Where we talk about two wheeled vehicles. Motorbikes!

[Sonolin]

Originally Posted by FRSFirestorm

The valve train adjustment interval on older Ducati's is around 7500 mi. If memory serves me. It is expensive to have done and difficult to do yourself. The newer models have doubled that interval from what I've read.

Yea I noticed that on their website (they said maintenance at 15k for most bikes if I recall correctly). Good to keep in mind.

Thanks for the answers guys, just dipping my mind into the idea . I'd probably start w/ a used 600 and then if I really like it, possibly upgrade to a new Ducati later down the road. I like the ninja 600's but I'm sure there's other 600's to keep an eye out for (used) as well - are there any recommendations? I want something with the ability to get sub 4 0-60 times (just a way for me to gauge the acceleration compared to a car...), and relatively cheap used (~5k hopefully?).

EDIT: Some quick searching it seems the ninja 650r is in my price range (seems a little stretch). Seems like a fast bike. Would this be an ok beginners bike, assuming I can control my throttle inputs? (I'll be taking a motorcycle course before even seriously looking at bikes to purchase.)

[Rougenite]

Originally Posted by Sonolin

Thanks!

I'm looking to start on a 600cc. I know a lot of people start with 250's, but I think I'll be ok with a 600 if I baby the throttle (which I plan on doing until I'm 100% comfortable...) - and I've heard its a pretty good beginners bike if you can control yourself.

Been just casually looking as these things are fast . I like the thought of a bike. I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a beater v8 on the side (in the near future). But I kind of like the thought of a bike instead... they're faster, get damn good MPG (which is good because in my fr-s when I take it out for the weekend I get an average of high 18 maybe with my driving, lol), and would make a great commuter if I ever get in that situation (currently work from home though!). I'd just use a bike to "play with" on the weekends though, no daily driving with it or excessive freeway driving.

My entire family has a really bad stigma of bikes, so they really wouldn't like me getting one (1 death and 1 disability in the family ). But it just sounds like a very good purchase for what I want out of a "toy" - don't get me wrong I love my fr-s but its not really a fulltime toy to me, more like a compromise toy/dd toy .

I started on a 600....only had it for about a month. Be respectful of the bike. Things are way different on a bike, less forgiving. I would say that buying a 600 because its fast as a first bike is a bad idea, but I would be a hypocrite...cause I did it . One suggestion I have as far as teh weekend riding goes; Ride regardless of if it is raining or cloudy or windy (within reasonable limits) because as I was asked 'What happens if it rains and you arent used to it?' Most of the guys I know that ride have been for more than a decade, I'm seriously the youngest person by 5+ years.


The FR-S is an AMAZING vehicle, love the feedback, the handling, and the looks.....its just not fast enough for me. I had a 400HP tC, so I took a BIG step down, but got a RWD....so its worth it .

[wheelhaus]

Originally Posted by Sonolin

I'm looking to start on a 600cc. I know a lot of people start with 250's, but I think I'll be ok with a 600 if I baby the throttle (which I plan on doing until I'm 100% comfortable...) - and I've heard its a pretty good beginners bike if you can control yourself.

Been just casually looking as these things are fast . I like the thought of a bike. I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a beater v8 on the side (in the near future). But I kind of like the thought of a bike instead... they're faster, get damn good MPG (which is good because in my fr-s when I take it out for the weekend I get an average of high 18 maybe with my driving, lol), and would make a great commuter if I ever get in that situation (currently work from home though!). I'd just use a bike to "play with" on the weekends though, no daily driving with it or excessive freeway driving.

My entire family has a really bad stigma of bikes, so they really wouldn't like me getting one (1 death and 1 disability in the family ). But it just sounds like a very good purchase for what I want out of a "toy"...

I would recommend against a 600 for a first bike, for all the obvious reasons. Self control s a HUGE part of it, but there's so much more than simply learning how to "go easy on it". Would you recommend a Ferrari as someone's first car and just say "be careful and go easy"...?

At least consider the new Ninja 300, it's much more powerful than the 250's, but not as scary as a 600. If you "like the idea of a bike" then I urge you to take the responsible approach and start smaller for at least one year. The resale value of a 250 is pretty solid. You may find an oder one for $2-3000, newer EFI one for $3000-3500, and sell it a year later for 3000 if you've kept it up nice. Hell you could find a brand new Ninja 300 for $4500, and they look damn sexy. Hell, I want one.

The primary reason a small displacement bike is so adamantly recommended across the board is for few primary reasons:
1- less power output = less chance to get into deadly trouble
2- more forgiving handling with surprisingly very high limits (similar to our beloved 86)
3- better to learn throttle management in plethora of possibly dangerous situations
4- learn how to use throttle more effectively and efficiently overall
5- easier to learn proper braking techniques on a lighter bike
6- less expensive repairs and insurance

Only you know what kind of a person you really are, and if a 600 would fit right off the bat. I personally think its a bad idea to get the bike you've always wanted first. Riding a motorcycle successfully for a long time is an exercise in intelligence, awareness, and self control, and experience, lots, and lots of experience. You have your entire life to get the bike you want, why not get a cheaper bike first to make sure you're ready for it?

Originally Posted by Tanuki

600 is fine for a first bike. Thats what everyone bought before all of these 250's came around.

Please be careful who you recommend this to, this logic is fine until you remember that a 600cc bike today is FAR faster than a 600 from 20 years ago. Hell, a 600cc bike today is faster than a literbike from 20 years ago.

Originally Posted by Rougenite

I started on a 600....only had it for about a month. Be respectful of the bike. Things are way different on a bike, less forgiving. I would say that buying a 600 because its fast as a first bike is a bad idea, but I would be a hypocrite...cause I did it . One suggestion I have as far as teh weekend riding goes; Ride regardless of if it is raining or cloudy or windy (within reasonable limits) because as I was asked 'What happens if it rains and you arent used to it?' Most of the guys I know that ride have been for more than a decade, I'm seriously the youngest person by 5+ years.

It doesn't make you a hypocrite if you realize it just plain wasn't a good idea. The only difference is that you're not dead/maimed/disabled. What were your experiences riding a 600 as a first bike?

[civicdrivr]

Originally Posted by wheelhaus

Please be careful who you recommend this to, this logic is fine until you remember that a 600cc bike today is FAR faster than a 600 from 20 years ago. Hell, a 600cc bike today is faster than a literbike from 20 years ago.

THIS!

I started on a 650, but its a 25yr old 650. It would get destroyed by a 300 of today. I love it though and the handling is great. Just as you said, its like the 86.

There's a reason I sold the Triumph (though I miss it dearly) and kept the old Honda.

Sent from my Nexus 4

[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by wheelhaus

Please be careful who you recommend this to, this logic is fine until you remember that a 600cc bike today is FAR faster than a 600 from 20 years ago. Hell, a 600cc bike today is faster than a literbike from 20 years ago.

They will kill themselves on a 600 or a 250, its just like the gun control argument. The rider is who gets themselves killed, not the bike.

[Tanuki]

The discussion should be about training courses and safety gear.

[Rougenite]

Originally Posted by wheelhaus

It doesn't make you a hypocrite if you realize it just plain wasn't a good idea. The only difference is that you're not dead/maimed/disabled. What were your experiences riding a 600 as a first bike?

I still have it. Its just tore apart in my garage right now. (new harness, throttle cables, cleaning throttle body and just an overall inspection o it....30k miles on a 2005)

I rode dirt bikes growing up, My uncle rode an older Harley, my father the same, I am no stranger to bikes.

I decided on a 600 after two months of talking to friends and family that ride. A 250 is 'slower' than the FR-S and would defeat the purpose of getting the bike for me :P.

Besides that....money. A used 250 out here is like 4500+ (for one in decent shape.) I got mine for 2500, and have only paid less than 50 bucks to get it 'safe' for the roads.

As far as riding exp....Its something else. It doesn't take much or a twist to get it moving to pass somebody etc. It is a little heavy to muscle around effectively, but can chalk that up as myself not being fully accustomed to the bike. I only have about 6 hours seat time on it so far, most of it riding in traffic and in town.

Have a helmet, Gloves and a Jacket. I wear a set of non steel toe 'boots' when I ride and some khaki bickies (spelling!!!!!) as leg wear. Not full gear, But I buy a little more every few days....as money allows.... There is no law for PPE in Hawaii, I am already better off than a lot of people!

I signed up for the MSF course the day I actually bought the bike, before it even made it to my house. I suggest every new rider do the same. No excuses really. Even some of the older riders can benefit to going to it every couple of years!

[bcj]

Hit the 80's today. Went for a ride with a couple friends for a photo tag.
Up Bear Creek road and the Olympics.

[cgrey]

Originally Posted by Tanuki

They will kill themselves on a 600 or a 250, its just like the gun control argument. The rider is who gets themselves killed, not the bike.

No.

[Sonolin]

Guys thank you very much for your replies. I'll be very cautious on my decision, and I've definitely not made up my mind yet on which bike to get. I'm definitely not opposed to getting a used 250 and selling that later down the road when I'm more "used to it". If I don't lose much in depreciation, that doesn't sound like a bad idea to me. I just hate the thought of buying something, that I'm just going to sell in a year anyway (and I know it won't satisfy me "long term", for what I want out of a bike...).

Definitely solid advice, from everybody here, though.

And @cgrey - I've personally heard from quite a few people on online forums that started on a 600/650 and who have made it out alive, and said that it was fine (with throttle control). I completely understand about your side of the argument though, but I didn't mean to start an argument and I probably should've just posted this in a main motorcycle forum :P

Not only that, but I'm specifically looking at the ninja 650r which I've heard touted as a great beginner bike from many many different magazines & websites.

Now that I'm thinking about it more, it might be better to just start off with a 250 though... I really like the zx6r but it seems a little too much for me to start with. Might be better to just skip the 650 and go for that instead after some practice on a 250.

Anyways, I'm thinking of all things considered here. And I definitely won't shy from safety gear.

Thanks all for your replies.

[Skurj]

Originally Posted by Sonolin

Guys thank you very much for your replies. I'll be very cautious on my decision, and I've definitely not made up my mind yet on which bike to get. I'm definitely not opposed to getting a used 250 and selling that later down the road when I'm more "used to it". If I don't lose much in depreciation, that doesn't sound like a bad idea to me. I just hate the thought of buying something, that I'm just going to sell in a year anyway (and I know it won't satisfy me "long term", for what I want out of a bike...).

Definitely solid advice, from everybody here, though.

And @cgrey - I've personally heard from quite a few people on online forums that started on a 600/650 and who have made it out alive, and said that it was fine (with throttle control). I completely understand about your side of the argument though, but I didn't mean to start an argument and I probably should've just posted this in a main motorcycle forum :P

Not only that, but I'm specifically looking at the ninja 650r which I've heard touted as a great beginner bike from many many different magazines & websites.

Now that I'm thinking about it more, it might be better to just start off with a 250 though... I really like the zx6r but it seems a little too much for me to start with. Might be better to just skip the 650 and go for that instead after some practice on a 250.

Anyways, I'm thinking of all things considered here. And I definitely won't shy from safety gear.

Thanks all for your replies.

My advice, buy a used bike for your first something cheap that you are expecting to drop, because odds are you will! Maybe not doing 50 mph, but even something silly like getting off it and forgetting the stand..
Ninja 250's are like gold I swear because there are a lot of people in your shoes every year, so you will get a good dollar for it when you are ready to move up.

I went from a '74 250 endure to a '78 450 streetbike, to a 83 GPZ 550 all of them used... then took 20 yrs off and went straight to an SV 1000 loved it, but hated chain maintenance on the cross country rides I like so got the Guzzi. There is no bike with easier valves to adjust (except HD) My 1200 sport has less HP than any 600 4 these days, but the goose gets a lot more attention

[Tanuki]

Originally Posted by cgrey

No.

No what? The bikes kill people? 90% of the fatalities I read about are Harley guys with no helmet on. Occasionally a bullet bike, but you can ride a fast bike slow. It's the driver who makes that decision.

[Rougenite]

Originally Posted by Tanuki

No what? The bikes kill people? 90% of the fatalities I read about are Harley guys with no helmet on. Occasionally a bullet bike, but you can ride a fast bike slow. It's the driver who makes that decision.

^ I agree.

Helmets arent required in hawaii. Splitting lanes isnt illegal, but it is frowned upon for obvious reasons.

Do people still do it? Yes. Its a personal choice.

Regardless of what type or size of bike you ride, a wreck at 45 will do the same damage.


There isnt an sudden magic thing that makes you start making worse decisions because you own a bigger bike. It is on the person.

Firm believer in responsibility for your own actions.

[cgrey]

Originally Posted by Sonolin

And @cgrey - I've personally heard from quite a few people on online forums that started on a 600/650 and who have made it out alive

It would be awfully difficult to hear anything from the ones who did not.

Beyond the safety factor, and I assure you there is one, learning on a 600 class SUPERSPORT/SPORTBIKE will hinder your learning and enjoyment.

I also don't foresee good things after your question of whether or not it would cure your need for speed.

There are other options apart from a 250, as well.

Whatever you decide be sure to train yourself and never stop learning.