Re: Bike Du Jour !!!!

["David Arnett" <DArnett@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I would say to go ahead with the ST...if you are tall enough though.  I am about 5'-11" (180 cm) tall, and I sometimes feel that the seat height is almost too high, as I cannot put both feet flat on the ground with adequate knee bend in shoes.  In boots, it is OK, although I have to be careful when "tuning" the suspension as not to make it too high.  I only mention this because I sometimes have a difficult time walking the bike backwards on loose ground because I cannot seem to get enough weight on my feet.  This can also make the bike easier dump at a standstill.  Otherwise I think the ST is an excellent first bike, as it handles exceptionally well, the brakes are very good, and the rear does not lock up as easy as other bikes I have ridden.  The engine's power curve is very controlable.  The bike has a lot of front end weight bias, which will make accidental wheelies hard to do.  If you have enough throttle discipline, then go for it.  It can however get you into a lot of trouble in a hurry if you are not disciplined.   You have to take it easy on the thing during break-in anyway!   It will only take a couple of weeks to get used to it and feel totally confident with the throttle wide open.  If you got the smaller bike, sure it would be easier...for about the first day.  You would then wish you got something bigger with more power.  I believe that where you learn to ride is more important than what you ride...pick a good place, preferrably not in a city!!  Although if you feel that you would be a horrible rider, get a low buck beater.  Take the Basic Safety Course though.  $100 dollars (as I remember), three days of classroom/riding, it counts as your "riding" test when you get the "M" license, and they teach good riding techniques and safety issues that are not always apparant to the novice rider.  Plus they provide the bikes to learn on....bring a helmet!


>>> Brian Wolfe <bwolfe@xxxxxxxxx> 08/02 7:16 AM >>>
I would recommend a smaller bike for a 1st. My first was an '87 EX 500
and I really appreciated being able to learn on something lighter. There
was enough acceleration to keep it interesting (of course blows most
cages away off the lights) but not so much as to get me into trouble
without really trying. 

While I was able to avoid the 1st bike dump that seems so common among
newbies, I did have a coupla close calls. You wouldn't want to do that
with a bike like the ST. It's much heavier and turns a bit slower
(duck!!!) than smaller bikes and really isn't suited for a new rider. 

I had two years on the EX then a long break before I got the ST. I still
feel underqualified for this bike (though I truly love it). 

With the kind of riding you'll be doing an EX could be great, though you
might want to get a Corbin seat to save your fanny. 

Oh, and buy Keith Code's "A Twist of the Wrist II" the bible for sport
bike riding. 

My $.02
Brian W.

Gregory Washington wrote:
> 
> Hello All,
> 
> I am interested in purchasing a ST (my 1st choice) or the Honda VFR, as
> a first bike, I'm looking to grow into the bike and not out of it.
> Perhaps those bikes aren't suitable first mounts, if not - what are some
> of the better starter bikes? I'm 43, married and have very limited cycle
> experience. In fact, this upcoming weekend I'll be attending the local
> MSF course and later on in time a Pridmore's Class School.
> 
> The type of riding I'll be doing is mostly city (approx. 3 to 4 days a
> week) and open highway (from L.A. to San Fran. - 475 miles), once every
> few months. Some people might think a ST isn't a good first bike. Does
> anyone have any thoughts on the following bikes, and why I should
> consider them?
> 
>                 '86 VFR 500F
>                 '89 Honda 650 Hawk
>                  Kawasawki EX 500 (1987 - 1993)
>                  Kawasawki 500 Ninja (1994 - 1998)
>                  Yamaha YZF 600R
>                  Yamaha Seca II
> 
> Any perspective is welcomed.
> 
> Thanks in advance.
> Greg
> 
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