Nina steals Dylan’s blog

After all my joking, now we’re moving up in Google for starter bikes, so I figured I better actually impart some wisdom. Since I don’t know anything, I’m passing on wisdom imparted to me from Scott, Sari’s estimable husband, on the best starter bikes.

Used Starter Bikes

1. Early to mid 80s Yamaha XS650 or 850 they are almost a carbon copy of a Triumph but they work and they are almost impossible to kill. I know a guy that lives near us that buys and sells them he has at least four right now and is probably willing to sell two he also is a retired auto body guy so you might be able to get it any color you’d like. 1000.00 ought to be enough.

2. Mid 80s Honda CB550, 650 or 750 they have classic looks, are frighteningly dependable and accelerate, stop and turn fairly well. Parts are cheap and plentiful because they made a bunch. 2000.00 should get you a dang near perfect one.

3. Suzuki Bandit 600. The motorcycle magazines loved them. They are new enough they shouldn’t have any issues and they are bulletproof and you won’t outgrow it in two month like a Honda Dream.

New Starter Bikes

1. Suzuki SV650 the perfect beginner’s bike. Cheap good power and handling. Everyone that I know that owns one raves about it. Easily upgradeable if you need more go fast, they are a really, really, really popular bike for entry level race classes so parts are easy to find and you can get really sticky rubber for them. (Side note follows: I believe strongly in having more traction than you need rather than less so I buy really expensive soft tires, that way I know I can count on them in an emergency to do what I ask. I willingly trade dollars for security.) An alternate choice would be the new Kawasaki 650 Ninja, a little softer but is supposed to be a very nice entry level bike. 7000.00

2. Ducati Monster or SS in 620 or 800cc’s. How can you not love an Italian motorcycle or car; they look sexy, they sound sexy, they feel sexy. Sari’s bike is absolutely amazing in corners, it tells you exactly how much change is left from that dime you just ran over. If I didn’t own a Buell I’d buy a Duc. Ducatis are more expensive to maintain than your average Japanese bike. For some (especially my honey) the trade off is worth every penny of the 6000 mile service bill. 7500.00/ 8500.00

3. Buell XB9SX Comfy, will tell you the change to the 100th of a cent, has more than enough power for a street legal motorcycle, and American (probably only matters to me). A Buell is kind of like a Camaro or Mustang it’s a really visceral, aggressive almost alive thing that says “Hey I’m bored man, let’s go find somethin’ to do.” The next thing you know you’re in a jail cell in a small town for going 70 mph over the posted speed limit. 8800.00 So there is my list. None of these bikes has a particularly peaky powerband, so as long as you are smooth with the throttle and remember your right wrist controls the speed they should be fine. They also have good to insanely good brakes and good to incredible suspensions. 
*****
Thanks Scott!!