Best Beginner Bike

soulja90 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 15 Aug 2004 Karma :

Hello Guys,

My brother recently got into the sports biking thing. Obviously cuz his friends are getting into it. To my knowledge, a good beginner bike would be a suzuki gxr 600 (or was it 400?). He's thinking about Honda and even Yamaha . What do you guys recommend for someone who doesnt know anything about biking but wants to get one cuz their friends are lol? Thanks!

Melissa Cross
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MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Stick with a 400,

A GSXR600 is way too much for a beginner really, and if you desperatley want a 600 it is probably better to go for something less sporty like a Honda Hornet 600, or a Yamaha Fazer 600.

Personally I would say that you want to go for a 400cc sportsbike, interestingly enough I have written a short FAQ on the subject which you may find useful.

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=30791

Other bikes such as the Honda CB500 offer good handling and practicality along with better beginner manners and a healthy dose of fun.

If you are truly 'into' biking then you ought to be after the bike which can improve yor skills the most, not the one that is best for the pose value. IMO The 400 sportsbikes are best for this. HTH! Thumbs Up

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Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

Best real beginner bike is either the CG125 or the CBR125.

Best A2 bike would be a restricted CB500/GS500/ER-5 , there isnt a great deal seperating them.

Best A bike would be an unrestricted CB500/GS500/ER-5.

They are simple, with very little to break, will keep going forever, not cost the earth to insure. Its best to keep away from extremes of style, weight or power untill you are positive that you know what type of bikes you want.

Clearly you at least like the look of, or the idea of performance bikes. Hence a common allrounder in the sportsbike world is the CBR600, which would suit most people as as post DAS introduction to sportsbikes.

most of the 400's are old and extremely overpriced for what they are. Paying over £2000 for a 1989 bike is unthinkable, yet it seems to be commonplace int he world of sports 400's. Yes you will looks the muts nuts, but at the same time your paying a hell of alot on money for a 15 year old bike with thousands of miles(km) on the clock! for the same as you would spend on an old sports 400, you could buy a very tidy newer 500/600

mrchips · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Mar 2004 Karma :

Am I right in thinking the NC30 has the same engine as a CB4?

Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

CB-1 400 has an in line 4
NC30 is a V4

Rory · Traffic Copper Joined: 14 May 2004 Karma :

Nath · World Chat Champion Joined: 28 Jul 2004 Karma :

Whilst on the subject of 500s...

I'm planning on getting a gpz500 as a first bike, but i've heard the seat isn't that high. I'm 6ft - Will the gpz be big enough for me?

Btw, very nice guide there Marjay Thumbs Up

dodsi · Dirty Carny Joined: 06 Aug 2004 Karma :

the GPZ is a little uncomfortable when you are on the taller side...

try an er-5 same engine (less hp) but only a fraction and are much more comfortable for the taller folks!

The Tot · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Karma :

It depends on "how much of a beginner" you are... If you've done your test, any of the 500's be it restricted or full power are very good... you mite also stretch to a 33bhp bandit or SV as they seem pretty good... and cheaper to insure than import 400's with the thought of paying over the odds for an old import coming into mind. I'd stay away from the supersport 600's as they're way too sharp and less forgiving for a first timer..

Though, if you consider yourself a "Learner", you can't go wrong with a bulletproof CG or even an XR if you're a bit on the tall side and want to go soft roading. CBR's have higher insurance and you must bear in mind that you're only buying a CG in disguise. RS125's are the ultimate 125 pocket rocket when it comes to handling.
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Rory · Traffic Copper Joined: 14 May 2004 Karma :

Also look at it from the opposite point of view; set yourself and budget, and see what you can get for the cash. Could be anything from a 125 to a naked 600, but it'll be easier to chose once you know how much you can spend.

Are you remembering to factor in the cost of insurance, road tax, security, helmet, gloves, protective clothing of some kind, running costs? Not trying to put you off, you understand Wink

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