[Guest]

Oh i have experience with dirt bikes and atvs. Planning to get a lesson soon for sportbikes. I dont have any experience on the road. Now i wanna get something that will be good for 5 years. What are some recommendations? for looking like such a n00b

 

[Uncle Bob]

Welcome to the site,

Forget the 5 years thing, forget the "I want a bike that I won't grow out of".

Your first bike should be considered a learning tool. Get a moderatly powered used bike for your first season then when you've mastered that one and can take it to it's limits without exceeding yours you can consider any bike you want.

I would recommen a GS500 or a Ninja 500 to start on.

Now this recommendation is pretty standard from site to site whether it be Beginnerbikes.com or Gixxer.com

Read trough the following thread for a more in depth explanation.

http://www.suzuki-bikes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=122

 

[vstrombc]

which bike

hey nss - I see you are in the vancouver area. This makes consideration of an adventure bike a great idea. The upcoming V-Strom650 will be an excellent bike with good, (but not intimidating) power, and the excellent ergonomics & handling of the bigger V-strom. We have done many trips with paved & dirt roads and this is where the V-Strom excels. Pemberton/Whistler & the interior have some fantastic loops. Further, the V-strom keeps up with some of the best road bikes with no problem. Check out the new bikes at the Vancouver Motorcycle show Jan 23-25 in Abbotsford or for info on the V-Strom 650 check www.suzuki.com

happy shopping

 

[Uncle Bob]

Welcome to the site,

At last a V-Strom rider is on board. We've gotten a few queries for the bike but nobody on board to give first hand impression of the bike.

 

[Jonathan]

Take a look at bikes that are lower than 100hp for your first one. That will be the best recommendation that I could make for you. I started out with the SVsk1 and it turned out to be a great choice.

 

[Guest]

Re: which bike

hey nss - I see you are in the vancouver area. This makes consideration of an adventure bike a great idea. The upcoming V-Strom650 will be an excellent bike with good, (but not intimidating) power, and the excellent ergonomics & handling of the bigger V-strom. We have done many trips with paved & dirt roads and this is where the V-Strom excels. Pemberton/Whistler & the interior have some fantastic loops. Further, the V-strom keeps up with some of the best road bikes with no problem....

I'd listen to this man. The baby 'Strom 650 would be an excellent choice. It's lower gearing and re-tuning for more better lower end torque and less top end speed makes it close equivalent and far more versatile alternative to 500-600cc sport bikes. Whichever you get, please learn to counter-steer your bike so you stay in your lane and on the road in the curves.

I live in Seattle and traded in my cruiser for an '03 'Strom last August. It was the wisest decision I've made in 35 years of riding! I've owned a LOT of bikes from cruisers to Ducati's, but the 'Strom is the first bike I've owned that's indecently fun to drive! In addition to having the power and handling to easily keep up with all but the VERY fastest sport bikes, the 'Stroms are capable of carrying a LOT of gear (if you find you like touring), are WAY more comfortable on long rides and are great to ride off pavement.

If the seat height is a little daunting, consider getting the saddle rebuilt. Rich's upholstry in Seattle lowered mine almost two inches and custom made it to fit my backside like a glove. Canadians often can have their saddles done same day. The stock V-Strom seat had me squirming after an hour. I've gone 18 hours in the new saddle without a complaint.

In BC and Washington State, you have access to some of the best mountain riding (paved and gravel) in the entire world, and the V-Stroms are ideal bikes for it. Check out the "Destination Highways" series of books. They have outstanding guidebooks for the best motorcycling roads in Washington State and British Columbia. I have both books and, though a little steep in price, are the best of their kind and are easily worth twice what they cost. They're THAT good. (www.destinationhighways.com) By the way, I don't know the authors, but I believe both live in Vancouver.

Happy Shopping and Riding!

 

[87gsxrnut]

I still wouldn't recommend a V-Strom for a beginning street rider who wants a sportbike. Kawi EX-500 is a great starter bike for someone w/some M/C experience. There is a good aftermarket for it as well.

My advice BEFORE buying the bike:

1. Get a nice full-face helmet
2. Get a good leather jacket
3. Spend the $$$ on some good gloves and boots

Eventually shell out the green for some leathers

Then, use what money you have leftover to get the bike.

- Ross

 

[Guest]

I wholeheartedly agree with the previous poster when it comes to making quality protective gear a priority. Also, regardless of your prior experience, take the MSF basic rider course. In addition to working on lifesaving countersteering skills, it puts your head into a good space concerning overall safe driving.

Also, if you're going to do a lot of driving in town, PLEASE dress for visibility first and fashion last. I work for a level-1 trauma center that serves a five-state region. We almost never see yellow/black riding gear coming in on cycle accident victims. Solid black and black/red gear are pretty much a given.

Research has shown time and again that solid black and black/red colors make it almost impossible for other drivers to perceive you, much less accurately judge your approach velocity as you're driving toward them. It effectively facilitates the highly dangerous, "oncoming car turning left in front of you" car/cycle accident scenario.

 

[vstrombc]

I agree 100% with woofy and always wear my obnoxious yellow Joe Rocket jacket. The motorcycle cops wear a similar jacket in BC, so the visibility factor is even better.

Another important factor in heavy traffic areas is the element of SURPRISE ! Most car drivers cannot comprehend or keep track of quickly accelerating motorcycles. They may think you are far enough away, so they pull out & Wham - there you are ! This situation is more pronounced from a head on view - much more so than a side view. My strategy for traffic is to go with the flow and pass with similar speed to a car - at least until I have room with no cars around. Also, I NEVER ride in anybody's blind spot - it scares the hell out of me.

A bit of safe driving common sense will allow us all to ride until we are geezers

 

[vstrombc]

oops wrong picture

my buddies on the west coast of washington state