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What size bike is best for a new rider
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Hey guys,I just wanted to get some feedback on what size bike is best for me??
I'm due to start my direct access course and I'm taking a liking to the triumph 1200 bobber,most riders I've spoken to have told me to go for a bike over 800.
Am I doing the right thing going high on the cc or am I better with a smaller bike??
Any recommendations welcome.✌️ |
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It really depends what you are going to use it for. Short journeys, get a triumph 400. Commuting, get a honda 500, pleasure and riding with your mates , get something bigger but not crazy revs. A 1200 triumph is fine but it depends on your height as they are not tall. Above all, get something comfy, also an older cheaper bike in good condition is perfect as a first bike, you will drop it, everyone does. So easy to fix is good |
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When I first passed the main issue was the weight of the bikes , not the engine size , it’s not just the riding , it’s the moving about of them , sometimes reversing them back . Sometimes the weight can catch you out . When I passed I went onto a Fireblade RRW . Was just right for me |
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"It really depends what you are going to use it for. Short journeys, get a triumph 400. Commuting, get a honda 500, pleasure and riding with your mates , get something bigger but not crazy revs. A 1200 triumph is fine but it depends on your height as they are not tall. Above all, get something comfy, also an older cheaper bike in good condition is perfect as a first bike, you will drop it, everyone does. So easy to fix is good"
Well thanks for the input buddy,I'll be using it just for pleasure cruising with friends and veteran bikers...I've tried out the triumph bobber and it's perfect height wise,weight wise and position wise for me....I just wasn't sure if 1200 cc was too much of a jump from a 650...the insurance is crazy tho as I'll be a new rider but atleast I've got ages on my side(50+).👍 |
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"Get some insurance quotes first
As a newly qualified rider you maybe surprised at the cost for a large cc bike.
"
ye I must admit it's very strap,I was shocked 19 plate is costing me 3k to insure at the moment,it may come down once I've completed the course.cheers buddy |
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I passed and after a few test rides I went for a Ducati 1100
Bit of a big bike but it only goes as fast as you make it so it's your choice. Altered all drive modes so it's not unleashing it's full power.
End of the day it's a combination of what you feel you need. Safe, comfortable and useage.
Enjoy |
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I personally wanted something to knock about with my mates on and something that i could do a couple of hours on and not feel like i had been folded in half and something cheap because it was my first big bike i ended up with a suzuki 650 gladius great lil bike with plenty of go and very forgiving |
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if your looking at cruiser styles maybe start on a rebel 500 or vulcan-s 650.. give it a year actually learning to ride properly n build your confidence from there, passing direct access dosent mean you have your skills honed, you`re still learning. walk before you can run buddy |
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If you’re into sports bikes/cornering then don’t go too big to begin with.
If you like cruisers/straigh-lining then it all depends on how deep your pockets are.
To really learn to ride well then you’d be best on a mid range capacity bike, 400/50/600 etc, you will be surprised how rapid they can be.
An older sports-touring bike will be better on insurance etc.
Main thing is stay rubber-side down. Too big a bike and not enough skill is a recipe for disaster!
My advice would be to stay smaller capacity until you develop your default reaction to brake smoothly in an ‘oh shit’ moment! (This takes much longer than you’d think!)
Good luck pal |
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I started on a 125 at age 18 and I stand by my belief that you need to build all the relevant muscle memories before touching a bigger bike. Things like swerving/dodging a pothole (or child), braking (properly), cornering including entry apex exit and the throttle changes throughout, all are way more forgiving on a 125.
Just like you wouldn't start sparring in week 1 of boxing because you don't know the muscle memory, I think sticking to a 125 for a good 1000 miles is the best way to get on a big bike and not die. |
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I got a harley Davidson sportster 883 as my first big bike. Something bigger like a 1200 would have been fine too. The 883 didn't have much top end but cruseing round at about 50-60 it was spot on and pulled well in every gear. I had friends with much bigger bikes at the time I rode with that were impressed with it |
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I'd recommend something around 60-75bhp for a first bike, enough power to have a lil fun but not too much that it's unmanageable for a new rider plus insurance is pretty friendly at this power, obviously lots of factors can change this |
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"I passed and after a few test rides I went for a Ducati 1100
Bit of a big bike but it only goes as fast as you make it so it's your choice. Altered all drive modes so it's not unleashing it's full power.
End of the day it's a combination of what you feel you need. Safe, comfortable and useage.
Enjoy"
As said....only goes as fast as you make it go....and as others have mentioned, i think itll be insurance costs that'll be the biggest factor. I have an old 1999 vfr800 so insurance is quite cheap (might even be classed as a classic now?!). One thing i would say, go test ride before buying. I learned the hard way and wish I had because im a little tall for my bike and is a little uncomfertable on longer rides. |
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