Sportbike or Cruiser?

[speakercontrols]

Yes it's a 400 which I know isn't that quickest bike on the block
But I'd probably be more comfortable on the 400cc compared to something that goes even faster
Plus I'm told the 400s are good starting out bikes

Shrug, if you're mostly city, a 400 is quite good. As for speed, meh, supposed the 400 goes 170km/h and the 650 is spec'd to do 220km/h but I've never got it above 199km/h. There about the same until around 120 km/h. I've heard good things about the 400.

The only downside (it's a big one) is lack of traction control. Having experienced this....almost every ride, it's a big one But, it has ABS so that's 80% of it right?

 

[Mister pantstent]

The only downside (it's a big one) is lack of traction control. Having experienced this....almost every ride, it's a big one But, it has ABS so that's 80% of it right?

Sheesh, how aggressively are you riding if you need traction control and ABS on every ride. The only time I felt my ABS kick in was at a track event.

Whatever your style, you must be having fun. Keep her rubber side down.

 

[speakercontrols]

Sheesh, how aggressively are you riding if you need traction control and ABS on every ride. The only time I felt my ABS kick in was at a track event.

Whatever your style, you must be having fun. Keep her rubber side down.

For ABS, you know, every 3rd ride where somebody doesn't see you and pulls in front right? Traction control when I'm leaned over around some of the corners mostly but in the rain (and light snow ) as well. The Ninja 650 isn't a Ninja but it leans ok.

 

[KilaBesos]

It's an excellent starter bike that will have very little cost of ownership. If you decide to sell down the road, you will get close to what you paid as they are a desirable starter. Very forgiving ride and light weight which will help you get through the learning process.

Please take an MSF course! They are invaluable.

No for sure I am gonna be taking the courses
I've convinced some of my girlfriends to take the lessons and get a bike with me

Honestly the only bikes I've ever backpacked on have been sport bikes
I don't know how much better cruisers are for beginners

 

[GameBoy27]

All I'm going to say is ATGATT. And that includes a full-face helmet.

I've been riding motorcycles for over 50 years. I also had 9 years off off-road/motocross and racing experience before I had my first street bike at 16. Like other's have said, better to start with a lower displacement bike until you get used to things. I also recommend taking some hands on street and off-road courses. Stay safe and be hyper aware of your surroundings. Remember, most collisions happen at intersections.

 

[Mister pantstent]

No for sure I am gonna be taking the courses
I've convinced some of my girlfriends to take the lessons and get a bike with me

Honestly the only bikes I've ever backpacked on have been sport bikes
I don't know how much better cruisers are for beginners

Cruisers are more forgiving and easier to ride than a sport bike. Geometry is vastly different. Ergos are vastly different. The bike you ride has to speak to you.

I started on sport bikes, not liking the feel and look of cruisers. After many years of sore backs and short distance riding between fill-ups, I migrated to sport touring and stayed there for the past 15 years.

Although, today I wouldn't mind having a cruiser in my stable if it were the Triumph Rocket 3.

A street bike is also a great option.

You'll get there when you get there. Life of a motorcycle enthusiast is a marathon, not a sprint.

 

[Mister pantstent]

For ABS, you know, every 3rd ride where somebody doesn't see you and pulls in front right? Traction control when I'm leaned over around some of the corners mostly but in the rain (and light snow ) as well. The Ninja 650 isn't a Ninja but it leans ok.

I don't have the same experience you do. I refuse to commute or ride in the city. Saving ride time for longer distance days on weekends outside of the city. If I wanted to suck the joy out of my seat time I would just slam my dick in a door jam.

 

[speakercontrols]

All I'm going to say is ATGATT. And that includes a full-face helmet.

ATGATT. I have zero clue why anyone would NOT wear a full-face helmet. Actually I do but I think those reasons are super dumb compared to the downsides.

 

[Telebass]

No for sure I am gonna be taking the courses
I've convinced some of my girlfriends to take the lessons and get a bike with me

Honestly the only bikes I've ever backpacked on have been sport bikes
I don't know how much better cruisers are for beginners

Glad to hear you’ll be taking the courses. They’ll give guidance on good first bikes. Keep in mind cruisers and sport bikes are each extreme in their own ways. Street bikes are more middle of the road. Adventure bikes are versatile but with a high seat height. Manageable seat height and manageable power is a good combination to build confidence on.