Anyone here have or know about street bikes? Thinking about getting one.

[SaltyNuts]

I loved riding motorcycles as a kid, my other brother had a few dirt bikes (one was an Yamaha "enduro" which was both a dirt and street bike). I've always wanted to get one for the street, but also been too risk adverse to get one. But I am a "living on the edge" kind of guy, I have to let that hang out. I would love to get one, even if I only ride it around the neighborhood and to get groceries close by and stuff like that, no freeway.

Anyone have one or know about them? What is a good starter bike? Brand and size engine. I'm thinking 250 is too small. Maybe a 400? 650? I know anything over 650 is too big for a starter bike, too much power.

Open to all suggestions and discussion!

Thanks!!!

 

[Ken g6]

You say you're looking for some good "starter" motorized bikes? Here you go.

 

[Charmonium]

I recommend this one. Will try to do an unboxing.

NEW InMotion L9 Electric Scooter — INMOTION USA

Max Speed: 18.6 mph (adjustable in app) Max Range: 59 miles Motor: 500 W brushless tuned for stable performance Tires: 10 inch, tubeless air-filled front and rear

www.myinmotion.com

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

They make good hood ornaments.

 

[brianmanahan]

paging dr cheez

 

[deadlyapp]

I'll give you perhaps a real answer. The entry level sport bikes are all about 300cc or so now, such as the CBR300 or Ninja 400. Both of those should be more than enough to do everything other than going 140MPH + depending on your weight.

I started on a 250 and it was fine (I was probably about 210-220lb) but I outgrew it and got a 750 after about a year or so.

Before you buy a bike, make sure you take a motorcycle class again to relearn the basics.

Other option is to find a hybrid bike like the SV650 (not sure if they make them anymore) which are generally a little "tuned down" so despite the large engine they don't behave like a 600cc sport bike.

 

[Captante]

This is the bike I last owned. (not mine pictured)

Suzuki GSF 1200s Bandit (2000)


This would however be an extremely poor choice as a "starter" bike since it was big, heavy and fast. Not a "hand-full" like a GSX or Hayabusa but way too much for a beginning rider. (unless you want to die)

 

[Captante]

Kawasaki Ninja 250R (2007)

Something like this would be perfect to learn/re-learn on.

 

[repoman0]

I've been tempted to get back into it too lately. I used to own a 2003 SV650 and think I'd just buy another. Bought it for $2500, sold for $2500 a few years later.

 

[Captante]

My brother had one of these... still great bikes if you can fine one in good shape!

Honda CX 500 Deluxe (1979) Shaft-drive and liquid-cooled!

 

[SaltyNuts]

Thank you everyone, especially Captante and deadlyapp!

So as far as engine size goes, I really think a 250cc is too small, I feel like I would want to upgrade it right away.

So then it comes down to the 400cc class versus a 650cc class. Anyone have any thoughts on which class would be better to start with? Again, I don't want to get a bike just to be disappointed it doesn't have the power to really thrill me then feel the need to go out and buy a second one. But maybe a 400 is plenty quick. I've been watching a bunch of videos in the 400cc'ish class and it seems like in that class maybe the two strongest contenders are the Ninja 400 and the Yamaha R3 - thoughts?

I'm a big strong guy if that matters btw, 250 pounds ripped and can bench press a small Volkswagen with relative ease. So I don't think the 650cc bikes being heaver than the 400cc bikes would really bother me, its more about a "would the 650 cc bikes have enough power to get me killed early on because I lack experience riding bikes" kind of thing.

Oh, and I definitely want a new bike, and a "street" bike with the windshields and stuff - not those naked ones. The cool looking ones like the first 2 Captante posted.

Thanks!!!

 

[Captante]

That Ninja 250 will wheelie and hit 120 mph easily plus they are a blast to ride even for experienced riders PLUS they handle really well and are easy to get out of trouble on.

In fact about the only negative is that due to the above finding one can be tough... re-selling one however is super-easy if say you wanted to upgrade later.

The number one mistake people make when starting out (or getting back into) riding is a bike that's too powerful for their ability... don't be a statistic.

 

[deadlyapp]

Anything from a 250-400 will have plenty of up-front acceleration for you to feel "thrilled". The higher the CC really the big benefit is giving you more capabilities on the top end in addition to a bit better gearing (eg you don't have to be riding at like 5000+ RPM to go 65).

At 250 lb (even doubting your self proclaimed muscle) I would lean more towards a 400-500cc bike over a 250-300, or a hybrid style 600 class.

 

[Captante]

Anything from a 250-400 will have plenty of up-front acceleration for you to feel "thrilled". The higher the CC really the big benefit is giving you more capabilities on the top end in addition to a bit better gearing (eg you don't have to be riding at like 5000+ RPM to go 65).

At 250 lb (even doubting your self proclaimed muscle) I would lean more towards a 400-500cc bike over a 250-300, or a hybrid style 600 class.

I disagree about the Ninja I linked having ridden around on one that belonged to a friend back when I was a fat-a$$ (for me) 240lbs. That thing was faster then the Suzuki GS450 I had for my second road bike and 10x more fun to ride.

The only other issue that comes to mind is that on the highway the 250 WILL be a bit unstable. *(think: a leaf on the breeze!) The additional weight of a 500cc class bike could be a real plus in those situations so you don't get blown around as much.

Thing about getting into newer 650cc class bikes is that they can be insanely powerful AND are also extremely light-weight making it super-easy for an inexperienced rider to get in over their head. (thus becoming an organ-donor)

The 2021 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R pictured below is substantially faster then my old 1200cc Suzuki Bandit and weighs in at a svelt 426lbs!

 

[sdifox]

I think op should find a Honda C50 Super Cub, that is about all he can handle.

 

[SaltyNuts]

Damn Captante, that Ninja ZX-6R looks like its 638cc, I assume that thing HAULS ASS and is not good for me for a starter bike?

If that is right, it sounds like one thing you guys are agreeing on that if I want a pure sport bike I should get one in the 400cc range (or less), NOT in the 650cc range. That sure would save me some money, the 650cc ones seem to be almost double (like around $10k just very generally) the 400 or less cc ones (some of which can even come in under $5k, but most right around or above $5k I think).

Thanks!!

 

[Saylick]

Given your size/weight and earlier experience with motorcycles already, I'd recommend a 650-cc class bike and not a 600cc supersport - those are way faster and require more throttle control. Yamaha's MT07, R7, or anything with their CP2 engine fits within this category. Kawasaki has their Ninja 650, and Suzuki has their SV650. All are excellent motorcycles.

I personally started on and still ride my 2nd gen SV650. I am much lighter than you and did not have prior motorcycle riding experience outside of passing the MSF course twice (once a long time ago for kicks and giggles, and another time more recently just before buying my bike), but I did not have any big issues learning on this bike. I do NOT think a 650-cc bike (70-80 HP) is too much power. Power delivery should be linear so there's no surprises as long as you have proper throttle control. For what it's worth, I usually keep my RPMs under 6000 so the power output is capped at what's likely only 40-50 bhp at the wheel. Anything higher than 6000 is reserved for overtaking or merging onto freeways, and having the extra power on tap is nice.

 

[Fenixgoon]

Given your size/weight and earlier experience with motorcycles already, I'd recommend a 650-cc class bike and not a 600cc supersport - those are way faster and require more throttle control. Yamaha's MT07, R7, or anything with their CP2 engine fits within this category. Kawasaki has their Ninja 650, and Suzuki has their SV650. All are excellent motorcycles.

I personally started on and still ride my 2nd gen SV650. I am much lighter than you and did not have prior motorcycle riding experience outside of passing the MSF course twice (once a long time ago for kicks and giggles, and another time more recently just before buying my bike), but I did not have any big issues learning on this bike. I do NOT think a 650-cc bike (70-80 HP) is too much power. Power delivery should be linear so there's no surprises as long as you have proper throttle control. For what it's worth, I usually keep my RPMs under 6000 so the power output is capped at what's likely only 40-50 bhp at the wheel. Anything higher than 6000 is reserved for overtaking or merging onto freeways, and having the extra power on tap is nice.

agreed, a 650cc two cylinder is the upper end. SV650's have plenty of power to get in trouble but have very predictable power delivery. hell, they're one of the most popular entry level race bikes for amateur and semi-pro racers.

Ninja 250/300/500/650 - cant go wrong with anything here
Yamaha FZ6R - this is an entry level 4cyl bike, only about 60hp, comparable to an SV650. very linear, but still plenty of power.
honda has a CBR500 i believe that is more street-oriented

do not get a 600cc supersport class bike - yamaha R6, ZX6R, GSXR600, or CBR600. these are race bikes that are street legal, and they're designed accordingly. the engines will be tuned to operate at peak power - 10,000rpm+ - as opposed to chilling out at freeway-friendly RPMs.

 

[SaltyNuts]

Thanks a ton guys. Interesting, I guess I hadn't realized there were different classes of pure street bike, in my mind there was always dirt, street and "enduro" or hybrids that could do both.

So is there a word for "street" bikes that are not "superstreet"? Will they just say "street" or something else possibly?

Kawa Ninjas, check.

SV-650 - not liking the look of that, does not have the stuff added on that makes it look sleek (windshield and what not) - looks like a dirt bike on the street almost.

Yamaha FZ6R - good looking bike, but are we sure this is not a super-street? When I type it into google the first link has a super street reference.

CBR 500 - check!

Thanks!!

 

[Cerpin Taxt]

My brother had one of these... still great bikes if you can fine one in good shape!

Honda CX 500 Deluxe (1979) Shaft-drive and liquid-cooled!

Mine is a 1981 Custom and I got it for all of $1400 from the original owner about 5 years ago.

 

[SaltyNuts]

Is a Yamaha YZF-R7 a super sport or a normal street bike that might be a good one?

https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/supersport/models/yzf-r7

 

[deadlyapp]

Is a Yamaha YZF-R7 a super sport or a normal street bike that might be a good one?

https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/supersport/models/yzf-r7

Any of the R series over 600CC would not be good starter bikes. Many a squids have been created.

 

[Saylick]

Is a Yamaha YZF-R7 a super sport or a normal street bike that might be a good one?

https://www.yamahamotorsports.com/supersport/models/yzf-r7

It's basically an MT07 with fairings, a windscreen, and more aggressive ergonomics (i.e. you're leaned over more for that sporty position). There's probably a better suspension as well, but the engine is largely the same as the MT07, which is their street bike. I do not believe they changed the cams or engine mapping so power delivery should be relatively linear and not like a true supersport bike such as their R6. If I were in your shoes, I would not go with an R7 due the ergonomics. If you want a street bike, get a street bike. Hunching over for long periods of time, as one would be on a sporty bike, gets annoying.

 

[Denly]

My brother had one of these... still great bikes if you can fine one in good shape!

Honda CX 500 Deluxe (1979) Shaft-drive and liquid-cooled!

Good luck finding one.

 

[Denly]

Mine is a 1981 Custom and I got it for all of $1400 from the original owner about 5 years ago.

View attachment 54855

I picked up a 84 250c, any tip on maintence it?