If an instructor is telling you to get a 600 after you being able to perform low speed maneuvers in a closed course parking lot, he should not be an instructor.
A 600 is a top level bike. 0-60 in 3 1/2 sec, 11 sec qtr mile, 150-160 mph top speed. A more powerful bike than that is for elite riders on the track. I dont believe in bullshit rider laws like in europe, but lets be real here about these machines. An sv650 type bike is an intermediate bike. A starter bike is something like a cheap single cylinder to learn on, (no freeway riding for lack of power). Then move up to a 400 or 500 2 cylinder, which is plenty fast enough to stay out of danger on any road. After that comes a sv650 type bike, then comes something in like the 100hp range like triumph street triple or sv1000 or honda cb650r, THEN after like 5-7 years of riding comes a 4 cylinder, 600cc, clip on, fully faired greased crotch lightning. Again i dont believe in laws, i’m just giving my veteran opinion
@@kevinnorris6157 I started and was on a TW200 for a couple years before I bought an SV650. I totally get you. I just wanted to point out that a ZX6R is way more dangerous to start out on than a regular ninja 650.
@@kevinnorris6157I agree that everyone is different and some people will be fine starting on a bigger bike but americas system is fucked , 2 day course and people pass it and can go straight to a litre bike if they wanted , it’s just asking for problems , some people will be fine , but I’m sure many have died because of this
Got a GSXR 600. First bike. What you said is what it's all about. My biker friends are impressed. My family shit their pants. Nobody else is riding your bike but you. Ride what ya want. Ride safe and make it home
Not all about maturity. It is about finances, experience, fun.... and much more. Having a cheap and less powerful beginner bike that you can LEARN on is much better than having an expensive powerful one. 1. Small bike + small mistake = small consequences 1.1 Small bike + big mistake = big consequences 2. Big bike + small mistake = big consequences 2.2 Big bike + big mistake = extreme consequences -Small consequences = easy to fix, cheap, no bodily harm. -Big consequences = hard to fix, expensive, some bodily harm. -Extreme consequences = cannot fix, breaks your bank account, handicap or death.
I ride a Z400 kawasaki, at almost 60 years old it suites me fine,been riding on the street for almost 44 years, hap a gsxr 750 new bought new in 1988 and fitted me fine plus a 600 later on and as you get older you learn that you don't need that power that a big inline four has and lightest and maneuverability suites you, and all these young guys calling 400s beginner bikes makes them look like they don't understand motorcycles
Started on a 450ss recently, it does everything I need and want it to do. I want a 600 for commuting to work on the highway, you're 100% fully correct on everything there. I rode dirtbikes for 15-20 years so switching over wasn't difficult as I thought it would be, but for others it may take longer. To each their own, but never more than a 600/650 starting out fresh. You can run out of HP and be okay, but if you run out of skill you may end up a meat crayon doing some road artwork as a warning to others.
I started on a 2012 Ninja 250. I loved wringing it out to redline and going through all the gears. Was plenty competent for highway and freeway overtaking and once I mastered the basics, I started to destroy most of my mates in the twisties on their litre bikes. As a beginner, displacement doesn't matter. The key is to never stop learning ✌🏼
As someone who started on an 1100cc V4 Hypernaked....this is a great video. You made some really great points on why a smaller bike, like a 500, makes senses.
I started on a Ninja 400 and it was an amazing bike. I have a Triumph Street Triple now but I would still have my Ninja if it didn't get stolen. Perfect bike to learn on if you're interested in sports bikes. It's a really good bike to ride around town and to take on twisty roads. You can use the whole powerband without breaking the law. The best thing is if you do decide you want to upgrade, you won't lose too much money as the value on them remains pretty high.
I started on a 109cc and after 1 year I upgraded to 1150 and love it. Starting smaller and getting used to 50mph was worth it. I have no issues with the big bike now
@@fj5434 I’ll be honest . Having never rode anything other than my Honda Navi & upgrading to the bmw R1150Rt the weight was a big difference & Having to be much more conscious of my throttle control. Still use the Navi for city adventures .
Can’t lie DRZ400 is my first bike. It’s cool for me right now. Lots of low end torque, can pass people on the highway & the front wheel just wants to come up. And it’s super customizable. It doesn’t look anything like it did when I bought it.
I agree. For the average rider, you don't need a 600-1000. Mid weight 300s-450s are great as a beginner bike and you'll learn much easier. There's a less aggressive learning curve, and for those who say that your not fast enough on a straight line, then your not doing twisties enough.
I knew before I took the MSF course that I wanted a cruiser of some sort. I found my happy spot on a Kawasaki Vulcan S 650. It’s more a commuter down my main non freeway road at 55-60mph to work. It’s relaxing and doesn’t make you want to go fast. But it’s nimble enough to take decent corners and dodge obstacles that jump out.
In Sweden(And probably mostly Europe i guess since we share alot of the license laws) you need minimum 600cc(at least 50kW and min. 175KG, so most 600+cc bikes) on your exam to take a full motorcycle license. If you do your exam on a bike less than this, you will get another license which basically means your limited to drive motorcycles under 0,2 kW/kg. The reasoning behind this is so that you are educated to drive heavier bikes and don't pull water on your head if you decide to get a bigger engine later on. Therefore most starter bikes here are 600cc.
I think in most european countries, its not the bike that you take your driving test with, its the age that decides your license class. Usually its 16 for 125cc and 15hp 18 for anything with 48 hp and 170kg min. 20 for everything. If you do your first license(so not upgrading from onr to the next) you can only get the greatest license if you're over 24 yrs
everyone should just do them. lots of people start on 600cc and do just fine...used 600's are cheaper and get one kinda beat up so that if you drop it, who cares. I just never seen the point in buying something you dont want just because people are scared for you. I vote live you life the way you want to.
I have 2006 VFR800 and a 2014 cbr650f here in the U.S, but I when I went to the Philippines I ended up buying a suzuki raider r150 there. (its for every time I visit there and stored at my uncles place for safe keeping) I appreciate the size, lightness and tops at 90mph (145kph) to the point that I like this more than my bigger bikes and so addicting, specially during traffic where I could maneuver easily which is most likely almost impossible with much bigger bikes.
In New Zealand, we went from having a Max of 250cc for a very long time, to the power to weight ratio being the big issue as the 250's were starting to get too powerful, after a little more evolution of the rules, we are now allowed up to 660cc and 47hp. and that means alot of restricted and detuned 650's that meet the LAMS rules (learner Approved Motorcycle shit) however, there are big differences in Registration costs for the differing classes, Moped being the cheapest obviously, and then up to 250cc, then up to 600cc and the above 600cc, so for a Restricted & detuned SV650, you are paying the same as for a Hayabusa!, and then because so many people think they want a second hand Learner bike, the purchase price barely drops from the new price... so for me that says Buy new and just deal with loosing $500 when you sell it and buy up! it's not a big loss, but it's an inevitable loss! Personally, a V-strom250SX is a bike that gets you to the places you want to go, without the Congestion being a problem, It's not fast enough to loose your licence in one go, you will be left in the dust by your friends. but If a cop want's to pull over your group, and you are the only one on a small adventure bike, It is easy to say you don't actually know the rest of the group, they just allowed you to join. and as nobody (at least around here) is lunatic on an Adventure bike, just really boring and law abiding. the cops are likely to take you at your word, and as the rest of the group ran from them, a group you are apparently not a part of. the cops will just send you on your way... and your friends will give you respect for keeping the cop busy while they all bolt! It's mostly a win!
I always tell people to buy the smallest bike you can that will accomplish what you want. When I lived in the city, I had a 125cc scooter. When I had to move out to a rural area and rode mostly rural highways, I bought a Kawasaki z400. When I started riding on the interstate 45+ minutes each day for my commute to work, I bought a Honda NC750X. I miss having the light weight of the 125cc. It was so much fun to ride. I like my NC750X once I am moving, but getting that damned thing out of less-than-ideal parking spots like dirt, gravel, damaged pavement, a hill, etc. is not as enjoyable.
I started on a Ninja 650 with 40k miles, only needed 2 months to get competent enough to upgrade to my Indian FTR 1200. I sold the Ninja & even made a little profit after putting on new tires, brakes/rotors & a chain. There are lots of factors each rider should use to calculate what is a good starter bike specifically for them. Each rider has a ton of things to consider so it's really difficult to say "This bike is good for starters, this bike is bad." I still haven't dropped a bike after 4 years but I almost did when learning in parking lots so it's ALWAYS a good idea to start on something that you won't regret dropping. Like you explained, a starter bike is a starter bike for a reason, so you can practice on something that is easier to handle & less regretful to damage to eventually move on to what you really want to ride. In hindsight, yeah, I *could* have started on the FTR but would that have been a wise decision? Probably not.
First off buy what you can afford. Keep in mind insurance and gear as well. Definitely don't go too cheap on a helmet. I started on a 19' ninja 400 because at the time that's what i could afford new( i wanted new). 2 yrs 9 months later i bought me a new 2022 zx6r. I still own it and still love it. That 400 was a great building block to develop my skill. Wish I didn't trade it in though. I miss it... lol
Excited to enter the world of bikes but I would likely use the bike almost 80-90% on smaller highways (~65-70mph), concerned if the ninja 400 is enough but also hesitant about going up in size.
The 400 will run at 6.7kRPM at 70mph in 6th gear, which is just over halfway through the RPM band. Comfortable and easy. The wind at 70mph is not bad, with fairings and windscreen, it’s a lot better than beginner cruisers. It’s only above 90mph where it gets really uncomfortable. You would be closer to 5k-6k RPM and on a twin cylinder 650 at 70mph. So a little more mellow. Midway through RPMs is a sweet spot for cruising on bikes. Though the 650 will be more comfortable above 80 mph. If you’re not going 90mph, think about your budget. Definitely try and sit on different bikes. Even with weight differences, their center of gravity can feel different. Welcome to biking!
Many new riders change bike after a year or two. To get a bike suited for the type of riding they actually do. So first bike isn't that important. Weight. Common drops are at stand still. Easier to get a light bike up again. Power. On a bigger bike you have to be good at throttle control to use its capabilities. Cruising speed. Living in a country with 75 Mph max. highway speed. Even a 300 can do it for hours. Acceleration. For going off the red lights and passing other vehicles more power is better. Ergonomics. The smaller bike is often more comfortable under 60. A more upright position is better in cities. Track days. A small bike is fun in the curves overtaking bigger bikes. A big bike is funnier on the straights. You can brake surprisingly late on a small bike. Economics. You can get lots of beer for the price difference. Conclusion. Don't bother with what other think. Buy the bike you want. You can have fun whatever you choose. Personally happy with a road going Ninja 300 to complement the race bikes.
250s do fine on the highway. There are plenty of videos proving this. Yeah, you won't be going 100mph but you can definitely use a 250 for short highway commutes. Hell, in most of the world 250 is a pretty common touring bike size. 400s and 600s are not the only choice for beginners. There are many, many riders that stay on 250s-400s forever. It always depends on the rider's goals and use case.
The mentality of 600cc bikes being beginner bikes is definitely outdated. That came from 30 or so years ago when 600s were much slower than they are today. The modern 600s are way too fast for an inexperienced rider with a heavy throttle hand.
Start on a bike with disc brakes, start on a bike w a slightly lower seat height and lowest curb weight. Start on a bike w handlebars not clip ons. Should not be in an aggressive jockey position with extreme bends in legs and high foot peg position. Should not be very stretched out with significant weight and pressure on arms and shoulders. A sport bike position causes limits on peripheral vision, a more upright riding position allows better visibility and and more control. Aggressive body position is a bad start. Stopping, starting, braking, more not less rider mobility and vision is better for new riders, displacement of the bike is not as important as training and practice
I wrapped my cbr600f3 around a pole a few days ago. Escaped without any major injuries, somehow. It was 34hp registerd, but had about 102 irl. I am going back to an A2 bike if I am gonna ride again. I need to count my blessings and not build the statistics of 20 year olds on motorcycles...
Oh wow. 😮 Glad you’re ok. That could have been so much worse. I hope you’re able to get another bike and get back on the road. Live and learn. Life is full of ups and downs like that. Most everyone on two wheels has had some kind of incident. Best of luck! Ride safe ✌️
That’s pretty badass though. 125 on the highway takes some grit and dedication. Id be nervous, but I tip my hat to you. Watch out for the insane cagers trying to run you off the road ✌️
I'd refer to it is a twin or 4 cylinder. No one should start on a 600, but a 650/500 is alright. And a new rider won't know the difference between a 650 or 600
Im buying an xsr900 (power wise equal to cbr600rr) becasue i outright refuse to spend *thousands* of dollars on something i dont want just to learn to make strangers feel better about my saftey.
You make a good point. The 400/500 class is amazing fun. But if you never see yourself riding one, then you already know. There’s no rules, just opinions. I sat on a red and white xsr900 last week. They look and feel like amazing bikes. More comfortable than the MT09. I wish you well.
1. Small bike + small mistake = small consequences 1.1 Small bike + big mistake = big consequences 2. Big bike + small mistake = big consequences 2.2 Big bike + big mistake = extreme consequences -Small consequences = easy to fix, cheap, no bodily harm. -Big consequences = hard to fix, expensive, some bodily harm. -Extreme consequences = cannot fix, breaks your bank account, handicap or death.
If an instructor is telling you to get a 600 after you being able to perform low speed maneuvers in a closed course parking lot, he should not be an instructor.
If you are going to get a bigger beginner bike get a 650, not a 600.
A 600 is a top level bike. 0-60 in 3 1/2 sec, 11 sec qtr mile, 150-160 mph top speed. A more powerful bike than that is for elite riders on the track.
I dont believe in bullshit rider laws like in europe, but lets be real here about these machines. An sv650 type bike is an intermediate bike. A starter bike is something like a cheap single cylinder to learn on, (no freeway riding for lack of power). Then move up to a 400 or 500 2 cylinder, which is plenty fast enough to stay out of danger on any road. After that comes a sv650 type bike, then comes something in like the 100hp range like triumph street triple or sv1000 or honda cb650r, THEN after like 5-7 years of riding comes a 4 cylinder, 600cc, clip on, fully faired greased crotch lightning. Again i dont believe in laws, i’m just giving my veteran opinion
@@kevinnorris6157 I started and was on a TW200 for a couple years before I bought an SV650. I totally get you. I just wanted to point out that a ZX6R is way more dangerous to start out on than a regular ninja 650.
@@EstTheSword AHhh I failed to see the word "bigger" before beginner in your comment. Yes, that's more reasonable
Yeah I have an aprilia RS660 it’s my first bike
@@kevinnorris6157I agree that everyone is different and some people will be fine starting on a bigger bike but americas system is fucked , 2 day course and people pass it and can go straight to a litre bike if they wanted , it’s just asking for problems , some people will be fine , but I’m sure many have died because of this
I started on a 600 its all about having the maturity to not be an idiot
Got a GSXR 600. First bike. What you said is what it's all about.
My biker friends are impressed. My family shit their pants. Nobody else is riding your bike but you. Ride what ya want. Ride safe and make it home
Not all about maturity. It is about finances, experience, fun.... and much more.
Having a cheap and less powerful beginner bike that you can LEARN on is much better than having an expensive powerful one.
1. Small bike + small mistake = small consequences
1.1 Small bike + big mistake = big consequences
2. Big bike + small mistake = big consequences
2.2 Big bike + big mistake = extreme consequences
-Small consequences = easy to fix, cheap, no bodily harm.
-Big consequences = hard to fix, expensive, some bodily harm.
-Extreme consequences = cannot fix, breaks your bank account, handicap or death.
I ride a Z400 kawasaki, at almost 60 years old it suites me fine,been riding on the street for almost 44 years, hap a gsxr 750 new bought new in 1988 and fitted me fine plus a 600 later on and as you get older you learn that you don't need that power that a big inline four has and lightest and maneuverability suites you, and all these young guys calling 400s beginner bikes makes them look like they don't understand motorcycles
Love to hear that! The 4 cylinders are a lot of fun, but not necessarily needed. Ride safe out there. I hope you get many more years in the saddle ✌️
Great video man , I ride a Z400 .. it's my first road bike and it's alot of fun . I'm in no great hurry to upgrade to something bigger !
@@waters-thank you! Enjoy what you got, enjoy every second on the road. You got the right idea. Safe riding ✌️
Started on a 450ss recently, it does everything I need and want it to do. I want a 600 for commuting to work on the highway, you're 100% fully correct on everything there. I rode dirtbikes for 15-20 years so switching over wasn't difficult as I thought it would be, but for others it may take longer. To each their own, but never more than a 600/650 starting out fresh. You can run out of HP and be okay, but if you run out of skill you may end up a meat crayon doing some road artwork as a warning to others.
I started on a 2012 Ninja 250. I loved wringing it out to redline and going through all the gears. Was plenty competent for highway and freeway overtaking and once I mastered the basics, I started to destroy most of my mates in the twisties on their litre bikes. As a beginner, displacement doesn't matter. The key is to never stop learning ✌🏼
As someone who started on an 1100cc V4 Hypernaked....this is a great video. You made some really great points on why a smaller bike, like a 500, makes senses.
I started on a Ninja 400 and it was an amazing bike. I have a Triumph Street Triple now but I would still have my Ninja if it didn't get stolen. Perfect bike to learn on if you're interested in sports bikes. It's a really good bike to ride around town and to take on twisty roads. You can use the whole powerband without breaking the law. The best thing is if you do decide you want to upgrade, you won't lose too much money as the value on them remains pretty high.
I started on a 109cc and after 1 year I upgraded to 1150 and love it. Starting smaller and getting used to 50mph was worth it. I have no issues with the big bike now
How much different was it at first?
@@fj5434 I’ll be honest . Having never rode anything other than my Honda Navi & upgrading to the bmw R1150Rt the weight was a big difference & Having to be much more conscious of my throttle control. Still use the Navi for city adventures .
Can’t lie DRZ400 is my first bike. It’s cool for me right now. Lots of low end torque, can pass people on the highway & the front wheel just wants to come up. And it’s super customizable. It doesn’t look anything like it did when I bought it.
I agree. For the average rider, you don't need a 600-1000. Mid weight 300s-450s are great as a beginner bike and you'll learn much easier. There's a less aggressive learning curve, and for those who say that your not fast enough on a straight line, then your not doing twisties enough.
I knew before I took the MSF course that I wanted a cruiser of some sort. I found my happy spot on a Kawasaki Vulcan S 650. It’s more a commuter down my main non freeway road at 55-60mph to work. It’s relaxing and doesn’t make you want to go fast. But it’s nimble enough to take decent corners and dodge obstacles that jump out.
In Sweden(And probably mostly Europe i guess since we share alot of the license laws) you need minimum 600cc(at least 50kW and min. 175KG, so most 600+cc bikes) on your exam to take a full motorcycle license.
If you do your exam on a bike less than this, you will get another license which basically means your limited to drive motorcycles under 0,2 kW/kg.
The reasoning behind this is so that you are educated to drive heavier bikes and don't pull water on your head if you decide to get a bigger engine later on.
Therefore most starter bikes here are 600cc.
I think in most european countries, its not the bike that you take your driving test with, its the age that decides your license class.
Usually its
16 for 125cc and 15hp
18 for anything with 48 hp and 170kg min.
20 for everything.
If you do your first license(so not upgrading from onr to the next) you can only get the greatest license if you're over 24 yrs
everyone should just do them. lots of people start on 600cc and do just fine...used 600's are cheaper and get one kinda beat up so that if you drop it, who cares. I just never seen the point in buying something you dont want just because people are scared for you. I vote live you life the way you want to.
I have 2006 VFR800 and a 2014 cbr650f here in the U.S, but I when I went to the Philippines I ended up buying a suzuki raider r150 there. (its for every time I visit there and stored at my uncles place for safe keeping) I appreciate the size, lightness and tops at 90mph (145kph) to the point that I like this more than my bigger bikes and so addicting, specially during traffic where I could maneuver easily which is most likely almost impossible with much bigger bikes.
I used a 125 for a state crossing road trip. It did fine.
Dude that’s amazing
In New Zealand, we went from having a Max of 250cc for a very long time, to the power to weight ratio being the big issue as the 250's were starting to get too powerful, after a little more evolution of the rules, we are now allowed up to 660cc and 47hp. and that means alot of restricted and detuned 650's that meet the LAMS rules (learner Approved Motorcycle shit) however, there are big differences in Registration costs for the differing classes, Moped being the cheapest obviously, and then up to 250cc, then up to 600cc and the above 600cc, so for a Restricted & detuned SV650, you are paying the same as for a Hayabusa!,
and then because so many people think they want a second hand Learner bike, the purchase price barely drops from the new price... so for me that says Buy new and just deal with loosing $500 when you sell it and buy up! it's not a big loss, but it's an inevitable loss!
Personally, a V-strom250SX is a bike that gets you to the places you want to go, without the Congestion being a problem, It's not fast enough to loose your licence in one go, you will be left in the dust by your friends. but If a cop want's to pull over your group, and you are the only one on a small adventure bike, It is easy to say you don't actually know the rest of the group, they just allowed you to join. and as nobody (at least around here) is lunatic on an Adventure bike, just really boring and law abiding. the cops are likely to take you at your word, and as the rest of the group ran from them, a group you are apparently not a part of. the cops will just send you on your way... and your friends will give you respect for keeping the cop busy while they all bolt!
It's mostly a win!
I always tell people to buy the smallest bike you can that will accomplish what you want. When I lived in the city, I had a 125cc scooter. When I had to move out to a rural area and rode mostly rural highways, I bought a Kawasaki z400. When I started riding on the interstate 45+ minutes each day for my commute to work, I bought a Honda NC750X. I miss having the light weight of the 125cc. It was so much fun to ride. I like my NC750X once I am moving, but getting that damned thing out of less-than-ideal parking spots like dirt, gravel, damaged pavement, a hill, etc. is not as enjoyable.
I started on a Ninja 650 with 40k miles, only needed 2 months to get competent enough to upgrade to my Indian FTR 1200. I sold the Ninja & even made a little profit after putting on new tires, brakes/rotors & a chain. There are lots of factors each rider should use to calculate what is a good starter bike specifically for them. Each rider has a ton of things to consider so it's really difficult to say "This bike is good for starters, this bike is bad." I still haven't dropped a bike after 4 years but I almost did when learning in parking lots so it's ALWAYS a good idea to start on something that you won't regret dropping. Like you explained, a starter bike is a starter bike for a reason, so you can practice on something that is easier to handle & less regretful to damage to eventually move on to what you really want to ride. In hindsight, yeah, I *could* have started on the FTR but would that have been a wise decision? Probably not.
First off buy what you can afford. Keep in mind insurance and gear as well. Definitely don't go too cheap on a helmet. I started on a 19' ninja 400 because at the time that's what i could afford new( i wanted new). 2 yrs 9 months later i bought me a new 2022 zx6r. I still own it and still love it. That 400 was a great building block to develop my skill. Wish I didn't trade it in though. I miss it... lol
Nicely edited video. And good scenery. U also didnt move your head all over the place while u recorded.
I agree with everything u said in the vid
Thank you 🙏
I started on a CBR300 now am riding a 2020 Suzuki Katana which is a 1000. Even slow bikes are faster than cars and a lot of fun.
Excited to enter the world of bikes but I would likely use the bike almost 80-90% on smaller highways (~65-70mph), concerned if the ninja 400 is enough but also hesitant about going up in size.
The 400 will run at 6.7kRPM at 70mph in 6th gear, which is just over halfway through the RPM band. Comfortable and easy. The wind at 70mph is not bad, with fairings and windscreen, it’s a lot better than beginner cruisers. It’s only above 90mph where it gets really uncomfortable. You would be closer to 5k-6k RPM and on a twin cylinder 650 at 70mph. So a little more mellow. Midway through RPMs is a sweet spot for cruising on bikes. Though the 650 will be more comfortable above 80 mph. If you’re not going 90mph, think about your budget. Definitely try and sit on different bikes. Even with weight differences, their center of gravity can feel different. Welcome to biking!
If you can afford 600 definitely just take it Hella easy at 1st and be ready for the worse and let the learning begin.
Many new riders change bike after a year or two. To get a bike suited for the type of riding they actually do. So first bike isn't that important.
Weight. Common drops are at stand still. Easier to get a light bike up again.
Power. On a bigger bike you have to be good at throttle control to use its capabilities.
Cruising speed. Living in a country with 75 Mph max. highway speed. Even a 300 can do it for hours.
Acceleration. For going off the red lights and passing other vehicles more power is better.
Ergonomics. The smaller bike is often more comfortable under 60. A more upright position is better in cities.
Track days. A small bike is fun in the curves overtaking bigger bikes. A big bike is funnier on the straights. You can brake surprisingly late on a small bike.
Economics. You can get lots of beer for the price difference.
Conclusion. Don't bother with what other think. Buy the bike you want. You can have fun whatever you choose.
Personally happy with a road going Ninja 300 to complement the race bikes.
The new Kawasaki ZX4 Ninja has an inline 4.
That bike is a bit more of a boutique luxury 400 than a starter bike. Though if someone has a ton of money, it would make a very enjoyable first bike.
400rr has as much power as a R7 with exhaust and tune. Can get to about 80 rwp. Not exactly a starter bike but does make you work for the power.
250s do fine on the highway. There are plenty of videos proving this. Yeah, you won't be going 100mph but you can definitely use a 250 for short highway commutes. Hell, in most of the world 250 is a pretty common touring bike size. 400s and 600s are not the only choice for beginners. There are many, many riders that stay on 250s-400s forever. It always depends on the rider's goals and use case.
The mentality of 600cc bikes being beginner bikes is definitely outdated. That came from 30 or so years ago when 600s were much slower than they are today. The modern 600s are way too fast for an inexperienced rider with a heavy throttle hand.
Small bore bikes, and back roads all the way!
Start on a bike with disc brakes, start on a bike w a slightly lower seat height and lowest curb weight. Start on a bike w handlebars not clip ons. Should not be in an aggressive jockey position with extreme bends in legs and high foot peg position. Should not be very stretched out with significant weight and pressure on arms and shoulders. A sport bike position causes limits on peripheral vision, a more upright riding position allows better visibility and and more control. Aggressive body position is a bad start. Stopping, starting, braking, more not less rider mobility and vision is better for new riders, displacement of the bike is not as important as training and practice
I wrapped my cbr600f3 around a pole a few days ago. Escaped without any major injuries, somehow. It was 34hp registerd, but had about 102 irl. I am going back to an A2 bike if I am gonna ride again. I need to count my blessings and not build the statistics of 20 year olds on motorcycles...
Oh wow. 😮 Glad you’re ok. That could have been so much worse. I hope you’re able to get another bike and get back on the road. Live and learn. Life is full of ups and downs like that. Most everyone on two wheels has had some kind of incident. Best of luck! Ride safe ✌️
If i take a 125 on the fucking highway, you can get a 250 on a highway
That’s pretty badass though. 125 on the highway takes some grit and dedication. Id be nervous, but I tip my hat to you. Watch out for the insane cagers trying to run you off the road ✌️
I'd refer to it is a twin or 4 cylinder. No one should start on a 600, but a 650/500 is alright. And a new rider won't know the difference between a 650 or 600
Why not both and take a 1000?
650 is the absolute perfect beginner bike.
Im buying an xsr900 (power wise equal to cbr600rr) becasue i outright refuse to spend *thousands* of dollars on something i dont want just to learn to make strangers feel better about my saftey.
You make a good point. The 400/500 class is amazing fun. But if you never see yourself riding one, then you already know. There’s no rules, just opinions. I sat on a red and white xsr900 last week. They look and feel like amazing bikes. More comfortable than the MT09. I wish you well.
1. Small bike + small mistake = small consequences
1.1 Small bike + big mistake = big consequences
2. Big bike + small mistake = big consequences
2.2 Big bike + big mistake = extreme consequences
-Small consequences = easy to fix, cheap, no bodily harm.
-Big consequences = hard to fix, expensive, some bodily harm.
-Extreme consequences = cannot fix, breaks your bank account, handicap or death.
650cc or fewer AND less than 4 pistons.
most modern 300s will do 100mph all day long. cheap ones will do 100 if needed. thats enough for the highway
When you started I’m sure they had 650s also
Stop riding the fence…..
Just get the 500👍🏼
track a 300/400cc daily a 1000 👍
Sv650