| Author | Message | ||
     Whistler |
My 19 year old son took his required training class this weekend and will get his motorcycle license today. He has not ridden before this weekend. Much to his mom's consternation, he now has bike fever and asked me to ask you all what suggestions you might have for him concerning a beginner bike. We have discussed a used Blast but we'd like to cover all the bases for this first important ride. He is a 5'8" student living in Austin and presently prefers an upright riding position. He has been talking about dual sport but is open to any and all suggestions from Bad Webbers. Thanks for your help. | ||
| Vospertw |
Dual sports are generally a little tall. However, you might look at a DR650. One big advantage - they come from the factory with the ability to drop the front and rear end 1.5" (you should buy the shorter sidestand from Suzuki as well). That's a big improvement for a lot of folks and still gives you reasonable ground clearance. Also, the motor is pretty much bullet proof, and will get 50+ mpg if he doesn't start ripping up the airbox, rejetting, etc. Drop the counter-sprocket one tooth and it will make a big difference in fun factor. Low maintenance (screw type valve adjusters), low insurance cost, pretty good off-road capability and still comfortable on the highway. And... they are giving the 09's away here in SoCal, not sure what he could get in Austin. I sold an 06 in Feb and have kicked myself ever since. Will probably build up another this winter as a project. | ||
| Froggy |
Get something cheap, whatever he is comfortable on, regardless of a Blast, UJM standard, dual sport, etc. Emphasis on cheap, that way when he forgets to put down the kickstand or he uses too much brake while on gravel it won't make him cry (financially at least). | ||
| Court |
Tough to beat a $2,000 used Blast. | ||
| Gunut75 |
I just saw 2 Blasts go for under $1000 each here in Milwaukee area. They're out there. | ||
| Iman501 |
if i had extra money i'd def be looking at some sort of supermoto bike! | ||
| Bo_sox |
+2 on the "tough to beat a Blast"! A Blast was the 2nd bike I got my wife riding and she loved it. Piece of cake for her to handle & ride. Started her off on a used '03 Suzuki DR-200 dual sport. That was a perfect starter bike - easy to ride, super reliable, not too much power, could also take her on the dirt for more learning experience, and if she tipped it over or had it slide out on her (which it did over bigger gravel), no big deal. It's a dirt bike, so there very little to get messed up cosmetically. Plus, those things are always in demand for these reasons. Sold it on day one on craigslist for asking price. After owning it for 2 years, we sold it for only $400 bucks less than we bought it for! (Message edited by bo_sox on August 30, 2010) | ||
| Macbuell |
The Blast would be a good 1st bike but I can't get over how ugly those things are. I would look at a late model used SV650. They don't have too much power and he won't outgrow it in a short time period like he will the Blast, IMO. There is also a huge secondary parts market for that bike. | ||
| Iman501 |
and once he steps up from the SV he can turn it into a good track bike! | ||
| Whistler |
Thanks everybody. I got him a low mileage '05 Blast. Needs a little work but we'll have it running like a top in no time. Thanks again! | ||
| Speedfreaks101 |
I will suggest a Supermoto also, specifically a used DRZ400SM. They get great fuel mileage , my DRZ gets 70mpg if ridden at city traffic speeds and 35-40 mpg if I ride the piss out of it on the back roads. Top speed is shy of 100 mph (full tuck) and will out handle just about anything on the road (especially in the tight stuff). It has just about 34 hp and weighs about 300 lbs with fuel. Power to weight is great and there are very cheap mods for more power when he is ready. Body parts are dirt cheap in case of a mishap or if he decides he wants to change colors. Suspension is great and will handle anything you throw at them. The DRZSM is basically unchanged from its inception other than color changes. Engine, tranny, brakes and wheels are all great. Only downside is the 2x4 for a seat. Have it refoamed & reshaped with a wider seat and all is great again. The bikes do sit tall but there they can be lowered if nessessary. They are upright seating position and are very confidence inspiring. You can pick one up pretty cheap used and it is the most fun I have ever had on two wheels. If I could keep only one bike it would be my Supermoto. BTW my wife has a SV650 and it is too powerful for most young beginners, IMO. Too much power can lead to bad habits and can retard the learning curve of the rider at best. | ||
| Speedfreaks101 |
Oops, too late. | ||
| Johnboy777 |
""Too much power can lead to bad habits and can retard the learning curve of the rider at best."" So that's why I have a retarded learning curve.  . | ||
| Fahren |
One thing you said about the Blast you got for him is important: "Needs a little work but we'll have it running like a top in no time." What better way to start out with a bike than to learn how to work on a really simple bike like the Blast, WITH YOUR DAD! How cool is that?!! | ||
| Fast1075 |
Whistler, if you run into any issues with the bike, the "thumper" forum right here on badweb is the best place for help. |
