[mmm def]

Hey all!

I've been getting interested in bikes lately, I am going to take the MSF course this spring. My buddy is selling an 04 Yamaha FZ6, could probably get it for around $3500 with 400 miles on it, seems like a good beginner bike (what do I know?). I wanted to go out and buy a basic BMW bike, but should probably start out with something cheap. Looking for some advice and information on getting into this hobby. What do I need to know? Where can I go for information? I like the sport bikes, probably not ready for a crotch rocket..don't even know if they are comfortable. I think a sport-tourer would be nice. Thanks!!

[vgame64]

S1000RR. Save up for its release. Drive it slow until you get experienced. By only having one bike, you will save money and hassle. (and the bike is )

Typical path would be to start with a low-powered starter bike (Buell, some Kwasaki's, etc) and move up to either a Euro-touring bike, Harley type bike, or sportbike. All the BMW bikes are expensive so it is better to stay Japanese (though maintenance/repairs may hurt).

My best guess for a good source for help would be a motorcycling forum. on google.

[SE3P_to_E90]

never having driven/riden a bike before, except an 80cc dirtbike i rode once 10 years prior to my purchase of a bike, i went to yamaha and bought an 06 R6S and rode it home (i had an M1 permit)... It took me 10 minutes to figure out the shifting/gears, but they're pretty easy to learn on...

Although i've never fallen or dropped the bike before, i highly recommend taking a class if you've never rode before... there's a lot of motorcycle classes out there, and they usually meet on weekends.

[brocken]

Ummm the guy that suggested a liter bike as your first... I hope he's joking.

I'll give the grandfatherly advice (I'm only 29) and say a 600 or less for your first bike would be a good choice.
Taking the MSF is an excellent idea. Something I recommend to anybody thinking about riding. It will give you a lot of skills that you'll apply every time you ride and it may save your life.

The FZ6 would be a good choice for a bike. It's still a lot of power since it has basically the R6 engine detuned so you'd still need to be careful with throttle.
The upright bikes are nice too when you're learning low speed maneuvers. That stuff is tricky on a race bike when you're leaned over so much.
I'd suggest riding the 6 quite a while before looking at something more powerful.
My second bike was an FZ1 (after a ninja 500). I'm glad I had the smaller bike for prep because the FZ1 was crazy power. Not something conducive to learning throttle control.
Power wheelies in first and second are not a good accident.

[NinetyEight740]

my first bike was a 2002 yamaha R1, aka a liter bike and i have never regretted the purchase to date. Ive never gone down, but i was however hit by a car a few months back and now im selling it... much too dangerous to ride out here in california...

[Jammin Jason]

R6!!!!

[FOXYCaymanS]

Originally Posted by Jammin Jason

R6!!!!

+1, or R1

[NinetyEight740]

All this talk of bikes I decided i should probably post up a pic of my pride and joy...

[mpimping]

ducati

[ChrisMT79]

Originally Posted by NinetyEight740

All this talk of bikes I decided i should probably post up a pic of my pride and joy...

Nice bike! What is it?

[NinetyEight740]

02 R1... Carbon fenders and sides, GPR stabilizer, Mich PS tires, Yosh pipe, -1 front sprocket, double bubble shield.. thats about it

[amgthis]

r6

[blue-coupe]

Get a Lotus.

Just this weekend I passed 2 dead guys on the road, both from motorcycle wrecks. A couple of years ago I saw the fire department putting out a guy that had caught fire when the truck he hit exploded.

I'd love a bike, but careful or not, you can not account for the other idiots on the road.

Honestly, dont get one, too damn dangerous

[NoKids]

Originally Posted by abmwbutus

Honestly, dont get one, too damn dangerous

+1 somebody still has a brain.
my mother would disown me if i ever got one. her brother lost his soccer career because of a bike accident.

[Double White]

honda cbr600...or gsxr 750

[bmstyle71]

There was a thread about this not too long ago. Search for it. It was by razzy. Get an 08 + ninja 250r and work your way up. This doesn't mean get a 250r and ride it on the street. Go to parking lots and open areas and practice slow maneuvers not just riding fast. Any1 can ride fast....practice slow SLOW turns and sudden stops and no highways for at least a year.

[FStop7]

turbo busa or you're a vag

[Spool]

Originally Posted by FStop7

turbo busa or you're a vag

my first bike was an R6, funny thing when i bought the bike, i didn't even know where the clutch lever was...i went on the internet then taught myself how to ride in my backyard...by the 3rd day i was around my neighborhood riding around, by the week end i was on the highway ripping it....

3 accidents later, i retired

[andyffer]

Ducati 1098 or 1198

There is one on sale here with 600 miles for $15,000!!!

[135i_TT]

Ducati, Ninja, R1 or CBR..

[bmstyle71]

Why is everyone telling this dude to get a 1198 and a cbr this and gsx r that....dude..don't listen. Get a small bike.