Bad Advice?

[challey]

My brother, who hasn't ridden a motorcycle in 20 or so years, has decided to get back into bikes. I was able to convince him to get over his fascination with some very big machines (Gold Wing, Road King) and the various cruisers with their 3-1/2 gallon fuel tanks and got him to agree that something a bit smaller and more versatile would be preferable. My recommendation was a used SV650 or Yamaha FZ6. That didn't quite work but it now appears that he's settled on a new 650 V-strom.

While I wanted to steer him toward the R, I hesitated since he really hadn't ridden in a long time and I didn't believe the R was a good "starter" bike. However, for what he will spend on the new 650 V-strom with bags and few other accessories, he could purchase a lovingly cared for, late model R (I had in mind the silver '04 I saw recently on the IBMWR with only 7k on the clock, system cases, sport shield, SignalMinder and a few other perks for $7,400).

Was this bad advice, especially since he's apparently decided to buy the new, not used V-strom?

Charlie

[sjbmw]

My motto is your first bike should be used, and CHEAP. This way no matter what you do the money hit is less for something new that may or may not last.

I had a friend whose father got the bike bug in his late 50's.
He bought him a MSF course as a present.
In the course, Dad learned Reality vs the Hype and decided against a motorcycle.

Anyone asks me I tell them to spend $200 on the MSF class and find out if a motorcycle purchase will last.

[Martyn]

In my experience in life generally, people may ask for advice, but what they are really saying is "Tell me that what I intend to do anyway, is the right thing".

Having said that , an SV650 or a Strom is not a bad choice. More important that he signs up to MSF or similar

[Lost Rider]

Buy the best you can afford at the time.
Why buy a lesser bike, just to waste money "upgrading" things in the long run. Seems to me buying a R with all the farkles, that someone already took the hit on is better value than buying a "cheaper" bike, then adding all the extra's.

my 2¢

[Tripton]

Training + Inexpensive bike = Good.

http://www.videovat.com/videos/2070/har ... crash.aspx

[challey]

Thanks to all for the replies.

I should have mentioned that he is taking the MSF course next this summer. I should also have mentioned that the real reason he's buying the bike is because my nephew (his son), a middie at the Naval Academy, bought a GSX-R. Talk about inappropriate first bikes, huh?

They will be in the same MSF course. I'm thinking that this video will be a pretty accurate representation of my brother.
http://uncutvideo.aol.com/videos/8c4f3c ... 94d8171eb8

[Lost Rider]

Thanks to all for the replies.

I should have mentioned that he is taking the MSF course next this summer. I should also have mentioned that the real reason he's buying the bike is because my nephew (his son), a middie at the Naval Academy, bought a GSX-R. Talk about inappropriate first bikes, huh?

They will be in the same MSF course. I'm thinking that this video will be a pretty accurate representation of my brother.
http://uncutvideo.aol.com/videos/8c4f3c ... 94d8171eb8

LOL, in that case, maybe he should get a scooter!

[GypsyRR]

Look at the threads on "I dropped my bike" or similar. Almost everyone has dropped their BMW and some who have been riding a long time have had spills - new or not.

My sister gave me a brand new never ridden Honda Shadow back in November 2005 - BECAUSE, her husband bought two new bikes before they took the MSF course. Then they both failed the course. She was asked to leave after running the little 250 Rebel into the instructor and then into the other students 2-3 times. Too bad for her - good for me....... I got the bike.

Then I took the MSF course and passed with no problem. I rode that Honda Shadow Aero about 5 times before I realized I needed more bike so in Jan '06 I traded it in for my BMW. I'm just glad I hadn't paid for the Honda.

I think just about everyone is going to drop their bike or have a spill eventually - it doesn't matter if you have a used smaller bike or a brand new power bike. It's going to happen.

I was always amazed by people's comments when I got my FZ1 - "It has too much power." "You're going to kill yourself." "Be careful, that thing has a whole lot of power." - as if the bike decides how much power to use. The rider is the one in control of the bike whether it is a Honda Shadow or a K1200R - there is power to be harnessed or abused. It's the rider who is responsible, not the bike.

So my advice for him would be:
1)Make sure you are a capable rider by taking the MSF course first. Depending on how well you do in that course, think about whether or not it would be better to take it again.
2) Buy a bike you won't "outgrow" quickly.

That's my 2 cents.

[John I. Stephen]

Hi; I recently returned to biking after a 27 year absence. Now, after around 2000 miles of re-acclimatisation and advanced riding through my local group, I feel I have a view on this. The R is a "powerful bike" in the sense that you can get into a whole lot of trouble very quickly. However what power if has is totally usable and the bike, whilst no light weight, is well balanced and controllable.

Personally, you can buy a 650 but it'll still pump out the same power but yes, it'll probably be lighter.

Personally, I think the R is a great bike to return to because it's image is also one that is unlikely to encourage the type of dare-devil riding that is so common with "hot" 4 cylinder Jap sports bikes.

[ErikU]

Very funny video link!

[frbank6]

I purchased my R1150R new in 2003. I was 41, freshly divorced, and had never thrown a leg over a bike. I took the MSF class, and armed with my freshly minted license, bought the BMW. I did not have any real issues with it. I believe I let the weight get away from me in the driveway once on the first day, but I've read many more experienced hands on this forum had the same mishaps. I would suggest that he get the R instead of the VStrom. For me, the linked brakes were one less thing to keep track of as I learned how to ride.

[duke]

Couple of facts:

Suzuki V-Strom 650A (as per Suzuki UK website):

weight - dry - 197 kg

power - (give or take) - 67 Bhp

R1150R (As per page from this web-site)

weight - wet - 238 kg

power - 85 Bhp


The obvious:

The Suzuki is not that lighter, and not that less powerful.
A cack-handed throttle/brake control can see you in a ditch (or hospital) with a 125 cc bike.

My (humble) conclusion:

Get the guy to test ride both and make his mind.

[yjleesvrr]

The V-Strom 650 has the same engine as my SV. I can tell you that the V-Strom will wheelie a lot easier than the R if you're ham-fisted... But overall, I think the V-Strom will be easier to ride starting off. It will feel a lot less top-heavy.

[thenewcamus]

This is my 4th season of street riding and my 4th season of riding an R. I don't regret the Rockster being my first road bike for a second. The price and weight helped temper my "enthusiasm" while learning the road. I dropped it twice in the first year, both on the same side and I left the cylinder scuffs as a badge of humility. My opinion is: buy the bike you really want, and by the time you are a competent rider (maybe another 2 seasons for me , the bike of your dreams is the only bike you've known and an extension of your riding style.

I.E. If I rode a bike with a single turn signal switch on the right grip again, I would probably be lost

[Dr. Strangelove]

My R is my first bike after my Vespa and the MSF.
The V Strom was strongly considered, but it's seat hieght concerned me--an inch higher. Also I visited the Bikez.com site and found that no matter what bike I looked at I kept comparing it to the RR--and the RR ALWAYS fared better.
It just kept being the gold standard for me.

I finally found one in Dec 05 and it has been great. I've put on over 10k miles, city, highway, touring.

IN a way it was my first bike (certainly my first REAL motorcycle) and it has proved to be just fine.

Just another thing to consider is the WAF (wife acceptance factor) to buying a "starter" bike and then what you really want. I can't speak for all happily married and would-never-criticize my life's partner, but this might be a one-shot affair so I thought I'd give it my best shot.

John

[CycleRob]

The V-Strom gets rave reviews from my friend/customer Rob M, a M/C racer, experienced rider, seven bike owner and Boeing 737 pilot. He said it's the finest do-it-all-motorcycle he's ever ridden and can't wait to ride it as much as possible. He'll "thin the herd" because the VFR and 500 Ninja are no longer needed.

Yes, the 650 V-Strom as a very tall seat height, so try that first. It also has a plush ride, comfy ergos, great handling, fuel efficiency and range. It would be a great first bike that he won't tire of.

[kantuckid]

My experienced vote says small and cheap with rider training-buy a 250cc on ebay or from urban buffet. All this R this and Strom that talk is off base!