I'd say an F4i would be a more forgiving bike than the first bike i started on...a 1982 Yamaha Seca 650. It's lighter, easier to roll around, easier to maneuver, etc. The bad is that replacing the fairing on the F4i would cost more than what i paid for the Seca ($1100). One of the biggest reasons to start on an older, cheaper bike is that you aren't kicking yourself for a repair bill when you drop it. Instead you'll just dust yourself off, shrug, pick it up, and keep going. That being said, if you get some frame sliders, and don't mind a few scratches on your engine cover or bars (or better yet buy a bike that already has a few minor scratches), you should be ok for most slow speed/no speed drops. As long as you can respect the bike and keep yourself from getting on the throttle too much you should be ok.

 

I would def. suggest an f4i for a first bike/ learning how. I'm 20 and just got the urge for a motorcycle out of no where and I never drove any type of motorcycle before. I rode a 1987 honda spree moped around campus before my 01 f4i. Anyways I bought an 01 f4i with 18000 miles some mods and what not for $3100. I couldn't even ride the bike when I went to buy it because I didnt know how. I took it home and taught myself in a little more than an hour and 50 miles or so later. I'm only 5 7, 140lbs and didnt have any problems holding the bike up. Just respect the throttle at first and you will be fine. I'm already looking to get rid of my bike and get an rr or 900. My f4i is the only thing i have ever ridden and I'm glad its what i learned on. Also I would suggest when slowing down on an f4i while teachin urself to ride holdinthe clutch anddrop it into 1st gear and just use the breaks to slow down. Once you figure out the throttleand have a good handle on the bike then practice down shifting.

 

My F4i was my first bike however i had ridden motorcycles for several years before I got it. Dad had one. Anyways, I think that you should do just fine especially if you do the safety course and get used to using a clutch and all. Just take it slow and easy and make baby steps and you should be fine.

 

After a 125cc learner enduro bike, my first "big" bike was a Suzuki SV650 (naked). Great bike, easy to manage, fast enough for many and can still put a smile in yourhelmet, even when two-up. You can still learn your way around an F4i as a beginner, but whenIconsider that the F4i makes 42% more bhp than the SV650, it seems more logical to me to start with something smaller. Start with a second hand bike so that upgrading to something else / bigger in a couple of years won't lose you too much money.

 

Never rode before.I dont recommend the f4i or any 600cc bike.To easy to lose control.
We are all once newbie riders,and like others said you will drop it or something will happen.Never fails.Start with a smaller cc bike and work yor way up.

The MSF course (beginner and advance) will teach a lot of things that will help you ride and stay safe.I suggest taking the course BEFORE purchasing a bike.To get a idea of what it feels like.Because i know a few that have taken the course and decided a bike wasnt for them.

If you have to have the sportbike look, the new 2008 ninja 250 has decent power for learning ,great resale value,and the newest one has better looks than before.Its cost is around 3500(sticker) but can be gotten cheaper.
http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/det...t=introduction

 

my 02 F4i is my first bike. Its not hard to ride, or learn on at all, but it will definitely mess you up if you don't respect the bike, and your skill level.

 

I wouldnt go with a 250 on the first bike IMO... You will get bored out of your mind on it. I rode plenty of bikes in the past before actually buying my first one a few weeks ago. I got a 2006 F4i brand new. Its a great bike and you wouldnt be sorry for purchacing it a year down the road as you would with a 250. A bikes power is only what you make it. Go ride in a parking lot at the mall or somthing until you get used to the brakes and clutch and power. Than cruise around town and have fun. Be safe.

 

How are you gonna get bored? THe main difference is the power of the bikes.No reason to be sorry for buying a 250 esp since they hold their resale value.So what if you learn on a 250 then a year later move up?

Thats like saying you will get bored riding a 600 and should have bought a 1000.

 

wait, isn't that true??

[sm=badbadbad.gif]

 

Like I said thats IMO. Everyone has their own. I'd rather not get a 250 cause you get bored very easly. Also not really enough power if you needed it.