Picking my first bike

My answer is always the same - NEVER buy a new bike as your first.

You will make mistakes, and it will go down (hopefully at a slow speed).

Make sure you have all your gear and complete a basic training course before hitting the streets.

Don't count out an older model at a good price for your first.


Jay

I am getting my first bike soon as well and I'm definitely planning on getting a used one. Found s good 2010 blue ninja 250 with a few very minor scratches, not even laid down. I don't mind the scratches as well because it hasn't affected the frame or anything and I know I'll more than likely add more scratches myself. Used it better imo in this case

Although I can't technically agree with Jay because you necessarily down your first bike, I do think you should go with the used one. After a while you will most likely want to upgrade to something bigger, faster, etc. I'd recommend the used one because then you'll lose less money when you go to resell.

***You won't necessarily down your first bike.

I agree with witch I never downed my 1st bike and I did trackdays on it within a few months of passing test and getting the bike ,but I agree with jay don't go for a new one especially if you're not overly confident mine was 3 years old when I first got it !

Yes thanks for the input. Does the weather count as a factor because I will be driving when it is below 50 sometimes on my way to school, and I thought the Fi on the 300 would help with cold starts?

Witch said:

***You won't necessarily down your first bike.

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It's better than a 50/50 chance you will - IMO. It may not be a true "crash", but there's a pretty good chance it will get away from you in some way - like in the driveway or at a stop sign.

If it doesn't, great, but I bet if you polled new riders you'd see a pattern.

I haven't dropped my bike at all to date. I am a first time rider and my first bike is a zx6r.

As far as the FI, I ride a 500 it 30 degree weather, caburated just makes them cold blooded, so FI is mice but not needed. And I agree get a used bike especially since the 250s have looked the same for a few years now you could get a deal compared to a new 2012 250. Now if you test ride them I bet you'll like the 300 better and maybe the styling. But if you really end up wanting more than the 250, look into a 500r they are forgiving, but to a small new rider they could be too much, for me at 6'3" though it was the perfect starter all for 1750.

Witch said:

I haven't dropped my bike at all to date. I am a first time rider and my first bike is a zx6r.

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Then you are the exception.

Based on my experience, I'd never recommend a ZX6r to a new rider either.


Jay

jkv45 said:

Then you are the exception.

Based on my experience, I'd never recommend a ZX6r to a new rider either.

Jay

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We've had this discussion before too jay lol

morgan46 said:

We've had this discussion before too jay lol

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For the record, Jay is the one who specifically told me not to get a zx6r as a first bike ha. Not to bring up bad memories. All I am saying is that I'm glad I made the decision I did for a first bike, and I would recommend it to some but most certainly not all. I would say if you are already comfortable with clutch controls, have had some experience on two wheels (dirt bike), and have taken and successfully passed the MSF course, go for the bigger bike. That was all!!

I'm making this thread go off course ha. My bad! But I still say go with the used 250 and you will be best off. Goodluck and be safe with whatever YOU decide!

Witch said:

I'm making this thread go off course ha. My bad! But I still say go with the used 250 and you will be best off. Goodluck and be safe with whatever YOU decide!

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I started with a 600 !!!

I started on a 2-stroke 400, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Unless you are a very confident and experienced dirt rider, buying a 600 SS as you first street bike is just looking for trouble. Things just happen too fast for a beginner on a cycle with that level of performance.

I'm glad it has worked out OK for both of you, but I bet there are a lot more instances where it hasn't.


Jay

Ya. Thanks for all the input. I still think I'm going to go for something bigger than the 250 because I rode dirt bikes as a kid and passed the rider training with flying colors

I had the 250 (2010) and now i have the 300, both have problems with them, 250 is lacking in power (i did a tail tidy and put on a slip on muffler) and the 300 first gear is short (i just take off in second) ride wise i haven't put enough km's on the 300 to make a good call and i need to stiffen up the steering but I'd say the 300, all i can say is get on them and see what one you like

jkv45 said:

I started on a 2-stroke 400, but I wouldn't recommend it.

Unless you are a very confident and experienced dirt rider, buying a 600 SS as you first street bike is just looking for trouble. Things just happen too fast for a beginner on a cycle with that level of performance.

I'm glad it has worked out OK for both of you, but I bet there are a lot more instances where it hasn't.

Jay

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I second that. Yes, starting on a 600ss is possible (and has been done) but when a person is new to ANY subject there's a learning curve. And not knowing what needs to be known is primarily very dangerous when referring to the motorcycling sport.

It is entirely personal, and you will get strong advice on both spectrum. I have a family to consider so I started on a 250 even if I was fascinated by SS. It was the right decision for me. I am sure I am not alone on this either. Take care of yourself. Let us know what you ultimately do.
NefRider

:Sent via the NewNinja App:

I only been riding for 7 months, but I also started with a 600 SS. Suprisingly, my father asked me why I didn't go for the 1000 SS, lol. But anyway, whatever you pick(250, 300, 400, 600, etc....), enjoy yourself, and be safe out there.