600. I've had an F2, an F3 and I'm on an F4. The F4i would be a good choice for a couple of reasons - you're getting something old enough that it's cheaper, and they'll run forever so it doesn't matter if it's a little older.
I found my '99 F4 a few years ago with only 10,000 km on it, and I commute on it every day.
I got lost keeping track of all the 600 and 636 and 650 kawasakis a few years ago, but I have always heard great things about the Ninja 650.
At your size you won't have any physical issues with any of these bikes - but you'll have to practice restraint while you develop your throttle and clutch control on the bigger bike.
 
Emefef said:
I like the middleweight sportbikes, but several of them are too radical (seating position I mean) for me, because most of my riding is commuting. That's why I like the older CBR600. I've had an F2, an F3 and I'm on an F4. The F4i would be a good choice for a couple of reasons - you're getting something old enough that it's cheaper, and they'll run forever so it doesn't matter if it's a little older.
I found my '99 F4 a few years ago with only 10,000 km on it, and I commute on it every day.
I got lost keeping track of all the 600 and 636 and 650 kawasakis a few years ago, but I have always heard great things about the Ninja 650.
At your size you won't have any physical issues with any of these bikes - but you'll have to practice restraint while you develop your throttle and clutch control on the bigger bike.
Click to expand...
how is the f4i seating position? to me the bigger /higher the tank the less appealing it looks to ride considering you lose alot of balance and control when your more bent over. im sure you get use to it when you ride longer but again i am a beginner so im looking for something to ease me into the bigger bikes
 
vlocka said:
how is the f4i seating position? to me the bigger /higher the tank the less appealing it looks to ride considering you lose alot of balance and control when your more bent over. im sure you get use to it when you ride longer but again i am a beginner so im looking for something to ease me into the bigger bikes
Click to expand...
That's why I suggested the F4i over the 600RR. They are far more comfortable, specifically, less bent over.
 
Put some more mileage on the 125.

I have nearly 20,000 km on my 2011 cbr125 that I got at the end of that year, and that was after putting over 40,000 km on a 2007 cbr125 ...
 
vlocka said:
i do not of any other experience but i ride everyday atleast an hour. i know like i said i dont have much expierence other then that 1000km of riding. i dont put many km on the bike because it is a cbr125r so i can only do so much as riding but i do as much as i can and take it as far as i can because i love riding it anyways even if it is a 125. but ya i think im ready to upgrade just dont think im ready for the SS yet so i think my next option would be the 650s? what are some good 650s that are still sport type looking bikes i kind of like the ninja 650. also do you think the 650 is a good bike to upgrade to for a new rider like myself?
Click to expand...


I'd still suggest you put a couple more thousand KM on that CBR125 before upgrading, but honestly the ninja 650 has been amazing. If you want i can show it to you and maybe go for a short cruise on a good day
 
What Brian said.

Take the savings from the insurance and then put on 15k of varied riding next season including all the demo rides you can sign up for.

My son is an experienced rider and still didn't get his first step up correct.
Thought he wanted sport seating and after a couple of long weekend 1800k trips learned he wanted a sport tourer instead.
He was fortunate that it only cost him about $3k to move up to a newer and powerful machine with the seating he likes.

For your weight and height the CB500x would be an excellent ride - it's big enough, a great step up in power and very nimble and much better seating position for a new rider ( look around visibility )

Could be a 5 year ride and insurance should not be a kicker.
The CBR500s and your 125 are smallish for your frame.
The CB500x is not.

Anything in a 650 will likely be a huge hit in insurance.

Take a look at that off road thread here as you will be a better rider if you decide to explore that and it's bloody good fun.
 
i dont really want to spend next season on a 250 or 300 but if you guys think thats more ideal then a 650 i might have to just to do it. but if you guys think the 650 is manageable for a beginner let me know? i would love a SS but i dont think im ready yet for that kind of power. also the bike will be for commuting and rides on weekends. dont plan on any track days.[/QUOTE]

Actually, its an anormally for me, not sure many others had done it that way. My first bike is the zx6r!!

Initially, I was looking at the exact cbr125 as my first bike but after some consideration and my friend's advice (which may not be the most ideal for most people), I end up picking up a 2005 zx636 which was a pretty good deal. One of the comments from someone who just started riding a few months before me bought a ninja 250 and ended upgrading to a 600cc within 5 months. Also, since I am quite mature and ride quite conservatively, even till now, I think I have the maturity to have the restraint to not go crazy on a SS bike. In fact, I spent probably the first 1000 km just riding at below 40km/hr at residential street.

I came across a good deal on a ninja 250, that's why I picked it up. Its great for commuting but pretty boring compared to the zx6r. However, you can still do some great turns on the twisty on it. In fact, I can lean lower and turn faster on the same curve turn on the 250 than my zx6r.

I have never ridden on a 650 but a friend has one. He seems to like it a lot, so its not a bad option to consider. Definitely more comfortable than any SS 600 and sufficient power to handle the highway. Another option in that category is the Yamaha FZ6 which is quite popular as well.

Its my second season on the zx6r, I still love it and will consider another SS bike for my next purchase. Possiblly a gsxr 600 or 750 or maybe even a newer zx6r.

Also, not sure if you are considering a new bike. The 2013 zx6r from what I have heard is more comfortable than any of their predecessors. Here is a bike review from Motortrend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2NRPBjLlTY
 
Remember to check insurance prices before you buy. This usually dictates what bikes a newer rider can afford to ride. Another good step up might be a bandit 600, decent power, great ergos, good wind protection. Or go the other way and snag a klr650, or Vstrom (sweet little v-twin). In my opinion, a full 600ss, will cause you to **** yourself the first time you hit it, and definitely won't be comfortable commuting.
 
vlocka, have you considered the Suzuki GS500F as your next step. It won't kill you on insurance, and is forgiving enough to learn on. It's not a SS, but it is faired just like one and is absolutely bullet proof in terms of reliability. Just my 0.02.
 
Others have already said this but I'll chime in since I just finished my one year... Try to keep the 125 for another season. 1,000KM isn't much at all and you want to make sure you've done as much learning as you can on the 125 before moving up.

I put about 7,000KM on mine over the year and was looking to upgrade too then decided that even 7,000KM isn't enough mileage to upgrade.

Take your time, push that 125 closer to its limits before upgrading.

You can look into something like the Yamaha FZ6R as the next stepping stone if you're really set on upgrading now. Not a SS but it's a decent all rounder.
 
WeatherB said:
Others have already said this but I'll chime in since I just finished my one year... Try to keep the 125 for another season. 1,000KM isn't much at all and you want to make sure you've done as much learning as you can on the 125 before moving up.

I put about 7,000KM on mine over the year and was looking to upgrade too then decided that even 7,000KM isn't enough mileage to upgrade.

Take your time, push that 125 closer to its limits before upgrading.

You can look into something like the Yamaha FZ6R as the next stepping stone if you're really set on upgrading now. Not a SS but it's a decent all rounder.
Click to expand...

"push that 125 closer to its limits before upgrading"

LOL
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom