Rookie (jver003)

[jver003]

Heya,

SO i finally decided (after about 3 years of justifying why i shouldn't) to get a bike! wahoo..

But the problem being i dont really have any idea of what I should start looking for etc. Ive heard that some good learner bikes are the fxr150 and or mayba 250R ninja?

Id really appreciate some thoughts/advice

Thanks!! hopefully see you out on the road soon

[Gibbo89]

Heya,

SO i finally decided (after about 3 years of justifying why i shouldn't) to get a bike! wahoo..

But the problem being i dont really have any idea of what I should start looking for etc. Ive heard that some good learner bikes are the fxr150 and or mayba 250R ninja?

Id really appreciate some thoughts/advice

Thanks!! hopefully see you out on the road soon

Welcome to KB jver!

I assume you like the look of a sports bike? as opposed to a cruiser (like a virago 250) or a dirt bike?

The major difference on the 2 bikes you mentioned is that the fxr is a single cylinder, and the wee ninja is a parallel twin (so 2 cylinders). I would sit on them both first and see what one feels more likely to suit you. The fxr will be lighter in weight which can help girls maneuver them better, or pick them up if you drop them, but in saying that the ninja will not be crazy heavy either as it is a reasonably small bike too (might not be an issue for you if you are buff as... )

another point i would make is that the ninja may serve it's purpose better when it comes to you having fun on small cc bike whilst going through your licensing stages.

There is also a 'biker angels' section on this site where all the girls hang out and talk about shopping and boys

They will take you under their wing and answer questions that they will be able to relate to well.

Let us know how you get on and don't be shy about asking questions of all types about bikes and other worldly issues, as we have our fingers in most pies it seems, and no one is short of an opinion.

edit: p.s make sure you allocate some funds for some good gear, if you get good gear early on then you will not always wish you had bought better gear further down the track.

[jver003]

Thanks so much for that! I will be checking out the biker angels for sure..

Im definately not buff haha so weight may actually be an issue but will certainly sit on them first

I do like the sports bikes over the cruisers so thats been super helpful!!

Ill try not to be shy.. no promises though!

Thanks again!

[dogsnbikes]

Welcome aboard.....

Gibbo has pretty much mentioned all the basic's

bikes are personal so fitting is essential,enjoy the ride... your get lots of opinions but thats just KB

[Gibbo89]

Thanks so much for that! I will be checking out the biker angels for sure..

Im definately not buff haha so weight may actually be an issue but will certainly sit on them first

I do like the sports bikes over the cruisers so thats been super helpful!!

Ill try not to be shy.. no promises though!

Thanks again!

Another thing to think about is the price difference, like a fxr may cost around 2 grand, a 2008 or newer ninja is going to cost you at least 5k. the ninja is around 50kg heavier.

I personally would rather be on the ninja when travelling at highway speeds, it will do it easier and you will not be blown around as much as the fxr in a cross wind or after a truck goes past you coming from the other direction.
Obviously that may not be an issue for you at all, just some things to think about I guess.

edit: a bit of googling will find plenty of reviews on the wee ninja, and i assume a few on the fxr

[jver003]

Welcome aboard.....

Gibbo has pretty much mentioned all the basic's

bikes are personal so fitting is essential,enjoy the ride... your get lots of opinions but thats just KB

haha yup, ive been reading through some of the forums... This place is entertaining! Just wish I knew more so I could join in on the fun..

[jver003]

I personally would rather be on the ninja when travelling at highway speeds, it will do it easier and you will not be blown around as much as the fxr in a cross wind or after a truck goes past you coming from the other direction.
Obviously that may not be an issue for you at all, just some things to think about I guess.

This is definately something to think about - im pretty tiny so dont really like the sound of being blown around too much.. ill just have to have a go on both and see which I prefer thanks!

[dogsnbikes]

haha yup, ive been reading through some of the forums... This place is entertaining! Just wish I knew more so I could join in on the fun..

Just baffle them with bullshit

[rustyrobot]

p.s make sure you allocate some funds for some good gear, if you get good gear early on then you will not always wish you had bought better gear further down the track.

+1 . I totally under-estimated this when I was saving for my bike. Really I just got together enough for the bike and had an old helmet I thought I could wear along with an inappropriate jacket. Totally shocked/bummed out when I realised I'd need another $1000 for (cheap) boots, helmet, gloves, jacket and pants (then another $300 for insurance). I was desperate to just get some wheels and ride, but really glad I looked through lots of posts here.

Oh, and Welcome to KB!

[Gibbo89]

Just baffle them with bullshit

that's what I've been doing since day one!

+1 . I totally under-estimated this when I was saving for my bike. Really I just got together enough for the bike and had an old helmet I thought I could wear along with an inappropriate jacket. Totally shocked/bummed out when I realised I'd need another $1000 for (cheap) boots, helmet, gloves, jacket and pants (then another $300 for insurance). I was desperate to just get some wheels and ride, but really glad I looked through lots of posts here.

Oh, and Welcome to KB!

Yeah, rusty has summed it up well. no one is saying you should get the best of the best, because that's just insane (especially when you see the price of the best gear ). Just don't buy the cheapest because you'll be a bit guttered later on when you are really into your biking but feel like your gear is lacking a bit. But if you are a small girl, then hopefully they charge you less as your gear took up less leather or textile to make! (unfortunately I don't think this is the case all that often)

[baptist]

Welcome and enjoy Good gear is important, you can spend heaps but it is not always necessary. I got kitted out with reasonable gear for around $800. Only thing I wish I had spent a bit more time looking into was my Lid 1Tonne or Lyfestyle Imports are pretty reasonable if you do not want "brand names", and there are a few others mentioned around KB as well.