FabSwingers.com forum: What size bike is best for a new rider

By *omjohn6129 OP Man
5 weeks ago

Tredegar

Hey guys,I just wanted to get some feedback on what size bike is best for me??

I'm due to start my direct access course and I'm taking a liking to the triumph 1200 bobber,most riders I've spoken to have told me to go for a bike over 800.

Am I doing the right thing going high on the cc or am I better with a smaller bike??

Any recommendations welcome.✌️

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *entlemandai55Man
5 weeks ago

ebbw vale

It really depends what you are going to use it for. Short journeys, get a triumph 400. Commuting, get a honda 500, pleasure and riding with your mates , get something bigger but not crazy revs. A 1200 triumph is fine but it depends on your height as they are not tall. Above all, get something comfy, also an older cheaper bike in good condition is perfect as a first bike, you will drop it, everyone does. So easy to fix is good

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *edsguyMan
5 weeks ago

south of Bedford

Get some insurance quotes first

As a newly qualified rider you maybe surprised at the cost for a large cc bike.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *flkfunseekerMan
5 weeks ago

Norwich

600/750 I started with a gsxr750 back in the day, insurance wasn’t too bad either

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ev257Man
5 weeks ago

cardiff

My son who's 27 is doing a 3 or 4 day course to pass his test n as soon as he has done that I'll be gifting him my interceptor 650.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By (user no longer on site)
5 weeks ago

When I first passed the main issue was the weight of the bikes , not the engine size , it’s not just the riding , it’s the moving about of them , sometimes reversing them back . Sometimes the weight can catch you out . When I passed I went onto a Fireblade RRW . Was just right for me

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *omjohn6129 OP Man
5 weeks ago

Tredegar

"It really depends what you are going to use it for. Short journeys, get a triumph 400. Commuting, get a honda 500, pleasure and riding with your mates , get something bigger but not crazy revs. A 1200 triumph is fine but it depends on your height as they are not tall. Above all, get something comfy, also an older cheaper bike in good condition is perfect as a first bike, you will drop it, everyone does. So easy to fix is good"

Well thanks for the input buddy,I'll be using it just for pleasure cruising with friends and veteran bikers...I've tried out the triumph bobber and it's perfect height wise,weight wise and position wise for me....I just wasn't sure if 1200 cc was too much of a jump from a 650...the insurance is crazy tho as I'll be a new rider but atleast I've got ages on my side(50+).👍

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *omjohn6129 OP Man
5 weeks ago

Tredegar

"Get some insurance quotes first

As a newly qualified rider you maybe surprised at the cost for a large cc bike.

"
ye I must admit it's very strap,I was shocked 19 plate is costing me 3k to insure at the moment,it may come down once I've completed the course.cheers buddy

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *omjohn6129 OP Man
5 weeks ago

Tredegar

Thanks to all the guys who commented,each of you have given valuable advice and it's much appreciated 👍👍

I'll update the group once I've passed and arrange a ride somewhere.

Cheers

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ngelnfugyCouple
5 weeks ago

Edinburgh

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *amish SMan
5 weeks ago

Eastleigh

A bike that suits your needs will do more for you and I suspect you'll use more of its capability.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ouplewanting30Couple
5 weeks ago

Thetford

Doesn't matter what bike. It only goes fast when you twist your wrist. Whatever you feel comfortable with.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *entlemandai55Man
5 weeks ago

ebbw vale

Good luck and let us know what you choose. I'm actually a mile from tredegar and I'm always visiting the local biker haunts .

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *omjohn6129 OP Man
5 weeks ago

Tredegar

Thanks buddy,I will get InTouch once I'm on two wheels so you can show me all the stunning rides around here👍👍

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ictoriaathomeTV/TS
4 weeks ago

Huddersfield

I passed and after a few test rides I went for a Ducati 1100

Bit of a big bike but it only goes as fast as you make it so it's your choice. Altered all drive modes so it's not unleashing it's full power.

End of the day it's a combination of what you feel you need. Safe, comfortable and useage.

Enjoy

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *kyline88Man
4 weeks ago

retford

I personally wanted something to knock about with my mates on and something that i could do a couple of hours on and not feel like i had been folded in half and something cheap because it was my first big bike i ended up with a suzuki 650 gladius great lil bike with plenty of go and very forgiving

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ooking Fun!Man
4 weeks ago

NEWTOWNARDS

Depending on your experience.... if brand new to riding! Only you can make that decision, how confident you are with handling a big bike

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ikerdevil2025Man
4 weeks ago

Surrey

Sv650

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ikerBloke...Man
4 weeks ago

western hemisphere , planet earth

if your looking at cruiser styles maybe start on a rebel 500 or vulcan-s 650.. give it a year actually learning to ride properly n build your confidence from there, passing direct access dosent mean you have your skills honed, you`re still learning. walk before you can run buddy

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ustJ69Man
3 weeks ago

Warrington

I'd just go big because if you get a smaller bike you'll want a bigger one within a month.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *peccybaldtwatMan
3 weeks ago

Truro-ish

If you’re into sports bikes/cornering then don’t go too big to begin with.

If you like cruisers/straigh-lining then it all depends on how deep your pockets are.

To really learn to ride well then you’d be best on a mid range capacity bike, 400/50/600 etc, you will be surprised how rapid they can be.

An older sports-touring bike will be better on insurance etc.

Main thing is stay rubber-side down. Too big a bike and not enough skill is a recipe for disaster!

My advice would be to stay smaller capacity until you develop your default reaction to brake smoothly in an ‘oh shit’ moment! (This takes much longer than you’d think!)

Good luck pal

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *rabian-oudMan
3 weeks ago

watford

I started on a 125 at age 18 and I stand by my belief that you need to build all the relevant muscle memories before touching a bigger bike. Things like swerving/dodging a pothole (or child), braking (properly), cornering including entry apex exit and the throttle changes throughout, all are way more forgiving on a 125.

Just like you wouldn't start sparring in week 1 of boxing because you don't know the muscle memory, I think sticking to a 125 for a good 1000 miles is the best way to get on a big bike and not die.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ootylover25Man
3 weeks ago

Middlesbrough

I got a harley Davidson sportster 883 as my first big bike. Something bigger like a 1200 would have been fine too. The 883 didn't have much top end but cruseing round at about 50-60 it was spot on and pulled well in every gear. I had friends with much bigger bikes at the time I rode with that were impressed with it

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *urious8286Couple
3 weeks ago

Aberdare

I'd recommend something around 60-75bhp for a first bike, enough power to have a lil fun but not too much that it's unmanageable for a new rider plus insurance is pretty friendly at this power, obviously lots of factors can change this

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *inge61Couple
3 weeks ago

n/wales

one that fits and you feel happy with weight etc

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *adeforitMan
3 weeks ago

Telford

"I passed and after a few test rides I went for a Ducati 1100

Bit of a big bike but it only goes as fast as you make it so it's your choice. Altered all drive modes so it's not unleashing it's full power.

End of the day it's a combination of what you feel you need. Safe, comfortable and useage.

Enjoy"

As said....only goes as fast as you make it go....and as others have mentioned, i think itll be insurance costs that'll be the biggest factor. I have an old 1999 vfr800 so insurance is quite cheap (might even be classed as a classic now?!). One thing i would say, go test ride before buying. I learned the hard way and wish I had because im a little tall for my bike and is a little uncomfertable on longer rides.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ust RachelTV/TS
2 weeks ago

Horsham

I went the slow route after passing my bike test, a VFR400 (NC24), RF600R, R6, RF900 and now after a long break, a Versys 650.

All of these bikes were my commuting and playtool, the NC24 helped get used to heavier weight of the bikes, for a bit more power. The RF600 was a bit boring as it was a touring bike, the R6 was mental. You thought about a corner, the bike did it without thinking, acceleration was mad. It could easily shred your licence quickly.

The RF900 was used for long commute, I rode it conservatively and easily got over 200 miles out of the tank.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *toatMan
2 weeks ago

grangemouth

I started of with a 125 when passed my test i got a burgman 400 as i passed on a automatic i tryed the 650 burgman felt too heavy and to powerful as i was once told stick to what your comfortable with now ride a Yamaha trycity 300 big bu comfortable

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ancsdudeMan
6 days ago

preston

I agree on the weight issues.

But then, I've been happy on middleweight bikes for 40 years now.

Okay, old fart mode = on...

Today you can be reported by every dash cam warrior you overtake.

5 yrs ago it was only radar guns and fixed cameras.

When I were a lad it was just vehicles that could nick you.

Just 100mph in a straight line is a ban.

I can out ride a Blade on a twisty.

And Im never two-up.

So its only my ego that would persuade me to buy a litre bike, and with three mates dead from having more Ego than skill, Im not interested.

Anyway,

I like dominating a 650 instead of feeling like my bike is better than me and wants to kill or peg me. Lol.

It's all down to choice, and chequebook at the end of the day but a nervous rider on a powerful bike looks a bit of a dick.

Just my opinion.

Old fart mode = off.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ralnothingMan
6 days ago

coventry

I started with a 2 stroke honda 125 nsr, then after a few months went onto a cbr600 the difference in power amazed me until I got used to it. From then on went to a 750 Ducati, then a fire blade now a 1200 monster, guess I did it in stages. Depends on what your going to use it for,I'd recommend a 500 or 600, something that can bumble around but enough power to be interesting

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *riumph bonnevilleMan
6 days ago

canterbury

me?...i would prob go for the benelli 400cc imperial ...make all your mistakes ,on this a good bike new for £2999! you cant go wrong ...

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *annibal_LickedherMan
6 days ago

north

"I agree on the weight issues.

But then, I've been happy on middleweight bikes for 40 years now.

Okay, old fart mode = on...

Today you can be reported by every dash cam warrior you overtake.

5 yrs ago it was only radar guns and fixed cameras.

When I were a lad it was just vehicles that could nick you.

Just 100mph in a straight line is a ban.

I can out ride a Blade on a twisty.

And Im never two-up.

So its only my ego that would persuade me to buy a litre bike, and with three mates dead from having more Ego than skill, Im not interested.

Anyway,

I like dominating a 650 instead of feeling like my bike is better than me and wants to kill or peg me. Lol.

It's all down to choice, and chequebook at the end of the day but a nervous rider on a powerful bike looks a bit of a dick.

Just my opinion.

Old fart mode = off.

That. Sounds like good advice.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ikerdevil2025Man
6 days ago

Surrey

Honda cb500 or something like that more then suitable for new rider

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *amher14Man
6 days ago

sunderland

Recently got my first bike after after having my license for 15 years I was offered a Cbr 600 f 2000 model for 500 needed an indicator bulb for MOT never been off it most frieghtening thing I’ve ever done but can’t get enough of it

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ust RachelTV/TS
6 days ago

Horsham

"I agree on the weight issues.

But then, I've been happy on middleweight bikes for 40 years now.

Okay, old fart mode = on...

Today you can be reported by every dash cam warrior you overtake.

5 yrs ago it was only radar guns and fixed cameras.

When I were a lad it was just vehicles that could nick you.

Just 100mph in a straight line is a ban.

I can out ride a Blade on a twisty.

And Im never two-up.

So its only my ego that would persuade me to buy a litre bike, and with three mates dead from having more Ego than skill, Im not interested.

Anyway,

I like dominating a 650 instead of feeling like my bike is better than me and wants to kill or peg me. Lol.

It's all down to choice, and chequebook at the end of the day but a nervous rider on a powerful bike looks a bit of a dick.

Just my opinion.

Old fart mode = off.

I remember annoying my mates when I vfr400, in the corners and on twisty roads I would be all over them. Get me on a straight, and I would be left standing.

That fucking changed when I got an R6

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *GFPMan
5 days ago

south northumberland

I recently got my big licence after riding a 125cc for about 7 years. Bought a 2007 honda cb600f hornet. It's a fantastic first bike. Very easy bike to ride, confidence inspiring and more than quick enough to keep up with bigger bikes and get me out of trouble (or into trouble) if needed

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *itoall999Man
5 days ago

Leominster

CBR600f an absolute all rounder with a comfort blanket, my first bike and would recommend to everyone. It’ll do 40 all day long but will open up if wanted as well.

Remember when confidence rises the speed needs to drop. Try and stay consistent on the ride rather than fast in the straight and hard on the breaks for bends. You’ll be amazed how quick confidence builds with time on the seat.

Good luck and enjoy every minute.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ittleJohn5Man
4 days ago

Wickham Market

I went the old route

As road riding from 16

50 125 350 400 600 900

But just think about the weight of the bike more

As the power you control

But my go to in a bobbers type would be a CCM spitfire type of machine.

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ichi_acerMan
4 days ago

notts

I think it’s a bike that’s comfortable for you to move around

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

By *ay h500Man
2 days ago

mansfield

Honestly

Go for what you like

Looked at a bobber with my apprentice this week he's going for that. Picked up an SV650 for my son a few weeks ago.

I'd avoid high revving sports bikes otherwise World is your oister.

Ride safe wheels down shiny side up

Reply privately

Reply in forum

Reply +quote

Post new Message to Thread