i have never ridden, but am going to take the msc on march 3rd. for a first bike i am debating between a gixxer 750 or gixxer 1000. JUST KIDDING. seriously though i have never ridden. want a fun learner in the sport bike realm. not looking for anything that'll kick my newbie ass. for no more than 1500 bucks. it can be old. any suggestions on make, model.

Not sure about in the 1500 range but look for an older YZF 600 not an R6 http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif Also FZR aren't too bad. Can also look into Suzuki SV-650's very fun bikes Or an older honda F2 or F3. An older kawi might not be too bad as well but think your looking more at 2000-3500 for any of these and thats the low side. Although my friend got a FZR for $1400 but most of the fairing where wrecked on it.

thanks i will take thouse makes an models into account

From what I saw the magic price point for older, used bikes was about $2000. As far as older bikes to look for that are fun..ummm, anything from a Honda Hawk GT or Suzuki GS500E all the way to the old FZR's, F2, and GSXR's. Good luck! cycletrader.com is your friend.

ken

Welcome! An older CBR would probably be in your price range. I had a friend looking at an 86 cbr600 for $1400 and another bought a 91 kawa zx6r for $1500 in really nice shape. Start small then work yourself up to that 1000 http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

just thought this one was cool --> http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/punk.gif

You know I don't think I've seen these bikes mentioned here before but I learned how to "street" ride back in the late 80's on a Honda XL350 and then a XL600, man they were fun.... and boy could ya get them to lean, hehe, really though you can!
Anyhow just thought I'd mention that street/dirt bikes are nice to start out on if that's an option for you. They are tough and you can learn the basics on them no prob.

Good luck to ya and happy hunting.

Also look at these, I am sure you can score them used pretty cheap
Suzuki
Bandit 600
Bandit 400 (might be a 450)
Kawasaki
EX250
EX500

They are pretty easy to find used in local papers. I bet you could even find one for 1000 or less


jontflesh

I don't know if you get many VFR 400s over there, either official or grey import, but I really rate them as sports bikes, for newbies or oldies! http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

My missus got one as her first bike, and I had as much fun on it as she did.....it is still to date the sweetest handling bike I have ridden, bearing in mind the gixxer 750 isn't too shabby at going round corners, nor my friends R1 and Blade.....they say the same too! http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/thumb.gif

Her's was the NC30 model, a perfectly formed mini race replica that is good for 130mph, will let you get away with incredible lean angles and looks gorgeous.....can you tell I am a bit of a fan!!!? I'll probably get flamed for it being a "girl's bike", or too small to be any fun, but when you get these things running round your outside on track days (just when you thought you were doing SOOOOO well) there must be something about them that's right... http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/lick.gif

Whatever you get, have a great time.....glad you haven't been sucked into the bigger is better bullshit mentality http://www.gixxer.com/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif