New Rider questions. Bike Guys Please Chime In

[1MileCrash]

What year?

I ride a Copper Throbber.

i also rock the copper thousand

[Tobynine9]

Smashing good taste, my friend.

I'll say it again, OP - check out the 650 cc V-STROM from Suzuki.

[98Hardtop]

I would say look into a 650 twin of some sort to start. Any 600CC Supersport is too much bike for a new rider to be on. You are new, and will make mistakes. It benefits you to be on a bike that is more forgiving, controllable, and predictable for when you make mistakes. You have a ton to learn on and being on a SS bike is NOT the machine to be on unless you want to look cool sliding across the pavement. The smaller twins have a much smoother power delivery, aren't as abrupt, brakes aren't as twitchy and you will be a much better rider in the long run.

Invest in good gear. Gear is your friend and chances are as a new rider you could be testing it out. Over the past 16 years of riding, I have seen many people think they knew how to handle a SS bike and all they did was spend more time sliding on the pavement wrecking their nice bikes. I am an advocate in getting a used bike to learn on and ride that for a season or two. Then progress. It is the norm that riders change bikes every 3-5 years anyways. Your first bike is not going to be your last unless you get the wrong first bike.
Ignore the comments like "respecting the bike" or "it is not enough bike for me"because that has zero to do with riding a bike. Those who offer that information do not know what they are talking about or do not have your best interest in mind. Take a good beginner course, and continue to learn afterwards. There are good books out there on the subject and some good classes too.

Good luck and welcome to the addiction.

[robcas47]

Thanks 98HT, very good advice. I've been wasting time looking at used sport bikes but I'm pretty sure I'll wind up getting a sport touring type bike or something like the GS500F. Right now the Lemon Lot on post has one of those and also a Z750 S and I'm tempted to just go for the 750 since it's cheaper, has less miles, and a little bigger than the GS500F. I'll be DD the bike for work so i can take it easy on the TA, and in return I'll reap the gas saving benifits.

[LgndKller20073]

I started riding this past summer. I got a 1994 Yamaha FZR600 for $500. It was perfect to learn on and get used to riding. I'm ready to move up to something bigger now though. I'm 6'2" 210 lbs and didn't mind the 600.

[robcas47]

Ok so to update you all, I found a good deal on a 2001 Ducati 750 Sport. Low miles even though everything is in kilos, but the clock says 4006 and everything seems to be intact and clean for a 10 year old bike. Tje seat was recovered and few other things were done but overall this bike is stock. I researched this bike before I pulled the trigger and they only make around 45ish foot lbs of tq and about 60 hp. I know I can easily get myself in trouble with even the weekest bike but this one had a pricetag on it I couldn't pass up. I start the MSF Basic Riders Course tomoroow morning but I've been having some fun in my driveway/yard getting used to starting and stopping,(I've got about 300' to work with in my driveway). Thanks again everyone for your sound advice and help with my decision, I know the bike is a 750 but it's making a lot less power than most 600's. Well here's a few pics from when I went to pick her up.

[Nowhereman]

I started riding this past summer. I got a 1994 Yamaha FZR600 for $500. It was perfect to learn on and get used to riding. I'm ready to move up to something bigger now though. I'm 6'2" 210 lbs and didn't mind the 600.

Did it come with a Bat cape and Bat mask?

[Nowhereman]

Ok so to update you all, I found a good deal on a 2001 Ducati 750 Sport. Low miles even though everything is in kilos, but the clock says 4006 and everything seems to be intact and clean for a 10 year old bike. Tje seat was recovered and few other things were done but overall this bike is stock. I researched this bike before I pulled the trigger and they only make around 45ish foot lbs of tq and about 60 hp. I know I can easily get myself in trouble with even the weekest bike but this one had a pricetag on it I couldn't pass up. I start the MSF Basic Riders Course tomoroow morning but I've been having some fun in my driveway/yard getting used to starting and stopping,(I've got about 300' to work with in my driveway). Thanks again everyone for your sound advice and help with my decision, I know the bike is a 750 but it's making a lot less power than most 600's. Well here's a few pics from when I went to pick her up.

But, its a Ducati and that makes it special.

[robcas47]

But, its a Ducati and that makes it special.

This is true but it's the base 750 that only came in Matte Black. Of course I dig the Matte Black and it's an 01' so now all three of my rides are 01's

[LgndKller20073]

Did it come with a Bat cape and Bat mask?

I painted it and pinstriped it all myself. It's unique and easy to recognize. I get compliments on it all the time. I actually found a batsuit specifically made for motorcycles I strongly considered purchasing; if only it wasn't $1200.

[Tobynine9]

But, its a Ducati and that makes it special.

Yes, especially difficult and esspensive to maintain...

Good looking bike and I know I should hold my tongue, but I think you're going to regret that purchase.

[Nowhereman]

I painted it and pinstriped it all myself. It's unique and easy to recognize. I get compliments on it all the time. I actually found a batsuit specifically made for motorcycles I strongly considered purchasing; if only it wasn't $1200.

Thats funny, years ago I almost bought a "Master Chief / Halo costume I saw.
$2800 bucks but it was perfect down to the gun.
I figured I could make that back in a few months renting myself out to parties and shit.
Never went through with it though.

[robcas47]

Yes, especially difficult and esspensive to maintain...

Good looking bike and I know I should hold my tongue, but I think you're going to regret that purchase.

I might, I'll try my hand at maintaining it and doing everything I can as far regular maint. But there's no Ducati dealer near me sowe'll see how that works out.

[Nowhereman]

I have two bikes that compliment my WS6.And here they are.The Fatboy looks stock but, only looks. (127 inch engine, 48mm Mikuni, Thunderheader exhaust) 150 HPThe custom is a handbuilt by me, (120 Merch engine, twin 42 Mikunis, Wicked bros exhaust) 165 HP

[Tobynine9]

I might, I'll try my hand at maintaining it and doing everything I can as far regular maint. But there's no Ducati dealer near me sowe'll see how that works out.

I've never done it but I imagine if you're mechanically inclined, checking your opener and closer clearances probably isn't that bad.

I don't know what the repercussions are for not doing it on the 6k intervals. I looked at getting a Monster back when I was riding more but didn't have the experience to do the work myself and didn't want to pay a dealer the $$ that often.

Congrats on the purchase! I'd say, "shiny side up" but...

[robcas47]

I'm a helicopter mechanic by trade and maintain both my truck and TA so this will just be added to the roster. As long as I have the service manual for the bike I'll be alright.

[LimeNine]

I just had my old cow hide seat re covered with this black and tan ostrich


2000 Kawasaki ZX9r and 2005 Harley Softail with Phatail conversion 88ci