I'm 17, almost 18 at about 145-150 pounds. Pretty strong. I'm wanting to buy a bike for a graduation present to myself.

Any recommendations?

I have been researching a good bit, but I would like some personal advice from other lady riders. I've been looking at the CBR 600F4i, but I don't know if that is too much for a beginner.I have ridden dirtbikes since I was10; I don't know if that benefits in a feel of a sport bike or not.

Some advice, please. Thanks!

 

my advice to you would be to start on something smaller. I learned on a 250 and when I was comfortable and learned how to control the motorcycle I moved up (1990 cbr 600). oh and riding dirtbikes does help.

 

How do you manage the price differences with buying a new one? Not a NEW one perse. I'm going to college and don't know how well I will be able to spit up money for a new bike.

Oh. And how long did it take you to get comfortable on your 250?

 

well if you get a smaller bike to learn on you could sell it for close to what you bought it for. my first bike cost $750 and my second bike cost $1100. I would buy used especially for your first bike since you will probably drop it at least once. It didn't take me very long to be comfortable, but I rode it for a while (couple years) it all depends on the person. But the great thing about smaller bikes it cheaper gas and insurance, great for commuting.

 

I would get a smaller not so nice bike just to start off with, chances are you are going to drop it! Like Court said, INS is really cheap. my 500 ninja was $20 a month full covg with road side assistance, i dropped it 3 times the 1st weekend i had it
I just got my "bigger" bike last week coming from the ninja. The ninja was really easy to learn on and gave me the skills i needed to ride my new F3!!

 

Welcome to the site.
+1 on starting on a 250. you can pick up a used one for next to nothing and it would be easier to get comfortable on.

 

Thank youall very much. I appreciate the advice.

I went and stopped by the local bike shop here and they've got a ninja ex250 for I think he said $900. It's a '96 or a '97. Got a good bit of miles.

Did any of you take a class when you first got your bike? I'm required to by my father. It's the deal for me getting a bike because he's still against it. Haha. I was just wondering what exactly happens at a class.

 

I signed up for the class out of my free will before making the decision if i was going to ride, i don't think i would of been "allowed" by my boyfriend to ride if i hadn't taken the class, yes he taught me a little before, but the class give you the practice in the situations that matter the most!

the class is way worth the money, you spend half the time riding, and half the time in class learning. The riding part sets you up in quite a bit situations and lets you master the skills needed to survive!

 

A MSF class is a great idea. I would say 90% of the riders I know have taken a class.

 

Thank you ladies very very much! I have taken to everyone's advice and I appreciate it.