Advice on big bike ...

huskie69 · Spanner Monkey Joined: 10 Nov 2010 Karma :

Hi All

I'm currently riding on my CBT but hoping to go for my full license in Feb/March next year.

I was in my local bike dealers on Friday and had a quick nosey around some of the proper bikes. They're a hell of a lot bigger than my tiny 125 and was wondering how shorter guys managed on these machines - I'm 5'10 and most of them look like they're made for giants!

On the way out, a black Suzuki SV650 caught my eye - it seemed a reasonable size and I liked the look of it (and it's in my price range).

I can't afford to spend mcuh more than 2k - can't remeber what plate this was but it seemed fairly new.

Would this be a good choice for a new rider? If not, any other recommendations?

Imonster · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Oct 2006 Karma :

Though they look big, most bikes feel a lot smaller once you're actually sitting on them - I'm 5'10" myself, and don't have an issue with most models. When you're riding them, the weight goes away too.
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Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

SV650 is the default 'first big bike' so would be a fine choice.

huskie69 · Spanner Monkey Joined: 10 Nov 2010 Karma :

pinkyfloyd · Super Spammer Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Karma :

You'll love the V twin. I'm sure our Tonka will be able to confirm that the ride is comfy, the torque is great in mid range even if the top end isnt as fast as an inline 4 and the engine braking is fantastic. Not to mention the noise they make!

As for the height I'm 5'5 and a half and ride a VTR1000 and Tonks is is shorter than me and she rides an SV.

For a new rider they are great. They arent flat out sports bikes and arent as fast but they are more forgiving.

As the above said, You dont notice the weight of them when your sitting on them. Best advice I can give is make sure your foot is on the floor and dont lean the buggers over too much when stopped. If they start going then they are hard to right when they have passed their centre of gravity.
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huskie69 · Spanner Monkey Joined: 10 Nov 2010 Karma :

Nice one.

I've also noticed in a lot of members sigs that they've got a 125 as well as other big bikes. Is it the norm to hold onto your 125s, maybe for commuting or better mpg etc?

... · Brolly Dolly Joined: 12 Oct 2009 Karma :

I'm 5 foot 8, and my mates SV650 feels fine.

huskie69 · Spanner Monkey Joined: 10 Nov 2010 Karma :

Are there any other starter bikes I should be considering (in my price bracket).

I've seen quite a few cheap bikes on eBay - Honda fireblades for example but after seeing how powerful these are, I can imagine the insurance would be through the roof.

jamR · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 30 Dec 2009 Karma :

im about 5.7 and i ride an er6-f and tbh its comfier and easier to reach the ground than my cbf125

stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

pinkyfloyd · Super Spammer Joined: 20 Jul 2010 Karma :

huskie69 · Spanner Monkey Joined: 10 Nov 2010 Karma :

Well, that makes complete sense. I'm fortuante enough that I have a bit of space to store an extra bike so I might just hold onto my 125 if and when I get my full licence. I've had a few problems with the 125 as it is and have had that dreaded feeling of being stranded on a few occassions due to it being my only form of transport (after I got rid of the car!)

Would also be a handy learner bike for the missus as she intends to take up riding too.

Polarbear · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2007 Karma :

nokiakeys · Token Joined: 05 Oct 2010 Karma :

I was going to go for the SV650, but my bosses mate was selling his CB600 with only 6k on the clock and it felt better than the SV650 so snap it up.

But what's funny is that my cbf125 (sold it 3 weeks ago Crying or Very sad

) was actually higher than the CB, but it feels better being closer to the ground
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CaNsA · Super Spammer Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Karma :

Advice?

dont drop it....

Burnside · Spanner Monkey Joined: 29 Sep 2007 Karma :

Its not so much height but leg length that might be an issue - I'm 5'3" with a 28" leg but can manage fine on my sv650. Other naked bikes I've tried and would be happy with: er5, er6, xjs 600 etc,

Bikes with clip on bars are a problem for me - I feel I'm leaning too far over the tank and wouldn't have enough leg to reach the ground at the lights.
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Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

And you can't go by listed seat heights, you have to actually try individual bikes. The SV650 apparently has an 800mm seat height compared to the Bandit 650's 790mm, but I found a (note "a", not necessarily all) 2008 SV650 to be more comfortable for my stumpy Scotch legs than a particular 2009 Bandit. Sit and see.

Kal · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Jan 2007 Karma :

SV650 - good first bike

CBR1000 - bad first bike

I wouldn't even recomend a CBR600F as a first bike, for the better part of the decade it was Hondas flagship supersports bike and still doesnt put out a lot less power than the RR.
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clarkkent1987... · L Plate Warrior Joined: 21 Dec 2010 Karma :

Me either won't recommend CBR1000 for beginners. A 1000 is ruthless as a 600 or less cc motorcycle. It's very fast for beginners. And I don't even think that 1000 cc motorcycle can be handled easily by the beginners. You better take the MSF course and master the skills that you need as a biker. Then, you can choose Ducati Monster 620, SV 650, or a Yahama Star 650 which has a lower seat good for short legged rider. Good luck! Cool

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iooi · Super Spammer Joined: 14 Jan 2007 Karma :

Villers · World Chat Champion Joined: 13 Sep 2004 Karma :

Don't forget that as time goes on your confidence will grow too. I remember when I went to buy my 125 and it seemed big (RS125) but 9 years down the line they look tiny to me. I also remember looking at 600's and thinking how on earth any mere mortal could get on it, let alone ride it!

Im just slightly shorter than you, if you look at my sig you'll see Ive had a few big bikes ranging from my lightweight 125 to a big heavy 1300cc suzuki. I couldnt have managed the weight of the Hayabusa 9 years ago but from riding different bikes and getting confident I grew to be able to cope without problems. Im only slight build too so not very strong.

My current bike is the tallest Ive had and I can only either have 1 foot on the floor or tippy toes. Can be awkward at times but you learn to live with it!

Best of luck with whatever you choose, I liked my SV650 but eventually found it a bit bland and cheap but for its price it was a good bike I guess. I had a CBR6 as my first big bike and ended up on my arse a couple of times, although speed and power werent really involved to be fair it could be a handful of a bike for a beginner! Wink

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RS125 > CBR6 > SV650S > ZX636R > GSX1300RZ Hayabusa > 06 RSVR Mille > SV1000S > Street Triple 765 RS