Two more friends getting motorcycles. Need advice!!

[MSTRS:Me]

I can't imagine a 7 footer on an SV650...
And anyone that likes/wants a cruiser is not gonna be able to 'keep up in the twisties'. Depending on the pace of course.
I like Steveb64's suggestion of motard-type

[Capinure]

what kind of licenses do they have btw?

[Atomic]

So two more of my friends now say they want to get into motorcyles:

Here's the deal: They both have very different tastes in bikes and they both have very different criteria for the bike they want. They also have very different skill sets coming into the purchase Im scouring ebay and cycletrader trying to find them some good first bikes......need your help with ideas.

Both are taking the MSF course (3 day basic riding skills course).

Friend #1 (Devin):-19 years old
-well over 6 feet tall, (nearly 7' and skinny build) so can't really do a little 250cc.
-190 lbs.
-Only been driving a car for two years
-never drivin a manual transmission. Only his moms auto hatchback
-rides road bikes (the pedal variety) competatively.
-going to university next year. Needs a comfortable motorcycle for the daily commute to campus that gets good fuel economy.
-wants the bike to be able to mix it up in the twisties and keep up with us on our R-6's and CBR's on the occasional blast to the mountains.
-likes the look of the "sporty" bikes but doesnt want a full on sports bike yet.
-He got really into the idea when he found out his university has free parking for motorcycles so he wouldnt have to pay $500 for year round parking like he had planned for his car. So he is all about the practical side of motorcycling.
- Primary riding will be daily commute to campus of about 20-30 miles. Occasionally will do 3 hour rides up to mountains for some fun.

Friend #2 (Ben)

-25 years old
-5'-10" tall. Medium build.
-190 lbs.
- just bought his first car less then a year ago. Manual tranny. Zero experience on motorcycles. Seems nervous when I even talk about the basics, such as sequential gearboxes, using the front break, etc..... He is used to using the rear break on his pedal bike.
-Looking for a second vehicle to save wear and tear on his daily driver.
-Likes the look of the cruisers (hates sports bikes). He likes smooth flowing lines on a bike instead of sharp corners and creases. So bikes like the KTM Rx8, '08ZX10R, Zx-1000 etc are not his thing. He wants a bike that can keep up with us in the twisties though.
-wants a lightweight bike since he is a beginner but with a powerful enough motor to commute long distance on the highways. (80 mph)
-needs good wind protection.
-Primary usage will be as daily driver to work and with frequent long commutes to the beach and mountains. Needs something with touring ability.

They both want to keep up with 600 supersports but one wants a cruiser and the other wants a commuter?Ok?Anyway... Considering neither have ever ridden bikes before, I would recommend that they not only learn how to ride but also get experienced before they even think about trying to keep up with your 600s in the twistys (in the interest of preserving there lives).

[CookMySock]

Ok you don't mention price, but assuming money was at least a consideration, check out this ;

[...]well over 6 feet tall, (nearly 7' and skinny build) so can't really do a little 250cc...rides road bikes (the pedal variety) competatively.

Show him the GT250R. These are really big bikes with a suspension to cater the larger person. If he likes to race things he will love the sporty look and feel of the GT250R.

going to university next year. Needs a comfortable motorcycle for the daily commute to campus that gets good fuel economy.

The chix will love its sporty look, and it does over 70mpg.

wants the bike to be able to mix it up in the twisties and keep up with us on our R-6's and CBR's on the occasional blast to the mountains.

The GT250R looks and feels and rides like a real sportbike, and has plenty of power on the open road - for a 250.

likes the look of the "sporty" bikes but doesnt want a full on sports bike yet.

The GT250R *looks* like a full-on sportbike, but its not intimidating - only a 250.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Sear...hString=gt250r

Friend #2 (Ben)
[....] Seems nervous when I even talk about the basics, such as sequential gearboxes, using the front break, etc..... He is used to using the rear break on his pedal bike.

Stop talking technical to him. Treat him like a learner lady rider, or you might spook him, and that will be the end of that.

Show him these ;
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-137689835.htm
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Mo...-129361736.htm

He wants a bike that can keep up with us in the twisties though. wants a lightweight bike since he is a beginner but with a powerful enough motor to commute long distance on the highways. (80 mph). needs good wind protection. Needs something with touring ability.

If he wants to keep up in the twisties these cruisers should do it, ish, but I would do the 'tough love' on him, and tell him "no way - until you have sorted that braking out and got some experience".

We have two Hyosungs, and we love them to bits. A LOT of bike for the money.

HTH,
Steve

[nodrog:Me]

GSXR 1000's, its the American learner bike of choice isnt it?

[FkNAmerican]

LOL, nah the American learner bike of choice would by the '05 ZX10......in green.

[Capinure]

Gn250 anyone?