New to sport bikes looking to get in on the action

First of all I have a background in Big American V8 living life a 1/4 mile at a time and have posted mid 9 second runs, as well as fun times on the twisties, so I have experience with going "fast" I am a car man, specifically modern American muscle (The horsepower wars are back and I couldn't be happier)

That being said I realize that racing or driving car in no way prepares you for a two wheeler I'm also smart enough to know I know nothing about motor cycles. I bring it up to make the point I know my abilities and lack there of.

I have been toying with the idea of a sport bike for a while, the community seems really tight (as with the Corvette community) plus you cants beat the $$$/MPH ratio and the gas mileage (my main concern the bike will be my daily driver)

I know here in SoCal they have a course where they provide the bike and I plan on going. I also hear from friends that insurance on a 600cc or smaller displacement bike is actually pretty reasonable (I'm 22 and not so much as a speeding ticket)

I was thinking a used 600 CC bike (I am a fast learner and a 250 would bore me rather quickly) Brands I should look into, mileage? Price on a decent example of a used bike? Places to buy said bike things to look for? I've heard CBR's are decent all around bikes.


I'm assuming Arizona has a bike club, are there any school that teach advance riding/racing?


All input good or bad is appreciated


Thanks for the help.

:welcome: :twfrox:

A little advice on your first streebike. Stick with a 250cc, you will become a better rider in the long run. :wink:

view this thread...

OTB's 1st bike suggestions (http://www.twowheelforum.com/showthread.php?t=8559)

Thanks for the input :dthumb:

"US" females are trying to steer you in the right direction :luck:

"US" females are trying to steer you in the right direction :luck:

Well, I don't see many 250's on Ebay maybe an older 600? I dont see having the first bike more than a year as I will drive it everywhere and after I get better I'll want to move up to something nice, by nice a new 600/650. Don't have much use for a liter bike I don't expect to become skilled enough to realize the potential of a 1kcc bike anytime soon, probably not even a 600cc for that matter.

For the record girls look amazing on a sport bike :cheers:

Saw one riding and her finger nail polish matched the bike, I was impressed.

For the record girls look amazing on a sport bike :cheers:

Saw one riding and her finger nail polish matched the bike, I was impressed.

If you saw her nail polish I aint impressed with her squidiness :lol:

i.e. lack of gear.

If you saw her nail polish I aint impressed with her squidiness :lol:

i.e. lack of gear.

It was 7 pm in Arizona during the summer 105 degrees, so I cant blame her she did have a riding jacket and helmet (federal law I believe?)

It was 7 pm in Arizona during the summer 105 degrees, so I cant blame her she did have a riding jacket and helmet (federal law I believe?)

Not a federal law... It's up to the individual state... And DLIT is from Vegas and rides AGATT...:2cents:

It was 7 pm in Arizona during the summer 105 degrees, so I cant blame her she did have a riding jacket and helmet (federal law I believe?)

Welp, she'll think its hot when those manicured nails are ripped off n road rashed from not wearing gloves. Like they say I rather sweat than bleed. I been down n trust me it HURTS n never quite goes away afterwards. :2cents: :cheers:

Take the MSF course and wear your gear all the time, no matter how hot it is. If you have to, soak a tshirt in water and wear it under your jacket (I did that today... and yes, it actually DID get that hot in boston :lol:). As far as a bike, most people just get what they want to get anyways :lol: hell, I did. You know yourself and hopefully have a level head. :luck: and :welcome: :twfrox:
plus you cants beat the $$$/MPH ratio and the gas mileage (my main concern the bike will be my daily driver)
The gas mileage on a 600cc supersport isn't really all that great. I get around 40 mpg tops. Today's sportbikes are too fast and too powerful to sip gas lightly. A ninja250 on the other hand will give you around 70. If gas mileage is really your main concern, get a 250.

Take the MSF course and wear your gear all the time, no matter how hot it is. If you have to, soak a tshirt in water and wear it under your jacket (I did that today... and yes, it actually DID get that hot in boston :lol:). As far as a bike, most people just get what they want to get anyways :lol: hell, I did. You know yourself and hopefully have a level head. :luck: and :welcome: :twfrox:

The gas mileage on a 600cc supersport isn't really all that great. I get around 40 mpg tops. Today's sportbikes are too fast and too powerful to sip gas lightly. A ninja250 on the other hand will give you around 70. If gas mileage is really your main concern, get a 250.

40 <PG is amazing mileage to me I'm used to driving a Dodge Stratus 16-18 citys when i'm good. :)

are 250 cheaper than 600? I don't expect to keep my first bike and don't expect to get much back out of it so cheaper is better.

Not a federal law... It's up to the individual state... And DLIT is from Vegas and rides AGATT...:2cents:

DLIT???? AGATT???? sorry for my ignorance, I'm new around here.

My F4 get 40-50 mpg depending on how hard I push it.

DLIT???? AGATT???? sorry for my ignorance, I'm new around here.

DLIT is a member here.

AGATT= All the gear all the time!!!

Well, I don't see many 250's on Ebay maybe an older 600? I dont see having the first bike more than a year as I will drive it everywhere and after I get better I'll want to move up to something nice, by nice a new 600/650. Don't have much use for a liter bike I don't expect to become skilled enough to realize the potential of a 1kcc bike anytime soon, probably not even a 600cc for that matter.

For the record girls look amazing on a sport bike :cheers:

Saw one riding and her finger nail polish matched the bike, I was impressed.

If you haven't been on a bike yet I would for sure say go 250 or 500. I had been riding for a year and wouldn't have traded my 250 for anything. As a daily driver your looking around 60 mpg and insurance is cheap. I, as SVRider likes to point out, am wanting his now cause after almost 2 years I am confortable on my 250 and will be goingt to 650. Just a thought?

40 <PG is amazing mileage to me I'm used to driving a Dodge Stratus 16-18 citys when i'm good. :)

are 250 cheaper than 600? I don't expect to keep my first bike and don't expect to get much back out of it so cheaper is better.

Fair enough... although it's not as good as you might think since it only weighs about 350 pounds... compared to a 2000 pound toyota prius that gets better mileage. I guess it's all relative.

And yes, 250's are cheaper than 600'. If you want to ditch it in a year and get good gas mileage, go with the 250. Feed your power hunger on the second bike.

DLIT is a member here.

AGATT= All the gear all the time!!!

Yeah, I have a healthy respect of sport bikes, my friend had a riding jacket that was made out of a porous material so it could breath and had plates (ceramic maybe?) in it for reinforcement as far as gloves I have some reinforced mechanics gloves, and I have a DOT approved helmet I use for drag racing. I don't plan on racing, but if they have a racing school for bikers i want to go I have been to a couple schools for cars and they always made me a better road driver.

My female buddy has a 600 CBR (RR I think) and that bike feels really good under me.

Take the MSF course and wear your gear all the time, no matter how hot it is. If you have to, soak a tshirt in water and wear it under your jacket (I did that today... and yes, it actually DID get that hot in boston :lol:). As far as a bike, most people just get what they want to get anyways :lol: hell, I did. You know yourself and hopefully have a level head. :luck: and :welcome: :twfrox:

The gas mileage on a 600cc supersport isn't really all that great. I get around 40 mpg tops. Today's sportbikes are too fast and too powerful to sip gas lightly. A ninja250 on the other hand will give you around 70. If gas mileage is really your main concern, get a 250.

:iagree:

Yeah, I have a healthy respect of sport bikes, my friend had a riding jacket that was made out of a porous material so it could breath and had plates (ceramic maybe?) in it for reinforcement as far as gloves I have some reinforced mechanics gloves, and I have a DOT approved helmet I use for drag racing. I don't plan on racing, but if they have a racing school for bikers i want to go I have been to a couple schools for cars and they always made me a better road driver.

My female buddy has a 600 CBR (RR I think) and that bike feels really good under me.

They have road race schools n track days. The CBR is one of the best sportbikes out, cant go wrong with one of does regardless of model.

Fair enough... although it's not as good as you might think since it only weighs about 350 pounds... compared to a 2000 pound toyota prius that gets better mileage. I guess it's all relative.

And yes, 250's are cheaper than 600'. If you want to ditch it in a year and get good gas mileage, go with the 250. Feed your power hunger on the second bike.

You have a beautiful bike.


I think I need to check out some dealerships and leave my check book at home. What am I looking at as far as insurance?

40 <PG is amazing mileage to me I'm used to driving a Dodge Stratus 16-18 citys when i'm good. :)

are 250 cheaper than 600? I don't expect to keep my first bike and don't expect to get much back out of it so cheaper is better.

Depends on what year you go with.
......... I have mine for sale........ Talk to SVRIDER. He'll give you the details He's got pics of it too....... The chick in it isnt' for sale though...... HAHA. He better not say he's selling that too. OR :cursin:

They have road race schools n track days. The CBR is one of the best sportbikes out, cant go wrong with one of does regardless of model.

Do they make a CBR in a 250?

Do they make a CBR in a 250?

unfortunately no. 600, 929, 954, n now 1000.

They have road race schools n track days. The CBR is one of the best sportbikes out, cant go wrong with one of does regardless of model.
A little bit of bias? :lol:
You have a bountiful bike.


I think I need to check out some dealerships and leave my check book at home. What am I looking at as far as insurance?

Bountiful? :scratch:

There is a big thread about insurance... here it is: http://www.twowheelforum.com/showthread.php?t=18989

In the future, try using the forum search. These types of questions have been gone over pretty thoroughly already. No worries though.

Also, you can click the link under my sig... its a collection of newbie question threads.

:luck:

me bias??? :lol: Nah just stating fact. The R6 is a great bike too as the others in the same class. I stated the CBR like I did because its not only always been a solid performer, its also been know to be the most rider friendly.:cheers: It really all boils down to the rider n their style. :dthumb:

A little bit of bias? :lol:


Bountiful? :scratch:

There is a big thread about insurance... here it is: http://www.twowheelforum.com/showthread.php?t=18989

In the future, try using the forum search. These types of questions have been gone over pretty thoroughly already. No worries though.

Also, you can click the link under my sig... its a collection of newbie question threads.

:luck:
I have firefox and it spell checks as I type, clicked the wrong button :)

I have firefox and it spell checks as I type, clicked the wrong button :)

:lol: well in that case :thx1: for the compliment.

:lol: well in that case :thx1: for the compliment.

I'd like my keeper bike to be all black or black and gray, with matching gear. Maybe some carbon fiber here and there.

me bias??? :lol: Nah just stating fact. The R6 is a great bike too as the others in the same class. I stated the CBR like I did because its not only always been a solid performer, its also been know to be the most rider friendly.:cheers: It really all boils down to the rider n their style. :dthumb:

In having conversations with the riders I know they all seem to have nothing but good things to say about CBR's

Take the MSF course and wear your gear all the time, no matter how hot it is.
The gas mileage on a 600cc supersport isn't really all that great. I get around 40 mpg tops. Today's sportbikes are too fast and too powerful to sip gas lightly. A ninja250 on the other hand will give you around 70. If gas mileage is really your main concern, get a 250.
My Ninja650R Gets between 53 and 58 depending how I ride. Also my first bike, and plenty of bike for a new rider! I agree with wearing your gear! All of it, always!
unfortunately no. 600, 929, 954, n now 1000.
Uh- the 599, 929, and 954 are more standard bikes...(Honda) At least the newer ones I've seen. An older CBR600 like an F2 or F3 would be an okay place to start. Same with a ZZR600. (Kawasaki)

If you saw her nail polish I aint impressed with her squidiness :lol:

i.e. lack of gear.

:iagree: i wear gloves all the time. ain't nobody seein' my mani unless i am off the bike posin'...and that rarely happens anyways.

Do they make a CBR in a 250?

they do across the pond. feel like takin' a little trip?

Judging solely on your first post, I think the 600 will be fine for you. I will admit, when I started riding street I bought a Honda CBR 600 F4 as my first street bike. Never laid it down and learned to handle it pretty well.

I rode that until 2 years ago when I bought my R1.

As long as you respect your machine, ride within your limits, take the MSF Course and wear your gear, you'll be just fine!!

ya, but he's a boy. what boy do you know that actually respects limits? most of them push limits. it makes them manly or something. :lol:

ya, but he's a boy. what boy do you know that actually respects limits? most of them push limits. it makes them manly or something. :lol:

We were having a discussion on this, this weekend as a matter of fact. And just as we were discussing competitiveness of males, here comes my buddy flying on the TMF (too much fun) 80cc dirtbike up a small hill we were jumping and then straight through a big patch of blackberry briars with nothing on but shorts to show off for us. He was cut up pretty good. He pretty much proved the point of the girls that were debating our competitiveness.

ya, but he's a boy. what boy do you know that actually respects limits? most of them push limits. it makes them manly or something. :lol:

That's what limits are for!

silly girl

If you have no limits, then you cant be pushing them now, can you? :idk:

If you have no limits, then you cant be pushing them now, can you? :idk:

:scratch: that sounds like some kinda mind-bending philosophical question...

:scratch: that sounds like some kinda mind-bending philosophical question...

Chinese riddle. :lol:

Chinese riddle. :lol:

Kinda like "Man who go through airport metal detector sideways is going to bangkok"

:lol:

All my friends who ride tell me to get a older 600. I'm a big guy, and they say it has just enough power to keep me scared while im knew. My friends had a Katana (spelling) 700 or 750 I forgot on sale for a grand. I might look into that not sure the miles it was my boss' bike and he sold it to my co worker, who is dumping it because his wife says he cant have it anymore.

:iagree: i wear gloves all the time. ain't nobody seein' my mani unless i am off the bike posin'...and that rarely happens anyways.



they do across the pond. feel like takin' a little trip?

Nah I'll stick to what I can get here :)

All my friends who ride tell me to get a older 600. I'm a big guy, and they say it has just enough power to keep me scared while im knew. My friends had a Katana (spelling) 700 or 750 I forgot on sale for a grand. I might look into that not sure the miles it was my boss' bike and he sold it to my co worker, who is dumping it because his wife says he cant have it anymore.

Don't believe any of that I'm a big guy these little bikes can't handle bulls**t some people say, because the smaller cc bikes can more than transport fat people. Plus, you won't look like a gigantic tool on a Busa going slower than cruisers on the dragon because you thought a 600 couldn't move you. See it all the time, laugh my a** off every time.

Don't get the Kat, go look at a SV650 if you are dead set on not getting a 250 or 500.

Don't believe any of that I'm a big guy these little bikes can't handle bulls**t some people say, because the smaller cc bikes can more than transport fat people. Plus, you won't look like a gigantic tool on a Busa going slower than cruisers on the dragon because you thought a 600 couldn't move you. See it all the time, laugh my a** off every time.

Don't get the Kat, go look at a SV650 if you are dead set on not getting a 250 or 500.

I'm not dead set on anything, I think I'm going to try and do the riding course this weekend, and for the record it's 1993 suzuki katana 750 with 8k miles.

Joe,

Where are you at in SoCal? I can point you to a bike night close to you and maybe we can meet up. I'll set you up right with info and such. As far as outgrowing a beginner's bike quickly, well, I can only say that the greatest current rider (Valentino Rossi) with the greatest natural talents started small and worked his way up.

All my friends who ride tell me to get a older 600. I'm a big guy, and they say it has just enough power to keep me scared while im knew. My friends had a Katana (spelling) 700 or 750 I forgot on sale for a grand. I might look into that not sure the miles it was my boss' bike and he sold it to my co worker, who is dumping it because his wife says he cant have it anymore.

For one I aint no fan of the kanoftuna. Big POS in sportbike clothing if you ask me.

Don't believe any of that I'm a big guy these little bikes can't handle bulls**t some people say, because the smaller cc bikes can more than transport fat people. Plus, you won't look like a gigantic tool on a Busa going slower than cruisers on the dragon because you thought a 600 couldn't move you. See it all the time, laugh my a** off every time.

Don't get the Kat, go look at a SV650 if you are dead set on not getting a 250 or 500.

He speaks the truth about 600's they can n will kick your @ss if you dont respect their power. And not to mention they will flat out spank a busa/1k bike in the twisties every time. So dont let your big ego friends that think if it aint a liter you aint got a peter n I bet they cant really ride, mislead you.

These people learned from doing here. What they tell you is truth and they are trying to keep you from bein a statistic in the paper. Feel me?

Joe,

Where are you at in SoCal? I can point you to a bike night close to you and maybe we can meet up. I'll set you up right with info and such. As far as outgrowing a beginner's bike quickly, well, I can only say that the greatest current rider (Valentino Rossi) with the greatest natural talents started small and worked his way up.

30 minuts North of San Diego, hour or so south of L.A. Free this weekend :cheers:

For one I aint no fan of the kanoftuna. Big POS in sportbike clothing if you ask me.



He speaks the truth about 600's they can n will kick your @ss if you dont respect their power. And not to mention they will flat out spank a busa/1k bike in the twisties every time. So dont let your big ego friends that think if it aint a liter you aint got a peter n I bet they cant really ride, mislead you.

These people learned from doing here. What they tell you is truth and they are trying to keep you from bein a statistic in the paper. Feel me?

I have heard several time that busa are only good for going in straight lines.

Yeah, I don't mind the fact the I will drop the bike probably a couple times, but i don't want some poor bastard to have to dig what left of me out of the side of some guys car.

Don't believe any of that I'm a big guy these little bikes can't handle bulls**t some people say, because the smaller cc bikes can more than transport fat people. Plus, you won't look like a gigantic tool on a Busa going slower than cruisers on the dragon because you thought a 600 couldn't move you. See it all the time, laugh my a** off every time.

Don't get the Kat, go look at a SV650 if you are dead set on not getting a 250 or 500.

What's wrong with a Kat? Other than they're heavy and underpowered...

What's wrong with a Kat? Other than they're heavy and underpowered...

Dont forget fugly:dthumb:

Dont forget fugly:dthumb:

They really aren't that bad... Fugly is the new GSX650! or Versys.

What's wrong with a Kat? Other than they're heavy and underpowered...

Heavy and underpowered? sounds perfect for me...

They really aren't that bad... Fugly is the new GSX650! or Versys.

I'm bias as I hate katanas lol. Back when they first came out here everyone went got one thinking they had sumtin. To only find out its nuttin but a wannabe sportbike. Old Honda Hurricanes 600's (CBR 600F) were kicking its @ss no matter what cc the kat was.

N no d00d a katana isnt a good learning bike IMO. too heavy.

I'm bias as I hate katanas lol. Back when they first came out here everyone went got one thinking they had sumtin. To only find out its nuttin but a wannabe sportbike. Old Honda Hurricanes 600's (CBR 600F) were kicking its @ss no matter what cc the kat was.

N no d00d a katana isnt a good learning bike IMO. too heavy.

What is the difference between a "heavy" bike and a "light" bike?

What is the difference between a "heavy" bike and a "light" bike?

the ninja 250 is a light bike. CBR's, YZF's, GSXR's, Ninja's are light bikes. Cruiser are not a light bike :lol: The kat is a cruiser wearing Sportbike cloths.

the ninja 250 is a light bike. CBR's, YZF's, GSXR's, Ninja's are light bikes. Cruiser are not a light bike :lol: The kat is a cruiser wearing Sportbike cloths.

Ok makes sense.

Heavy and underpowered? sounds perfect for me...

You don't want heavy as a beginner, you want something light that is easily flickable and will help you learn cornering instead of something that works against you and a lot easier to drop.

What's wrong with a Kat? Other than they're heavy and underpowered...

Carbed and heavy are my too biggest gripes. My bro has a 04 Kat and it is a monster. It's really comfortable, but it just feels terrible to ride compared to my SV and CBR.

Carbed and heavy are my too biggest gripes. My bro has a 04 Kat and it is a monster. It's really comfortable, but it just feels terrible to ride compared to my SV and CBR.

:wtf: is wrong with carbs :lol:

:wtf: is wrong with carbs :lol:

:lol: it's a pain compared to a nice EFI. You know it to be true.

:lol: it's a pain compared to a nice EFI. You know it to be true.

Havent had any issues with mine except a clogged airfilter lol

But yea I know what you mean. But to those who like to tinker carbs aint a pain lol

the thing I like about FI is efficiency and the fact you can plug ya lappy into n play with the fuel/ignition maps.:readng:

Havent had any issues with mine except a clogged airfilter lol

But yea I know what you mean. But to those who like to tinker carbs aint a pain lol

the thing I like about FI is efficiency and the fact you can plug ya lappy into n play with the fuel/ignition maps.:readng:

Is there a large after market for bike tuning/performance modifications?

Is there a large after market for bike tuning/performance modifications?

Just as much as there is in the car world. It's all the same basic s**t anyway.

Is there a large after market for bike tuning/performance modifications?

oh yea especially for the more popular bikes.

oh yea especially for the more popular bikes.

Im big into modding stuff i love working on my cars, I think along with gear i'll buy some extra body peices to have in reserve. Maybe exhaust, as tacky as it might sound I'd love to have a black bike with Carbon fiber peices and some chrome here and there.

Im big into modding stuff i love working on my cars, I think along with gear i'll buy some extra body peices to have in reserve. Maybe exhaust, as tacky as it might sound I'd love to have a black bike with Carbon fiber peices and some chrome here and there.

That could look sweet if done right:dthumb:

That could look sweet if done right:dthumb:

I think so, I am *decent* at working with CF I need some practice making the molds is the hardest part, I'm sure you can find stuff already done though if the aftermarket is there like it is for cars. But none of the faux stuff I'm all about the real deal. I was thinking all the big pieces black and smaller stuff in CF.

I think so, I am *decent* at working with CF I need some practice making the molds is the hardest part, I'm sure you can find stuff already done though if the aftermarket is there like it is for cars. But none of the faux stuff I'm all about the real deal. I was thinking all the big pieces black and smaller stuff in CF.

Yea I would like the real deal but as I dont have the income I'd like atm I covered certain pieces with CF look vinyl.

Yea I would like the real deal but as I dont have the income I'd like atm I covered certain pieces with CF look vinyl.

Well I have a huge roll of the CF vinyl sitting at home in Phoenix (I'm in Socal till Aug) I could use that to see what I like and experiment the only thing I'm losing is time, instead of buying the real thing only to find out I don't like it.