[findtom]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

My advice is to start off with something slow and inexpensive because at some point, you will be laying it down.

See, that's the part that always makes me decide I don't really want a bike. I'm a wuss I guess, but I think a lot of people buy bikes not realizing this.

[ward]

A good starter bike is an SV650

The SV's got that nice V twin sound and isn't so powerfull that it's scary or intimidating, but it's still a blast to ride and many'd call it the best value/fun for the money bike you can get

[e90jimmy]

I just bought an '00 SV650. This is a blast to ride.

I have to agree, it is a really great first bike.

[Rocket850]

Last year I bought a new 2005 Harley Davidson Electra Glide...Wow...I just love riding that thing and will ride every chance I get.
Well, if you want to put yourself in debt then make sure to buy something that you can handle. Maybe something like a Honda Rebel? Also, someone mentioned taking the MSF course and that is a MUST.
If I were you I'd get a bike before you take the course and find a big open parking lot and practice...practice...practice...then take your riders safety course.
If you do get a bike I will pass a long a couple of tips:

When on your bike...assume that no body can see you...because they will pull out in front of you, turn in front of you, come up from behind you and not even see you!

A lot of people who drive cages are idiots!!! they will do there best to ruin your day.

Ride within your skill level....I assume your young (not sure why) but try to drive like an old man like myself...you will live longer

Hope this helps

[Gripster]

I'm in the mode of wanting a bike too.

I took a couple of classes in a parking lot just before Christmas and had a blast, but then life got busy and I left it for a while.

The wife's car goes back to Mercedes today, so we're a one car family until the E90 arrives (we work at the same place). This thread has given me the idea to get a bike again

I was looking at a Ninja 250R too. Or a Honda Rebel. Both seem like good learner bikes. I need to decide Cruiser or Sportbike. You'd think it would be a no-brainer decision, but I really do like both styles.

Will sign up for MSF asap.

[ward]

I would advise to skip the 250 and go for the 500 ninja

still a pretty tame bike, with a bit more punch

don't get me wrong, a good rider on a 250 could run not walk away from me on a twisty road

[katsbimmer]

[IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] this is what you want ...2005 honda cbr 1000rr repsol...(thats the car before the wheels were installed)

[mava330]

Great and informative comments from everyone... Before your bike purchase please invest in training (MSF as other's have described) and LEATHERS! Seriously... there are two types of riders: people that have gone done and people THAT WILL. Leather's makes all the difference in the world and believe me, you'll need that extra layer of "skin" when the inevitable happens. Remember the old motorcycle saying: "dress up to go down."

Re: starter bikes... if you can, buy used. Less upfront cost and typically you'll minimize the depreciation hit when you do sell it... and don't kid yourself you will ultimately get rid of it. Why? Cuz you'll be addicted to the "rush"....

Beyond the MSF courses also look at various motorcycle driving classes and books. You can never learn too much about riding.

Lastly commit SIPDE to long term memory:

Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute <----- these will be ingrained in you as part of your MSF course.

Good luck!!!

Here's my old sled: