Greetings. I am new to the riding world, well hope to be new soon. But I have a question about buying a motorcycle.

I have been looking online but everything that isn't a dirt bike is priced over 3000$ In fact the cheapest bike I can find is a KAWASAKI GPZ 750 but being a new rider I don't think I should be buying a bike that strong. Does anyone know where I can find a bike that costs quite a bit less?

I don't know if she still has it, but there is a great beginner bike listed in the SMA classifieds:

Click Here to See It

Other than that, I would keep an eye on http://www.usedregina.com. I know I saw some reasonably priced bikes on there earlier in the year, I'm not sure what's on there now though.

Anyways, welcome to the site and welcome to riding. If you've never taken the Motorcycle Safety Course - I would highly encourage you to take it - it may very well save your life. It is well worth the money!

Catch ya around...<br><br>Post edited by: Kevin, at: 2007/05/16 19:13

Joel, Welcome!
I know a fellow that has a Suzuki GT-350, 3 cylinder, two stroke bike for sale. He has put some new parts into it and says it is a good runner but may need the points adjusted. If this interests you, let me know and I can email you some pics. Not too sure on price, but I think it would be reasonable. Brian.

Thanks for the help guys! I did some looking around on Used Regina, but everything that interests me is 600 or 750, and even though I'm physically strong, I understand that these are still not recommend for newbies. The GT-350 slightly interests me, but I'm wanting a sports bike instead, but it is an option. If you could send me some pictures and a way to contact the owner if I am interested that would be great.

And yeah, I am going to try to take the Motorcycle Safety Course if I am able to get a bike and it fits my currently hectic schedule.

Again thanks guys.

EDIT ----
Can I get some advice on this bike: http://www.usedregina.com/classified-ad/3043052&amp;category=motorcycles-under-1000cc

It's in my price range and the guy lists it as a great beginner's bike, but he's probably just trying to sell it to a newbie like me who doesn't have much of a clue. Is it a bike I should consider, or is it out of my league?<br><br>Post edited by: Joel, at: 2007/05/16 22:17

Joel, I will try to get some pics and get them to you in the next couple of days. Brian.

Thanks. That would be a great help.

Sorry, wrong link above http://www.usedregina.com/classified-ad/3073593&amp;category=motorcycles-under-1000cc
is what I meant.<br><br>Post edited by: Joel, at: 2007/05/16 23:02

Hey Joel;

I really commend you for wanting a bike that will &quot;fit&quot; you as a new rider rather than just buying the first bike you like the looks of and that you can afford.

The bike you linked to on usedregina - the CBR600 - is a bike that many people consider a great beginner bike. One of the main reasons people think that is because 600cc is one of the smallest sportbikes out there that is readily available. There are 400cc &amp; 450cc sportbikes out there but they are few and far between. I personally think that a 600cc sportbike is not an ideal beginner bike.

I would personally recommend riding a cruiser styled bike this year, get comfortable with riding then upgrade to a sportbike when you feel ready. The reason is that it is alot easier (and cheaper) to find a smaller motorcycle in that genre and also because if you dump a cruiser - you don't have to worry about all the plastics and fairings. (And we've all dumped our first bike at least once - even if it was just at a standstill)

That's just my opinion...happy hunting!

Kevin

I just remembered that SMA has a couple articles debating 600cc sportbikes as beginner bikes...might be good for a read

http://www.saskma.com/content/view/231/56/
http://www.saskma.com/content/view/232/6/

Thank for the advice on getting a bike. It seams like everyone I know who had a bike recommends something below a 600 for a first bike. I'll see what this GT-350 looks like but I also found a Honda Hawk 400 that I am going to look into.

This small bike story is not gospel. If you are starting on something bigger you must use your head. Read MATURITY. If you take it easy and realize you don't have to use the bike to it's full potential it is possible to learn on a bike that is more than what is considered a beginner bike. Important factors when learning in my opinion is having a bike that allows you to put your feet on the ground and is light enough to be picked up when you drop it. The point about the cruiser style is a good one as they are more likely to survive the fall to the pavement with out the need for costly repairs. This style of bike will also give you a lower seat height providing the stability and control you want.

So I never did end up buying a bike. But with a fresh amount of funds building up, I'm on the search. So keep an eye out for a smaller bike, preferably 400cc, and give me a shout if you see one for sale.
Thanks.