So those two wheeled things...

[LongArmoftheLaw]

Looking at getting my first motorcycle here in a few months. Stuck between Yamaha R series, Honda CBR's, and Kawasaki Ninja's. Any input would be great from anyone who has owned these bikes. Since it is my first bike and my experience on them is next to nothing looking at the models in the 300cc range.

Also if anyone has taken courses, recommendations would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[Doc45]

MRTC teaches their courses in Lakewood (6th & Kipling) and recently added a Highlands Ranch location. I've been through a couple of their classes and strongly recommend them. My older son has as well and my younger one will when he's ready.

While I ride a Harley currently over the past 45 years I've owned most brands and like them all.

Figure out what type of riding you'll be doing and go check out as many different models as you can. Once you've settled on what you like search out a good used version.

Good luck and welcome aboard.

[JohnnyEgo]

You will outgrow 300cc in very short order if you are an actual adult looking at street bikes. I'd start at 500cc minimum, particularly if you are north of about 170 lbs.
Take the MSRF course. It will get you an insurance discount, give you credit for some or all of the test (don't know if CO requires both written and riding exam. MSRF course counted for both in FL), and will teach you some really useful skills.
Best of all, you can wreck somebody else's bike instead of 'learning' on your own.

Buy and wear good protective equipment. Not something to cheap out on.



I ride my 500cc bike up to Estes Park and back whenever the weather is nice. Fun to ride the curves in Big Thompson Canyon. I wouldn't put it on I-25 for anything, as it tops out at about 80 MPH and takes it's time to get there. More modern bikes in general, and sport bikes in particular, can do more with less displacement, but 500cc is still as small as I'd ever go. Personal opinion only, but 800cc give or take is a really good displacement for a general purpose bike you aren't going to ride very often or in the same fashion as a stupid 20 year old.

[Dave_L]

I took a MSF class and it was excellent. 2 day course and you take the license test at the end. Best thing I ever did for riding. My first and only bike was a '06 CBR 600RR. Yeah, not quite the "learner" bike but being a 600, it was easy to control/balance. Everyone I talked to said don't get a small 250 or something. You'll hate it within a month and want to get the more powerful bike. I just kept it under 7k RPM's while I got comfortable. I'm glad I got the 600 because it was nice to have the power after a couple weeks.

You can find a lot of decent F4I's out there for cheap. Can't go wrong with a CBR or an R6.

ETA: My 600 would do something like 70-75 MPH in first gear and I'd slide back on the seat under acceleration if I didn't brace myself. So yeah, a liter bike isn't necessary to go fast.

[LongArmoftheLaw]

MRTC teaches their courses in Lakewood (6th & Kipling) and recently added a Highlands Ranch location. I've been through a couple of their classes and strongly recommend them. My older son has as well and my younger one will when he's ready.

While I ride a Harley currently over the past 45 years I've owned most brands and like them all.

Figure out what type of riding you'll be doing and go check out as many different models as you can. Once you've settled on what you like search out a good used version.

Good luck and welcome aboard.

Awesome! Thanks for the info! Just looking for the cruise around town, occasional ride to Estes, and work once in awhile.

[LongArmoftheLaw]

I took a MSF class and it was excellent. 2 day course and you take the license test at the end. Best thing I ever did for riding. My first and only bike was a '06 CBR 600RR. Yeah, not quite the "learner" bike but being a 600, it was easy to control/balance. Everyone I talked to said don't get a small 250 or something. You'll hate it within a month and want to get the more powerful bike. I just kept it under 7k RPM's while I got comfortable. I'm glad I got the 600 because it was nice to have the power after a couple weeks.

You can find a lot of decent F4I's out there for cheap. Can't go wrong with a CBR or an R6.

ETA: My 600 would do something like 70-75 MPH in first gear and I'd slide back on the seat under acceleration if I didn't brace myself. So yeah, a liter bike isn't necessary to go fast.

Definitely not looking for a liter bike right of the gate. I thought about the 600's and whether or not to start on one due the information from others I have talked to. Pretty sweet looking bike you got there too man.

[LongArmoftheLaw]

You will outgrow 300cc in very short order if you are an actual adult looking at street bikes. I'd start at 500cc minimum, particularly if you are north of about 170 lbs.
Take the MSRF course. It will get you an insurance discount, give you credit for some or all of the test (don't know if CO requires both written and riding exam. MSRF course counted for both in FL), and will teach you some really useful skills.
Best of all, you can wreck somebody else's bike instead of 'learning' on your own.

Buy and wear good protective equipment. Not something to cheap out on.



I ride my 500cc bike up to Estes Park and back whenever the weather is nice. Fun to ride the curves in Big Thompson Canyon. I wouldn't put it on I-25 for anything, as it tops out at about 80 MPH and takes it's time to get there. More modern bikes in general, and sport bikes in particular, can do more with less displacement, but 500cc is still as small as I'd ever go. Personal opinion only, but 800cc give or take is a really good displacement for a general purpose bike you aren't going to ride very often or in the same fashion as a stupid 20 year old.

I'm sitting at 195lb as of now...forgot to take my own weight into consideration. I've hear that most MSF or MSRF courses will count towards the actual DMV tests which is awesome and when I did some insurance research Progressive seemed to have the lowest rates. Might be looking at. 500cc or 600cc from what I've been hearing on here now and friends who have ridden for while. Not looking to set land speed records or anything on it, just want something that will be enjoyable to cruise around in for short in state trips and save some gas money in the nicer months.

[vossman]

MSF course for sure. I taught the course for 6 years and the principles are sound even though the classroom stuff is very basic. Trust and respect whatever bike you get.
if your interested in reading something, Keith Code's , A Twist of the Wrist II is a great book. His first book and video is a waste though.

[LongArmoftheLaw]

Also if you all have gear recommendations that would great! I would rather spend more on the gear and skimp a little on the bike.

[crays]

Not to intrude on anything that has been said, but I will interject this: Get a bike you are comfortable with, and will ride.
I liken it to concealed carry. You have to train, practice and be proficient. If you only pull it out of the garage "when you feel like it", you will be doing yourself, and those on the road around you a dis-service.

Glad to hear you're approaching it from a training perspective. Welcome to the community, and enjoy. Just beware that motorcycles can be as expensive and consuming as firearms/shooting as a hobby.

Ride safe.

sent from somwhere