Looking to start riding, need some advice

Hello all,

I'm looking to get into the world of motorcycling. I read through the "new to riding" thread, and I have to say I learned quite a bit. When I first thought about getting a bike, I was dead set on a Hayabusa*. My friend who rides called me a retard for even considering that, so I decided to settle for a gixxer-1000 or *cringe* a gixxer-600. Having read the thread, I now see the error of my ways. Not only because it'd be dangerous, but because I'd be too afraid to push the bikes to its limits.

Pushing the bike to its limits is exactly what I want out of motorcycling**. I plan on(after getting accustomed to the bike) taking it to the track and learning how to take those tight corners. After finally reaching the bikes full potential, then I'd move onto my dream super-bike.

Anyways, here is my first question. Out of all those good "beginner bikes", which one is going to deliver for me when I take it to the track? I realize the idea behind a beginner bike is limiting the power(and the danger), but I don't want to go so modest that I can't get what I want out of it on the track.

The (used) bikes I've been thinking of:

Ninja500: Dont really like how it looks... seems kind of "80s" to me. Appearance is important, but I would compromise for superior performance or cheap price.

Suzuki GS500F: This is the one I've been considering most, but I feel like it might be a bit too modest for track use. Also something irks me about the looks, not quite sure what.

Suzuki SV650: Really like the looks, but heard it has a soft suspension. Can anyone confirm this?

Suzuki GSX600 Katana: Havent really heard much about this bike?

Any other suggestions for a good track bike?

Also, as far as gear goes, is it acceptable to go to the track in casual street riding gear? I'm planning on getting a leather jacket, do I need to get one with a back scoop if I want to go to the track?

Thanks in advance for any advice! I look forward to any and all suggestions.







*Note: My intentions of getting a busa or a gixxer were out of a lack of education on the topic. I'm not going to be the guy lane splitting 40mph faster than traffic or doing wheelies down the parkway in shorts and a tee. I consider myself a pretty responsible person and take my safety seriously. ATGATT.. etc.. After reading the new rider post, I've already ordered my idiot's guide to motorcycles, and plan on signing up for the MSF ridercourse soon.

**I still want to have fun though, but I'll keep the fun stuff to the track, in a safe, controlled environment.  

You've made some good decisions so far it sounds like. Of the bike's you've listed, the SV would be the best bet if you're planning on going to the track. The suspension is not perfect, but it will be fine for the first while and you can always upgrade it later. Another option is the Ninja 650R.

Some trackday organizations and schools will let you ride with street gear like an Aerostitch suit, but not just casual gear. You'll need at least a leather jacket and pants that zip together, boots, gloves and a reasonably new full-face helmet. You should have a back protector too (which is different from the "scoop" on some jackets and leather suits).

AT  

How about a used Kawasaki Ninja 250?  

Alot of guys race sv's so they must handle pretty well, but I personally would rather an inline 4.  Of the bikes you listed, the Katana is my pick for a first bike.  The seat is low, and the bike is fairly big and comfortable as well as being sporty, with its inline 4 being based on the original gsxr 750 engine(the 600 is just a smaller version).  It is heavy, but you don't notice that on your first bike.  I'd stay away from a 250 or 500 too.  Those bikes will leave you wanting more power once you're ready.  Katanas are reliable, cheap, easy to maintain, and haven't changed so you can pick up a nice one with low miles for under 3000.  

Thanks for the advice all,

I've narrowed my choices down to an SV650 or Katana. here are some bikes that I've found:

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1992 SUZUKI KATANA 750 with 24,000 miles on sale for $2,199.

Is this too much power for my first bike? I figured 750 might be o.k. for an older bike.
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2001 Suzuki SV650 with following mods and 40,000 miles. $2,300 (might be able to argue down price)

Two Brothers Racing exhaust
OEM Suzuki solo seat cowl
Racetek front springs
R6 rear shock
Zero Gravity tinted windscreen
Moto Sliders frame sliders and swingarm sliders/spools
aftermarket undertail

I'm not familiar with any mods really, so I was hoping you guys could comment on the above.

Single seater with tear in seat, some chipped paint on gas tank.
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If either of these look good I should be set to take the MSF course this weekend and have my first bike soon!  

You would be much better off getting the SV650. The Katana 750 wouldn't be too much power, but $2199 for a '92 model is asking way too much, even if it was in mint condition.

That's a lot of miles for an '01 SV650. IMHO, you should offer $2K tops.  

Of those two options, the SV is the better choice.  Both bikes have a lot of miles though, and for a couple hundred more you could find either bike with under 15k miles.  If you look, a 2000 or newer Katana 600 w/under 10,000 miles could be found for around $2500 (here in Mass. anyway)!  

Where are you finding these deals? I'm looking on ebay and I haven't found anything like that.

Edit:
I've found some better deals on Katana 750s. Found a 2006 Katana 750 with 6k miles for a little over 3k.

After doing a little more reading, I think i would prefer the bigger roomier katana over the SV, and I also prefer the fully faired look of the Katana over the nearly naked SV. Is a newer(05+) 750 too much bike for a first timer? I know you said it wasnt earlier kento, but I just want to make sure that that wasn't due to its older age. I know certain new 600's can be more powerful than older 1000s.  

Go with the Katana.  I bought an 02 Suzuki Katana 600 with 8722 miles on it for $2,750.  Unfortunately the guy who had it before me put on a bigger sprocket to make it run harder and I didn't like that because first gear was too short and it ran too hard on the highway, so I had a factory sized sprocket intalled along with a new chain, spark plugs and an oil change.  Additionally, I found out on my first trip to the gas station that the gas cap was broken so I ordered a new one from Suzuki.  Now I have $3,500 into the bike and it is perfect.  It is a great first bike and I love it, I actually plan on keeping it even when I get a newer bike one day.  It has been about two months and I have rode almost three thousand miles.  The only thing that I sometimes find annoying is that it doesn't have a gear indicator.  It has a great relaxed seating position for a sportbike and handles great.  If you want to spend a little bit more money however, I would reccomend that you find something that is fuel injected and liquid cooled.  

I would go with the SV 650. A friend of mine had the bike and I road it before. Excellent beginners bike and once you get experience, I dont see you getting bored on it anytime soon. I've been riding for about 13 years and done numerous track days and  would still have fun on that bike. By the way, my friend just sold the bike. It was an '05 with only 5000 miles on it and it was mint. He sold it for only 3500 dollars. I guess the bike was too sporty for him, he bought a cruiser!  

gsxr1000speed, please do not hijack a thread. You can start your own by clicking on the "New Topic" button at the bottom right hand corner of each forum section's display page. - Moderator  

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