Newbie Questions about Beginner Bikes

Hello all.

I have been reading the forum intently for the last couple of hours, trying to learn as much as possible about the sport of motorcycle riding – especially sport bikes. I have no experience with motorcycles. I recently went out with my friend and he taught me the basics on his bike. It was a really great experience. I now would really like to get into the sport next season. I plan to take a motorcycle driver training program in the spring. I would like to also purchase a used sport-type bike. I do not want something which is extremely powerful – I’d like to be around for the years to come. The bikes which I have read about as being beginner style bikes include the Suzuki SV650s, Suzuki Katana 600c. Although both of these are quite nice, the SV650s especially, I think they will probably be too powerful and dangerous for me in my first year. Thus I have been looking more at the Suzuki GS500 as well as the Kawasaki Ninja 500cc. Would those two bikes be more appropriate for a beginner rider, or are there any other better suggestions? I think I’ve decided that I do not want a 600cc, that is just too much.


I think I would like something that is
a) fun to ride (probably most motorcycles!!)
b) comfortable to ride (6’2”, 195lb)
c) something with enough “pep” that I won’t get bored halfway through the riding season
d) something that is relatively abundant ie) can find used for a good price

Any help would be great, helps to stimulate my learning about sport bikes!



Thanks!  

The Ninja 500 is a great beginner bike, plus there is a really great owners forum out there, I'll post the site tomorrow for you if you like. I'm 6'1" 240lb and size wise it was fine. It is also a pretty basic motorcycle, so you can do a alot of maintenance on it your self (it still has carbs, not FI). There is also the nwer 650r which is suppoesed to be more geared towards beginer riders. Also go get the The Complete Idiots Guide to Motorcylces. Its a great book, lots of good info.