Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
what is the biggest sportbike thats good for new riders. what is the biggest sportbike thats good for new riders.
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 26 May 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Jacksonville Florida
Posts: 2
what is the biggest sportbike thats good for new riders.
Hello, im just now getting into motorcycles and am trying to learn as much as possible, im about 6'5 and 300 lbs. I like the sportbikes because the seating position is more comfortable on my back. Which bike would be good size wise to get, Im currently learning on my cousins bike around the neighborhood before I start the class, its a suziki gs, however a little small. Any recomendations.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 May 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Nicholasville,Ky.U.S.A.
Posts: 93
Thumbs up what bike?
Buy your cousin's bike or similar and ride at least 10,000 miles and go a least 3 states away from where you are. Then get back to us with your big plans . Ride a lot its the best way to learn if you want to ride a lot more.
__________________
ride,smile,repeat as nessasary
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 May 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
......and while you are doing that, borrow as many of your friends bikes as possible and ride them, talk to lots of other riders where-ever and whenever you are out and read all of the bike magazines that you can get!
Also, fall off a few times, preferably at slowish speeds.
Oh yes, read the threads in here as well!
Try a few test rides of bikes that the dealers have in your area.
That will get you started!!

Enjoy,

Dave
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 May 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Langholm,Scotland,UK.
Posts: 155
Quote:
Originally Posted by Newbie311 View Post
Hello, im just now getting into motorcycles and am trying to learn as much as possible, im about 6'5 and 300 lbs. I like the sportbikes because the seating position is more comfortable on my back. Which bike would be good size wise to get, Im currently learning on my cousins bike around the neighborhood before I start the class, its a suziki gs, however a little small. Any recomendations.


You may find it comfy on your back, but your wrists and knees won't thank you, especially on a long ride, but I MAY be wrong As some others have said, get some saddle time in, try some 300/500 mile day rides, your height may be a stumbling block (I am 6'1" and find sports bikes far too small, but then I am getting on in years). You will find it a good thing to be able to move around on a bike, to relieve pressure points, until you have really experienced the 'I can't feel my ass for the pain' syndrome, you won't understand Whatever you choose, pick function over fashion, you won't regret it



Trophymick
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 May 2007
MarkLG's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 226
A big lad like yourself will probably find the lastest range of sportsbikes pretty cramped - ok for a short ride, but no good if you want to head further afield.
Take a look at the Yamaha Fazer 600/1000 or Suzuki Bandits if you want a comfortable road style bike with plenty of space to move around on.
Whatever you get make sure it's at least a 600cc - you'll quickly become bored/frustrated if you get something too small.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 28 May 2007
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
Talk about possible trollers
So can Newbie311 really be serious - as in, he knows so little about motorcycles that he posts a question about what kind of sport bike to buy to a website for adventure travel motorcyclists. I know we're all a friendly and helpful group, but...

Is this for real or what?

C'mon Newbie311 - level with us!
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 May 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
what about all the people doing hardcore adventure travel on Sportsbikes then? (RTW world on an R1, trans Sahara on a TNT etc)

If you want a fun bike for tarmac the get a sportsbike, if you want hardcore off-road get a 250 - 650 single, if you want a good compromise get a big traillie. I would suggest an Africa Twin or a Cagive Elefant (if you have a strong mechanical bent or a large servicing budget). In an ideal world I would have a 250 2-smoker (for local off-roading), a Highland Allroad (for longer trips and sick speed) and a Fireblade (for track days etc).........

Whatever you get ride it lots and lots - that's the way forward. Would agree that anything under a 600 would be a bad move for a road bike (first bike was 750 and never had any probs handling the power).
Last edited by henryuk; 28 May 2007 at 09:49. Reason: mistake
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 May 2007
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk View Post
what about all the people doing hardcore adventure travel on Sportsbikes then? (RTW world on an R1, trans Sahara on a TNT etc)
So, the Newbie311 has never ridden a motorcycle before - thinks that he's more comfortable on a sport bike - because of the position!? - than something else. And is asking for advice from this group as to what to buy. Sure, you can go RTW on just about anything, as the members of HU have demonstrated over and over.

Sorry if I think this post is a bit fishy.
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 May 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Time will tell Quastdog - lets see what "Newbie" decides to buy. When he gets a bike, that is one more convert!

Newbie,
Go for it! Lots of info in here about bikes and related things but, as Quastdog says, not too much about sports bikes (in fact, probably nothing!!) - however lots of contributors to this forum will own more than one bike including a wide range of sports bikes, or they owned one (or more) in the past or whatever.......

Dave
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 29 May 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Jacksonville Florida
Posts: 2
My apologies, as I said I am new, apparently not the best site for new people. Amazing how anybody gets into it with responses like that. Despite a few very helpful ones, I think I will try a different site, thanks for the help for those of you who arent CAPTAIN CYCLE.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 30 May 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Thumbs up Stick in there "Newbie"
No problems Newbie -- you will come across people who are on all sorts of forums as well as this one + we all started somewhere with this particular one!!!!

If you read into the info in this one you will find a vast amount of different opinions held and views are expressed with a lot of conviction at times; that's the advantage we all have of free speech.

It's often been said that you can go round the world (RTW) on any bike, including a sports model so this site is as relevant to you as any other single contributor IMHO. BUT, we don't all ride around the world and that is not a qualification to use this forum.

If I can make one suggestion: please put in your name on your next posting - Newbie sounds very "remote"!!!

Cheers,

Dave
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 31 May 2007
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
Stay with us...
...and I got to agree!! Some of the folks here seem to write their comments just to p... o.. others. So - don't worry about them!

If it was me, I'd get a nice BMW, Honda AT or TransAlp or something similar! With your size and with what you are planning to do - yup...that's it.

It all depends also on your budget, of course!!
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 31 May 2007
quastdog's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
Angry
I'm guessing Newbie didn't read this - from the homepage

"Are you a Motorcycle Traveller? Does the smell of spices wafting through the air make you think of Zanzibar, a cacophony of honking horns is Cairo, or a swirl of brilliantly patterned clothing Guatemala? Then this is the site for you!"

I'm guessing he did a search of motorcycles, came up with this website, and posted his note without even checking into what this website was all about.

He's clueless, about bikes, motorcycle travel, and this website. When I read his post, before anyone responded, I figured he posted for kicks it was so lame.

I couldn't believe anyone actually responded to his question, which is why I jumped in.

And it just won't die, will it?
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 31 May 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Langholm,Scotland,UK.
Posts: 155
Quote:
Originally Posted by quastdog View Post

He's clueless, about bikes, motorcycle travel, and this website. When I read his post, before anyone responded, I figured he posted for kicks it was so lame.

I couldn't believe anyone actually responded to his question, which is why I jumped in.

And it just won't die, will it?

Maybe some people like to give 'benefit of doubt' before knocking folk


Trophymick
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 31 May 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 18
Quote:
Originally Posted by quastdog View Post

He's clueless, about bikes, motorcycle travel, and this website. When I read his post, before anyone responded, I figured he posted for kicks it was so lame.
Well, if he's 'clueless' (only your opinion), what better way to get clued-up (is that a word?) than to ask questions? How else do you find stuff out?
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Tyre Reviews davidlomax Equipment Reviews 11 10 Aug 2008 23:12
2000 Varadero 1000 any good? Dan Coote Which Bike? 19 20 Jul 2005 09:39

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:01.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top