Pics from Daytona...

[Motohead]

I would not recomend anything over a 600... especially how much power those bike now produce.

But, the BEST advice I could give any rider, new or experienced, is get the right gear, for on the street. Just as important is also sign yourself up for a trackday at a local track. Being on a closed course, not having to worry about cars, cops, gravel, oir, guardrails... just you, your bike, and some turns... you will learn more about the bike in 1 day than 5 years riding on the road.

[TXSUT]

Originally Posted by Motohead

But, the BEST advice I could give any rider, new or experienced, is get the right gear, for on the street. Just as important is also sign yourself up for a trackday at a local track.

And take an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course!

Gone are the days when a 600cc sportbike made a good "starter" bike. With well over 100hp at the rear wheel, race replica 600s can put you on your ass in a hurry. By far, the absolute best starter bike is a used dual sport, like the Suzuki DR400 or Honda XR650. Ride it off-road before advancing to the street. If you just absolutely have to have something sportier to start with, Suzuki's SV650 ranks highly, and can be converted into a hellaciously fun track bike.

One of the best things you can do, too, is hook up with someone with lots of experience. You'll be able to glean lots of good information critical to becoming a safe rider, like properly heating your tires for maximum traction, braking technique (I still can't believe how many newbies don't know that 99% of your braking should be done with the front brake), turn-in, throttle control, counter-steering, etc.

Sorry, I bleed motorcycles.

Pete

[TXSUT]

Nice bike and pics, Moto! Makes me miss my RC.

[frenzy1]

wow ! Looks freakin' fast !!!

[Goalkeeper]

Sweet Pics man!!!

If you're really serious about bikes, I'd maybe reccommend a Buell Blast. It's only 34 HP and is low and light. A very easy bike to learn on. I taught my buddy how to ride (53 yrs old) and he bought the Blast used for like $3995 from a HD dealer.

He rode it for about a year and sold it back to the same dealer for the exact same price.

Again, it's only a 500, but is low to the ground, easy to handle, and just powerful enough.

I also agree that today's 600's are mostly too much bike for a beginner. I started on a Yamaha Sec II, but they don't make those anymore.

If you do go 600, look for decent Yamaha FZR 600...but buy from a dealer.

I now have an '01 Ducati 748, with the single sided swing arm! I live in the country (relative) and have a lot of curvy back roads and man was my bike made for the corners.

I wish I could keep mine in the house it's so sweet but the wifey won't let me!!!

-Matt

[ipeefreely]

dang all this advice is really helpful. I was actually looking to buy a bike off from craigslist or something to save myself some cash. My parents would kill me if they found out i'm going to ride. But i'm going to check out the bikes you guys mentioned and i'll let you gusy know how it turns out. and i'm definately going to take that motorcycle safety course, lol.