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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| I really appreciate all the input on this website, now to my question(s). I'm new to riding, in fact I've never ridden, heck, I've never shifted any manual transmission. I'm not sure exactly why,(maybe because I'm at the age where I want to have fun) but I've decided I'm going to learn how to ride, get a sports bike, have fun, and love doing it. What I want to do is find a good starter bike, learn to ride it well, and get a feel for what it's all about. I am positive I'm getting a bike, now the hard part is to decide which one. I'm 6'2, and 200 lbs. I like the Buell's, and I realize I would start with a "Blast." From what I read they're good starter bikes. However, I've read mixed reviews about the Firebolt XB-9R (because of my size, I guess it's not the best??) I know I wouldn't start with a Firebolt, because I'm not rich, and not in any rush to speed up the dying process, but ultamitly it is what I want, (When I learn to ride well.) ::My Delema:: - Whatever brand of bike I start on, I would like to stay on as I work my way up the Motorcycle food chain. Can anyone point out some other good bikes (starters, and high-end) Anyone know anyting about the Lightning, what are the pro's and con's against the Firebolt? Anyway's thanks for the tip's. I'll keep you informed.
Richard |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| I have ridden for a couple of years and would highly reccomend that you take the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) beginners course as your first step. Worst case scenario, you will get to learn to shift on their bikes and not yours. As for the blast, I cannot remotely image a 200lb guy riding a blast (I am a bit north of 200 and felt like a circus bear when I sat on one) but none the less, if that is what floats your boat, go for it. After you finish the MSF you will have a general idea of what your skill level is. Get your license and go test some bikes, rent a few if you have that availible to you. You may find that you swap brands as you progess in your skill and pocket book level. The sv650 (suzuki) may very well be the perfect starter bike for you. More than the blast and less than the firebolt and pretty much dirt cheap to own. Hope this helps.
Ben |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| RESPONSE: Thanks you very much for the tip's, I really appreciate it.
Richard |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| Hey Rich I am an employee of Buell/HD Im
6'3" 205 and I have to sit on the back seat to ride the blast, dont waist your money. I own the XB9R and fit just fine on it. Take a riding course and buy the bike you want. |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| I was in a situation similar to yours about 5 years ago when I decieded to get a bike. Knowing what I know now, I would recommend getting a beater of a bike for starters, probably under $2-3000. Since you'll most likely dump it in a parking lot at some point, it doesn't need to be perfect. A middle weight cruiser would be a good choice, because, if you're like me, you'll always love having a more relaxed ride around for tooling around town. And then your out-of-town friends can ride with you when you get your sportbike. Whatever you choose to do, I would also recommend the MSF course: it's cheap, and will save you $$ on insurance. Welcome to the earth's greatest hobby!
Fred |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| Since you wrote this afew months ago you may or may not have bought a bike yet. I just picked up my Firebolt on May 21 2003. I too am a new rider, though I always knew how to shift gears on a bike, I'd never really ridden one. I'm 5'7" and would never buy a blast. I knew I'd out grow that little tyke in about 4 days. So the Firebolt it was. I got my permit and isurance and started riding arond Chandler, AZ until my MSF class would begin in a few weeks. Since my bike is new I knew I couldn't go too fast for five hundred miles so that kept me from doing anything too crazy. Having said that,I love my Firebolt and the class started today and tomorrow we ride. Oh, by the way there are many prople in the class who have ridden for many years who just want to freshen up their skills. So have fun and I hope you bought what you want.
Glenn |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| Rich,
Your weight is has nothing to due with this bike! Your height may! This bike is very fast when slightly modified( CHIP, Exhaust and air filter.) This may not be a good starter bike due to high torque. Take a motorcycle safety course and start with something else like a triumph speed triple 600cc (what a bike). Just in case you really want a Bolt, then get the lower riding pegs which should do the trick for your height. ceebee007@hotmail.com
CEEBEE007 |
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Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/5/2007 10:44:31 AM
Posts: -1,167, Visits: 2 |
| Hey Richard. I just purchased a Firebolt XB9R a few months ago. It is my first bike and I love it. My friend bought a Blast about a week after I bought my bike. I rode it and it was like riding a scooter. It wasn't fun at all, plus the re-sale on a blast is terrible. And learning to ride a bike took me about 2 minutes and I had no help I did it on my own, so don;t worry about learning it's really easy. Get the Firebolt, you won't regret it.
Peter Hassel |
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