What bike do you recommend to new riders?

[juniorfjr]

I think it all depends on the amount of skill being brought to the table. If the person hasn't ridden, by all means a smaller bike. After 20 years away, I went right to the fjr, but a lot of my riding in the day was on a cb 900F.

I mean if you haven't had it in a while are you gonna pass on a 10 to practice on a bunch of 5's. I mean after you've been with the 5 for a while, you still want the 10. And if you treat her nice the 10 will let you catch up. Think about it.

 

[user 6393]

I have an '06 FZ6 - I love it. Comfy, lots of zoom...Not one single regret about the purchase.

Have lusted after a WeeStrom (650), but I am too damned short of the 32.5 seat height.

:russian_roulette:

 

[leo]

"Any bike can kill you depending on how you handle it.

Any bike can ride tame depending on how you handle it.

Don't want to ride dangerously? Easy on the throttle. Thirty MPH is 30 MPH."

+1

Re-entered with an FJR. It's all about patience and working on your limitations.

 

[Silver Penguin]

Any bike can ride tame depending on how you handle it.
Don't want to ride dangerously? Easy on the throttle. Thirty MPH is 30 MPH.

Very true. But have you ever see a novice rider who didn't understand the concept of 'easy on the throttle?' I have, and it's not pretty. Starting a rookie on a gutless little trainer bike may protect them from their own behavior.

For a re-entry rider, it's different. They will soon remember what the throttle does and why it must be respected.

Jill

 

[wfooshee]

Any bike can ride tame depending on how you handle it.
Don't want to ride dangerously? Easy on the throttle. Thirty MPH is 30 MPH.

Very true. But have you ever see a novice rider who didn't understand the concept of 'easy on the throttle?' I have, and it's not pretty. Starting a rookie on a gutless little trainer bike may protect them from their own behavior.

For a re-entry rider, it's different. They will soon remember what the throttle does and why it must be respected.

Jill

And it's amazing how many new riders completely lose the concept of clutch and brake.

OMG! OMG! OMG! It's moving!! It's going fast! Now what?!??!! Help!!!! OMG!! BANG!!!!!! CRASH!!!!!!!

When I re-entered I took the MSF course, and was flabbergasted by how long it took to actually ride once we mounted the bikes. Rocking back and forth on the clutch for 10 or 15 minutes, then walking the bike with the clutch for another 10 or 15. Feet on pegs was way down the timeline. As a rider, that was boring, (let's move along, OK?) but I absolutely understood how it prevents the first-ride scenes you see so often on Youtube.

 

[madmike2]

With some, the best advice is, "DON'T!"

This passion is addictive and dangerous if things are not managed and controlled.

 

[Silver Penguin]

When I re-entered I took the MSF course, and was flabbergasted by how long it took to actually ride once we mounted the bikes. Rocking back and forth on the clutch for 10 or 15 minutes, then walking the bike with the clutch for another 10 or 15. Feet on pegs was way down the timeline. As a rider, that was boring, (let's move along, OK?) but I absolutely understood how it prevents the first-ride scenes you see so often on Youtube.

I have just completed the MSF Rider Coach Training Course. We are told to spend more time on the first two exercises than any other. #1 is Motorcycle Familiarization. e.g. this is a throttle and this is what it does. Touch the throttle. Twist the throttle. The students must attain minimal mastery of the objectives of each exercise before being allowed to move on to the next one.

Ex. 2 The Friction zone is the one you describe. It starts with rocking back and forth, easing the clutch out. Part II is power walking the bike with the feet paddling. The more skilled riders make it to Part III which is riding with the feet on the pegs.

I'm told that more riders are counseled out in the exercise described above than any other. Yes, there are folks who just don't get it. Last weekend, I saw a bike go down during this exercise.

For some candidates, the best possible option is a bus pass.

Jill

 

[wfooshee]

Our instructor took some time to describe some incidents he's seen. Our range was adjascent to a farmer's market. He said a girl took a bike up the ramp once, onto the loading dock of the market, and once there remembered where the brake and clutch were. He's had to fail people for dropping bikes during the eval, which just has to suck.

My class was a very small group, only five of us, so we had lots of range time. Only one bike dropped, in the figure-8 box; the guy touched the brake. He learned, made it through.

I had a lot of respect for the instructor. He was thorough, precise, consistent, and had a great sense of humor. He was out there because he wanted to be. He and his wife just recently sold a Harley dealership for an offer they couldn't refuse, so it's not like he needs the cash. When I take the experienced rider course, I will ask for his class. (He said he brings his Aprillia to that one.)

Back on topic, as for recommendations for new riders? The bike is almost irrelevant. Get the training!!! It doesn't matter what you think you know about riding; you DON'T know enough if nobody's actually taught you properly.

 

[jet mechanic]

+1

Re-enterred after 19 years with a FJR. Took everything slow and easy, took the training, and (like everybody on this forum recommends) just keep driving it as far and as often as possible. No regrets for not buying a POS first.

 

[kansas transit]

FJR was my re-entry vehicle...but then I've never been mistaken for smart...

Just like Wheaton and Jet, out of it for 20 years. FJR the only bike I considered on re-entry. Absolutly no regrets. Stan

 

[Zolton]

My re-entry bike was an SV650s. I smashed it up real good when a minivan decided I'd like to T-bone him. I replaced it with a naked SV650 and liked it MUCH better. More comfortable and controllable. I'd recommend the naked SV for re-entry but not as a first time bike. A 500 Ninja would be a more suitable first timer and used ones are very plentiful. Even a Buell Blast would make a good first timer if you were planning on upgrading soon, just wear a full face helmet so no one recognizes you . Used Suzuki Savage (650cc cruiser style) would also be fine if that type of bike appealed to you. They have a low seat height and center of gravity. Plus belt drive so chain maintenance is a non issue.

 

[Checkswrecks]

There's a lot to be said for bikes like the 600 Yam or Bandit 600 and there are a bajillion of them out there cheap. What I've come to realize is how well they encourage people to ride over their heads, though. I know a half-dozen new and re-entry riders who have 4-cyl 600s who initially talked about how fast they could be, but now keep talking about scaring themselves or how they slowed down after friends got hurt.

On the flip side, I know of at least four new & re-entry people with Beemer 650s or little copy-cruisers who have been trying other bikes and most will probably going to move up before too long.

There are also a couple of girls with shorter inseams who got SV650s a year ago and they were lucky enough to hit the right size and power for them; I doubt either will change bikes for a long time.