First bike suggestions?

[Fathertime]

  Greetings all,
  Well it finally happened, my youngest son has apparently got the "bug" and is looking (apparently seriously) for his first ride!  Like most younger riders he thinks he wants a "rocket" style machine and I suppose thats natural.  Lucky for me, he understands the danger or should I say the stupidity of hopping onto a 600 or 700CC machine and think he can handle it out of the gate.  Right now he's looking at the CBX line of machines and from what I understand it makes a jump from 600CC down to 250CC.  My concern with that is that if he starts so small he'll end up getting bored real soon and out grow it before the end of the season and totally loose interest.
  Honestly, I'm not as familar as some of you are with whats available out there for new riders and was hoping that you all might come up with some suggestions for good first rides with the styling my son is looking for with out the crazy power that larger models have that can get him seriously hurt as I have no interest in finding out if they make cast colors to match his machine!  As I said before, he's looking at CBX's but I dont think he's married to the idea of Honda's only.
  As for his size, like most young adults, he's fairly skinny (Lord, I hate that in him!) and I can tell you that he has the leg in-seam to "Flat Foot" my 2000 Standard.
  So, what do you all think?

  FT

[solo1]

In generalities, the first bike might be a lighter bike of about 500-750CC.  From what you're saying, cruisers would not be your son's style.

I'd say used if you can find a good one.  My 750 Nighthawk is about 500 # , a 32" seat height and a decent but hohum motorcycle.   A non faired bike would be preferable (less expensive when dropped).  I guess that I'm saying maybe a UJM (Universal Japanese motorcycle), maybe a Magna, not UJM but very good!

New, there are choices too but at a higher price.  Susy Wee Strom (650), Yamaha has a new 600 non crotch rocket, Honda, not much, too many cruisers and too hgh prices.

I wouldn't go into any smaller than 500 cc or so, He would soon be unhappy.

My .02

[9Ball]

KLR 650....he can get enjoyment on and off the street.  You'll have an easier time selling or trading up when the time comes.

[solo1]

One caveat.  The new 2009 KLR has shorter but stiffer suspension.  I looked into it and can't flat foot it.  I've got a 30-31 inseam.  Excellent choice though otherwise. Reliable, relatively cheap, and cheap to run off road or on.

[big turkey]

KLR 650 is a good choice.

Kawasaki Mean Streak 1500/1600 would keep him happy longer.

Fix him up a Satndard Valk and he would be happier longer than that.

Stay away from the Crotch Rockets of course.

SV 650 is a bell weather standard that is good for just about anybody from beginner to pro.

But stay away from the little 450 and smaller street bikes can't give them away come sellin

or trading time.

With the exception of the Kawasaki NINJA 250 that is more like a real motorcycle.

Big AL

[big turkey]

Kawasaki also makes a really nice bunch of 650 Twins that a big fella like me can ride.

Versys

Ninnja

Line of 650's are powerful down low but don't scream power like the inline four's.

Keep him maybe under a hundred and won't do 90 in first gear like the crotch rockets.

I can even fix you up with a really nice KLR 650 if you want one.

2009, 3200 miles, corbin seat, luggage,

Adult Ridden.



Big Al

[9Ball]

Those KLRs got a lot better looking than the shiny olive drab of a few year ago...that's a beauty Big Al.

[big turkey]

Thanks JR.

It runs great, had it off road maybe twice.

It's more fun on the road, than off.

Corners are a breeze as you can drag the peg feelers on demand.

Dragon, US HWY 129 is fun on a ON/OFF roader, such as it is.

With a smaller/wider front tire and a header and jetting, it would a be a rocket on a tight road like the Dragon.

Big AL

[Jabba]

I think he should start in the DIRT.  It'll make him a lot better rider.  Remember that a modern 600 cc crotch rocket will smoke a Valk.  People on here will deny that, but when ridden with ANY kind of skill, they flat will EAT a valk up.  They make 100 HP and weigh half as much.

I'd start him on something he'll get bored on.  I'd loomk at a Suzuki GS500E.  I had one for a short while and gave it to my nephew as a starter bike.  He's been thru a ZX-9 and has a Hyabusa now.

You SHOULD be able to buy one of those REAL cheap, and it sort of looks like a naked sport bike.

Jabba

[asfltdncr]

I agree with Jabba.They call 600cc+ bikes starter bikes.When I started, starter bikes were below 250cc.  The power to weight ratio of the new sport bikes is flat crazy. 
Has he ridden before?  If not, I'd require him to go to the motorcycle safety course.  He would learn if he liked riding or has the knack for it (some get scared).  His height has a lot to do with learning to handle a bike well.  For instance the Kawasaki klr has a pretty high seat height (about 34").  This isn't such a problem when you are skilled but building your confidence and skills is easier on a smaller, lighter, shorter bike.
Jabba's motorcycle recommendation is a good recommendation.  Let him learn what type of riding he likes to do on what type of motorcycle.  He also might find it easier to get laid in a car and forget about motorcycling shortly.

[Clark]

  Greetings all,
  Well it finally happened, my youngest son has apparently got the "bug" and is looking (apparently seriously) for his first ride!  Like most younger riders he thinks he wants a "rocket" style machine and I suppose thats natural.  Lucky for me, he understands the danger or should I say the stupidity of hopping onto a 600 or 700CC machine and think he can handle it out of the gate.  Right now he's looking at the CBX line of machines and from what I understand it makes a jump from 600CC down to 250CC.  My concern with that is that if he starts so small he'll end up getting bored real soon and out grow it before the end of the season and totally loose interest.
  Honestly, I'm not as familar as some of you are with whats available out there for new riders and was hoping that you all might come up with some suggestions for good first rides with the styling my son is looking for with out the crazy power that larger models have that can get him seriously hurt as I have no interest in finding out if they make cast colors to match his machine!  As I said before, he's looking at CBX's but I dont think he's married to the idea of Honda's only.
  As for his size, like most young adults, he's fairly skinny (Lord, I hate that in him!) and I can tell you that he has the leg in-seam to "Flat Foot" my 2000 Standard.
  So, what do you all think?

  FT

  the KLR 650 was a dang good suggestion.. IMHO a suzuki Vstrom would be a better choice.. I have one and I love it.. not as dirt oriented as the klr but  MUCH more comfortable and asphalt worthy than the klr.. I have prolly owned close to 100 mcs. and the wee strom is the longest I have ever kept a mc. there is a lotttt of aftermarket acc. available and the suzuki 650 motor is bulletproof and when he masters ridin it you can change the countershaftt sprocket and it'll cruise 80-90 all datylong.. several mc. magazines have called it the best bang for the buck out there.. a couple sites to check out are stromtroopers.com   adventurebike.com and Vstromownersgroup.com.. I plan to ride mine to prudhoe bay this summer from idaho 

[Clark]

almost forgot.. the Vstrom is MUCH MORE SEXY than the KLR.. I'm just sayin

[9Ball]

almost forgot.. the Vstrom is MUCH MORE SEXY than the KLR.. I'm just sayin

it probably won't help you though......

[fudgie]

You didnt say how old he is. If he is 16-20 then yea I can see the the crotch rocket appeal. One on my favorite views is a chic on back of a crotch rocket.  What does he want to do with it? Hit the town or cruise? Maybe a VLX 600 or 750 Ace. Kits like a munchkin and fits well on a 750. Lucky for me I never had the rocket phase. Insurance will eat him alive with a rocket. I have a 22 yr old friend that his monthly insurance was twice as much as his bike payment.

[Blister]

I'm all for like Jabba says start him out on dirt if you can (or got the time). Alot has to do with the type of riding he plans on doing. If it's going to be around town to school and under 55 miles an hour most the time I would highly agree with the KLR styles. I have never felt they were heavy enough to keep from floating a little at high speeds on pavement. If he's into "rockets" I dought your going to please him with a KLR. My vote would be for a 750 Magna. I rode one for 3 years as a work car and it gave me no trouble at all. It handles the hi-way well and has enough power to get out of trouble. Just my 2 cents.

[BF]

"When I started, starter bikes were below 250cc."


When I started, starter bikes were more like a Honda S65 or a Street 90.   

[Clark]

I'm all for like Jabba says start him out on dirt if you can (or got the time). Alot has to do with the type of riding he plans on doing. If it's going to be around town to school and under 55 miles an hour most the time I would highly agree with the KLR styles. I have never felt they were heavy enough to keep from floating a little at high speeds on pavement. If he's into "rockets" I dought your going to please him with a KLR. My vote would be for a 750 Magna. I rode one for 3 years as a work car and it gave me no trouble at all. It handles the hi-way well and has enough power to get out of trouble. Just my 2 cents.

  BLIST not wantin to strart an arguement but the Vstrom could be considered a klr "type" and I have had mine up to 115 and cruise it allll day long @ 90.. jus sayin

[Clark]

almost forgot.. the Vstrom is MUCH MORE SEXY than the KLR.. I'm just sayin

it probably won't help you though......

DOH.. yer right johnny.. it'd take a LOT more than that to make an improvement on THIS

[Crazy Miles]

Hey, we hope to see you at Americade!  Anyway, as a starter bike, yes we have been there and done that.    Stevie, got his permit@ 16 and we got him a MAGNA! Put shock set backs on it. Corbin  stingerflame seat. Forward controls, drag handle bars  AND of course Cobras (4 pipes)  He still get looks, just last nite a bunch of his friends gathered around the bike!  By Golly, that thing is fast! YES, it IS the starter bike for any young man or woman. Heck, it's a nce bike for riding anytime! They are still on the cheap side. Young girls love to ride on them!   Hey, THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN!! And plus it's NOT a crotch rocket!! It is really a cool bike for any age.  You can't go wrong! http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_1699/stevie+burnout+maine.jpg

[Big IV]

CBs are just great start bikes. You can make it do what you want it to do but it is forgiving of mistakes, and all new riders make mistakes.
Can't beat the CB for a first bike.

[Jabba]

CBs are just great start bikes. You can make it do what you want it to do but it is forgiving of mistakes, and all new riders make mistakes.
Can't beat the CB for a first bike.

I say all RIDERS make mistakes.

I may not have the miles some of ya'll have... I probably have 150K total.  But we ALL make mistakes.

At least I still do.

Jabba

[Blister]

Hey, we hope to see you at Americade!  Anyway, as a starter bike, yes we have been there and done that.    Stevie, got his permit@ 16 and we got him a MAGNA! Put shock set backs on it. Corbin  stingerflame seat. Forward controls, drag handle bars  AND of course Cobras (4 pipes)  He still get looks, just last nite a bunch of his friends gathered around the bike!  By Golly, that thing is fast! YES, it IS the starter bike for any young man or woman. Heck, it's a nce bike for riding anytime! They are still on the cheap side. Young girls love to ride on them!   Hey, THAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN!! And plus it's NOT a crotch rocket!! It is really a cool bike for any age.  You can't go wrong! http://vrcc.photostash.com/vrcc_1699/stevie+burnout+maine.jpg

Now that's what I'm talkin about. 

[Fathertime]

  All,
  First, thanks for your input.  I passed the information along to my son, but as you may or may not know, at 21 he knew the answers before I told him!
  The good news is that I think he's talked out of the "rocket" idea, well at least pretty much.  Who knows, right?
  Miles:  Good hearing from you again, and you can bet your last dollar that I will indeed be at Americade this year.  I'm trying to put together a second Rib Run to start a tradition.  I posted it about two weeks ago, so you should be able to find it in the archives.  I have heard from OSS but not many others. 
   FT