Ever since my trip back from Myrtle Beach, my interest in bikes has grown considerably. On the way back, we drove by a Hayabusa and it just ignited my interest. I've always thought bikes were "cool" having played with toy bikes as a child. I've always dismissed the idea of ever owning a bike due to the consequences and related dangers, but ever since seeing that Hayabusa... it just sparked my curiosity.

So, can you guys enlighten me? I have to admit, I don't know a single thing about them, but I have started lurking around KawiForums.com. Can you guys give me the basics? Also, what's a good forum(s) to snoop around with some insightful info? If you guys could get me started in the right direction, that would be great.

Thanks.

 

If you have never rode a bike before DON'T even consider a large bore street bike. Start with something smaller till you can get a good bit of experience. I have seen many unexperienced youngsters get in BIG trouble because they think they are bulletproof.

Stay FAR away from the BUSA for now. In time you will grow into it. It is NOT made for a beginner.

Hate to come off as an old fart but I am older and these are true facts.

Remember this also, there are two kinds of riders, those that have gone down and those that will go down. I am in the latter for sure.

 

Take a motorcycle safety course, most have bikes for you to use.. then buy a bike to learn on, Ninja 250's are a good starter bike, make sure to always wear your gear.

 

i have owned two bikes myself. Seen too many people crash for stupid reasons, or just plain out get hit by other drivers (drivers fault). If you don't know how to ride, definitely take a riders course, and get something small you can fart around on until you get used to all the controls, and braking techniques. If you have any specific Q's dont hesitate to ask.

 

Cool guys. Yeah I definitely want to take a safe approach to learning about bikes. The chances of me even buying/riding one right now are very slim. I just want to start learning about them since I'm curious.

Any good insightful forums I can go to?

 

my first and current bike is an 04 zx-10r... i agree with prev statements of staying away from large bikes... my 1000 is as fast as i would want it, but i have the advantage of very little weight when compared to the busa that you saw. a good bike in my opinion to start with is suzuki's 750... when you want more speed a simple tune would do the trick

 

zx-10r.net is a good site... they will not flame you like most of the bike sites will

 

Hayabusa, I know someone who killed theirself on a Hayabusa. They are no joke.

 

The safety course is a good Idea, but I would definately not start on a 250, you will regret buying it. Maybe a less powerful 600, like a Honda CBR 600 F4i or a Yamaha YZF 600 R would be a good idea. Also, I wouldn't go with a katana either, which some people may suggest. DEFINATELY not a Busa though, they are not the bike you want to learn on. Biggest I would go to learn on would be a Gixxer 750, but that is definately pushing it.

 

im looking to buy a 600 myself the busa holy crap that thing weighs a ton!

 

you can kill yourself on a bicycle if you ride like a tard or are not geared up properly. the bike has no bearing on it whatsoever. i started 3 years ago on a 2005 yami r6. plenty of bike for a beginner, and unless you are a pro rider, you wont even crack this bikes potential on the street, much less a 1000 or bigger. even with a 600 you have to be patient in learning. that thing redlines at 16k and with the flick of a wrist rpms jump from idle to 8k, which will put you off the back. good times tho once you get it down!!!!

 

you won't learn much about riding by going to forums. what you should do is take a MSF (motorcycle safety foundation) course in your area. they have them all over the states. you ride their bikes, small, light usually honda rebels or the like and at the end you get your motorcycle license! you don't have to buy a bike then, but you're qualified. i rode bikes for years on the streets and roadraced for about 14 years. riding a bike on the streets will make you a better driver over-all cause you will have to be very alert to EVERYTHING happening around you out there... or you won't and and end up with you and the bike busted up

 

safety class is good for fundamentals, but whole different thing riding in the middle of a busy street or highway. safety class ftw

 

If anybody tells you that a gsxr 750 or 600 for that matter is a good beginners bike then they are retarded. If you never rode before stay away from these. In my opinion i would suggest something else besides a true sport bike.

 

Good starter bikes that have a bit of style: Ducati 620ie or 695ie Monster, Suzuki SV650, Kawasaki Ninja 650R, used older model 600's (nothing within the last four years), etc...

Definitely start with the motorcycle rider safety course.

I personally like the Ducati's as they're reliable, easy to work on, relatively low maintenance and they're very fun on the road. I own a Aprilia RSVR Factory (top of the line Italian bike) and a 620. The 620 is an absolute blast and if you're vertically challenged, can be lowered safely and inexpensively.