HI. Bike NOOB Here :)

[Tracker400]

Hi Everyone

I'm looking at getting a bike over the next few months and have a few questions.

I'm wanting to go the DAS route but have never owned a bike. I have dabbled on my cousins Motocross but no more than that.

I am 22 and been driving a car for just over 5 years now. Being just over 6'2" I was wondering what a suitable bike would be after passing DAS? I'm not wanting a really fast bike or anything like that just something for me to build my confidence on, but still not crapy of course The only thing I was worried about is that smaller engined bikes 125/250cc would be too small for me.

Another question I have is what sort of clothing/gear should I be looking for?

Sorry for the noob questions.

Many Thanks

Rob

[swampy]

Hey Rob welcome aboard

If you're doing your DAS, theres no real point getting a 125 or 250 (unless you like that kinda thing) as the point is you will be unrestricted as to what cc of bike you can ride.

A lot of people (myself included) go for a 500cc commuter style bike after their test. Fast enough for most things and a good learning platform for moving upwards, which is what I have done. That said, loads of people go for 600cc race reps, choice is yours really.

In terms of gear, youd be looking at a minimum of a decent helmet, a jacket, gloves and boots (dont have to be special bike boots, but something with decent ankle support).
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"I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me." Hunter S Thompson
"Faster, faster, faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death..." Hunter S Thompson

[metalangel]

I was similar to you when I started (same height, a few years older) and best thing to do is ask your instructors! They can give you some pointers.

Once you've gotten some time in with the school bikes, you should go to a good local bike shop to have a look at the gear. Helmets are different for each person, price is secondary to comfort and fit. Textiles are probably the best clothing for sheer versatility - again, the bike shop will be able to advise on what fits you best both in terms of comfort and wallet. You want armour pads in the important areas (shoulders, elbows, knees, back) and also removable liners (take 'em out in the summer so you don't boil). If you get matching jacket and pants you can often zip them together. Decent boots and gloves are a must too. See if you can get a discount because you're buying all the stuff together!

As for bikes, you need to sit on them and see what you find comfortable. I had a CB500 when I first passed and while it was a great bike, it was a bit too small for me. I got an SV650 and felt really cramped on it, the Fazer suits me a lot better so because of your height consider something like a Fazer, Bandit or Hornet with a more upright riding position. A 600cc will provide plenty of power without being overwhelmingly fast.

Saying that, though, there's nothing wrong with a 250, they will happily propel you along at motorway speeds without screaming their guts out like a 125 will. Again, though, you need to make sure you fit comfortably onto it.

Hope this helps!
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Previous: 2002 Honda CB500 (sold), 2007 Suzuki SV650SK6 (crashed), 2005 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer (sold). Currently bikeless
"A faired bike will get you 10x more clunge than a unfaired one." -Marlboro Matt

[Tracker400]

Cheers for the info guys.

I have been looking at the Hornet and Fazer recently and like the look of them both, will have to pop to a shop and have a look. Thanks for the info on gear also.

It's going to be an expensive couple of months

Rob

[metalangel]

Yup. I think that was the single most expensive day ever for me (short of buying a car) cos I bought the CB500 and a full set of gear in one exciting afternoon.

The thing I found most cramped (and others have said this too) on the SV was my wrists, followed by my knees, so bear that in mind when you sit on some machines.
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Previous: 2002 Honda CB500 (sold), 2007 Suzuki SV650SK6 (crashed), 2005 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer (sold). Currently bikeless
"A faired bike will get you 10x more clunge than a unfaired one." -Marlboro Matt

[deanoet]

There are loads of bikes to choose from
Go to Bike Trader, set an imaginary budget and have a look through. When you have some you like go to the respective dealers and sit on them, see them in the flesh

An immediate one to consider would be the Bandit. Suzuki's answer to the Hornet and they are usually cheaper as well (some would argue at the cost of build quality). The triumph speed triple is nice as well if you have the cash.
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CBT Passed 18th July 2007 : Previous Bikes> CG125 : Current Bike> Hornet 600 : PASSED DAS 30th Oct 2007
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[ollieholt]

im 6'3'' and i had the same worries. i went for an fzs600 fazer. im all leg and this bike fits me perfectly. some of the other 'starter' bikes i.e. bandit hornet er5 cb5's were all just a bit too tight, i even found some seats designed by fools pushed my bollox into the tank (er5) just have a sit on a few, read reveiws make a shortlist and take your pic. remember to get this bit right, nothing worse then spending a fortune only to find you dont fit or that you dont like its looks etc good luck ull be fine get your DAS and get on the road

[metalangel]

MCN's bike review pages are extremely valuable for researching your choices... just avoid going into the news section by accident.
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Previous: 2002 Honda CB500 (sold), 2007 Suzuki SV650SK6 (crashed), 2005 Yamaha FZ6 Fazer (sold). Currently bikeless
"A faired bike will get you 10x more clunge than a unfaired one." -Marlboro Matt

[stephennorman...]

im six foot two and my bandit seems to fit me good

[stephennorman...]

im six foot two and my bandit seems to fit me good

[Clanger]

Best to read through other posts...these topics have been covered over and over and over again... ones like this: https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=194609&highlight=tdm may help you a lot.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss