[ctx46]

hey all, I have a quick question for ya, if U where going to by a bike for yur girl for her b-day cause she is dying to learn how, what would U personally look at?
Im a suzuki guy, (hence my gixxer), but my buddie has a 1989 kaw-sucky ex 500 that Im eyeing up. the seat height is about perfect, and its not to powerfull.... plus, Im going to get a hell of a deal on it if I go with it... so here goes the question I thought I would never ask? would U think that would be a desent starter bike (but its not for me so it doesnt really apply to the noob title)?
any real know problems with em
let me know guys
later
joe

 

[Clint]

Sounds like a good first bike. Be warned, though, that the absolute worst riders on the road are commonly those who were taught by "a friend". Get her some training.

 

[Hoomgar]

I second RowdyRed on that. It is a great starter bike and will have plenty of power. Even enough to be too much until she is experienced. Certainly nothing larger.

Being taught by a friend can be invaluable if the friend is a level headed experienced safe rider. But it should never take the place of a good MSF course that all riders should take.

I think your on the right path.

 

[prekarious1]

well, we all know that the vast majority of beginning riders dump their first bike a couple of times. So I would say that yes, the cow-a-sucky should be a decent first bike for her

 

[ctx46]

I fully plan on enrolling both of us in a riders calss, I have taken one in WI (to get my licence) but Im planning on moving to MN this aug and I want ot take more cources like that...
about the only thing that I will teach her, is how to shift gears, basic operations of the bike, and let her goof around in a vacent parking lot, nothing more...
thanks for the insight guys...
later
joe

 

[ZX-10R Urza]

Hey, come one now. The kawasaki ZX-10R has the best power to weight ratio in its class, if you forgot :wink: Anyway, watch it, the 500R can still throw you off the back if you let that clutch out. Its got decent power (even thou the 10R weights less thant it and has 3 times the power ) just don't let her think its small, even a 250 can kill you if your over confident.

 

[Clint]

about the only thing that I will teach her, is how to shift gears, basic operations of the bike, and let her goof around in a vacent parking lot, nothing more...

Just to clarify, that's the problem. She'll have the absolute basics, but not enough to be safe. She'll be able to ride the bike, but not know how to avoid an accident or recover from a skid. Do your best to explain vehicle dynamics, proper braking, and above all, proper attire.

 

[ctx46]

but Im no expert, Ill teach her the basics, so she doesnt look like a total ass @ the safy course, and let the pro's do the rest, theres no way in hell that I would let her on the road with only that knolage...... Like I said, I will only teach her the basic operations of the bike, and let the pro's teach her the rest, and depending on how the enrolment is, ill prolly be sitting right next to her.....