 Starter Bike Advise
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Hey all,
My buddy is going to start riding and wants to get a a good starter bike for around $2500 - $3000. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what would be a good starter bike in that price range? Naturally, I told him to get a Triumph but they're hard to find used down here in San Diego and he's not ready to pay quite that much (yet).
I told him to try and find an old Honda CB750 that's in decent shape.
What are your thoughts?
-neight
2004 Triumph Bonneville Black
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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There are lots of great "starter bikes", but he'll regret not getting a Triumph if you ride yours with him.  You can find Triumphs in the 3-4k range if you look hard enough. I bought my '02 BA for $3200.00 with only 800 miles on it! 
Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come; He will guide you in all truth:
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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Here's your buddy's starter bike 
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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The Triumph twins are the only motorcycles of their size well behaved enough for a first bike. Otherwise, a used 350 to 450 commuter style (no sport bikes!) will do. Anything smaller will be outgrown too quickly.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Quote:
Here's your buddy's starter bike
He wants something that he'll be able to take on the freeway without much trouble. I was thinking that this might be good:
1998 BMW F650 - $3350
-neight
2004 Triumph Bonneville Black
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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SV650, FZ6, great bikes that are light enough and easy enough to ride but rewarding enough that you wont get bored.
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Yep. I agree with Jimmy here. The Suzook SV650 has probably been the best all-round naked "beginner bike" out there for eons now. Or maybe even a nice used GS500.
And I also agree with Greybeard. I'd advise your friend to stay away from any bike with plastic wrapped around it, as odds are that that plastic will eventually have a "nice little" crack or worse on it after he makes his almost inevitable "initial mistake" and drops it. And so, I'm not so sure that Beemer would be such a good idea there, Nathan.
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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So what size is this buddy of yours and what kind of bike interests him? If he's 6'6", he's going to have trouble fitting on an SV650, but something like a used Honda XR650L might be more in line. If he's more into cruiser bikes, then he's pretty much limited to japanese stuff with that budget you posted. And speaking of Honda CB750s, here's a CB750F Super Sport posted a few days ago on the San Diego Craigslist. That's a good place to scout around for possible bikes. You can also expand the search up into LA since he has a good buddy like you to ride it back to San Diego for him, right? 
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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I'll deffinately mention the SV650 and the GS500. There are a couple SV650's on craigslist here in his price range.
He kind of wants to stay away from sport bikes though. I wish there were more Bonneville's for sale around here. I guess, like me, people just won't sell them.
-neight
2004 Triumph Bonneville Black
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 Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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 I catch some flak around here for this, but I think a dirtbike is the best learner. You can practice in a nice safe place, no cars. My recommendation is a dual-sport bike. A 350 or larger will have enough power but still not too heavy to manage. Plus they can do at least 75mph on the freeway. Suzuki DR350 comes to mind.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
The Triumph twins are the only motorcycles of their size well behaved enough for a first bike. Otherwise, a used 350 to 450 commuter style (no sport bikes!) will do. Anything smaller will be outgrown too quickly.
I gotta agree 100%. You should know that too with your Bonnie being a first bike for you. There should be some good deals out there somewhere in Sandy Eggo.
Soren
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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On older Honda or Susuki 300-550 range.You can pick up mid-80s bikes for around a grand. Good starters and dont matter if you drop em 3 or 4 times.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Quote:
Quote:
The Triumph twins are the only motorcycles of their size well behaved enough for a first bike. Otherwise, a used 350 to 450 commuter style (no sport bikes!) will do. Anything smaller will be outgrown too quickly.
I gotta agree 100%. You should know that too with your Bonnie being a first bike for you. There should be some good deals out there somewhere in Sandy Eggo.
Soren
Agreed, I deffinately was blessed to have a Bonneville as my first ride.
Oddly enough there are no Bonnevilles on craigslist in SD county right now. I'll expand my search to OC.
-neight
2004 Triumph Bonneville Black
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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As mentioned before, if he gets something smaller he'll out grow it, end up selling it and have to get something else, all in all it will cost him more than if he was just to go get a new Bonnie to start with.
Soren
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Quote:
As mentioned before, if he gets something smaller he'll out grow it, end up selling it and have to get something else, all in all it will cost him more than if he was just to go get a new Bonnie to start with.
Soren
I'm going to try to talk him in that direction.
I'm going with him this weekend to look at the Beemer I mentioned above. I'm doing the test ride since he doesn't take the MSF class 'til next weekend.
-neight
2004 Triumph Bonneville Black
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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pssst...hey soren...wouldn't ya rather hear about this newbie droppin' and damagin' a friggin' SV650 or a GS500(don't get me wrong here, both very competent bikes) than some....BEAUTIFUL TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE????
(this a "newbie" we're talkin' 'bout here, remember?!)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Quote:
pssst...hey soren...wouldn't ya rather hear about this newbie droppin' and damagin' a friggin' SV650 or a GS500(don't get me wrong here, both very competent bikes) than some....BEAUTIFUL TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE????
(this a "newbie" we're talkin' 'bout here, remember?!)
I tipped mine over a couple times right after I got it. Had to replace the front brake lever and a turn signal cover.
I was SOOOOO p!ssed when it happened.
-neight
2004 Triumph Bonneville Black
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
pssst...hey soren...wouldn't ya rather hear about this newbie droppin' and damagin' a friggin' SV650 or a GS500(don't get me wrong here, both very competent bikes) than some....BEAUTIFUL TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE????
(this a "newbie" we're talkin' 'bout here, remember?!)
Yea, but he drops the Zuki, fixes the Zuki, has too much in it from fixing it then never get himself a proper motor bike.
Soren
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Yep, Nathan. And I'll betcha parts for the SVs and GSs are a whole lot less expensive than Triumph parts too.(but I'm not gonna betcha much, as that's just a guess) However, I suppose a Bonnie could act as a starter bike, and of course, the "pride of ownership" factor fits into this equation too, but I always hate to hear about people droppin' their Triumphs and scratchin' 'em up a whole lot more than I ever do a Suzook, (or for that matter, a Harley   ), and "newbies" are kind'a inclined to do that a little more than experienced riders usually are, ya know. (especially during their first 6 months of ownership)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Sorry all, but I am going totally against the grain here.
Only in American would someone go out and buy a 800+ cc bike as a "first" bike.
I tell my MSF students and will continue to tell them until im blue in the face. Your first bike should be a small capacity light machine. A machine that is not intimidating in anyway. Cheap, as in under $1000 - $1500 so you can drop the thing and not worry about it. Buy a small cheap bike, learn how to ride, learn how to ride in traffic and then, when you have a year of riding experience under your belt, THEN go and get the bike that you want.
Sorry all, but any moron can ride a big bike at 80mph in a straight line. The real learning comes in when you are riding around at 30 and 40mph in heavy traffic and having to manouver around, and that is when newbies are better off on smaller bikes. Smaller bikes as in 250cc - 400cc bikes, 500cc as an absolute max.
I see it all the time around here. New riders doing great on the bypasses and interstate and then they get in to traffic and they are all over the place. They havent figured out how to slow down using the grears, havent figured out how to keep the engine in the sweet spot so they always have power when they need it. Small bikes teach you this.
If he's really your friend then tell him to get a little bike and learn to ride.
Of course, i realize that i am totally in the minority here.
Arsenalfan. AKA Mark Able
Seller of fine automobiles.
Jaguar, Land Rover, Porsche of Chattanooga
423-424-4000
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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You might try and find an older Suzuki GS450 or GS550. They're reliable and you can pick them up cheap. You can also get any part you need from Suzuki of Oakland. My son and I restored a GS450L and we were able to find everything we needed from Ebay and Suzuki of Oakland online. They make a great first bike. They're a light cruiser style bike with mid pegs. I see GS450's and GS550's all the time on Ebay for $1000 to $1500.
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Quote:
Of course, i realize that i am totally in the minority here.
No you're not, Mark. Little ol' me way over here in SoCal(see me wavin' at ya, dude???) agrees with ya TOO!
I only added the SV650 into my suggestion because I felt that some of the other folks around here might have made a reasonably good point about "quickly outgrowing a smaller displacement machine".
I actually think the GS500 twin would be Nathan's friend's better choice for street riding to begin on. In fact, my first motorcycle back in the day(1967, to be precise) was a little bitty Honda 50 when I was but a pup of 15.
And I also probably included the SV650 here because I don't know how heavy Nathan's friend is?! And don't forget the average american is quite a bit "bigger boned"(read:FATTER) than they were back durin' the ol' "Summer of Love" days of 1967 TOO, amigo.
(thanks in large part to our propensity to OVER-FRIGGIN'-EAT nowdays, ya know...but I digressed here...which of course as you may have noticed over these years, I HAVE a "propensity" to do upon occasion)
Yep! Just like a good Single Malt Scotch, you might call me "an acquired taste" TOO.(among the many OTHER things you may care to call me, of course)
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
As mentioned before, if he gets something smaller he'll out grow it, end up selling it and have to get something else, all in all it will cost him more than if he was just to go get a new Bonnie to start with.
Soren
Soren-
Did you ever drop the bike on which you learned how to ride? 
Who wants to see a scratched, dented, and maybe bent Bonnie?
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
Did you ever drop the bike on which you learned how to ride?
Actually, yes I did. A couple of times.
Soren
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Was it as sweet a ride as a Speedy or BA?
Or a little more beater-ish?
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Nope it was a '72 Yamaha 250 Enduro (I was about 12 or so). I do see your point. But, I am just an evengelist for the Church of Triumph spreading the good word.
Soren
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Amen Brother!! Preach on!!
Oh man!! I'm going to jail!!
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Quote:
pssst...hey soren...wouldn't ya rather hear about this newbie droppin' and damagin' a friggin' SV650 or a GS500(don't get me wrong here, both very competent bikes) than some....BEAUTIFUL TRIUMPH BONNEVILLE????
(this a "newbie" we're talkin' 'bout here, remember?!)
Yea, but he drops the Zuki, fixes the Zuki, has too much in it from fixing it then never get himself a proper motor bike.
Soren
no no no you fix an old suki with duct tape and epxoy.
The percentage you're paying is too high-priced
While you're living beyond all your means
And the man in the suit has just bought a new car
From the profit he's made on your dreams
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Joined: Jun 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Nope it was a '72 Yamaha 250 Enduro (I was about 12 or so). I do see your point. But, I am just an evengelist for the Church of Triumph spreading the good word.
Soren
I'm a faithfull parishoner, but I stand by my suggestion.
Learner bikes get dropped.
Dirt/street bikes like a DR350 or your Yammie 250 are meant to be dropped, easily picked up(250 pounds lighter than a Speedmaster), and dropped some more.
(Not to scare the Newbie's, most of these are the sub-5mph, off-balance, Oh-I-can't-save-it, drops, it happens.)
But if you're off-road, you only have to concentrate on what you're doing, there's no cars and trucks around to complicate things. It steepens the learning curve.
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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He went with the Beemer I mentioned above. It runs good and he won't outgrow it anytime soon. It already has some cosmetic scratches so it won't be a big deal if he "oops" drops it.
Last edited by neight; 07/18/2008 3:18 PM.
-neight
2004 Triumph Bonneville Black
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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If those are the aluminum Touratech saddlebags, yeah, it can take a few drops. 
Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Re: Starter Bike Advise
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The SV is one of the sweetest sounding bikes on the road, a lot of fun, and I have known a few people to start on them. Most are still riding them.
I agree with the dirt bike/enduro idea as well. I've been having all kinds of fun on my buddies DRZ400. Great around town bikes, really fun in the twisties and the kind of thing you can keep as a trailie when you get a big boy bike.
The only real drawback if San Diego is anything like Baltimore is that they tend to disappear if they aren't bolted to a team of rottweilers.
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