What bike would you go for?
I'm planning on learning to ride via direct access to the A2 license.
The bikes I'm thinking of are:
Kawasaki Ninja 400
Kawasaki Ninja 650 (restricted)
Honda CBR 500R
Honda CBR 650R (restricted)
Ducati Supersport (restricted)
I have a question to anyone who owns or has owned a Ducati Supersport: What is the riding posture like? (an aggressive tuck or a more up right position)
I'm veering more toward restricted bikes, so that when I get the A license I can de restrict them.
I have always had a soft spot for Ducatis but they are not as reliable as the Japanese manufacturers.
I had a lovely Suzuki SV650 - which can be restricted for A2. Its a nice handling V twin with a lovely exhaust note and a "semi" tucked in position [rear set pegs and clip ons]
RECOMMENDED!
Now I have Kawa ER6F - same basic bike as the Ninja 650 but less sporty styling. Not as nice as the SV.
I certainly would NOT restrict a Ducati - it would feel like a kind of crime or heresy. But its a moot point 'cause I can't afford one (I would get an 848 if I was getting one).
Maybe next year…
Something you should seriously consider is the cost of insurance.
The Supersport is not full-on sports bike tuck but it is still a stretch - certainly more than I could bear for an extended period.
First of all, it's LICENCE, not license, assuming you're a Brit. Personally, i'd go for one of the 250/300 sportsbikes they're making now. Like a 300 Ninja. Always better to go for the most modern bike for your money than the most ponies. But that's just me. They're so beautifully designed that 30/40 horses is MUCH more fun than monsters of the bad old days. If you have 3 grand to spend on a bike you are one lucky sod!
I have a Soft spot for Honda 650's, I rode one 8 years. Your Choice.
The Honda is 38 YO, sat since June, started Right Up last Sat. I just should remember to drain carbs and shut off fuel before storage.
If 35 years of riding motorcycles has taught me one thing, it's always get a test ride, before you buy one.
It doesn't matter what anyone here recommends, if you don't like it, when you ride it. Once you've passed your A2, get a test ride on all of them, and then decide which one YOU want to own (and you already know about the reliability situation…).
- What would you do if a lady around 30-37 told you that you were useless and would never amount to anything? She's a well dressed white lady with a brand new Honda SUV and she has a daughter that looks about 12 that is also well dressed and the girl is being rude and both are being very rude to the guy at the counter at Subway. Would it be wrong to curse out the old witch who tried to start a fight and cursed out the subway worker and you?
- Which bike would be a good first sport bike. Looking at CBR1000/600's and also the yamaha R1/R6? I don't know much about the differences, I know some people are all for Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda, of Kawasaki. Seems that whatever bike someone has, they say its the best. I wish I could just ride all of them and see for myself. Tampa, FL Sam
- What would you recommend as a beginner bike on my list? 200 cc dual sport (I will sometimes go on the dirt with it), a ninja 250, a ninja 300, a Honda cbr 300, or a cbr 500?
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