Aubrey
I'm working with a $2,000-$2,500 budget-
What Should I be looking for when choosing a good first bike?
I'm looking for a sports bike/crotch rocket.
Answer
Winter is a good time to buy a used bike, as a lot of folks sell when the weather starts getting bad.
Sports bikes in general do not make good first bikes, just because new riders tend to lack some of the fine control skills that riding a sports bike requires. Also, the full fairings on a sport bike will be expensive if you drop the bike. A simple parking lot drop of the bike can do more than $1000 in cosmetic damage to a sport bike.
There are a few sport bikes that are setup as more beginner friendly, typically this means that the engine and suspension are setup to be a little more forgiving should you inadvertently make a mistake. Some of this might be available in the 2k-2.5k range. I would look for something like:
SV650S (the SV650 is the same bike, only as a standard (no fairing, more upright seating), which makes an excellent beginner bike).
FZ-6
Suzuki Bandit 600S (just like the SV, the Bandit 600 is a standard, the 600s is a sport).
Suzuki Katana 600
GS500F (the Suzuki GS500 has been in sportbike form for the last few years - older models will be standards).
Kawasaki Ninja 250 or 500. (The 250 might be a little small. Although you could probably get a fairly new one for $2500).
An older version of most of these bikes should be available in the $2000-2500 range. I would expect something from around 2000-2001 to cost around that much. I would start checking out classified ads, and online sites like craigslist, and even Ebay (you can use advanced options in Ebay to search for local listings).
A lot of the entry-level sportbikes have half fairings (like the FZ-6 or the SV650S), which means you have less plastic to damage if you happen to drop the bike. Even though they are setup to be more beginner friendly, these bikes will require more skill to operate than the bike you probably learned how to ride on.
In a perfect world, I think that new riders would focus on getting something functional as a first bike, and not worry about having something that looks sporty or attracts attention. As a new rider, you're likely to have a few "whoops" moments, and nothing is more heartbreaking than messing up a beautiful motorcycle - especially if it is flashy, and you wreck while a bunch of people are watching. There is always a strong market for beginner bikes, so you can sell your first bike to buy something better later on, and with maybe a year or so of riding under your belt, you'll be better able to handle much more bike than you can now.
Spend some good money on gear. Get a good, comfortable and safe helmet that fits well, and you will enjoy riding more. Sturdy riding pants and jacket will also keep you more comfortable, and make riding more enjoyable.
Last tip: I'm assuming you've taken a rider safety course. (if not, do this before you ride). Remember, the course is only a foundation. Pursue learning how to ride more safely and confidently. Consider taking an intermediate rider course once you've had your bike for a while. If you want to go fast, go to a track day, don't do it on the street. Don't get in the habit of "pushing it" on the street. Nobody gets more respect than someone who is truly a good rider, and doesn't feel the need to show off on public roads.
Winter is a good time to buy a used bike, as a lot of folks sell when the weather starts getting bad.
Sports bikes in general do not make good first bikes, just because new riders tend to lack some of the fine control skills that riding a sports bike requires. Also, the full fairings on a sport bike will be expensive if you drop the bike. A simple parking lot drop of the bike can do more than $1000 in cosmetic damage to a sport bike.
There are a few sport bikes that are setup as more beginner friendly, typically this means that the engine and suspension are setup to be a little more forgiving should you inadvertently make a mistake. Some of this might be available in the 2k-2.5k range. I would look for something like:
SV650S (the SV650 is the same bike, only as a standard (no fairing, more upright seating), which makes an excellent beginner bike).
FZ-6
Suzuki Bandit 600S (just like the SV, the Bandit 600 is a standard, the 600s is a sport).
Suzuki Katana 600
GS500F (the Suzuki GS500 has been in sportbike form for the last few years - older models will be standards).
Kawasaki Ninja 250 or 500. (The 250 might be a little small. Although you could probably get a fairly new one for $2500).
An older version of most of these bikes should be available in the $2000-2500 range. I would expect something from around 2000-2001 to cost around that much. I would start checking out classified ads, and online sites like craigslist, and even Ebay (you can use advanced options in Ebay to search for local listings).
A lot of the entry-level sportbikes have half fairings (like the FZ-6 or the SV650S), which means you have less plastic to damage if you happen to drop the bike. Even though they are setup to be more beginner friendly, these bikes will require more skill to operate than the bike you probably learned how to ride on.
In a perfect world, I think that new riders would focus on getting something functional as a first bike, and not worry about having something that looks sporty or attracts attention. As a new rider, you're likely to have a few "whoops" moments, and nothing is more heartbreaking than messing up a beautiful motorcycle - especially if it is flashy, and you wreck while a bunch of people are watching. There is always a strong market for beginner bikes, so you can sell your first bike to buy something better later on, and with maybe a year or so of riding under your belt, you'll be better able to handle much more bike than you can now.
Spend some good money on gear. Get a good, comfortable and safe helmet that fits well, and you will enjoy riding more. Sturdy riding pants and jacket will also keep you more comfortable, and make riding more enjoyable.
Last tip: I'm assuming you've taken a rider safety course. (if not, do this before you ride). Remember, the course is only a foundation. Pursue learning how to ride more safely and confidently. Consider taking an intermediate rider course once you've had your bike for a while. If you want to go fast, go to a track day, don't do it on the street. Don't get in the habit of "pushing it" on the street. Nobody gets more respect than someone who is truly a good rider, and doesn't feel the need to show off on public roads.
Best pocket bike for kids?
Q. I want to purchase a pocket bike, mini dirt bike, or mini quad for my nephew's graduation present. He is 6 years old, about 60 lbs, average Height. I want to know the best thing to get him, if there are any with speed lock-outs or remote shut offs. A few good name brands would be awesome. I also need something I can get training wheels for. I'm looking to spend no more than 500. Please no comments about how he doesn't need one or that he needs to be supervised he is well taken care and we understand this isn't a toy. I just need advice on what to buy. Thank you!
Answer
Pocket bikes are Chinese made knock off's/clones of Japanese and European bikes. They are inferior to the bike they are cloned from. They do not have the reliability, dependability, quality or craftsmanship of the bikes they are cloned from.
With that said, I would recommend you look into a Japanese or European bike. He will fit on a 50cc to a 65cc bike. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and KTM all make mini-bikes.
Since you do not have a lot to spend, you will have to look used. Check Ebay, Craigslist, CycleTrader and BikeFinds.
If you go with a used older bike, Honda used to make a MR 50 2-stroke and an XR75 4-stroke. The XR75 is built like iron and will last for your nephew's children.
The Yamaha PW50 has a restrictor that can be removed.
When it comes to training wheels, just Google mini-bike training wheels. There are a lot of different ones out there. Example: http://gokartsusa.com/EZ-Bike-Mini-Motorcycle-Training-Wheels.aspx
Training wheels are not cheap, they cost around $150. You can also look for used training wheels on Ebay and Craigslist.
If your nephew can ride a bicycle, he will be able to ride a dirt bike. I am not a fan of quads. When I taught my children to ride, I also let them ride my buddies quads. They all preferred dirt bikes to quads. Quads are super easy to learn to ride, but are very easy to tip over and if they do not keep their feet on the pegs can get run over by their own machine. Quads are also heavier than dirt bikes and if the child flips the quad, they may not be able to get our from underneath it without help.
This is the motorcycle racing section, so we mainly only recommend racing machines, but since he is just starting out a true mini-bike from say Sears or Pep Boys might fit the bill fine. These mini-bikes brand new cost under $400. Have large 4-stroke lawn mower engines on them and are perfect for trail riding and basic transportation. If your nephew likes riding though, he will outgrow the mini-bike within a summer.
Don't forget riding gear. Helmet, goggles and a pair of riding boots. Goggles, gloves, shoulder pads with chest protector, kidney belt, armored riding pants and racing jersey can come later. You can find used gear at Ebay, Craigslist, garage sales and flea markets. Does he need the protective gear for a mini-bike? Probably not, but a helmet and goggles are the minimum he should have.
If he ever needs tips on riding or maintenance, tell him to check Youtube. The amount of information on there is unbelievable. He can learn everything from fixing a flat to rebuilding an engine.
Pocket bikes are Chinese made knock off's/clones of Japanese and European bikes. They are inferior to the bike they are cloned from. They do not have the reliability, dependability, quality or craftsmanship of the bikes they are cloned from.
With that said, I would recommend you look into a Japanese or European bike. He will fit on a 50cc to a 65cc bike. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and KTM all make mini-bikes.
Since you do not have a lot to spend, you will have to look used. Check Ebay, Craigslist, CycleTrader and BikeFinds.
If you go with a used older bike, Honda used to make a MR 50 2-stroke and an XR75 4-stroke. The XR75 is built like iron and will last for your nephew's children.
The Yamaha PW50 has a restrictor that can be removed.
When it comes to training wheels, just Google mini-bike training wheels. There are a lot of different ones out there. Example: http://gokartsusa.com/EZ-Bike-Mini-Motorcycle-Training-Wheels.aspx
Training wheels are not cheap, they cost around $150. You can also look for used training wheels on Ebay and Craigslist.
If your nephew can ride a bicycle, he will be able to ride a dirt bike. I am not a fan of quads. When I taught my children to ride, I also let them ride my buddies quads. They all preferred dirt bikes to quads. Quads are super easy to learn to ride, but are very easy to tip over and if they do not keep their feet on the pegs can get run over by their own machine. Quads are also heavier than dirt bikes and if the child flips the quad, they may not be able to get our from underneath it without help.
This is the motorcycle racing section, so we mainly only recommend racing machines, but since he is just starting out a true mini-bike from say Sears or Pep Boys might fit the bill fine. These mini-bikes brand new cost under $400. Have large 4-stroke lawn mower engines on them and are perfect for trail riding and basic transportation. If your nephew likes riding though, he will outgrow the mini-bike within a summer.
Don't forget riding gear. Helmet, goggles and a pair of riding boots. Goggles, gloves, shoulder pads with chest protector, kidney belt, armored riding pants and racing jersey can come later. You can find used gear at Ebay, Craigslist, garage sales and flea markets. Does he need the protective gear for a mini-bike? Probably not, but a helmet and goggles are the minimum he should have.
If he ever needs tips on riding or maintenance, tell him to check Youtube. The amount of information on there is unbelievable. He can learn everything from fixing a flat to rebuilding an engine.
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