Topic: New Biker....ME!! Well kinda.....

[PJungnitsch]

I like the look of the Suzuki SV650

They are a well liked bike. Same V twin engine as the Vstrom, but in a shorter and more manageable package. The newer ones have ABS too, a definite bonus.

[ktm525]

In all seriousness if you are just getting your licence and whatnot buy a cream puff Suzuki DRZ400 or if you are cashed up a Husqvarna FE350 (235 lbs!).  Sober money says Suzuki. Enough power so as not to be embarrassing but can still cruise  backwood areas.

[blur911]

In all seriousness if you are just getting your licence and whatnot buy a cream puff Suzuki DRZ400 or if you are cashed up a Husqvarna FE350 (235 lbs!).  Sober money says Suzuki. Enough power so as not to be embarrassing but can still cruise  backwood areas.

I just spoke to my insurance company about coverage, then called my friend who's son is turning 16 on Saturday and writing his M1 on Monday.   Seems I can loan the kid my DRZ for him to practice on and take his test, so I offered.  I imagine the kid will say yes.

Rides would be alongside dad on his 'Busa.

[rrocket]

In all seriousness if you are just getting your licence and whatnot buy a cream puff Suzuki DRZ400 or if you are cashed up a Husqvarna FE350 (235 lbs!).  Sober money says Suzuki. Enough power so as not to be embarrassing but can still cruise  backwood areas.

I just spoke to my insurance company about coverage, then called my friend who's son is turning 16 on Saturday and writing his M1 on Monday.   Seems I can loan the kid my DRZ for him to practice on and take his test, so I offered.  I imagine the kid will say yes.

Rides would be alongside dad on his 'Busa.

Yep....dual sports are almost bomb proof.

Could pitch it off a mountain and would likely still run....

[Fobroader]

The Suzuki SV650 has been coming up a lot in my research as well, now thats a good looking bike



And the Kawi Z400/650 is also up there.



Well, first thing is first, gotta go for my course this spring, focus Fob, focus!!

[Ex-airbalancer]

This could be his speed

[Fobroader]

Well, it might be, my motorbike experience is very limited, and I'm extremely averse to death.

[rrocket]

^^Get a dual sport to start then....

[Fobroader]

^^Get a dual sport to start then....

Excuse my ignorance, but why a dual sport?? Like a Klr type thing? Why are they superior to learn on as opposed to other bikes?

[rrocket]

^^Get a dual sport to start then....

Excuse my ignorance, but why a dual sport?? Like a Klr type thing? Why are they superior to learn on as opposed to other bikes?

Usually no expensive bodywork, cheap to insure, super light, easy to learn to ride, huge aftermarket support for parts......and durable (because dirtbike).  Plus you can legit take them on unimproved roads (dirt, gravel, etc) as even a newb rider.

I'm not joking when I say you can throw these on the road and dust them off and away you go.

I have no problem DELIBERATELY knocking over a dual sport in my driveway just to demonstrate.  No way in hell I'd do that on my Duke 390.

They are nearly bomb proof.

[Fobroader]

Hmm, seems like a good idea.

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[rrocket]

Hmm, seems like a good idea.

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I know it doesn't have ABS....but the Honda CRF250L is a fantastic dual sport.  Want a bit more wind protection?  Same bike in the "Rally" Edition.

These are cheap used too.

Or like others have mentioned, DRZ400S.  Or even KLR650. Even the TW200, while a bit pokey...would be near indestructible.

I think TurboBob bought a CRF and loves it.

[blur911]

The geometry of a dual-sport also makes it easier to learn on IMO

Think mountain bike vs  banana seat bike with apehangers or skinny racer bike begging you to wear spandex.

[rrocket]

The geometry of a dual-sport also makes it easier to learn on IMO

Agreed.

[Fobroader]

Well then, I'll focus on a dual sport when the time comes

[rrocket]

Well then, I'll focus on a dual sport when the time comes

I taught the motorcycle safety course once.

All the provided student bikes were dual sports that have lived a VERY rough life at the hands of learners over the years.  There were several drops per day it seemed.

And they never failed to run....EVER.

[rrocket]

Another nice thing is you can dick around in dirt to practice....and when you hit the deck it's much different than landing on asphalt.

Guys who learned in the dirt ALWAYS seemed to be better riders ultimately.

[Fobroader]

Another nice thing is you can dick around in dirt to practice....and when you hit the deck it's much different than landing on asphalt.

Guys who learned in the dirt ALWAYS seemed to be better riders ultimately.

This is why I ask advice on stuff here, I like the opinions of people with way more experience than my googling self.

[Fobroader]

Should I even bother with a carburated bike?? Are they a PITA to keep running and will I need to learn the dark art of carburetor tuning??

[rrocket]

Another nice thing is you can dick around in dirt to practice....and when you hit the deck it's much different than landing on asphalt.

Guys who learned in the dirt ALWAYS seemed to be better riders ultimately.

This is why I ask advice on stuff here, I like the opinions of people with way more experience than my googling self.

Things are often rarely as they should be on the dirt....tire not pointed where you wanted it to be, tires sliding, shifting your weight around, suspension behaving oddly when you didn't expect it etc.  That becomes "normal" for dirt riding.  You are unfazed.

And that translates directly to road riding....you are unfazed by these things which could otherwise be catastrophic on the street.  It's a bit more skill (and insurance) in your pocket.

Also read up on countersteering.  Very useful to fully understand this.