Hi im Jordan as you can probably tell. I don't have a bike yet but hope to get one soon. I am a car person but don't really know too much about motorcycles. I just don't want to be a complete idiot the first time I try to ride a bike. Any suggestions or tips on them would be great. Also, what are some things to look for when buying one? I'm leaning towards honda bikes more because I have a few bike friends who own them and like them the most.

A few questions I have:

In your opinion what's a good starter bike?

What should I watch out for or be cautious of when buying?

Common problems on CBRs?

thanks

 

a good starter bike is a used ninja 250.

definitely a used bike tho.

 

Really? I'm thinking maybe a 600rr or something along those lines. I definately want something decent...just not a rep sol or anything crazy like that

 

Hello Jordan, first start by taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course. They will teach you the proper way to ride a bike. Take the course seriously and you will walk away with motorcycle endorsement and a heightened level of understanding as to the dynamics involved in operating one; highly recommended.
As far as bike selection, a 600RR (regardless of paint scheme) is not a good starter bike.
Interesting thread: LINK. Another thing to consider is insurance. Depending on your age, newer bikes and/or higher displacement engines will be very costly.
Common problems with the CBR, I’d say just like any Honda product, they’re one of the best manufacturers. Like the commercial, “It’s a Honda”. Here's a link to buying used bikes: LINK.
Welcome to CBRF

 

First of all welcome, what ever bike you decide to go with respect the bike it will respect you.

 

How big are you? I started with my 600 f4 (after I took my bike course) just because I am 6'4 and 220lbs....a 250 ninja just was not comfortable for me to be on (way too small). If your a smaller guy a ninja 250 may be the way to go, or a 500. You can always upgrade later....if you buy a 600rr and drop it that would suck.... Especially with the Repsol decals that make it that much faster.

 

Thanks for the advice so far. I hope I get alot more though. Im 170 and about 5'9. I've been seeing alot of gsxrs and Ninjas for sale and I like the way they both look the best but I have heard some complaints about their comfort. I have quite a few bike friends who could help me along the way, and one of them has owned several kawasaki 636s so i figured there might be something special about them.

What do you guys think of these ones?

http://lincoln.craigslist.org/mcy/1127155029.html

I LOVE the white and blue look on a gixxer
http://lincoln.craigslist.org/mcy/1122078342.html

http://omaha.craigslist.org/mcy/1136331983.html

http://omaha.craigslist.org/mcy/1141562626.html

 

the reason I suggest 250 because its small, not as fast and alot more forgiving. You can learn better on a smaller bike alot faster than you can on a larger one. Most ppl that start out on a 600 take longer to learn how to ride correctly as compared to those that start small and then move up to a larger bike. BUT, they make ego (and even female ones) tend to want to start out on what they want to ride.

Now if you take the MSF and track days etc, those will teach you how to ride properly on any bike.

Just suggestions, IMO a newbie shouldnt be allowed on a 600RR, its a race bike with lights for petes sake lol.

Anyhow best of luck with what ever bike you get.

 

If a 500 would be more practical I have found a few that I wouldnt mind riding.

http://omaha.craigslist.org/mcy/1148727439.html

http://lincoln.craigslist.org/mcy/1145126102.html

http://omaha.craigslist.org/mcy/1136638644.html

What do you guys think?