Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Green1000S on January 01, 2015, 09:52:55 PM
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Many of you have seen me and my youngest daughter Lisa at the Rallies. Last 3 years we have toured with the Black or red Quota allover, often about 3000 mile trips.
This year we are trying to ride from Tucson-San Diego-LA-Las Vegas-Grand Canyon-Denver-Lancaster. Once again, with the Quota.
(http://s28.postimg.org/nv6ayreyl/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/3nsv6ghh5/full/)
(http://s12.postimg.org/7489xmpv1/image.jpg) (http://postimage.org/)
She got her drivers licence 6 months ago and has driven about 8000 miles. She is very natural behing the steering wheel and fluent in traffic.
Sooooo... looks like we have come into a situation where riding with "Daddy" is still OK and better than staying in house with "Mom". ;D
However she would REALLY, REALLY want to have her own bike. She likes Guzzi's, but the Robin is not a great choise for Buena Vista Rally....
(http://s17.postimg.org/eusdu3ehb/DSCN0209.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/n0afs92q3/full/)
and as I see it, there is no "newer" and "smaller" Guzzi's available.
She likes modern looking bikes, like 250 Kawa Ninja. Seems to dislike the Honda Rebel (looks like a Harley, hahaha...) Budget is about 2500, give or take few hundreds.
Few questions to you guys who have circled the globe longer than me.
1) At what age your daughter got her own bike? How did you feel about it?
2) Any recommendations for a decent "touring"/beginner bike for a girl that weights less than 1/2 chicken?
She already asked the 1000S and I said no.
However the Robin seems to dissapear from garage at frequent intervals...
Thanks, Lauri
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If she likes the Ninja 250, then that would be a fine bike for her to start up. They're pretty simple, reliable, and common. Because they're common, used ones are also inexpensive. A 2007-newer one can be had for $1,500-$3,000, often with quite low miles. Earlier ones often are seen on Craigslist this time of year for as little as $1,000. The Honda CBR250R is another bike in the same class as the Ninja 250 that would be a good starter bike. Being a single (ninja is a twin), it makes less HP, but, has better lower end torque.
A Ninja 500 would be just as friendly a starter bike, if not even better, due to having better lower end torque. Ninja 500 prices aren't much higher than the Ninja 250.
Both bikes, though having sport bike looks are pretty much Standards with fairings.
Another bike that would be good starter bikes and also fall in the price range is the Suzuki GS500.
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Would she accept a mega scooter?
I put 25000 miles on a Yamaha Majesty 400. Fantastic bike and great for touring.
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Maybe an older small block? I know that's not "newer" but many look very nice, and if she likes the 1000s...
Here are a couple that a quick search came up with:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/mcd/4777680334.html (http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/mcd/4777680334.html)
http://greenville.craigslist.org/mcy/4790663729.html (http://greenville.craigslist.org/mcy/4790663729.html)
I know the one is a bit more than you want to spend, and the other is an unknown (trade), but you can likely find a SB where you want to be. One of these would keep her in the Guzzi fold, and you would be certain that the bike wouldn't be overpowered. ;D
Edit: Please let us know what direction you ultimately take.
Cheers,
Shaun
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My daughter is 15 going on 16 shortly. She will be attending the local motorcycle riders school this next summer. I have been thru the instructors course, but never taught classes. I do not want to teach my daughter to ride. I want here to learn from some one else so the dad/daughter relationship does not gets in the way. I have a Buell Blast for her to ride. She is ready and eager to learn to ride. She said she wants to pull up to school next year on the first day on a motorcycle. Nothing like some good dirt bike riding to start off with.
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I like her tee shirt, any chance of getting one of them? ill pay, or any other guzzi rally tee shirts? I worked for a Kawasaki dealership for a few years and I must say kawasakis aren't bad bikes. if she was my daughter id rather see her on a Italian bike, proberbly not ducati though. maybe a gilera or aprilia? start her off on a good bike and shes bound to end up likeing Italian stuff. end of the day though she best to decide what she likes
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I would say start her at 650cc or smaller with close attention to the ergonomic fit of her physic.
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A friend just picked up a Honda CBR250RA with 733 miles for $3K. Water-cooled, fuel-injected, and with ABS brakes for the price of a really nice big screen TV! The operating/insurance costs are small and the aftermarket is pretty large (Hepco Becker even makes C-Bow saddlebags for it). It may be just right for her....
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c229/JamesBagley/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-12/411C4D4C-5729-4BD8-B808-D233F85CB9CD.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/JamesBagley/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-12/411C4D4C-5729-4BD8-B808-D233F85CB9CD.jpg.html)
(http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c229/JamesBagley/C81E2A00-42D6-4115-B57A-BB9A273CB6D2.jpg) (http://s28.photobucket.com/user/JamesBagley/media/C81E2A00-42D6-4115-B57A-BB9A273CB6D2.jpg.html)
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Another vote for the Kawasaki Ninja 500. IMO, the perfect starter bike.
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Many of you have seen me and my youngest daughter Lisa at the Rallies. Last 3 years we have toured with the Black or red Quota allover, often about 3000 mile trips.
This year we are trying to ride from Tucson-San Diego-LA-Las Vegas-Grand Canyon-Denver-Lancaster. Once again, with the Quota.
(http://s28.postimg.org/nv6ayreyl/image.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/3nsv6ghh5/full/)
(http://s12.postimg.org/7489xmpv1/image.jpg) (http://postimage.org/)
She got her drivers licence 6 months ago and has driven about 8000 miles. She is very natural behing the steering wheel and fluent in traffic.
Sooooo... looks like we have come into a situation where riding with "Daddy" is still OK and better than staying in house with "Mom". ;D
However she would REALLY, REALLY want to have her own bike. She likes Guzzi's, but the Robin is not a great choise for Buena Vista Rally....
Your a very lucky man congrats to both of you on your motorcycling adventure/ relationship future ............. I have sons of similar age which have virtually no interest in riding or mechanical things in general ?? not sure how that happened.
As far as a choice in first machine...... JMTC ... make sure its light weight and fits ...... and I would not recommend a scooter as there probably wont be a whole lot of shifting / clutch skills developed on those.
Ciao
(http://s17.postimg.org/eusdu3ehb/DSCN0209.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/n0afs92q3/full/)
and as I see it, there is no "newer" and "smaller" Guzzi's available.
She likes modern looking bikes, like 250 Kawa Ninja. Seems to dislike the Honda Rebel (looks like a Harley, hahaha...) Budget is about 2500, give or take few hundreds.
Few questions to you guys who have circled the globe longer than me.
1) At what age your daughter got her own bike? How did you feel about it?
2) Any recommendations for a decent "touring"/beginner bike for a girl that weights less than 1/2 chicken?
She already asked the 1000S and I said no.
However the Robin seems to dissapear from garage at frequent intervals...
Thanks, Lauri
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One more thing Lauri , good job raising such a great kid , she looks like a hoot ;-T
Dusty
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The small Stelvio thing has been done. The Stelvio 1200 NTX is in fact the copycat.
(http://www.guzzi.com.au/mybikes/ntx1.jpg)
Even a more trail style/farm bike.
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5lQheNJ0ZM/U1Sa4mWtPLI/AAAAAAAAE8I/SMX5ix74IoU/s1600/Moto+Guzzi+V65+TT+Brochure+front.jpg)
But I think one of these, that can be fitted with more adventurous tyres like Bridgestone Trailwings or Hidenau K60's, in black with green stripes like a 1000S would be cool and multi purpose. Over 50kg lighter than your Tonti too. V50 or V65 are very similar. Monza would be good too but harder to find.
(http://www.southwalessectionvmcc.co.uk/Bike%20Park/terry%20hopes/1981%20Moto%20Guzzi%20V50.jpg)
They have seen military service.
(http://www.nsen.name/V50III/V50-11.jpg)
Rod
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V50, ninja 250 are good choices although all are likely to be too tall for her right now.
How about an SL175? See if she'd enjoy a more classic looking bike? You can probably find one for about $500-$750. Basic as bones bike that she can tear apart and fix herself. Maybe a bonding moment that she'll always remember? It's always a great idea to learn those kinds of skills when you're young, this is a valuable learning opportunity for her.
I personally wouldn't give a teenager a big engine, it's probably best that she learns on something she can flog mercilessly without getting up to big speed. It won't matter so much exactly what she gets, I think that what will matter most in the end is that it's HER bike that she can ride when she wants. Of course the bike should suit the purpose she intends for it, but that's my two cents.
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Yamaha XT225 or 250
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lls_Vu0RCMg
(http://i57.tinypic.com/ehykhf.jpg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5XqG3Bm73zQ
Light. Forgiving. 70 mpg. 70 mph. MSF schools used them.
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V50, ninja 250 are good choices although all are likely to be too tall for her right now.
How about an SL175? See if she'd enjoy a more classic looking bike? You can probably find one for about $500-$750. Basic as bones bike that she can tear apart and fix herself. Maybe a bonding moment that she'll always remember? It's always a great idea to learn those kinds of skills when you're young, this is a valuable learning opportunity for her.
I personally wouldn't give a teenager a big engine, it's probably best that she learns on something she can flog mercilessly without getting up to big speed. It won't matter so much exactly what she gets, I think that what will matter most in the end is that it's HER bike that she can ride when she wants. Of course the bike should suit the purpose intends for it, but that's my two cents.
Uh , good luck finding a good 175 Honda for less than $1500.00 these days . The girl wants to ride , not spend the next 2 years rebuilding an old clunker ::) ;D
Dusty
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You might consider a Suzuki Savage. Low seat height,mild torquey motor with highway capability,cheap on the used market.Easy to get rid of when it's time to move up. The 500 Ninja gets great reviews too.
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Honda CBR 250R with ABS. Reading this list, lock ups happen even with decades of experience. Cheers and congrats on the new member of the riding fraternity/sorority.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2012/06/honda-cbr250r-abs-motorcycle-proves-fun-well-suited-to-new-riders/index.htm
http://www.cycleworld.com/2014/01/28/honda-cbr250r-abs-sportbike-long-term-test-wrap-up-review-photos-specs/
http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/04/11/honda-cbr250r-abs-long-term-test-update-2/
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Grom
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Uh , good luck finding a good 175 Honda for less than $1500.00 these days . The girl wants to ride , not spend the next 2 years rebuilding an old clunker ::) ;D
Dusty
:+1
And +1 on the comments about learning in the dirt (which, I'm sure you already know). You didn't mention her height or inseam. If she has long enough legs to handle smaller dual sport, that'd be a great bike to learn on, both street and dirt.
In any case, this will open a new and exciting chapter in your relationship with your daughter.
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You might consider a Suzuki Savage. Low seat height,mild torquey motor with highway capability,cheap on the used market.Easy to get rid of when it's time to move up. The 500 Ninja gets great reviews too.
She doesn't like the Rebel, because it "looks like a Harley". She's not going to like the Savage for the same reason.
Grom
While I think the Grom is cool, for the money they cost, there are many more suitable (for the road) bikes she can get.
That money would be way better spent on an XT225, XT250, DRZ250, CRF250F, etc.
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Uh...What type of bike does your daughter like? If it's going to be hers, my opinion is she should be involved....
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If she already likes modern sporty bikes than the task is easy. Either the Kawa or Honda are fine machines. I am especially impressed by the fit and finish on the Honda- it looks fantastic! Both companies are very wise to produce entry level bikes that are not "cheap". The obvious goal is to make the rider feel proud of thier mount and sell them into the family. She is rare in that she is already racking up miles- I'd make sure she gets something reliable as a stone axe.
(http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh62/boatdetective/Honda-CBR250R-f-3-4_zps5c41de8d.jpg) (http://s253.photobucket.com/user/boatdetective/media/Honda-CBR250R-f-3-4_zps5c41de8d.jpg.html)
The hidden extra here is that huge, goofy looking muffler. It's gotta go. If she gets this, she can research an appropriate Yoshimura can to start modding her ride. Man, then you'll have a daughter who rides and is also a gearhead. Nice!
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She doesn't like the Rebel, because it "looks like a Harley". She's not going to like the Savage for the same reason.
While I think the Grom is cool, for the money they cost, there are many more suitable (for the road) bikes she can get.
That money would be way better spent on an XT225, XT250, DRZ250, CRF250F, etc.
Practicality and sensibility go out the window when spending money on daughters.
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Uh...What type of bike does your daughter like? If it's going to be hers, my opinion is she should be involved....
:+1 to this. Like most other responders, I can't answer the specific "How did you get YOUR daughter started riding?" question.
But she's just like the rest of us in this; that the bike she will do best on is the bike she feels like is HERS and that she has a chance to bond with and to enjoy riding and being seen on!
If she has no opinion and just wants Dad's best judgment on which bike to choose, that's great. But if she has ANY sort of a brand or type preference, go there first!
Lannis
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The Yamaha TW 200 is a great bike to learn on. Both of my kids and the neighbor learned on a TW that I bought from a friend. The bike is just very easy to handle and will start off in 1 or 2nd without a glitch. And any drops at low speed will not destroy hundreds of dollars in parts. My advise is to buy a used one and let your daughter drive it for at least 6 months. Then you can sell it on and buy something else. You probably won't lose more than a registration fee and couple of hundred dollars. The confidence and experience your daughter will gain will be priceless. Mike
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my cousin age 55 and daughter 30 both started ridding this spring. she got a used 300 Ninja ABS for your budget with only 2-3000 miles on it. she can't break 5' tall and 80#'s but this bike works great for her and at 70 MPG is hard to beat. handling is fantastic both running and pushing around the garage. it of the cbr250-300 is what I'd get.
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If she likes the Ninja 250, then that would be a fine bike for her to start up. They're pretty simple, reliable, and common. Because they're common, used ones are also inexpensive. A 2007-newer one can be had for $1,500-$3,000, often with quite low miles. Earlier ones often are seen on Craigslist this time of year for as little as $1,000. The Honda CBR250R is another bike in the same class as the Ninja 250 that would be a good starter bike. Being a single (ninja is a twin), it makes less HP, but, has better lower end torque.
A Ninja 500 would be just as friendly a starter bike, if not even better, due to having better lower end torque. Ninja 500 prices aren't much higher than the Ninja 250.
Both bikes, though having sport bike looks are pretty much Standards with fairings.
Another bike that would be good starter bikes and also fall in the price range is the Suzuki GS500.
:+1
Ninja 250
Ninja 500
GS500
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I can vouch for the Yamaha XT225, rode plumb across the country on one and had a blast. But be sure to check out the Suzuki TU250X; I don't own one but they've caught my eye from the start. Said to be tough as nails and offer better performance and handling than you'd expect. All the best to you; you are a lucky dad and she is a lucky girl.
Sarah
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The Yamaha TW 200 is a great bike to learn on.
I can vouch for the Yamaha XT225, rode plumb across the country on one and had a blast.
Green1000S is planning a trip from Arizona to California to Nevada, then all the way back to Pennsylvania. While the TW200 and XT225 are really good bikes in their intended role, They really aren't the kind of bike you want to put someone on for 3,000 miles of highway touring.
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As I said, I rode my XT from KY to Moab and back with nary a hitch, but I hear you. And folks are riding the TU's everywhere. They offer an upright seating position for good leverage in the bars and weigh in at 326lb wet. That's about 50lb less than the Ninja I think. I'm not trying to argue, I just prefer a lightweight standard.
Sarah
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CBR250. I have a friend who bought one (somewhat short fellow) and he could ride with anyone, anywhere. Actually had a Street Triple R before the Honda.
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my wife learned on a rebel 250, about the easiest to learn on bike there is, and low seat height and low weight made in very manageable. fully bullet proof too
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With your budget of $2500 or so and looking for something sporty, I'd say 250 Ninja, 500 Ninja, Suzuki GS500, maybe a Breva 750 or a 1st generation SV650. Hyosung maybe? Buell Blast? Of all of these, I think the SV650 would be the best pick if it fits her.
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Green1000S is planning a trip from Arizona to California to Nevada, then all the way back to Pennsylvania. While the TW200 and XT225 are really good bikes in their intended role, They really aren't the kind of bike you want to put someone on for 3,000 miles of highway touring.
The way I read it, both will be on the Quota for the AZ, CA, NV - PA trip, not Lauri on the Quota and Lisa on her own bike. Even on a CBR250, Ninja 250, etc. that trip would be quite an accomplishment.
Other bikes to consider: Honda VTR250 (though the one I rode made my Morini 350 K2 feel like a torque monster)
(http://raresportbikesforsale.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/1986HondaVTR250.jpg)
and the Honda NX250 (looks a bit like a mini-Quota, eh?).
(http://motorcycle-specs.com/general/Honda-NX_250_Dominator-1988.jpg)
More street biased that an XT or CRF, water-cooled engine. Can be found relatively inexpensively (my friend Joe sold one a year ago for $1200). One downside is the tire sizes are "weird" limiting choices.
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My kids learned to ride just after the car driving came. That is not say they were unfamiliar with owning a go cart and dabbling around with an old enduro I had brought back to life. They have had their bike licences for around six years now. They have told me how learning on the small Yamaha was a great way to start. They then moved up to a ninja 250 which was much harder to handle than the Yamaha TW. They were both glad I made them take the safety course which also gave them a licensing test waiver. And the biggest help they both agreed on was making a few driving loops(10 to 30 miles long with varying degrees of traffic) to practice skills and get time on the bike. In my opinion you have to drive a bike for at least a year to be comfortable riding. I would not recommend a long trip for a new driver. Mike
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I vote TW200..especially if she is short of stature....let her learn on it and when she is ready for a sporty bike you can have it to play with ;D
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Green1000S is planning a trip from Arizona to California to Nevada, then all the way back to Pennsylvania. While the TW200 and XT225 are really good bikes in their intended role, They really aren't the kind of bike you want to put someone on for 3,000 miles of highway touring.
I think the trip was both of them on the Quota. I would doubt the young lass would have the conditioning to do a big tour in such a short time.
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Thanks for all the replies, looks like we have a lot more to study in regards of the bikes. Good advise from all of you, just what I was hoping for. Now we have few more options to look at.
To answer few questions:
1) She is 5'6" tall and inseam is about 30/31
2) If she gets the choise, its looks like Ninja 250 and the Honday CBR 250 type motorcycle will win. I douibt we will go with a real "dirtbike", too top heavy and tall for my daughter. But we will make sure to check few anyway! I would love to get her a Vintage Honda CB125 or CB350, those are georgeous machines, however she prefers modern looking stuff. Might be more reliable too. Then again, to learn wrenching is a good thing!
3) The Cross country trip is planned in early June, immediately after the school is finished. As such, there is not enough time to get her riding skills to proper level for this type of trip. No way I would like her to cruise in LA traffic or Colorado mountains on her own... Not yet. We will take the Red Quota, which is now Silver and Black ;D ;D.
(http://s15.postimg.org/6vwfgqy23/image.jpg) (http://postimage.org/)
4) IF I would even think of a 500cc bike, it needs to be seriously underpowered. She is already zooming on highway at 70-80mph with her car. She has literally picked up some of my habits;-) Duh... She is not careless, but does like speed.
5) One of the bikes she has always liked was the little 750 Breva. Not really convinced that its a good started bike? May be out of the budget too.
6) Not a scooter or a Grom. Has to be a REAL motorcycle ;D
Buell Blast? Looking into it....
CRC, We got the shirt at the Famous Tornado-Guzzi Rally at Buena Vista. Maybe someone here still has shirts available and will chime in?
Thanks again guys, search will continue...
Lauri
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Practicality and sensibility go out the window when spending money on daughters.
I like this.... ;D ;D
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the Honda NX250 (looks a bit like a mini-Quota, eh?).
(http://motorcycle-specs.com/general/Honda-NX_250_Dominator-1988.jpg)
More street biased that an XT or CRF, water-cooled engine. Can be found relatively inexpensively (my friend Joe sold one a year ago for $1200). One downside is the tire sizes are "weird" limiting choices.
Now...that NX is sweet!! I'll look into this one too!
Thanks Charlie.
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Buell Blast? Looking into it....
A couple of years ago I took the Harley rider course with my son (then 18) and they used the Buell Blasts. I hated them--but then maybe that's how all large(r) single cylinder bikes behave? It was like riding a clothes dryer with a brick in it.
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A little old school but the Yamaha Exciter?..............(http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b518/niserscoot/images_zpsd6163390.jpg) (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/niserscoot/media/images_zpsd6163390.jpg.html)
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Grom
:bike
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4) IF I would even think of a 500cc bike, it needs to be seriously underpowered. She is already zooming on highway at 70-80mph with her car. She has literally picked up some of my habits;-) Duh... She is not careless, but does like speed.
Lauri
Oh, PLEASE get this fixed before she gets on her own motorcycle! She doesn't have the skills to react to things happening at 80 MPH in a car or on a bike. She doesn't need to be "careless" to have someone else who doesn't realize she's running that fast to move in front of her.
My oldest (when 17) got clocked at 78 MPH once and was walking for a month. If you can get them through this "I'm immortal, NOTHING can hurt me, I can run 200 MPH and it's not too fast for MY super-powers" stage without killing themselves, you'll be doing well. It's what kills the most of our teenagers. And there's no air-bags on a bike .....
Lannis
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With your budget of $2500 or so and looking for something sporty, I'd say 250 Ninja, 500 Ninja, Suzuki GS500, maybe a Breva 750 or a 1st generation SV650. Hyosung maybe? Buell Blast? Of all of these, I think the SV650 would be the best pick if it fits her.
IMHO, the SV650, or the Hyosung clone of it, is too much bike for a 16 year old to learn on.
A little old school but the Yamaha Exciter?..............(http://i1289.photobucket.com/albums/b518/niserscoot/images_zpsd6163390.jpg) (http://s1289.photobucket.com/user/niserscoot/media/images_zpsd6163390.jpg.html)
See my earlier comments on the Savage. Lauri already said that she didn't care for the Honda Rebel, something about it looking too much like a Harley. From his comments about what she likes, a Ninja 250 or Honda CBR250 are the most likely candidates (or the 300 versions of them if they can be found in the desired price range).
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IMHO, the SV650, or the Hyosung clone of it, is too much bike for a 16 year old to learn on.
Depends.
After years of dirt-biking around the farm on Rich Maund's old Yamaha TT-225, my youngest boy learned how to street-ride on my Centauro. He was a big lad (6'4", 240 pounds) so the bike's size was not a problem for him, and because he spent the first year either riding in front of me (so I could watch his technique, braking points, etc) or behind me (so he could watch MINE!), it turned out to be a good learning bike for him. The throttle doesn't open any further than you twist it, and he knew that if he decided to do the "Oh, I KNOW how to ride fast!" thing, that'd be the last ride till he was 21.
He's a very good rider now. When I ride with him, I never get nervous about speed through turns, braking points, etc.
Lannis
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"After years of dirt-biking around the farm on Rich Maund's old Yamaha TT-225, my youngest boy learned how to street-ride on my Centauro.."
Thats the part thats missing.... Years of dirt biking. At this point she does not know shifting from automatic.
We will rent a car with stick shift and play with that few weekends. Later the bike. In that order.
And Lannis, she is not that bad with speed, 10 over at highways....
Being a girl, she is not as bad as I was at same age. I definately felt that I was immortal, however ended up being a cat with 9 lives. Not same, but close.
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"After years of dirt-biking around the farm on Rich Maund's old Yamaha TT-225, my youngest boy learned how to street-ride on my Centauro.."
Thats the part thats missing.... Years of dirt biking. At this point she does not know shifting from automatic.
We will rent a car with stick shift and play with that few weekends. Later the bike. In that order.
And Lannis, she is not that bad with speed, 10 over at highways....
Being a girl, she is not as bad as I was at same age. I definately felt that I was immortal, however ended up being a cat with 9 lives. Not same, but close.
Well, not trying to tell you how to raise her, just reacting - I want ALL our sons and daughters to get through the teen years safely! AND be able to proudly ride to the rallies .... !!
Lannis
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Fully agreed Lannis.
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You might consider a Suzuki Savage. Low seat height,mild torquey motor with highway capability,cheap on the used market.Easy to get rid of when it's time to move up. The 500 Ninja gets great reviews too.
:+1 for the Suzuki Savage aka S40 a great reliable little 650 single, belt drive so no messy chains
I would have said Suzuki Intruder aka S50 but they have been discontinued
If you have lots of $$$, how about a new V7?
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I still remember the first time I got spit off a bike (not that long ago as I still consider myself a noob). Boy- talk about a teachable moment. Don't you wish you could just bottle that fear, mortality, and humility and administer it as a pill? Every minor drop or bad experience has been indelible with me.
Speaking of which, Lauri, how is she with strategy and positioning? The whole issue of "car chess" and thinking about putting yourself in the right spot before anything bad can happen was an important lesson for me. The whole "Proficient Motorcycling" approach, to me, is a mentally engaging way to think about controlling a situation rather than simply reacting to it.
...I digress. Hey, think about it for a second- a sixteen yo getting her license and embarking on the adventure and responsibility of getting a bike. How exciting is that?
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Having owned an SV650 for the better part of eight years, and as a member of the svrider.com community, I am well aware of the debate as to whether the SV makes for a good beginner bike. IMO (and in the opinion of the more thoughtful members of the SV community), the bike DOES NOT make for a good beginner bike. The throttle response is snatchy, the low-speed gearing can be jerky, the front brake is grabby, the rear brake is prone to lock-up, and the turn-in is abrupt. While it's not a terrible choice, there are much better options out there.
If we are talking first street bike, and the rider has extensive off-road experience and the size and maturity to handle a bike like the SV, then fine. However, if we are talking first real time riding any motorcycle, then, no.
If you want a good Suzuki beginner street bike, the GS500 is a better choice. However, IMO the Kawasaki Ninja EX500, with its water-cooling and better brakes, makes for an even better choice.
If the rider has the inseam to comfortably straddle a dual sport, a 250cc or 400cc four-stroke Enduro bike can also work well for a beginner.
EDIT: Having read the OP's most recent comments, I am back to the Ninja 500 / Ninja 250/ Suzuki GS500. IMO, the Ninja 500 is easy to ride because its response to control inputs, even heavy-handed ones, is very mild and predictable. OTOH, the Ninja 250 is a bit lighter and lower-powered, and therefore easier to handle in that regard, but you have to really rev it out and keep the revs up to get and keep good forward progress, which some beginners have a hard time with. My gf re-entered motorcycling after a 20+ year hiatus, rode a Ninja 250 for 18 months, and has been riding a Ninja 500 in the years since then. She liked the 250 but absolutely loves her 500, and thinks she maybe should have started with the latter. The Ninja 500 makes about 59 hp; the Ninja 250 puts out 30 hp; and the GS500 splits the difference at 46 hp. All of them are highway-capable, and with some soft luggage can do longer trips just fine. My gf rode her 250 all around Florida with me before moving up to the 500, and she has taken several trips on the 500, including to Indy and back for MotoGP this past August (2,700 miles).
Have your daughter try them all and let her decide. Good luck.
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:+1 for the Suzuki Savage aka S40 a great reliable little 650 single, belt drive so no messy chains
I would have said Suzuki Intruder aka S50 but they have been discontinued
If you have lots of $$$, how about a new V7?
I'll second this. We bought my mom one of those 2 years ago, and its nice and light.
I actually find it fun to ride, even coming off the Breva, as I can really whip the snot out of it, and I'm still doing legal speeds!! Handling is a little bit squirrelly in my books though, maybe because of the very narrow front tire?
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:+1 for the Suzuki Savage aka S40 a great reliable little 650 single, belt drive so no messy chains
I would have said Suzuki Intruder aka S50 but they have been discontinued
If you have lots of $$$, how about a new V7?
Us big ol' guys forget how much the world of motorcycling "opens up" for you if you are 5'4" and weigh not much at all and are small in most dimensions.
I'm always trying to find something that will carry me fully loaded with gear and luggage, and has LOTS of room for all my body parts, and will pull a hill easily with hundreds and hundreds and hundreds (well ...) of pounds aboard. So (like many of us) I tend to "project" those issues into any advice I might give about a young person getting a bike.
For a petite 16 year-old girl, a 30 HP 250 weighing 300 pounds or less would be a rocketship under almost any conditions, and would have plenty of room to move around on to stay comfortable on a trip. AND get 70 MPG and need a set of tires once a century .....
Lannis
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Again, look at the Suzuki Savage (S-40). It is an underpowered but wonderfully forgiving motorcycle. It goes 65 ok but by 70 the vibes get a bit much for an extended time. Shift up or down as you get to it, the best thing about a single like this is the low end torque which allows for many shifting mistakes without stopping the bike at the wrong time or place. Plenty of good used ones around, she can tart it to her hearts content and resell it when she becomes proficient. (Many think this but keep the bike because they are fun.). ::) ::)
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Again, look at the Suzuki Savage (S-40). It is an underpowered but wonderfully forgiving motorcycle. It goes 65 ok but by 70 the vibes get a bit much for an extended time. Shift up or down as you get to it, the best thing about a single like this is the low end torque which allows for many shifting mistakes without stopping the bike at the wrong time or place. Plenty of good used ones around, she can tart it to her hearts content and resell it when she becomes proficient. (Many think this but keep the bike because they are fun.). ::) ::)
But, if she doesn't like the looks of a Rebel, then most likely a Savage isn't going to be attractive to her either.
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But, if she doesn't like the looks of a Rebel, then most likely a Savage isn't going to be attractive to her either.
Agreed! The S40's are neat if you dump money into a Ryca kit. Other than that blah.
Lauri,
Does she have any experience other than a rider? If not buy a cheap Yamaha Blaster ATV to get her used to a manual transmission. They don't fall over when you are learning or had too many to drink.
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Does she have any experience other than a rider? If not buy a cheap Yamaha Blaster ATV to get her used to a manual transmission. They don't fall over when you are learning or had too many to drink.
Only problem there, is an ATV steers completely different than a motorcycle.
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But, if she doesn't like the looks of a Rebel, then most likely a Savage isn't going to be attractive to her either.
I said this earlier in the thread, but, no one seems to get it. ::)
:BEER:
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Agreed! The S40's are neat if you dump money into a Ryca kit. Other than that blah.
Lauri,
Does she have any experience other than a rider? If not buy a cheap Yamaha Blaster ATV to get her used to a manual transmission. They don't fall over when you are learning or had too many to drink.
I agree with what Charlie has to say about them steering completely differently. With some time off road on a smaller dual sport, or even off-road only dirt bike, she'll learn clutch control, how to shift, and also handling dynamics. Once she is comfortable on the dirt bike, then she can breeze through the MSF and starting riding on the street.
One more thing that I'd like to add, is, that if my daughter (who is only 10, so, I've got some time) wants to ride on the street, I'm going to want her to drive a car on the street for at least a year first. At the same time, or earlier, she can learn to ride a motorcycle off road. That way, she learns to handle a bike, and learns to handle traffic -- but not both at the same time. I'd rather she makes her traffic mistakes during the first year in a car.
Disclaimer: I don't know how old your daughter is, Lauri, so, if she's already been driving for a year, then, well, she's met this criteria.
Disclaimer 2: I'm not trying to tell you how to raise your daughter, just what I'll do with mine, my advice comes with a money back guarantee. ;-T
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Had a Ninja 250 all through college. Perfect at the time as a 1st bike.
Just enough sport, not instantly lethal as the 600 supersports, good around town & on campus, and never left me stranded.
Looking back, the last thing I needed at the time was "personality" or "character". That little bike was as predictable as a Timex and reliable as a hammer.
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Buell Blast 500 cc of fun and made of indestructible plastic. 4 good drops and all that needed replacement was one turn signal lens. It can run 70 and keep up with the Cali. Fun little bike and there are thousands of them with low miles.
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Buell Blast 500 cc of fun and made of indestructible plastic. 4 good drops and all that needed replacement was one turn signal lens. It can run 70 and keep up with the Cali. Fun little bike and there are thousands of them with low miles.
Maybe not entirely indestructible:
(http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/photogallerys/large/Buell-Blast.jpg)
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Samantha was 18 when she started on a 2002 Ninja 250. I can say she has been ready to move up to a bigger bike but the decision is hers to make. Can't go wrong with any of the 250's cheap, reliable and won't intimidate the rider
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Here's my take, and I did read and understand she doesn't want a mini-Harley clone!!!!
My wife has about the same height and inseam. Her first street bike was a Ninja 500. Excellent first bike because just as easy to ride as a Ninja or Honda 250, but will have the speed to easily keep up with you when on two lane highways, or even an interstate when the ability/skill reaches that level. From there she went to a Breva 750, which she still has. Now she really likes "MY" CB500X, and tours on it. The Buell Blast is a nice bike that would be along the lines of Ninja 500, but look a bit more modern.
But first... I would pickup a small dirt bike, such as a Honda XR100 or something similar. Let her ride it around the house and on easy trails to build her riding, shifting' and braking skills along with reactions when sliding a bit in sand and dirt. Also, when it gets dropped or dumped, it won't be that big of a deal. You might even find picking a little one up for yourself to ride with her would open new doors of sharing your MCing interests. When the bikes have served their purpose, you can usually turn them for about what you bought them for.
Making sure she has good riding skills before you watch her ride off into the world on her own will only make it a little bit easier to take. BTDT and I still worry like an old ..., well you get the picture. ;)
Good luck on finding the right bike THAT SHE LIKES and GOOD GEAR THAT SHE WILL LIKE TO WEAR! ;-T
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Only problem there, is an ATV steers completely different than a motorcycle.
Agreed but when stalls it doesn't fall over. Learning to operate a manual clutch with a set of "training wheels" is okay.
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Here's another vote for the CBR250R. I've been riding for 40 years and added one to my stable two years ago, just because. It's a very impressive little bike and ideal for first-timers IMO (350 lbs, 100+ mpg, simple and inexpensive to maintain). More fun than a barrel of monkeys. Where did that saying come from?
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Lots of replies... Thanks guys.
No, she has no riding experience. Sleeping on back of the Quota does not count.
Where I live, there are million roads with close to no cars, so we can go on Amish back roads and practice all we want without any traffic. Same on my neighborhood, lots of double wide roads and zero cars. She could drive hours without even worrying if she is on right side of the road.
Safety course is a must. She ain't going anywhere without it. I'll take it too.
Even if she passes the test, she will be riding with me so I can confirm better her capabilities and how she steers, brakes etc...
Looks like the Ninja and CBR are front runners at this point. Light, nimble, cheap and plenty of parts available. Matches the budget too. I'll also look at the 400's, but I have a gut feeling that Allstate likes the 250 much better.
I'll have rest of the winter and spring to figure it out, although right now you can bargain well on bikes....
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A Blast makes the most sense to me, based on what I know of them, and Joliet did what you are contemplating, and like he said, droped 4 times, needed 1 turn signel lense. Hard to beat those numbers, and the bike has a lot torque!
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But first... I would pickup a small dirt bike, such as a Honda XR100 or something similar. Let her ride it around the house and on easy trails to build her riding, shifting' and braking skills along with reactions when sliding a bit in sand and dirt. Also, when it gets dropped or dumped, it won't be that big of a deal. You might even find picking a little one up for yourself to ride with her would open new doors of sharing your MCing interests. When the bikes have served their purpose, you can usually turn them for about what you bought them for.
Yeah, this.
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I am due to run across PA on Sunday/Monday. I could easily toss in my Yammie 185 that ran a year ago and may just need a battery charge and very minor carb work.
It's yours for as long as you need it, my friend.
JB
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I am due to run across PA on Sunday/Monday. I could easily toss in my Yammie 185 that ran a year ago and may just need a battery charge and very minor carb work.
It's yours for as long as you need it, my friend.
JB
That's what I love about this forum. Lot's of very good people. JB, you're a class act!
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A Blast makes the most sense to me, based on what I know of them, and Joliet did what you are contemplating, and like he said, droped 4 times, needed 1 turn signel lense. Hard to beat those numbers, and the bike has a lot torque!
Yeah I just wish she'd get it out of my garage. I don't think the vlx we looked at would have faired as well. especially the high speed get off on the way to the illinois rally that year
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As you say your daughter enjoys going fast, you might consider sponsoring a track day--after she takes an intro class and learns the basics--as an alternative to dirt riding. If she is going to go fast, there is no safer place than a track, and imho no better place to learn riding skills.
Rich A
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2006 GS500, $1,800.
http://lancaster.craigslist.org/mcy/4827200998.html (http://lancaster.craigslist.org/mcy/4827200998.html)
2012 CBR250, $3,250 (yes, higher than your stated price range)
http://reading.craigslist.org/mcy/4818059017.html (http://reading.craigslist.org/mcy/4818059017.html)
2006 Ninja 250, $2,300
http://york.craigslist.org/mcy/4822423571.html (http://york.craigslist.org/mcy/4822423571.html)
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I test drove a Buell Blast as a potential first bike for my wife and I think it could fit the bill. It was a little odd for me to ride because of the thumper feel on the road, but it was torquey, and predictable. The torque can be helpful for a new rider who might be still getting used to picking the right gears, learning entry and exit speed etc.
How about this for a crazy option. A female friend of mine got a Dr400 supermoto as her first motorcycle ever. She has been all over the place on the thing. The down fall has been limiting on trip distance due to range but it has been solid and predictable.
How about that new CB500x. I know its new and over budget but in the great scheme of things it may be a good option if she is ambitious to be a motorcyclist.
Its funny someone mentioned an SL175, that was my first bike. I rode it in the dirt before it became my "road dog" when I turned 15 and got my bike license. It topped out at 63 MPH and I rode it 63 mph everywhere I went. My dad told me if I blew it up he would get me a different bike. I had no luck blowing it up, but I got a new bike anyway. I guess the point of the tangent was we sold it to a college gal that rode it for years before it finally gave up the ghost because of years of no maintenance. Solid bike bit the traveling aspect would be rough.
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The MSF school in Shreveport uses the CBR250R and I have ridden with a young woman that owned one. I put lowering links on it to lower 1-1/2" in rear and raised the forks an 1". It will run 80 on the interstate pretty easy.
Has my vote for a new rider.
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I am due to run across PA on Sunday/Monday. I could easily toss in my Yammie 185 that ran a year ago and may just need a battery charge and very minor carb work.
It's yours for as long as you need it, my friend.
JB
Wow, what a nice offer!
Sarah
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I am due to run across PA on Sunday/Monday. I could easily toss in my Yammie 185 that ran a year ago and may just need a battery charge and very minor carb work.
It's yours for as long as you need it, my friend.
JB
some good eggs around these parts
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I am due to run across PA on Sunday/Monday. I could easily toss in my Yammie 185 that ran a year ago and may just need a battery charge and very minor carb work.
It's yours for as long as you need it, my friend.
JB
Hi John!
Wow... What an offer! Thank you so much.
Let me discuss with the daughter, since for me its money and safety, for her it's more of what she likes😃
I don't know the Yamaha 185, is it street or dirt bike?
And once it warms up again, let's go for a spin next time you're here in a Lancaster area!
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IMO The CBR250 or the Ninja 250. Had a Ninja and it was great fun. Good power and light. She looks rather petite and I suggest you make sure there are parts available to lower the bike whatever you buy. I know there are lowering links available for the Ninja. Stlll have a set.
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Did anyone mention the Suzuki Tu250? It has a fairly low seat height and doesn't look like a Harley.
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My wife bought her son an '07 Ninja 250 for his High School graduation present back in 2007. I finally got the bike sorted out almost a year later when I got back into town and he then really began to like the bike - light weight, cheap to insure, cheap to maintain, cheap to run (hmm, could almost be Guzzi content here). His first one got totaled when a cop ran a light and whacked him about the rear turn signal and snapped the frame.
I got him into an '89 Ninja 600 for $1500. He liked the extra power but really preferred the smaller bike. He's now on his second '07 and it has been very reliable. He prefers the look of the '07 and earlier than the '08 and later.
Either the 250/300 or the 500 would be excellent bikes for her, and what the heck - let her take it on the trip. She will learn so much about riding and gain so much experience. Get an intercom system (my wife and I use the Sena SMH10) and coach her as you follow or give her tips on the turns and what to watch for when you are leading.
jdg
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If seat height is an issue and she likes Guzzi, Nevada has a very low seat height and is reasonably light. Sounds like she may not favor the cruiser styling though. We have a 2007 Nevada that my wife rides when we go on tour. She is currently using soft bags but we are thinking of getting Hepco & Becker bags for it. She learned to ride about 4 years ago on an '86 Honda Rebel which has an even lower seat height and is an excellent learner bike but is a bit light for highway use.
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Buell Blast? Dirt cheap, a lot with low miles on them for around $1500.
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Buell Blast? Dirt cheap, a lot with low miles on them for around $1500.
I have to say, the (low mileage, well-maintained) 2001 I rode was the biggest POS I've ever swung a leg across. Handled and braked only okay, heavy vibration at most all engine speeds. Build quality wasn't all that great. Didn't help that the owner had a V&H "muffler" on it. Made it obnoxiously loud and (still) slow.
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Well, not trying to tell you how to raise her, just reacting - I want ALL our sons and daughters to get through the teen years safely! AND be able to proudly ride to the rallies .... !!
Lannis
That climb up Fool's Hill can be painful.....
G
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it won't be long before I go through the same thing with my soon to be 16 year old son. I've given it a lot of thought. I used to be a MSF instructor and have seen a lot of noobs get started. Even though I ride and often commute on a dual sport bike, he won't start on one of them. Why not? I really like how they are tall so you can see and be seen. They also aren't stupidly powerful and do eat up potholes and the like. However, with a 21" front wheel and semi-knobby tires, they just don't stop as well as a street bike. Perhaps we could find a 21" street tire, but I doubt it will have the stickiness I'd like him to have.
The little Honda or Ninja with ABS is just about perfect IMHO. Yeah, yeah, I know many of you learned on overweight, underpowered 1970s bikes with hard black things that passed for tires back in the day and did fine. I like the idea of him finding a CB550 and fixing it up together. But the world has changed; traffic is worse, drivers are more distracted than ever, and for a few more bucks having the ability to accidentally grab the front brake and get away with it is priceless when it comes to my kid.
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My daughter had a Ninja 250. She has a really short inseam (28 in maybe) and there weren't many choices, I think it was the Rebel and the Ninja. I installed bar risers on the Ninja for her so she wasn't sitting so far forward. She liked the bike a lot.
I'm 6'3", I could sit on the back seat and ride it. And it was a lot of fun.
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Even though I ride and often commute on a dual sport bike, he won't start on one of them. Why not? I really like how they are tall so you can see and be seen. They also aren't stupidly powerful and do eat up potholes and the like. However, with a 21" front wheel and semi-knobby tires, they just don't stop as well as a street bike. Perhaps we could find a 21" street tire, but I doubt it will have the stickiness I'd like him to have.
First thing comes to mind is stoppies on a WR250X (super motard). Second was how well the Shinko 705 21" fronts held traction on our dual sports. Not gonna easily find a DS with ABS, but... YMMV
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Make sure she sits on the bike if at all possible and feels comfortable on it. I bought a Suzuki Intruder 800 from some friends and even took it for a ride before I bought it. It felt a little different than what I had been used to on past bikes, but I thought I'd get used to it once I started riding it all the time. As much as I rode that thing, I never got comfortable with the way it felt. I ended up giving it back to my friends 2 or 3 years ago after it had been sitting in my garage a few years. He and his grandson fixed it up and he gave it to his grandson who loves it and has put many miles on it.
I've been on bikes since I was 13 and I will soon be celebrating my 29th birthday again, so I've had a few years of riding experience. I started on minibikes and dirt bikes, both of which we rode on & off road. My first "real" motorcycle was a used Honda 550 Four. I was 22 years old, 5'2" and 95 pounds and could only touch tiptoe. Now I'm on Guzzis and I can still only touch tiptoe! You'd think since I could touch flat foot sitting on the Intruder that would have made me feel better, but it didn't.
Good luck and have fun choosing the perfect bike! Practice, practice, practice on it. Enjoy it and ride the heck out of it!
Beaver
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You'll need to spend a little father-daughter time building it but:
(http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vKOBPSZ9L3U/TxSpF3IrqrI/AAAAAAAAJA4/Tiz6zFBjIps/s640/tumblr_lxcarzglYn1qheyozo1_500.jpg)
Honda 350.
Just tell her no Dragon Tattoos and no piercings.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6re58gyfQOU/TxSpBtIAICI/AAAAAAAAJAk/hsp5j6ZUDwg/s640/Rooney-Mara-Girl-with-Dragon-Tattoo.jpg)
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That is way cool.
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Did anyone mention the Suzuki Tu250? It has a fairly low seat height and doesn't look like a Harley.
I would second this. Many MSF courses are now using the little TUX. The bike is light, reliable and extremely forgiving.
Also, many folks who love the look of the TUXes graduate to owning Guzzis. :D
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Top 3 bikes are:
Honda NX 250
Kawa Ninja 250
Honda 250 CBR
If the daughter gets to pick, it will be black Ninja.
I sat on the new Honda CB 300 F. Cool little bike with 30HP, but since it's new, price is a bit too much.
There is a million Kawas available below 2K.
CBR's not so much. Only couple.
So far I have not found any NX.
But that's the fun part of the search.
Wife just got a whiff of what me and daughter are planning and "did not share the same vision".
Does that mean that I need to attach the toilet roll holder to the wall and get a new vacuum cleaner too??
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Wife just got a whiff of what me and daughter are planning and "did not share the same vision".
Click and Clack might say, 'ah HA! This isn't a motorcycle question, it's a relationship question!' Did you wife's vision have anything to do with a vehicle that has 2 wheels and a motor? (And as my 3 year old son said of his older brothers 'don't drive like my brothers.)
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... Wife just got a whiff of what me and daughter are planning and "did not share the same vision".
Does that mean that I need to attach the toilet roll holder to the wall and get a new vacuum cleaner too??
Might be a good time to set yourself some solid reminders for birthdays, anniversaries, Valentine's Day, etc. Maybe do a little cleaning and updating on the doghouse, too (just in case). :BEER:
Cheers,
Shaun
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Top 3 bikes are:
Honda NX 250
Kawa Ninja 250
Honda 250 CBR
Sorry for the late addition, but just read a review of the Yamaha SR400 in MCN. I want one too!!
http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/products/modelhome/691/home.aspx
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I would second this. Many MSF courses are now using the little TUX. The bike is light, reliable and extremely forgiving.
Also, many folks who love the look of the TUXes graduate to owning Guzzis. :D
I road a TUx when I took the MSF. I like them; so much that I've considered getting one.
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Wife just got a whiff of what me and daughter are planning and "did not share the same vision".
Does that mean that I need to attach the toilet roll holder to the wall and get a new vacuum cleaner too??
Yes. And, you should buy her something that sparkles too.
:BEER:
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Yes. And, you should buy her something that sparkles too.
:BEER:
So ... the $2500.00 budget is now more like $5000.00 , this buying a MC for the daughter thing is getting expensive ;D
Dusty
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So ... the $2500.00 budget is now more like $5000.00 , this buying a MC for the daughter thing is getting expensive ;D
Dusty
Yebbut .... the budget for the sparkly thing:
1) Comes from a different pot of money
2) Has positive side effects (NGC) that far exceed the motorcycle part!
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Ok... Got her new living room carpet and lamps. Promised to paint the walls too. Wifey is on good mood.
It's time to sneak out and get the bike😃
I got her bottle of Asti Spumante. That's sparkly.
Worked like a charm, she's on really good mood now!
Thanks for the advise guys!👍😀
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Hey Lauri -- there's a Black 2012 Ninja 250 on CL for $2,600:
http://lancaster.craigslist.org/mcy/4817576919.html (http://lancaster.craigslist.org/mcy/4817576919.html)
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2007 with 300ish miles, $2,200:
http://lancaster.craigslist.org/mcy/4841246589.html (http://lancaster.craigslist.org/mcy/4841246589.html)
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who puts 300 miles on a bike in 7 years? 43 miles a year?
I'll bet it needs a battery
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who puts 300 miles on a bike in 7 years? 43 miles a year?
I'll bet it needs a battery
someone who thought his wife needed a bike.
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Dual Sport - ATW.
Frankly, if she's stout enough, even the bigger 650 singles aren't real power houses.
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2006 Ninja 250 in Mechanicsburg, less than 3,000 miles, $2,000 OBO
http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/mcy/4852636981.html (http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/mcy/4852636981.html)
2005 Ninja 250 on Chambersburg CL, 11,775 miles, $2,000 OBO
http://chambersburg.craigslist.org/mcy/4828472865.html (http://chambersburg.craigslist.org/mcy/4828472865.html)
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Those 1st Gen 250 Ninjas seem to really hold their value. When the wife bought the first one for Pat, she paid $3500 for it - that was in '07. They are still selling for $2500-$3000 out here for one in good condition with relatively low mileage.
There is a ride report on ADV from a couple that went from Texas to Argentina riding 2-up on an '05. They sold the bike down there, and it's still going strong. The person who runs Pashnit.com did a 700 mile trip on one (he normally rides a 'Busa set up for touring) and was amazed at just how competent that little bike is.
jdg
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Those 1st Gen 250 Ninjas seem to really hold their value. When the wife bought the first one for Pat, she paid $3500 for it - that was in '07. They are still selling for $2500-$3000 out here for one in good condition with relatively low mileage.
There is a ride report on ADV from a couple that went from Texas to Argentina riding 2-up on an '05. They sold the bike down there, and it's still going strong. The person who runs Pashnit.com did a 700 mile trip on one (he normally rides a 'Busa set up for touring) and was amazed at just how competent that little bike is.
jdg
I'm not sure how much they really hold their value. These are ASKING prices. There is an '07 on the Lancaster Craigslist with only 300 miles on it for $2,200. It's been listed for several weeks. I often see early 2000's and earlier 250's with asking prices as low as $1,200. The miles are usually higher, and some have some minor rash from low-to-no speed drops.
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I'm not sure how much they really hold their value. These are ASKING prices. There is an '07 on the Lancaster Craigslist with only 300 miles on it for $2,200. It's been listed for several weeks. I often see early 2000's and earlier 250's with asking prices as low as $1,200. The miles are usually higher, and some have some minor rash from low-to-no speed drops.
I imagine it's like anything else that is for sale. Motivated seller, buyer with cash, etc. Out here on the left coast, they go for the asking price, or darn close to it as they are very desirable bikes. Still, asking $2200 for an eight year old bike that originally sold for $4K isn't bad, especially when they seem to reach that price about 2 or 3 years after the original sale. When you get down to the early 2000s and below you're talking about a "beginners" bike that is 15 years old at least and mass produced with an initial selling price under $4K. Definitely not a unique or collectors bike at all. I'd say that's holding it's price pretty well. :BEER:
jdg
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Agree with Greer, well done dad!
Dirt and a small dual sport is essential coupled with motorcycle training school.
Riding on the ninja types will get old since you seem to want to continue riding longer distances.
Enjoy, they grow up too fast but the memories, they do last.
inditx
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Personally (of course) I think that even a 500 is too much bike for a total beginner. I started riding on a 125, which was ideal for me (many years ago!). When my girlfriend decided she wanted to learn to ride, we bought the single cylinder Suzuki TU250. It is a good riding position, weight and seat height for her (she's about 5'3"). This is perfect for learning, and cheap to buy. Better still, it is easy to maintain which, to my mind, goes hand-in-hand with being a good rider. Also, it is fuel-injected and super-reliable, so IMO this is an ideal beginner bike. :)
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at 17 my son got a Kawasaki EX500. it was a very good bike and he rode it from CT to DE on vacation
he only had it for 2500 miles and upgraded to a Triumph 675
I inherited the 500 and it took me 2 years to sell it for $1800
good bike, terrible resale value
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Couple of cheap ones on CL:
250:
$1,500: http://york.craigslist.org/mcy/4892922087.html (http://york.craigslist.org/mcy/4892922087.html)
$1,500: http://york.craigslist.org/mcy/4864013234.html (http://york.craigslist.org/mcy/4864013234.html)
2008 for $2,300 http://lancaster.craigslist.org/mcy/4900509972.html (http://lancaster.craigslist.org/mcy/4900509972.html)
2012 for $2,500 http://reading.craigslist.org/mcy/4897429141.html (http://reading.craigslist.org/mcy/4897429141.html)
2010 for $2,950 http://reading.craigslist.org/mcy/4897211610.html (http://reading.craigslist.org/mcy/4897211610.html)
There was a 2003 for $1,000 that I saw last night, but, I can't find it now, must be sold.
500:
2007 $2,300 http://lancaster.craigslist.org/mcy/4872359342.html (http://lancaster.craigslist.org/mcy/4872359342.html)
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2004 for $1,000 in Oxford, PA!
http://lancaster.craigslist.org/mcy/4903279987.html (http://lancaster.craigslist.org/mcy/4903279987.html)
(http://images.craigslist.org/00p0p_9aiPEclEMCP_600x450.jpg)
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I've been dealing with the Honda 250 twin as an instructor since 2008. Cheap cheap cheap. Did I mention cheap? Clutch adjustment is crap, shifting is clunky and about as powerfull as 10000 butterfly sneezes. (Moody Blues) The new CBR 250 shifts like crap as well. Our new one is in the shop now with shifting problems and no remedy in sight.
When I worked at the dealership, no one wanted to work on the rebels.
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I came across this site just today, and, although it's written primarily for women, think it's an excellent reference for both women and any other novice rider.
http://www.womenridersnow.com/pages/story_detail.aspx?id=3543
http://www.womenridersnow.com/pages/Beginners_Guide_to_Getting_Into_Motorcycling.aspx
ps: and if it's already been mentioned here before, my apologies, but there are too many prior posts to go thru each one!
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Check out the Honda cb300f. My girlfriend and I spotted it at the bike show yesterday here in Montreal. She felt very safe and comfortable in the seating position. I think this would be awesome bike for a begginer, which she is, and the price between 4000-5000 is very reasonable. We are actually going to the dealer today to see if they would take her sportster as an exchange.
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Check out the Honda cb300f. My girlfriend and I spotted it at the bike show yesterday here in Montreal. She felt very safe and comfortable in the seating position. I think this would be awesome bike for a begginer, which she is, and the price between 4000-5000 is very reasonable. We are actually going to the dealer today to see if they would take her sportster as an exchange.
I think that Lauri was looking to spend half that. His daughter likes the Ninja 250, which are plentiful at half to 1/4 the price of the cb300f.
Don't get me wrong, I think that the cb300f would be a great bike for her to start on, but, used for a first bike is a better way to go, that way, they can't get what they paid for it when she gets something else.
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I would second this. Many MSF courses are now using the little TUX. The bike is light, reliable and extremely forgiving.
Also, many folks who love the look of the TUXes graduate to owning Guzzis. :D
Or...Graduate from Guzzis to the TUX. ;) I have a 2013 and love it! Fun little rat around bike. :bike