Shentar
Well-Known Member
I'm starting out in the world of motorcycles. So far, I've done a lot of reading about various topics to try to figure out whats what as I dip my toes into the motorcycle world. This thread will have some questions of mine and some thoughts. I'd love feedback.
Background: A g/f wants to get a motorcycle. She's wanted one for a while and has decided that its time, and she has a few hours of road time and descent amount of dirtbike time. Her friend convinced her that a Suzuki GSXR600 is what she wants. I've always been midly interested in a sport bike, but I have always had this idea that if I get on a bike, I'll die. Her and I talked about things for many months, and I've decided that, because its something she wants, I need to be okay with her being on a motorcycle. She took the MSF course this summer, and I thought that the first step for me would be to take the class and learn to ride a motorcycle. Knowledge will, hopefully, put fears to rest and give us, yet another, thing that we can share in together. I take the MSF class this weekend, and I've been reading about motorcycles and gear for a couple of weeks.
She still wants a bigger bike, so to compromise, we will get a smaller bike to begin with and share it. She wants her GSXR, so while she saves up for her bike (will take a year+), she can use the smaller one to learn. After that, the beginner bike is my bike for me to do with what I please.
Gear wise, I have new motorcycle gloves and an old helmet (Snell M2000). I'm going to get a new helmet, probably a Shoei RF-1200, a textile jacket with armor, textile pants with armor, and some good riding boots. Most of the gear will probably be Alpinestars, just because.
First Motorcycle: Its between the Yamaha R3, Ninja 300 ABS, and KTM RC390. I sat on the Ninja 650 and CBR500R, and they feel heavy. I think the smaller ones would be better to start with, but argue with me.
Now, of those, I really want the RC390. I've not sat on one, but I like the looks and the fact that its more powerful (so I can use it for longer) and has ABS standard. I'd rather have a bike that is fun and I can grow into it. I like the idea of keeping a bike for a long time and really being able to get the most out of it before moving up. Yamaha R3 sounds good and has done well on all the comparison articles I read, but I kinda want a bike that has ABS while the little lady and I learn. Ninja 300 has that and, from what I read, has the same performance as the R3 but is a little more revvy. The resale on the Ninja 300 will probably be better than the R3 so it might be easier to sell in a year or two after we have our confidence up. People will always be looking for beginner Ninjas, is my thought.
So, what do yall think about bike choice? What do people usually upgrade to after something like a 250/300cc sport bike?
Background: A g/f wants to get a motorcycle. She's wanted one for a while and has decided that its time, and she has a few hours of road time and descent amount of dirtbike time. Her friend convinced her that a Suzuki GSXR600 is what she wants. I've always been midly interested in a sport bike, but I have always had this idea that if I get on a bike, I'll die. Her and I talked about things for many months, and I've decided that, because its something she wants, I need to be okay with her being on a motorcycle. She took the MSF course this summer, and I thought that the first step for me would be to take the class and learn to ride a motorcycle. Knowledge will, hopefully, put fears to rest and give us, yet another, thing that we can share in together. I take the MSF class this weekend, and I've been reading about motorcycles and gear for a couple of weeks.
She still wants a bigger bike, so to compromise, we will get a smaller bike to begin with and share it. She wants her GSXR, so while she saves up for her bike (will take a year+), she can use the smaller one to learn. After that, the beginner bike is my bike for me to do with what I please.
Gear wise, I have new motorcycle gloves and an old helmet (Snell M2000). I'm going to get a new helmet, probably a Shoei RF-1200, a textile jacket with armor, textile pants with armor, and some good riding boots. Most of the gear will probably be Alpinestars, just because.
First Motorcycle: Its between the Yamaha R3, Ninja 300 ABS, and KTM RC390. I sat on the Ninja 650 and CBR500R, and they feel heavy. I think the smaller ones would be better to start with, but argue with me.
Now, of those, I really want the RC390. I've not sat on one, but I like the looks and the fact that its more powerful (so I can use it for longer) and has ABS standard. I'd rather have a bike that is fun and I can grow into it. I like the idea of keeping a bike for a long time and really being able to get the most out of it before moving up. Yamaha R3 sounds good and has done well on all the comparison articles I read, but I kinda want a bike that has ABS while the little lady and I learn. Ninja 300 has that and, from what I read, has the same performance as the R3 but is a little more revvy. The resale on the Ninja 300 will probably be better than the R3 so it might be easier to sell in a year or two after we have our confidence up. People will always be looking for beginner Ninjas, is my thought.
So, what do yall think about bike choice? What do people usually upgrade to after something like a 250/300cc sport bike?