Any bike riders?

[The Lone Gunman]

i may be wrong in thinking this, id rather learn how to ride a bike properly ( as ive never riden before ) on something small that i wont go and kill myslef on. I think a 500 or a 600 will have too much power for a beginner - also im 5'8 and the 250's are a great size for that.

This is wrong thinking. Most 600s these days are user friendly. Of course you can go mad, but I bet the Aprillia 250 is quite quick, quick enough to kill you.
You can get into trouble with not enough power too, especialy on a bike. Sometimes you have to nail it to avoid myopic knobs in boxes.
The throttle works both ways, it is up to you to be sensible.
There is no resale market for smaller bikes they are a niche market. If you intend to trade up later you need to be in the fatest part of the market and that is 600s.

Go to a few dealers and see if you can get a test ride or two. Some may charge you but will refund if you buy. Some wont offer test rides at all.

As they said, safety gear is paramount. Take your time and buy quality gear that fits.

[poser]

thanks all, your just echoing what ive heard previously about the 250.

my thinkin was pick one up like an suzuki rgv for £800, ride it about learn then if i decide whether im moving up or not. insurance was a factor too, but i think ill book me some test rides and get stuck into my research in my week off.

[Mustang]

You can get into trouble with not enough power too, especialy on a bike. Sometimes you have to nail it to avoid myopic knobs in boxes.
The throttle works both ways, it is up to you to be sensible.

This is so true - the bike is only as good or bad (within reason) as the person riding it (handling characteristics aside). The beauty of a larger bike is that you can have the best of both worlds. If you ride sensibly they can be "tame" but with the power there to be fun when the conditions allow.

As they said, safety gear is paramount. Take your time and buy quality gear that fits.

Very true - and dont forget to wear it. You can tell a serious biker from an idiot/casual rider by the fact that they always wear their gear. Just go to a bike hang out for confirmation. You will always see the idiots in shorts and flip flops - but usually in A&E and not the Ace Cafe!

[Mustang]

my thinkin was pick one up like an suzuki rgv for £800, ride it about learn then if i decide whether im moving up or not.

You could also consider de-restricting the bike you learnt on....?!

[xoggoth]

Used to. Thinks smaller bikes are more fun as you can really sling em around.

[The Lone Gunman]

Also: Any 250 you buy will have been ridden everywhere flat out on the rev counter.

I like my KTM (again it is in a niche but I am not selling) btu might I suggest any Super Motard. They have lots of low down torque and are easily flickable in town. Maxes out at 110 but has no fairing so uncomfortable at such speeds.
Not so good for the shorter rider but you should be OK.
You could buy one to learn on then buy a bigger mile muncher later and keep the KTM for town and twisties.

[ctdctd]

I did CBT and DAS a few years ago on a CB500.

If you do the test on an unrestricted 500 then there are no silly restrictions on what you can ride afterwards. Then just for fun or an urban commute, a 250 would be OK. Longer distances or trunk roads, start with a 500.

I started with Kawasaki ER5, currently on an ER6n which is a 650. It's not hugely heavy and fast enough for me

P.S. Sold the ER5 as a 1 owner 9 year old bike with a years MOT for under £500 on Fleabay so you should be able to pick something similar up easily.

[milanbenes]

not a biker, but if I was have always liked the Ducati Monster


Milan.

[milanbenes]

i also like the retro bikes

Milan.

[poser]

no one got one of these then

http://www.webbikeworld.com/ducati-m...i-rr-front.jpg

guys thanks i do appreciate all the different views, and i would never ride without the safety gaer on, and as an alternative to leather trousers ( not a good look unless you frequesnt the blue oyster bar...) there is loads of alternatives like the kevlar jeans out there.

anyone see the moto gp on that note?
What a race - until Stoner lost it