I saw a crashed 'Busa for part-out on Craigslist with FOUR miles on the clock. I assume some 17-year-old bought it as their first bike and immediately put it into a pole.
@@sweetdeliciouscake i actually started riding recently and the bike i used was a 1994 yamaha TTR250 making 30hp,at some points i was actually suprised by the power a tiny lil single cylinder enduro can make,if that was a liter bike i wouldve crashed it already,idk why anyone would get a 600 or stronger as a beginner(being 17 i think your assumption is completely correct and i blame the clout boy drag race culture where hayabusas are prevalent)
This one right here hits close to home. Always loved bikes and wanted one, best friend from high school got one first, and passed away later that year, cager at fault for making improper left turn. Burying your friend is something that stays with you, I like to think that I've been guided from some potentially perilous accidents by his spirit
@@carbq5280don’t shit on people for losing their life just for being stupid in a moment. It’s tragic either way. Imagine that one time you decided to do a little pull you got cut off and died would you want people to say you died bc you WERE an idiot instead of saying you did something stupid and it cost you.
watched my friend when he was riding drunk and fast got clipped and went face first into the "beatification" rocks on the side of the hwy. died on scene
You should really clarify here... A ZX6R is WAY different than a Versys 650, which is what I started on as a 6'4 32 year old male. I truly believe that I bought a fantastic beginner bike.
Yup, same for me, I loved the Versys 650, though I found it to be pretty top heavy for learning so I ended up selling it and getting a Versys X-300 instead which is perfect for me. Light, better setup for off road and fast enough for the highway
@@Strothix Gearing, weight, profile. The Versys is a touring motorcycle a different design goal to a track bike so it's purpose is more 'sensible'. It doesn't mean you can't go fast but the rider position etc is more suited for longer trips.
@@Strothix”600” is just a motor class in motorcycles. 600cc in-line 4’s. The only real exception is the 636. They all make 110-120hp or so. 650’s are typically parallel twins that rev lower, so much less power
MT07 first bike right here! I'm very happy with it. Taking things slow. My riding style is more laidback. I'm more into cruising with some power vs thrills and adrenaline.
MT07 has 54 KW, relatvely easy handling, ABS and stuff.. this video is more about people buying 15 year old 80 kW (120bhp) 600cc Yamaha R6s. It's a completely different beast to your MT07 Still you'd probably learn faster on a more suitable bike in the 40ish kW range, which you can ride to it's limit without really hitting your own. But you do you. If you're alright with taking it slow on a faster bike! MT07 is great, many happy journeys!
Started on a 1984 Honda Shadow 500cc in 1984 perfect bike for me stopped riding in 92 just bought my second bike a 2023 Triumph 660 Tiger wouldn’t recommend anything more then a 500 for a first bike and should be mandatory to take a course first.
AS SOMEONE THAT STARTED ON A 600 YALL LISTEN UP!! Please listen to this man. I know some people don’t like him but he seriously is looking out for everyone. For those of you that think you’ll be responsible on a 600.. I understand. I truly do. I felt the same way and I like to think I’m a pretty responsible individual. The power you THINK you’re going to get?.. Double it or even triple it. It seriously is a lot of power guys. Not only that but the 250 you learned on(in the MSF course) is nowhere close to the weight you’re going to feel. It’s a different beast and for your own safety get comfortable with something smaller please. Enjoy the ride with something smaller. If you’re really in this for the enjoyment of riding and not just for show, you will enjoy whatever you get. Be safe y’all and keep 2 wheels down 🤝🏾
MT03 rider here! Perfect first bike! Easy to control and honestly does everything any person would need for a daily bike. When I do upgrade to a 07 or 09 I will definitely keep the Mt03 in my stable. Happy with my first bike choice!
Old man Squid here (54), inspired in part by watching this channel, passed MSF in April. Took all the Yam advice to heart. Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Not too heavy, not too much power, forgiving gear box, great size. It's been perfect as a starter. I'll move up to something bigger in a couple seasons. Meantime, love riding my slow bike fast.
You were disciplined enough to start slow and learn slow. Please tell me if you rode other bikes or 4 wheelers before. I’m a new rider on a 600 and I have no problem shifting and braking so I’m scared I’ll kill myself because I can go fast and stop fast but none of the advanced skills are there otherwise.
50cc, 125cc, 500cc scooters. Then choose your bike of choice. I then switched to a 1984 1200cc goldwing. Stalled a few times and now im hitting the highways and canyon carving at only 22yrs old. Start small, progress as you feel comfortable.
My first bike at 17 in 1997 was a brand new ZX-6R. My second bike was a brand new 2000 R1. I kept both for a while. In 2001 I sold the Ninja. In 2002 I sold the R1, and bought a brand new GSX-R1000. Traded that in for a brand new K6 (still have it). 2008 bought an R6 that was 100% for the track. Sold it in 2012. In 2016 I bought a ZX-10R KRT. Still have both 2006 K6, and 2016 KRT 10R. So, to summarize my first bike was a 600. Rode it for 4 years and bought a 1000. Been riding liter bikes 24yrs. Zero regrets. Started track days in ‘99 after having my 6R for 2yrs. Still prefer my liter bikes for the street. Having both offered some flexibility for how I wanted to ride though.
Yam limiting his content to just street bikes was a huge drag. I barely watch now. Dirt bikes, Super Motos, and Enduros are just as cool as liter bikes and Busas. Probably cooler. Channel fail.
I started on a gixxer 600, had it for 7 months and bought a gixxer 1k. I dropped the 600 twice (both stupid beginner drops, not trying to hide anything). Had no issues with either bike. I never felt scared of the power on the 600 at any point, never felt like it held me back or got away from me normal riding. When I got the 1k I was just way more careful. I wasn't scared of it, but I understood what it could do and slowly used those capabilities more and more over time, riding mostly reasonably. I never dropped, wrecked or had any issues with the 1k. Great bike. I sold that, and bought a 2017 R1 back in November 2023. Absolutely love it. Phenomenal motorcycle, it is stupid fast, the sound is intoxicating, I just love it, have also never had any issues with it. It does not scare me, but I am constantly aware of its capabilities and what it can do, and I am therefore careful. I don't think I'm special or different than anyone else, I just wanted to start on a 600 because I felt that a smaller bike would have gotten boring quickly, and I think I would have been right. I got used to the power of the 600 very quickly. I'd say the only advantage maybe or leg up I had was that I can drive a stick car, and I learned on my dad's mustang that makes 800 wheel horsepower, and he's had the car for years, so by the time I got a bike I was pretty used to big power. Once again, I'm not special or different than anyone else. If I'm ever asked, I still say start on a ninja 400 or something like it. I just think mentally I had been in the car scene and driven a wildly powerful car, and I kind of understood pretty well what I was getting myself into. Ride safe everyone, much love.
I started on a cbr600f3. I no longer have a license. And I crashed into a lightpole and could seriously have died. I was depressed and let my emotions overwhelm me and I was not careful enough. One moment of being careless almost costed me everything. I even started on a cbr300r, but I stepped up way too soon.
Grew up on dirt bikes. Went for my first street bike and got told to go with a 300-400. I did. It lasted a month before I turned it in for the GSX 8R and I was instantly more comfortable with that then the 390 duke. So its not really a one size fits all answer. Brand new to riding? Absolutely start on a 300 or 400. As always, Yammie nailed it. Also you are the reason I went with that 8R and I thank you for that,
the "bros" who start on 600's bikes are on marketplace for MSRP in less than 1 year (dropped "lightly"), then they never touch a motorcycle ever again. 🤣
We always laugh about this, and claim it happens, but until I bought mine a year and a half ago, I had never actually seen it. I was looking for a cbr600rr or a cb1000r August of 2022, and couldn’t find either within 2,000 miles of central Arkansas. Called a local shop the morning I was looking, and they told me they had a cbr1000rr. I told them I wasn’t looking for a liter bike. I was coming from a 2006 cbr600rr. The universe aligned, and I wound up driving past that shop, 2 hours away from where I live, a few hours later, so I went in, sat on my 2021 cbr1000rr, and I was doing paper work in fifteen minutes. lol. I was really impressed with how small it is. I’m 5’5”. 😂 It’s tall, but it only weighs 434 pounds, and it rides like it’s as small as it feels it is. There was one that was identical to it in the used section. I asked about it, because it had a radiator guard, rail tidy, and a few other things. A guy bought it, rode it until the 600 mile first service, left their shop after the service, took it to redline on the interstate outside the shop, and rode back to trade it in on an Indian. 😂😂
Reason why I always have this question always comes down to price of bikes, a lot of people say start low because eventually you’ll want to upgrade, I would rather buy once then buy twice
buy a used bike first. use it for 1 or 2 years. that way you are not really losing any money. buy a bike for 3k and sell it for 2.5k ..... if you think 500 is too much money to invest for 2 years of riding then do not start at all. if you go for some cheaper 300ccm bikes you can even buy a new one for 3k. a VOGE 300AC is about 3k where i live
@@ShadowMcSneaky I’d never buy another bike new, why pay a bunch of dealer fees and have your bike depreciated 2-3k after driving it home your first time. I’d always buy 1-4 year old bikes with under 7k miles from a dealer, definitely the way to go!
@@panda4757 it always depends on what you want. but you can save a lot of money if you buy used :) and i would always advise to do so when you are a beginner. the chance of you dropping it is higher and is very annoying to drop a new bike that you payed a lot of money for. but some people always want new stuff so i mentioned the 300ccm from Voge to show that there are even new bikes that can be affordable. it is a good beginner bike.
@@vebez5993 some riders want to go faster than 130mph, others have no desire to ever hit 100mph. Got speed demons, stunt riders, track racers and then there’s Harley riders/biker club nuts. Just depends on the rider, if you die then you’re dead, if you get hurt then you live in pain and are in debt with the hospital. You Pick, Americas a free country.
Started on a '17 CB500F, graduated to a '15 Ninja 650R w/ABS, picked up a HD Iron 883 Sportster and now I'm on an '06 CBR600RR. Honestly been a great progression for me and absolutely more than happy with each of these phases over the last 4 years.
it's different in the UK & europe to the states where you need a licence and to at least show some competancy so have to ride limited cc's to start with, but the whole question is moot, and like everything in life 'it depends'. some folk are just born stupid, and to let a newbie teenager walk into a showroom and ride out with a pocket rocket generally sounds like a recipe for disaster, however theres a lot of stupid older people who ride carelessly, and plenty of youngsters with sense. the best advice i got from my instructor when i asked him he recommended when i passed my test as a newbie was 'ride what you want', it's all about how you use your right hand.
Old fart new rider here, and I bought a used 2012 CBR250RA from a friend who had used it to teach her daughter how to ride. I watched a lot of videos, did research online, and tried to think about how long it takes me to recover from rugby before I finally pulled the trigger. I've only been riding for about 9 months, but am just now getting into highway riding. Everyone needs to do their own research and, as you said, know their own limitations or decide how much risk they are willing to take.
@@vebez5993 What are you talking about? You can easily full throttle 125cc, it's not that powerful, it doesn't even wheelie on dirt without releasing clutch. With 250cc 2-stroke you can do power wheelies and need to be more careful with the throttle
I've had a ninja 400 for a couple years now. And aboslutely love going through all the gear, rev-matching, lwaning it over and using all the gears. I know, I won't ever be able to use even a 400 to its full capability. I recently tried out my dream bike (cbr 600rr) and got to take it around town and i absolutely hated it. I was bored driving around town in only first. Leaning it over felt heavy and took far more effort than i wanted to put it. I will admit when it was leaned over far enough I understood the sweet spot and what it was made to do. Im 28. I don't have desire to go full pin in a straight away (yes, i do get an itch to go fast every once in a while, I'll admit) but i do want enjoy tackling twisties and just understanding a bike. I was disappointed by the cbr. Not because it wasnt a good bike but because i realized that traditional 600s wasnt for my style. I'm now leaning towards a street triple or an aprilia rs 660 but I will definitely try to test ride them. Im not tired of my 400 even a few years later and i definitely think its enough for commuting, twisties, track and most if not all people for street and some fun. Ive never been discouraged by people that talk down to me for having smaller bike (theres been a lot) but the handful in the biking community that understand its enough and still incredibly fun, those are the real ones. Anyways, sorry for the rant.
I started on a CBR250RR (similar enough to a Ninja 400, just far sportier in the riding position) and my original plan was to use the CBR250RR as practice to work my way up to my dream bike which was also the CBR600RR. I ended up getting a Street Triple RS. In reality you would probably find that the Street Triple is essentially a naked version of these 600cc supersports minus the back breaking ergonomics. On the mountain twisties though the Street Triple is simply *chef's kiss*, and if you open the throttle it pulls in ways you won't experience on those actual beginner SS like the Ninja 400 etc - afterall this class of bikes all makes something like 3 times the power on similar weight. However in city traffic on the Street Triple you'll be going no higher than 3rd gear punting around at 3500rpm cos anything higher you'll be kissing your license goodbye in no time with all the cops and speed traps around, just like the CBR600RR. If you love working the throttles and gears don't bother looking at bikes with 100+PS.
But yam!!! I am a fast Boi and need a fast boi bike. I rode an 80cc dirtbike once and I'm going to keep it in the low rpms!!!! Come on Yam!! Plus my civic has the same hp so I'm used to it. Jokes aside I ride an r1 as a daily after years of stepping up and I approve men riding beginner bikes. I will give you nothing but props for getting a bike and learning.
Getting my first street bike next week with the New ‘24 KTM Duke 990. Been riding dirt bikes for 20 years, I’m 33 now. I’m a KTM Kyle, owning 3 525’s and a 530 with two of them street legal.
My first road bike was a ‘97 Buell Cyclone. I pulled the trigger on a brand new bike. It taught me a lot. It was a torquey bike and I learned throttle control and smoothness pretty quickly. Powerful brakes, too. My big takeaway with this bike, was smoothness in all that you do, and respect it, or it will kill you. Simple as that.
From the UK, hello! After passing my A licence, I bought a Honda CBR 600RR, partly due to being 5' 8". Difference between me and Chad is I am 53 and know when to give it some throttle, but mostly, when not to. I love it as low in the rev range it's happy but when I need to join a motorway etc, I have all the power I will ever need. It's the rider who twists the throttle, not the bike that makes you.
The thing with the acceptance in groups is: I'm from Germany and I ride for 2.5 years. I started with A2 when I was 20. Now I have the unrestricted license for a half year. Since the start I have a Suzuki SV650. In no situation someone tried to mock me because I had not enough power. All I hear is: „oh yeah I rode a SV650 as a beginner too. Always regretted selling it. Such a great motor.“ And when someone tries to mock you because of your bikes power, don’t listen. There will not be much useful coming out of his mouth.
Every time I talk about getting my full A license people tell me to just go straight for 100+hp because everything below is "lazy", I've been riding my KTM 390s for 2 years now on road and track and I've never felt they're too slow. Only exception is on track when you get on a straight and everyone else with 100+ hp shoots off leaving me behind but I just catch up in the corners most of the time
I started on a New 1970 Yamaha 125cc 2 stroke "Enduro" at 16 yrs old. Next was a 1966 Yamaha 350 cc twin 2 stroke. From then moved up to a larger bike each time. After 55yrs I still ride . Victory Cross Country and a Triumph Tiger 800. Start by riding dirt bikes. I did,and It helped me be a better Street rider.
Tuesday, just days ago, it’s now Thursday….. I bought a Suzuki GSX 8S as my first bike. I e haven’t Rodin a motorcycle since I was 12, 30 years ago. So I’m a noob for sure. My motorcycle training class isn’t u til the first week in August, over a month from now.
I survived starting on an 07 CBR600RR. Rode curvy state roads and gradually added speed. Loved that bike. Just bought my 02 CBR954RR this month. Next bike will be a small beginner bike to up my skills so I can actually push the fireblade. No dirtbikes. Just respect for the machine and a twist of the wrist 2. ATGATT
I started actual street riding with a DR350. Rode it for a year or so then went to a pokey KLR 650, which felt like a superbike to me at the time. Now it feels like a little dirt bike. But I’m glad I started on a smaller bike. I’ve spoken at the funeral of a wonderful young man chose a CBR 600. Please don’t let that be you.
I didn’t start on a 600 I started on a 1k. I was 49 years old but still started on a 2021 GSXR 1000. I had very little motorcycle experience but I’ve been riding atv’s since I was able to reach the controls. I’m not here to say anyone should or should not start on a 600cc+ sport bike just that i did it. I didn’t get a bike for years because i always wanted a sport bike, I mean the bike in Top Gun is what made me want a bike. The ZX1100 Ninja was my favorite bike for a long time, till the ZX1200 came out. I didn’t get one because I knew I would probably kill or at best severely injure myself. I made the decision last year that I was going to get a bike and I wanted a liter bike so that what I got. I know this is tltr but just some of my thoughts.
There are also the old 600 cc naked like hornet 600 or xj6 But they are forgotten and no one wants them anymore with the raising of the parallel twin area
In my part of the world, Australia, we have a restriction of power output for learners. We are allowed an engine restricted to 150 kilowatt per metric tonne, not exceeding 655cc. If you are younger and just starting out in your riding career, you have a learners permit for 12 months and then 2 years of a provisional licence. Then after that, you can get an unrestricted motorcycle.
please keep these vlogs of you riding the sled so i can live vicariously through you until im hopefully able to get my own sled next year, when im more experienced and what not
He was a whole lot cooler when he had a dirt bike. He talks like dirt bikes are not motorcycles in this video. WTF. If you can ride a dirt bike proficiently you are not a beginner, period. Bikes are bikes.
Thoughts on buying a RS660 in about 18 months. 50 year old first time rider. Currently have a Vulcan S. Having allot of fun on the Vulcan but want to try a different style of riding as well. Have access to an R3 and enjoy it too.
I started on an MT07 and I’m having a blast. I rode a 50cc during my teens and had car experience to know how to behave in the road, plus as a EU citizen I took my license course (with an MT07) and examination with an instructor that was all about safety and making yourself visible in the road. All of this led to being a good decision for me, but definitely not for everyone. The first time I drove that machine at the driving school it was scary AF, but in the end you gotta know your limits!
Alright Papa Yam please give me some feedback on my story. I'm not saying I'm right or wrong but this is why I'm "starting" on a 600 sportbike. The first mororcycle I was ever on was an 08 cbr 1000, and mind you I had no experience with motorcycles except for riding a 4 stroke 125cc dirtbike around a couple times before getting on that cbr, now I do have a good grip on my emotions and have a huge respect for power. I handled the liter bike like a champ and had a love for bikes starting right then and there. I think I did a max speed of 70 mph down straight ish backroads on the liter bike, that was 4 years ago. Today I'm in my early 20's, I'm not a small dude (I'm 5' 8" 300lbs). I bought my first bike, a 2010 vulcan 900 back in march of this year. I put 1500 miles on it from the beginning of march to the end of may, and quickly got bored of it. Started looking for a 600 sportbike, which is what I wanted from the get go. I bought a cruiser to learn on and fully expected to keep that vulcan for at least a year. That didn't happen, my vulcan's for sale and I went and bought an 04 gsxr 600 before I even sold the vulcan. I rode my buddys 07 zx6r to see if a 600 would suite me, and it was everything I expected, BUT the seating position was absolutely atrocious in my opinion. Again, I'm not a small dude. I thought I 16:24 wanted an 07-08 cbr 600, but a friend of his had his 05 gsxr 750 sitting in the garage with the zx6r. I swung a leg over it and it was what I remembered with the cbr 1000. So I looked for a gsxr and found a 04 600 with 18k on it. It fits me as well as a sportbike can for someone my size, I love the thing it's a blast and a half. I've had it not quite 2 weeks and have 550 miles on it. Sorry for the long story but please tell me what you think about my resonable decision or stupidity. lol
If you never went faster than 70 on a CBR1000 you are defo not the guy he is talking about, he's talking about the muppets like me who went faster than that on a 125... 😆
I started out on a 2005 Ninja 250 and rode it for about 2 years. Haven't owned a bike since but you give really good advice here. I was lucky enough to ride a friend's R6 one or two times. It was a cool experience and I'm glad I got to try it, but it was not very comfortable or practical to ride on a regular basis.
My wife managed oron a zx6r. Her 1st maiden trip was a euro tour to Italy’s northern lakes. However, she felt way more comfortable and at ease with a little gpz500s.
I got a 750 harley street as my first bike. When i asked around about starter bikes i pretty much given 2 options. Either get sumthin small that you'll outgrow in a year or 2, or get sumthin in 500 - 750 range and take ur time to learn the bike and have it for years to come.
As someone who swapped flying for riding (for montetary reasons) in his mid-50s, riding is therapy and pure zen....my wife has her meditation room, and I have my 2 wheels.....I rarely feel the need to rip it at 150 down the highway, but once in awhile....😄
started on a 06 daytona 675 2 months ago, 1000 miles under my belt. started out rough first week but got much better after I started putting in repetition to practicing the basics. good starter bike for those who like the sport bike scene, at least in my opinion 👍
Friend of mine wanted to return to biking after a 25 year break. His last bike all those years ago was a Susuki 1100 EFE (i think). He was smitten with the new Hyabusa with a 4k discount but couldn’t get it because absolutely no one would insure him. I think there’s a valid reason why.
I started riding in April when i bought a F900r 99hp and 67lb of torque. I'm going to be 30 and imo if you are older and mature you could handle the beginner plus category. So far have rode close to 1k safe miles. You are right a bike like this isnt great of a starter bike because even though its not "fast" because it tops out at roughly 135mph It'll get you to 100 in a damn hurry and the first time i truly cracked open the throttle i realized how hard it was to hold onto lol. Love the new outro.
Not all are fortunate enough to have an early start at riding. After 68 years as a rider, I feel a 125 to a 250 is starter bike size. Since during my first 4 years, I was too young to ride on the streets. It means I had to ride the trails and dirt roads. I learned more on that little 165cc two stroke in the dirt and gravel than you can imagine. By the time I got a 250 and hit the streets I was very comfortable with a motorcycle which made learning about traffic much easier and safer. Was flat tracking an XR750 Harley by age 16. Riding dirt will teach you more about motorcycle handling and dynamics than 10 years of street riding in less than 3 months. I would recommend doing some dirt time followed by hard surface road racing track days. After the above activities and 6 to 8 years on the mean streets, a motorcycle will be as natural and enjoyable as breathing. Now that all these many years have passed, I enjoy every ride with the anticipation and joy of April 6, 1956.
I think there's a difference between NA and EU in this case. Speaking for myself (Dutch); when you're 24 or over your lessons will generally be on a 600cc naked bike (CB650R, Z650, etc). They teach you how to handle this type of bike, since you get an unrestricted license. And since you've been taught on a 650 I think it's completely normal to then start on a similar size bike.
Huh, a complete beginner here that just started on 600cc honda few weeks ago. I'm on older side so didn't mean to drive a rocket, actually got this cbf600 without knowing much because it had a great price and condition. It is damn scary but fun and if I'm not splattered onto some wall in near future I'll comment here again :) Thanks for great videos btw mate.
When people (potential squids) on the internet talks about "600cc bikes as beginner bikes" they are specifically taking about 600cc supersports bikes - namely the Kawasaki Ninja ZX6, Honda CBR600RR, Yamaha R6 and Suzuki GSX-R600. These bikes make something between 100-120 horses on a sub-420 pound weight from the factory which means they have insanely high power to weight ratio (and if you crunch the numbers - better power to weight ratio than a good number of sports cars) so saying they are FAST is sort of an understatement, which is why the question of whether a beginner should get those as their first bike comes up. Your CBF600 while technically a 600cc bike is not in the same category as these 4 bikes as it only makes like half the power with far more weight. So if you think your CBF600 is scary, think how much MORE scary it is when the power of your bike is doubled, and now picture a complete beginner trying to learn to ride on one....
Starting on a Z400 after zero prior riding experience and taking the MSF, so far loving it! I live in central FL and having a city street weapon of a vehicle is awesome. the highway is the only place to let a 600 sing, and most street riding is where a small-er displacement bike shines.(or one that hits peak power before 10k rpms)
i started on a 600, started riding this year at 34, i am a pilot tho so respect for machines is part of what i do. xd super fun went easy, still learning. reason i started on one is i just really liked it and bought from a friend. low miles and awesome price for the machine was going to do a rebel 400 but im glad i did what i did for me.
I started on a 675 and still have it.. I think the answer is if you think and drive like Yammie used to, then dont start on a 600.. If you're responsible and driven to practice and get better, you can pretty much start on anything..
In Europe (more specifically, in Italy), as you mentioned we have different licenses - however, if you're like me and got into motorcycle later in life (I'm 31) you can get the A license straight ahead without the need to take the ones before, which is what I'm currently doing as taking all of them would cost way too much, and you get to train and do your exam on a 650cc motorcycle. You can't choose, you HAVE to do the exam on that. However, I still got myself a nice little USED KLX250 as my personal motorcycle, I will be doing the exam in a month on the school 650 bike, but then after that I won't be riding anything nearly as powerful. Having the chance to compare the 2, while the 650 is more powerful and fun, unless you're on the highway you won't ever use that much power, whereas the KLX feels way safer and gets me up the mountains which is where I want to go. And always wearing full-gear!
In U.K. to get a class A license which allows you to ride any size of bike is a 4 stage process. 1, compulsory basic training, in this you learn the basics of motorcycle riding . 2, Theory test with hazard perception 3, Off road test where you master slow speed manoeuvres 4, On road test
And here in New Zealand is basically the same. You have to go through learner phases on restricted Motorcycles before you are allowed to graduate to full power machines
Got it dialed up slowly, Dutch based, gs500 - sv650 - dorsoduro 750 - Street triple S - Street triple R - now on a Speed twin 1200. Looks old but has 112nM of torque very low in the rev’s. Glad I worked up to that cause I can ride it properly instead of dumb highway pulls
29 year old male here. Been driving cars(Some fast, some not) since I was 17, started riding at the end of last summer by doing the mandatory motorcycle course in my province(Quebec, Canada). Went to sit on a bunch of bike and had the chance to ride in the dealer lot a Kawa Z900, Yamaha Mt07 and Triumph Street Triple RX. I ended up going with a newer model Street Triple R 765. I got it used and have already doubled the mileage on it, in the month that I've owned it, from 2400 to 5100. Its not something that I can say it would have been a good idea if I started riding 10 years earlier, the testosterone of a teen would've been a terrible thing to mix with it. As a tad older guy now, and for someone my age, early 30s, who has the proper mindset and the cash to buy the proper gear, a more recent model with driver aids(They wont save ya ass, but they will hold your hand as you progress), it's something that could be considered but again, I am on a naked triple and not necessarily on a super sports 4 banger.
Started on an 01 Suzuki Bandit GSF600S 600CC inline 4, honestly love it, enough power to give me some thrill, and let me slowly expand that thrill as I feel confident and comfortable, but enough power to keep me in check because I KNOW it can kill me if I fuck around (now of course, so can a 250cc if I tried hard enough, but you get my point) Its my only bike, I started riding 3 weeks ago, have not dropped the bike or pushed it beyond what is reasonable (with some mild squiding involved), but never took risks beyond what I trust I can handle, no insane cornering, trying to stunt the bike, etc. I just want to ride. The 600 I got was the best condition used bike in my area and in my budget, and that's why I chose it
Fortunately, at least in some circles, the 600cc or bust isn't a thing. My buddies, two of whom are long time motorcyclists, asked what I'm looking to start on. I'm looking at Svartpilen 401. Absolutely zero shame from em. They were more stoked that I was getting up on two wheels than anything.
There's 600cc and 600cc. Single cylinder thumper 600cc with 40ish hp is an excellent beginner bike. My first bike was Honda NTV650 with around 55hp and it was excellent, I was never overwhelmed with power and I started riding at 40.
I turned 18 in the late seventies and many young guys purchased Kawasaki 750s.. even Kawasaki 750 2-stroke widowmakers along with kz900s... And many of those people that seriously hurt or died.. I brought my first starter bike it was a Honda hawk 400 1978... And I'll tell you what a great bike to start off on not only that I was able to take it on the highway and I took it on long distance trips.. no not ideal for long distance trips but I went everywhere with that bike and felt very comfortable I could maneuver it... I would also take out my dad's 74 Suzuki 500 two-stroke.... Always purchase a bike that you can actually handle because you may have to handle it in an emergency within an emergency maneuver.
In 2000, i started with a 1984 Magna V45 (700 cc) . it had the potential to be a beast, but handled very calmly. Im now on a Tracer9 GT, because of commuting on Los Angeles freeways. If youre in my area, a 300 is going to be a difficult struggle.
My first motorcycle is a 1981 Honda CB650 with a 4 into 4... Granted, I've only ever purchased manual cars, and I ride road bicycle every day, so it only took me about a day to get my head around it, and I already look ahead to anticipate car actions.
Utah does have a set of licenses. By default, you're limited to 650. You have to pass the same riding test on a 650 or larger to be cleared for bigger engines. Yeah, it's not great, but it is something.
My first bike was a brand new GSX-R600 (2006 K6). I survived and "I'm fine". Would I recommend someone else do it? No. It was a mistake. I commuted to work in traffic on a race bike; definition of "made it harder on myself". It was my daily. I was really bad and, looking back, there were better options that would have been so much more... helpful to learning. I still love that bike but I am also convinced that I would have been a better rider and had more fun on a "starter" bike. I bought the "cool" bike that I could afford and ended up looking dumb duck-walking and dropping it trying to park on uneven parking lots.
I’m gonna be honest This horse is beat to death Bottom line is if you know your own self well enough you know the answer to the question “Should I start on a 600” - If you can honestly respect the machine *Yes* If you can’t respect the machine *No*
Here in Sweden if you want the "full" tier of motorcycle licence it is *required* that you do the driving test on a bike with 600+ CC, above ~65HP and above 170KG weight. That being said, it can be any type of 600CC+ bike, not necessarily a supersport.
Just got my first bike fz6r, originally was planning on getting an r3 but my dad whos been riding most his life, even raced recommend i get something bigger, honestly couldnt be happier, it feels like the perfect amount of punch for me
The fz6r is a VERY detuned 600. Yes it’s technically a 600cc but it really isn’t a 600 like the super sports he’s talking about. It’s a good beginner bike that doesn’t have a lot of power
My first bike was a 750 - but one with relatively little power and low centre of gravity so not nearly as powerful as it may seem. Also, on an unrelated note: nothing helped me more with getting into the motorcycles than riding a triathlon bicycle. You may think lol wut dude, how? The answer is simple: 1. Triathlon bicycle ( let's call it TT for short, ok? ) has very narrow tyres so when you get on a motorcycle you are positively surprised just how easy to handle a motorcycle is. 2. TTs fall without warning due to their geometry, so you get into the idea of being aware and cautious all the time. 3. If you think car drivers often fail to spot motorcycles... well. 4. You need to be constantly aware of gravel, look out for oil slicks et c - in other words, you build the same sort of awareness. Funny, but true.
There are 2 types of 600, the “R” and the “N” or “F” type. The F or R can be suitable for a new rider with some sort of experience. The R type can be very tricky. 350/500 are a good school for power, weight, stoppage,etc
I grew up in a riding family. Been riding first since 4. When I was 15 in FL they allowed you to have a 150cc or under. Got a job at 14, and bought a Suzi GN125E. Best thing EVER! Rode it up to VA, over to KY, IL. Down through MS, AL and back home. My father rode his goldwing with me the whole way, the same bike I'd been copilot on since I was 7. First motorcycle adventure on my own bike. You don't need a 600 for your first bike.. they and liter bikes are track weapons and really aren't that great on the street. The new 3-400s are awesome! Heck.. a DRZ400 may even be too much. 😂
Thanks for that video Yammie. The problem, though, is that the Suvivorship Bias leads many experiented riders to suggest beginnners to buy dangerous machines as their first bike.
As you explained in the video, we have a decent licence system in Europe. I have had my lessons on a Z650 and I believe that is a great beginner bike. You can only drive that a 24y or older. That's I really good beginner bike. Just like the MT07.
The thing is in the UK starting on a 600 is normal because our testing is way more thorough unlike America where you drive round three cones and then are given a license 😂
@@davidbrayshaw3529 The three-tier license means that if you're 23 you can ride a full power bike. There's no power-to-weight restrictions. Just 125cc / 11kw for A1, 35kw for A2, unrestricted for A.
Yeah, that’s not the test here at all. When you take a riding course there’s a full riding test that’s longer and way more dynamic that the dmv. The dmv test is actually harder to pass considering there is a smaller course and less exercises.
I was born in the country that every person has at least a motorcycle (include the new born baby cuz they will ride one anyway). And truthfully, riding without any experience is something we will go through, and not many of us will actually be taught carefully how ride properly, tips always gonna be: don't fall, don't stall, and don't hit the wall( or people). Well, we do have driving course but once we get to the riding school, most of us only come to do the theory test and riding test for the license at the age of 18. However our first bike is usualy a 50-150cc bike like a monkey, cub 50, mt15, cb150, ex150,..., or e-bike, which we will torture it, crash it, broke it or even never actually maintain it. But that's when we learn how to handle a motorcycle, how we maintain our next bikes, what is the limit of the bike. Eventually we know what happend with a bike by only hearing the engine. In conclude, the first bike should always be something that you can learn from it.
Start on a ~400cc bike. You'll quickly learn it, they're light, and cheap. Once you learn riding well on a 400 you can quickly jump up to around an 800cc or so and be a strong confident rider. Confidence comes from riding time, not years of riding. You need seat time and lots of it. Jumping too a bigger CC heavy bike will make it very difficult to push the limits and learn what really needs to be learned.
I'm european 30 years old 6'3 and 240 pounds and I'm starting on a honda CBF 600 S from 2008 and delighted with it. Initially I wanted to start on a 300/400cc but to pass the A licence you need to do it on a 600cc and since I didnt want to go through the A2 licence test and then the A licence test I went straight for the 600cc one. I was already used of using gears because I've always driven shift, I just had to adapt it to using the clutch on my hand. Because of my height and weight handling a big bike like this isn't too hard on me and then you just need a good training before being on the road by yourself. I think also my maturity is a bit of help regarding my approach to biking.
Started on a 16 street triple r last year, and last week I bought a 23 s1000r. Next week it has the 1000km service, and I'm off to the track :D I'm 35 and it has been fine, although there has been a few situations.
Started on a 1200cc boxer, yeeted myself into a rather sensible biker now. Recently took out a liter sportbike with chain out and that thing really made sure I respected the difference between engine types.
It's important to note that a 600 Ninja is a world apart from a 650 ADV. I would absolutely recommend a 650 V-strom to a beginner over 5'9" 180lbs. The weight is all up high making it a bit rough for shorter beginners.
my mom and dad had a 04 636 and they stopped riding a while ago. ive always wanted to ride naturally and it was the bike ive started on because its a free bike and it’s what i had access to. ive gotten so much better at riding but i rode my friends ninja 400 and man that thing is fun, comfortable but somewhat sporty, i like how you can wring it out without feeling scared. If i could do it over again and i didnt have access to a free bike, i would not start on a 600. id definitely start on a traditional beginner bike
I'm just that guy. I grew up on the dirt bikes and holding onto the back of Harleys as long as I remember, and when I started exploring for street motorcycles I realistically didn't want something like the Honda 250s i had tapped out the range on. I immediately wanted to size up. Learning to respect the road came with time and crashes but its something I mastered before having something that was built for the streets. In fact it was the 175 Comp Quad that I traded for my first bike the 1996 Kawasaki Ninja GPX600R (With the purple 90s vibes) that i rolled long before i knew streets didn't slide like dirt. Its hard owning an older bike, and it is truly not for the uninitiated to run a 600 as your first street bike, but if you have the understanding of how to PROPERLY ride dirt bikes, you should be fine to take BABY STEPS on a larger street bike. The amount of information I get from you tube about street riding keeps me humble because it is like playing softball vs baseball, they act similar but your dirt bike riding is only going to translate so much to the road. Thanks Yam, you should send me a bike from this millennium ;)
I started a while ago, on a 600cc bike. Pretty much zero prior experience apart from occasionally riding small scooters. I feel my bike is very manageable but I am fully aware that it definitely has the reserve to scare the crap out of me. I'm 36yo and I'd say I'm sensible enough to appreciate being alive and healthy and I respect the bike and what it can do. Would I recommend everyone else do what I did? No. Be sensible, don't push your limits, even if you could.
So I started 2 months ago on a CBR 600 F4i. I am still here, the bike is very tame under 8K RPM. But I am from Europe so we have to spend appx 30 hours to get our license and pass a theoretical and practical exam in order to ride. However, I am 28 YO and quite calculated. Even if I started on a 1000cc I guess I would still be around. Keep your attitude in check and you ll be fine.
Argue with me on the Discord server by joining as a member on yammienoob.co
You should specify the TYPE of engine & bike. I could see a beginner starting with a RE Super Meteor 650.
thankfully the almighty hayabusa isnt a 600cc bike,that just certifies its status as the best beginner bike
I saw a crashed 'Busa for part-out on Craigslist with FOUR miles on the clock. I assume some 17-year-old bought it as their first bike and immediately put it into a pole.
@sweetdeliciouscake That's crazy dude. $20000 motorcycle and they rode it 11k feet. (Usually new bikes have 2 miles)
@@sweetdeliciouscake i actually started riding recently and the bike i used was a 1994 yamaha TTR250 making 30hp,at some points i was actually suprised by the power a tiny lil single cylinder enduro can make,if that was a liter bike i wouldve crashed it already,idk why anyone would get a 600 or stronger as a beginner(being 17 i think your assumption is completely correct and i blame the clout boy drag race culture where hayabusas are prevalent)
Exactly
😂😂😂😂😂
"Should I start on a 600?"
The correct answer is "You should start on a 50cc when you're 7 years old. That's the right way to do it!"
crap, im screwed then. I started 42 years too late.
Bingo. My first street bike was a 600 and I had zero problems, owing to the fact I grew up on dirt bikes. I outgrew the 600 in about 2 years.
oh yah thats what i did, crashed my first 600
Fact💯
Been trying to get Yammie to do a video on kids and youth bikes.
If your group thinks less of you for the bike you ride, you’re in the wrong group.
When you bury your first friend who died on a fast bike it tends to focus your mind.
Never confuse your ambition with your aptitude
This one right here hits close to home. Always loved bikes and wanted one, best friend from high school got one first, and passed away later that year, cager at fault for making improper left turn. Burying your friend is something that stays with you, I like to think that I've been guided from some potentially perilous accidents by his spirit
@artyomroukas4664 using the word cager is some of the cringest shit ever, I'm sure your buddy would be here if he wasn't doing 100 mph lol
@@carbq5280don’t shit on people for losing their life just for being stupid in a moment. It’s tragic either way. Imagine that one time you decided to do a little pull you got cut off and died would you want people to say you died bc you WERE an idiot instead of saying you did something stupid and it cost you.
watched my friend when he was riding drunk and fast got clipped and went face first into the "beatification" rocks on the side of the hwy. died on scene
@@drakeb6168 many such cases
You should really clarify here... A ZX6R is WAY different than a Versys 650, which is what I started on as a 6'4 32 year old male. I truly believe that I bought a fantastic beginner bike.
Yup, same for me, I loved the Versys 650, though I found it to be pretty top heavy for learning so I ended up selling it and getting a Versys X-300 instead which is perfect for me. Light, better setup for off road and fast enough for the highway
I'm a little confused myself actually, as a complete noob.. Is a 650 not even more power then a normal 600? Why would a 650 anything be easier?
@@Strothix Gearing, weight, profile. The Versys is a touring motorcycle a different design goal to a track bike so it's purpose is more 'sensible'. It doesn't mean you can't go fast but the rider position etc is more suited for longer trips.
@@kuangsheng3891 Ahh ok i see, thanks!
@@Strothix”600” is just a motor class in motorcycles. 600cc in-line 4’s. The only real exception is the 636. They all make 110-120hp or so. 650’s are typically parallel twins that rev lower, so much less power
Not being an idiot is key. I understand that is a lot to ask.
That is a fact.
@@Maui-Moto especially when our reptilian brain starts having fun and says "more throttle... more!". =D
MT07 first bike right here! I'm very happy with it. Taking things slow. My riding style is more laidback. I'm more into cruising with some power vs thrills and adrenaline.
MT07 is a great bike, I love mine
Same here. Comfortable cruising and very "flickable" on twisties. Occasionally get a 0-60 thrill on a red light.
MT07 has 54 KW, relatvely easy handling, ABS and stuff.. this video is more about people buying 15 year old 80 kW (120bhp) 600cc Yamaha R6s. It's a completely different beast to your MT07
Still you'd probably learn faster on a more suitable bike in the 40ish kW range, which you can ride to it's limit without really hitting your own. But you do you. If you're alright with taking it slow on a faster bike! MT07 is great, many happy journeys!
Started on a 1984 Honda Shadow 500cc in 1984 perfect bike for me stopped riding in 92 just bought my second bike a 2023 Triumph 660 Tiger wouldn’t recommend anything more then a 500 for a first bike and should be mandatory to take a course first.
Best bike for the money in my opinion.
AS SOMEONE THAT STARTED ON A 600 YALL LISTEN UP!! Please listen to this man. I know some people don’t like him but he seriously is looking out for everyone. For those of you that think you’ll be responsible on a 600.. I understand. I truly do. I felt the same way and I like to think I’m a pretty responsible individual. The power you THINK you’re going to get?.. Double it or even triple it. It seriously is a lot of power guys. Not only that but the 250 you learned on(in the MSF course) is nowhere close to the weight you’re going to feel. It’s a different beast and for your own safety get comfortable with something smaller please. Enjoy the ride with something smaller. If you’re really in this for the enjoyment of riding and not just for show, you will enjoy whatever you get. Be safe y’all and keep 2 wheels down 🤝🏾
🙏❤️
MT03 rider here! Perfect first bike! Easy to control and honestly does everything any person would need for a daily bike. When I do upgrade to a 07 or 09 I will definitely keep the Mt03 in my stable. Happy with my first bike choice!
Old man Squid here (54), inspired in part by watching this channel, passed MSF in April.
Took all the Yam advice to heart. Royal Enfield Hunter 350. Not too heavy, not too much power, forgiving gear box, great size.
It's been perfect as a starter. I'll move up to something bigger in a couple seasons.
Meantime, love riding my slow bike fast.
Brilliant. 👌🏻
I started on a 06 R6 with no experience or friends that had bikes. I still own the bike today. No crashes or drops.
major props for the self control but i have that engine in my bike and im the same way solely cause its terrifying asf to have that power
You were disciplined enough to start slow and learn slow. Please tell me if you rode other bikes or 4 wheelers before. I’m a new rider on a 600 and I have no problem shifting and braking so I’m scared I’ll kill myself because I can go fast and stop fast but none of the advanced skills are there otherwise.
Ok....still a terrible beginner bike.
u r MAN.
"I wANt A BiKe I cAn gRoW INtO"
50cc, 125cc, 500cc scooters. Then choose your bike of choice. I then switched to a 1984 1200cc goldwing. Stalled a few times and now im hitting the highways and canyon carving at only 22yrs old. Start small, progress as you feel comfortable.
My first bike at 17 in 1997 was a brand new ZX-6R. My second bike was a brand new 2000 R1. I kept both for a while. In 2001 I sold the Ninja. In 2002 I sold the R1, and bought a brand new GSX-R1000. Traded that in for a brand new K6 (still have it). 2008 bought an R6 that was 100% for the track. Sold it in 2012. In 2016 I bought a ZX-10R KRT. Still have both 2006 K6, and 2016 KRT 10R. So, to summarize my first bike was a 600. Rode it for 4 years and bought a 1000. Been riding liter bikes 24yrs. Zero regrets.
Started track days in ‘99 after having my 6R for 2yrs. Still prefer my liter bikes for the street. Having both offered some flexibility for how I wanted to ride though.
I'm a dirt bike Kyle kid and I still got a 390 duke. It's an absolute blast on Twisties. I love wringing the thing out
Yam limiting his content to just street bikes was a huge drag. I barely watch now. Dirt bikes, Super Motos, and Enduros are just as cool as liter bikes and Busas. Probably cooler. Channel fail.
Dukes are super fun!
I started on a gixxer 600, had it for 7 months and bought a gixxer 1k. I dropped the 600 twice (both stupid beginner drops, not trying to hide anything). Had no issues with either bike. I never felt scared of the power on the 600 at any point, never felt like it held me back or got away from me normal riding. When I got the 1k I was just way more careful. I wasn't scared of it, but I understood what it could do and slowly used those capabilities more and more over time, riding mostly reasonably. I never dropped, wrecked or had any issues with the 1k. Great bike. I sold that, and bought a 2017 R1 back in November 2023. Absolutely love it. Phenomenal motorcycle, it is stupid fast, the sound is intoxicating, I just love it, have also never had any issues with it. It does not scare me, but I am constantly aware of its capabilities and what it can do, and I am therefore careful. I don't think I'm special or different than anyone else, I just wanted to start on a 600 because I felt that a smaller bike would have gotten boring quickly, and I think I would have been right. I got used to the power of the 600 very quickly. I'd say the only advantage maybe or leg up I had was that I can drive a stick car, and I learned on my dad's mustang that makes 800 wheel horsepower, and he's had the car for years, so by the time I got a bike I was pretty used to big power. Once again, I'm not special or different than anyone else. If I'm ever asked, I still say start on a ninja 400 or something like it. I just think mentally I had been in the car scene and driven a wildly powerful car, and I kind of understood pretty well what I was getting myself into. Ride safe everyone, much love.
I started on a cbr600f3. I no longer have a license.
And I crashed into a lightpole and could seriously have died. I was depressed and let my emotions overwhelm me and I was not careful enough. One moment of being careless almost costed me everything.
I even started on a cbr300r, but I stepped up way too soon.
🙏❤️
Grew up on dirt bikes. Went for my first street bike and got told to go with a 300-400. I did. It lasted a month before I turned it in for the GSX 8R and I was instantly more comfortable with that then the 390 duke. So its not really a one size fits all answer. Brand new to riding? Absolutely start on a 300 or 400. As always, Yammie nailed it. Also you are the reason I went with that 8R and I thank you for that,
the "bros" who start on 600's bikes are on marketplace for MSRP in less than 1 year (dropped "lightly"), then they never touch a motorcycle ever again. 🤣
😂 true!!
We always laugh about this, and claim it happens, but until I bought mine a year and a half ago, I had never actually seen it. I was looking for a cbr600rr or a cb1000r August of 2022, and couldn’t find either within 2,000 miles of central Arkansas. Called a local shop the morning I was looking, and they told me they had a cbr1000rr. I told them I wasn’t looking for a liter bike. I was coming from a 2006 cbr600rr. The universe aligned, and I wound up driving past that shop, 2 hours away from where I live, a few hours later, so I went in, sat on my 2021 cbr1000rr, and I was doing paper work in fifteen minutes. lol. I was really impressed with how small it is. I’m 5’5”. 😂 It’s tall, but it only weighs 434 pounds, and it rides like it’s as small as it feels it is. There was one that was identical to it in the used section. I asked about it, because it had a radiator guard, rail tidy, and a few other things. A guy bought it, rode it until the 600 mile first service, left their shop after the service, took it to redline on the interstate outside the shop, and rode back to trade it in on an Indian. 😂😂
I started on a gixxer 600, 20 years ago here in LA, …still riding, daily..fjr1300
So true. I know a few guys like this even.
The truest comment on this video.
Start on a 250cc, 400cc, or 650cc, but not a 600cc.
650 was my starter lol
125cc is fast enough
@@IntrovertMaxxing 125 are usually little and light bikes, its too small for me
@@drozdforce8853 I'm a big dude too...tbf I prob look fkd up riding one 🤣
Glad that zx4rr is 400cc😊
Thanks Yammie, very helpful your explanations. I saw the whole Video and after it I have this question: should I begin in a 600cc or not?
Reason why I always have this question always comes down to price of bikes, a lot of people say start low because eventually you’ll want to upgrade, I would rather buy once then buy twice
buy a used bike first. use it for 1 or 2 years. that way you are not really losing any money. buy a bike for 3k and sell it for 2.5k ..... if you think 500 is too much money to invest for 2 years of riding then do not start at all. if you go for some cheaper 300ccm bikes you can even buy a new one for 3k. a VOGE 300AC is about 3k where i live
@@ShadowMcSneaky I’d never buy another bike new, why pay a bunch of dealer fees and have your bike depreciated 2-3k after driving it home your first time. I’d always buy 1-4 year old bikes with under 7k miles from a dealer, definitely the way to go!
Get a 650-700cc bike not a 600cc inline 4 super sport lol
@@panda4757 it always depends on what you want. but you can save a lot of money if you buy used :) and i would always advise to do so when you are a beginner. the chance of you dropping it is higher and is very annoying to drop a new bike that you payed a lot of money for. but some people always want new stuff so i mentioned the 300ccm from Voge to show that there are even new bikes that can be affordable. it is a good beginner bike.
@@vebez5993 some riders want to go faster than 130mph, others have no desire to ever hit 100mph. Got speed demons, stunt riders, track racers and then there’s Harley riders/biker club nuts. Just depends on the rider, if you die then you’re dead, if you get hurt then you live in pain and are in debt with the hospital. You Pick, Americas a free country.
Started on a '17 CB500F, graduated to a '15 Ninja 650R w/ABS, picked up a HD Iron 883 Sportster and now I'm on an '06 CBR600RR. Honestly been a great progression for me and absolutely more than happy with each of these phases over the last 4 years.
it's different in the UK & europe to the states where you need a licence and to at least show some competancy so have to ride limited cc's to start with, but the whole question is moot, and like everything in life 'it depends'. some folk are just born stupid, and to let a newbie teenager walk into a showroom and ride out with a pocket rocket generally sounds like a recipe for disaster, however theres a lot of stupid older people who ride carelessly, and plenty of youngsters with sense. the best advice i got from my instructor when i asked him he recommended when i passed my test as a newbie was 'ride what you want', it's all about how you use your right hand.
Old fart new rider here, and I bought a used 2012 CBR250RA from a friend who had used it to teach her daughter how to ride. I watched a lot of videos, did research online, and tried to think about how long it takes me to recover from rugby before I finally pulled the trigger. I've only been riding for about 9 months, but am just now getting into highway riding. Everyone needs to do their own research and, as you said, know their own limitations or decide how much risk they are willing to take.
Why’d it take you 9 months to get on to the highway?? The highway is safer anyways
@@vebez5993 because highways in Texas are absolute madness, and while I like riding, I like living more. So progression meant taking it slow.
@@Modanogrrrl oh yeah Texas freeways are bad. That’s valid
you're not wrong, there's nothing to prove if you're at a sensible age and like living rather than risking it all..
On the rare occasion when I want to rip at 90mph on my Harley I'll get on I45 and go. There isn't much I'm outrunning though!
Best thing you can do to gain experience quick without much risk is go offroad on a used 125cc dual sport.
I’d partly agree. You get a lot of throttle control and forgiving falls.
No. 125cc doesn't teach you proper throttle control. You are wide open all the time lol
@@huskers1278 then try drifting on gravel without throttle control
@@huskers1278off-road teaches you better throttle control and traction. No ones full throttling a 125cc dual sport In the dirt
@@vebez5993 What are you talking about? You can easily full throttle 125cc, it's not that powerful, it doesn't even wheelie on dirt without releasing clutch. With 250cc 2-stroke you can do power wheelies and need to be more careful with the throttle
I've had a ninja 400 for a couple years now. And aboslutely love going through all the gear, rev-matching, lwaning it over and using all the gears. I know, I won't ever be able to use even a 400 to its full capability.
I recently tried out my dream bike (cbr 600rr) and got to take it around town and i absolutely hated it. I was bored driving around town in only first. Leaning it over felt heavy and took far more effort than i wanted to put it. I will admit when it was leaned over far enough I understood the sweet spot and what it was made to do.
Im 28. I don't have desire to go full pin in a straight away (yes, i do get an itch to go fast every once in a while, I'll admit) but i do want enjoy tackling twisties and just understanding a bike.
I was disappointed by the cbr. Not because it wasnt a good bike but because i realized that traditional 600s wasnt for my style.
I'm now leaning towards a street triple or an aprilia rs 660 but I will definitely try to test ride them.
Im not tired of my 400 even a few years later and i definitely think its enough for commuting, twisties, track and most if not all people for street and some fun.
Ive never been discouraged by people that talk down to me for having smaller bike (theres been a lot) but the handful in the biking community that understand its enough and still incredibly fun, those are the real ones.
Anyways, sorry for the rant.
I started on a CBR250RR (similar enough to a Ninja 400, just far sportier in the riding position) and my original plan was to use the CBR250RR as practice to work my way up to my dream bike which was also the CBR600RR. I ended up getting a Street Triple RS. In reality you would probably find that the Street Triple is essentially a naked version of these 600cc supersports minus the back breaking ergonomics. On the mountain twisties though the Street Triple is simply *chef's kiss*, and if you open the throttle it pulls in ways you won't experience on those actual beginner SS like the Ninja 400 etc - afterall this class of bikes all makes something like 3 times the power on similar weight. However in city traffic on the Street Triple you'll be going no higher than 3rd gear punting around at 3500rpm cos anything higher you'll be kissing your license goodbye in no time with all the cops and speed traps around, just like the CBR600RR.
If you love working the throttles and gears don't bother looking at bikes with 100+PS.
But yam!!! I am a fast Boi and need a fast boi bike. I rode an 80cc dirtbike once and I'm going to keep it in the low rpms!!!! Come on Yam!! Plus my civic has the same hp so I'm used to it.
Jokes aside I ride an r1 as a daily after years of stepping up and I approve men riding beginner bikes. I will give you nothing but props for getting a bike and learning.
Getting my first street bike next week with the New ‘24 KTM Duke 990. Been riding dirt bikes for 20 years, I’m 33 now. I’m a KTM Kyle, owning 3 525’s and a 530 with two of them street legal.
My first road bike was a ‘97 Buell Cyclone. I pulled the trigger on a brand new bike. It taught me a lot. It was a torquey bike and I learned throttle control and smoothness pretty quickly. Powerful brakes, too. My big takeaway with this bike, was smoothness in all that you do, and respect it, or it will kill you. Simple as that.
From the UK, hello! After passing my A licence, I bought a Honda CBR 600RR, partly due to being 5' 8". Difference between me and Chad is I am 53 and know when to give it some throttle, but mostly, when not to. I love it as low in the rev range it's happy but when I need to join a motorway etc, I have all the power I will ever need. It's the rider who twists the throttle, not the bike that makes you.
I Learned to ride on a 1975 Honda CB750 Four K5... on the way home... after I bought it! 🤪
It took me an hour and a half for a twenty minute trip.
You mean when there were no cell phones, crazy bad drivers, and much less traffic? 🤙🤙
Reminds me of my first ride home. Terrified on the Richmond bridge.
@@NoFrictionZone
Yup... back in the Stone Age.
I had to chisel out my own tires for it at the local quarry! 👍😄
@@NoFrictionZone arguably drivers are worse these days, particularly due to smart phone distraction and texting.
I just got my first bike and it’s a 865cc triumph bonneville
The thing with the acceptance in groups is: I'm from Germany and I ride for 2.5 years. I started with A2 when I was 20. Now I have the unrestricted license for a half year. Since the start I have a Suzuki SV650. In no situation someone tried to mock me because I had not enough power. All I hear is: „oh yeah I rode a SV650 as a beginner too. Always regretted selling it. Such a great motor.“ And when someone tries to mock you because of your bikes power, don’t listen. There will not be much useful coming out of his mouth.
Every time I talk about getting my full A license people tell me to just go straight for 100+hp because everything below is "lazy", I've been riding my KTM 390s for 2 years now on road and track and I've never felt they're too slow. Only exception is on track when you get on a straight and everyone else with 100+ hp shoots off leaving me behind but I just catch up in the corners most of the time
I started on a New 1970 Yamaha 125cc 2 stroke "Enduro" at 16 yrs old. Next was a 1966 Yamaha 350 cc twin 2 stroke. From then moved up to a larger bike each time. After 55yrs I still ride . Victory Cross Country and a Triumph Tiger 800. Start by riding dirt bikes. I did,and It helped me be a better Street rider.
Tuesday, just days ago, it’s now Thursday…..
I bought a Suzuki GSX 8S as my first bike. I e haven’t Rodin a motorcycle since I was 12, 30 years ago. So I’m a noob for sure. My motorcycle training class isn’t u til the first week in August, over a month from now.
I survived starting on an 07 CBR600RR. Rode curvy state roads and gradually added speed. Loved that bike. Just bought my 02 CBR954RR this month. Next bike will be a small beginner bike to up my skills so I can actually push the fireblade. No dirtbikes. Just respect for the machine and a twist of the wrist 2. ATGATT
I started with a 07 GSXR 600. coming from dirt bikes an ATV . BUT I GOT BORED OF BIke RIDING , NOW 10YRS LATER I WANT A BOBBER
Recently got the FZ6 as a first bike. Love every bit of it. Nimble, quick, non stingy and pretty tame under 7k. Just behave and know your limit.
My first bike in 1980 was a Honda C70. It was 70cc and I rode it for five years. My second bike in 2018 was a BMW R Nine T which was 1170cc.
I started actual street riding with a DR350. Rode it for a year or so then went to a pokey KLR 650, which felt like a superbike to me at the time. Now it feels like a little dirt bike. But I’m glad I started on a smaller bike. I’ve spoken at the funeral of a wonderful young man chose a CBR 600. Please don’t let that be you.
I didn’t start on a 600 I started on a 1k. I was 49 years old but still started on a 2021 GSXR 1000. I had very little motorcycle experience but I’ve been riding atv’s since I was able to reach the controls. I’m not here to say anyone should or should not start on a 600cc+ sport bike just that i did it. I didn’t get a bike for years because i always wanted a sport bike, I mean the bike in Top Gun is what made me want a bike. The ZX1100 Ninja was my favorite bike for a long time, till the ZX1200 came out. I didn’t get one because I knew I would probably kill or at best severely injure myself. I made the decision last year that I was going to get a bike and I wanted a liter bike so that what I got. I know this is tltr but just some of my thoughts.
There are also the old 600 cc naked like hornet 600 or xj6
But they are forgotten and no one wants them anymore with the raising of the parallel twin area
The Hornet was always underrated by the general public, even in it's day.
Hornet was my starter bike, looks cool, is light and easy in low rpm, and when you start to be confident enough it can go fast
I started a year ago on an mt07 and it's a great beginner bike if you have some self control. Awesome bike!
In my part of the world, Australia, we have a restriction of power output for learners. We are allowed an engine restricted to 150 kilowatt per metric tonne, not exceeding 655cc. If you are younger and just starting out in your riding career, you have a learners permit for 12 months and then 2 years of a provisional licence. Then after that, you can get an unrestricted motorcycle.
please keep these vlogs of you riding the sled so i can live vicariously through you until im hopefully able to get my own sled next year, when im more experienced and what not
He was a whole lot cooler when he had a dirt bike. He talks like dirt bikes are not motorcycles in this video. WTF. If you can ride a dirt bike proficiently you are not a beginner, period. Bikes are bikes.
Thoughts on buying a RS660 in about 18 months. 50 year old first time rider. Currently have a Vulcan S. Having allot of fun on the Vulcan but want to try a different style of riding as well. Have access to an R3 and enjoy it too.
Best in class. Daytona 660 and RS660 are amazing
Would love to test ride and buy an RS660. I'm sure you can handle it safety wise.
Don't sleep on a VFR-800..
mmm, have you sat on one? a bit tight. I bought a 660 tuono and its great. no sore back, no knees on elbows and still ergonomic enough to crouch.
@@Adeus555 I haven’t yet. I’ll definitely check out the Tuono as well.
Bought a 24 R3 after watching a lot of your beginner bike videos. It’s amazing. Keep up the great work!
I started on an MT07 and I’m having a blast. I rode a 50cc during my teens and had car experience to know how to behave in the road, plus as a EU citizen I took my license course (with an MT07) and examination with an instructor that was all about safety and making yourself visible in the road. All of this led to being a good decision for me, but definitely not for everyone. The first time I drove that machine at the driving school it was scary AF, but in the end you gotta know your limits!
Alright Papa Yam please give me some feedback on my story. I'm not saying I'm right or wrong but this is why I'm "starting" on a 600 sportbike. The first mororcycle I was ever on was an 08 cbr 1000, and mind you I had no experience with motorcycles except for riding a 4 stroke 125cc dirtbike around a couple times before getting on that cbr, now I do have a good grip on my emotions and have a huge respect for power. I handled the liter bike like a champ and had a love for bikes starting right then and there. I think I did a max speed of 70 mph down straight ish backroads on the liter bike, that was 4 years ago. Today I'm in my early 20's, I'm not a small dude (I'm 5' 8" 300lbs). I bought my first bike, a 2010 vulcan 900 back in march of this year. I put 1500 miles on it from the beginning of march to the end of may, and quickly got bored of it. Started looking for a 600 sportbike, which is what I wanted from the get go. I bought a cruiser to learn on and fully expected to keep that vulcan for at least a year. That didn't happen, my vulcan's for sale and I went and bought an 04 gsxr 600 before I even sold the vulcan. I rode my buddys 07 zx6r to see if a 600 would suite me, and it was everything I expected, BUT the seating position was absolutely atrocious in my opinion. Again, I'm not a small dude. I thought I 16:24 wanted an 07-08 cbr 600, but a friend of his had his 05 gsxr 750 sitting in the garage with the zx6r. I swung a leg over it and it was what I remembered with the cbr 1000. So I looked for a gsxr and found a 04 600 with 18k on it. It fits me as well as a sportbike can for someone my size, I love the thing it's a blast and a half. I've had it not quite 2 weeks and have 550 miles on it. Sorry for the long story but please tell me what you think about my resonable decision or stupidity. lol
If you never went faster than 70 on a CBR1000 you are defo not the guy he is talking about, he's talking about the muppets like me who went faster than that on a 125... 😆
@@memitim171 I know that much I just want to hear his piece too.😂 I also wanted to hear other ask, "how tf did you contain yourself on a 1000?"😂😂
I started out on a 2005 Ninja 250 and rode it for about 2 years. Haven't owned a bike since but you give really good advice here. I was lucky enough to ride a friend's R6 one or two times. It was a cool experience and I'm glad I got to try it, but it was not very comfortable or practical to ride on a regular basis.
My wife managed oron a zx6r. Her 1st maiden trip was a euro tour to Italy’s northern lakes. However, she felt way more comfortable and at ease with a little gpz500s.
I got a 750 harley street as my first bike. When i asked around about starter bikes i pretty much given 2 options. Either get sumthin small that you'll outgrow in a year or 2, or get sumthin in 500 - 750 range and take ur time to learn the bike and have it for years to come.
As someone who swapped flying for riding (for montetary reasons) in his mid-50s, riding is therapy and pure zen....my wife has her meditation room, and I have my 2 wheels.....I rarely feel the need to rip it at 150 down the highway, but once in awhile....😄
I have zero experience riding and I bought a 650 Honda this morning, after a few kilometres so far so good.
started on a 06 daytona 675 2 months ago, 1000 miles under my belt. started out rough first week but got much better after I started putting in repetition to practicing the basics. good starter bike for those who like the sport bike scene, at least in my opinion 👍
Friend of mine wanted to return to biking after a 25 year break. His last bike all those years ago was a Susuki 1100 EFE (i think). He was smitten with the new Hyabusa with a 4k discount but couldn’t get it because absolutely no one would insure him. I think there’s a valid reason why.
I started riding in April when i bought a F900r 99hp and 67lb of torque. I'm going to be 30 and imo if you are older and mature you could handle the beginner plus category. So far have rode close to 1k safe miles. You are right a bike like this isnt great of a starter bike because even though its not "fast" because it tops out at roughly 135mph It'll get you to 100 in a damn hurry and the first time i truly cracked open the throttle i realized how hard it was to hold onto lol.
Love the new outro.
I started on a 50cc Honda pre teen years, 250cc Honda was my first road bike 38 years ago!
Honda 750 works well for me these days!
Not all are fortunate enough to have an early start at riding. After 68 years as a rider, I feel a 125 to a 250 is starter bike size. Since during my first 4 years, I was too young to ride on the streets. It means I had to ride the trails and dirt roads. I learned more on that little 165cc two stroke in the dirt and gravel than you can imagine. By the time I got a 250 and hit the streets I was very comfortable with a motorcycle which made learning about traffic much easier and safer. Was flat tracking an XR750 Harley by age 16. Riding dirt will teach you more about motorcycle handling and dynamics than 10 years of street riding in less than 3 months. I would recommend doing some dirt time followed by hard surface road racing track days. After the above activities and 6 to 8 years on the mean streets, a motorcycle will be as natural and enjoyable as breathing. Now that all these many years have passed, I enjoy every ride with the anticipation and joy of April 6, 1956.
Just Started on a 750 Gsxr going great so far lots of learning lessons have been learnt
I think there's a difference between NA and EU in this case. Speaking for myself (Dutch); when you're 24 or over your lessons will generally be on a 600cc naked bike (CB650R, Z650, etc). They teach you how to handle this type of bike, since you get an unrestricted license. And since you've been taught on a 650 I think it's completely normal to then start on a similar size bike.
Huh, a complete beginner here that just started on 600cc honda few weeks ago. I'm on older side so didn't mean to drive a rocket, actually got this cbf600 without knowing much because it had a great price and condition. It is damn scary but fun and if I'm not splattered onto some wall in near future I'll comment here again :) Thanks for great videos btw mate.
When people (potential squids) on the internet talks about "600cc bikes as beginner bikes" they are specifically taking about 600cc supersports bikes - namely the Kawasaki Ninja ZX6, Honda CBR600RR, Yamaha R6 and Suzuki GSX-R600. These bikes make something between 100-120 horses on a sub-420 pound weight from the factory which means they have insanely high power to weight ratio (and if you crunch the numbers - better power to weight ratio than a good number of sports cars) so saying they are FAST is sort of an understatement, which is why the question of whether a beginner should get those as their first bike comes up.
Your CBF600 while technically a 600cc bike is not in the same category as these 4 bikes as it only makes like half the power with far more weight. So if you think your CBF600 is scary, think how much MORE scary it is when the power of your bike is doubled, and now picture a complete beginner trying to learn to ride on one....
@@nanaholic01 ohh, TIL, thanks!
Starting on a Z400 after zero prior riding experience and taking the MSF, so far loving it! I live in central FL and having a city street weapon of a vehicle is awesome. the highway is the only place to let a 600 sing, and most street riding is where a small-er displacement bike shines.(or one that hits peak power before 10k rpms)
i started on a 600, started riding this year at 34, i am a pilot tho so respect for machines is part of what i do. xd super fun went easy, still learning. reason i started on one is i just really liked it and bought from a friend. low miles and awesome price for the machine was going to do a rebel 400 but im glad i did what i did for me.
I started on a 675 and still have it.. I think the answer is if you think and drive like Yammie used to, then dont start on a 600.. If you're responsible and driven to practice and get better, you can pretty much start on anything..
In Europe (more specifically, in Italy), as you mentioned we have different licenses - however, if you're like me and got into motorcycle later in life (I'm 31) you can get the A license straight ahead without the need to take the ones before, which is what I'm currently doing as taking all of them would cost way too much, and you get to train and do your exam on a 650cc motorcycle. You can't choose, you HAVE to do the exam on that. However, I still got myself a nice little USED KLX250 as my personal motorcycle, I will be doing the exam in a month on the school 650 bike, but then after that I won't be riding anything nearly as powerful. Having the chance to compare the 2, while the 650 is more powerful and fun, unless you're on the highway you won't ever use that much power, whereas the KLX feels way safer and gets me up the mountains which is where I want to go. And always wearing full-gear!
In U.K. to get a class A license which allows you to ride any size of bike is a 4 stage process. 1, compulsory basic training, in this you learn the basics of motorcycle riding . 2, Theory test with hazard perception 3, Off road test where you master slow speed manoeuvres 4, On road test
And here in New Zealand is basically the same. You have to go through learner phases on restricted Motorcycles before you are allowed to graduate to full power machines
Got it dialed up slowly, Dutch based, gs500 - sv650 - dorsoduro 750 - Street triple S - Street triple R - now on a Speed twin 1200. Looks old but has 112nM of torque very low in the rev’s. Glad I worked up to that cause I can ride it properly instead of dumb highway pulls
29 year old male here. Been driving cars(Some fast, some not) since I was 17, started riding at the end of last summer by doing the mandatory motorcycle course in my province(Quebec, Canada). Went to sit on a bunch of bike and had the chance to ride in the dealer lot a Kawa Z900, Yamaha Mt07 and Triumph Street Triple RX. I ended up going with a newer model Street Triple R 765. I got it used and have already doubled the mileage on it, in the month that I've owned it, from 2400 to 5100. Its not something that I can say it would have been a good idea if I started riding 10 years earlier, the testosterone of a teen would've been a terrible thing to mix with it. As a tad older guy now, and for someone my age, early 30s, who has the proper mindset and the cash to buy the proper gear, a more recent model with driver aids(They wont save ya ass, but they will hold your hand as you progress), it's something that could be considered but again, I am on a naked triple and not necessarily on a super sports 4 banger.
Started on an 01 Suzuki Bandit GSF600S 600CC inline 4, honestly love it, enough power to give me some thrill, and let me slowly expand that thrill as I feel confident and comfortable, but enough power to keep me in check because I KNOW it can kill me if I fuck around (now of course, so can a 250cc if I tried hard enough, but you get my point)
Its my only bike, I started riding 3 weeks ago, have not dropped the bike or pushed it beyond what is reasonable (with some mild squiding involved), but never took risks beyond what I trust I can handle, no insane cornering, trying to stunt the bike, etc. I just want to ride. The 600 I got was the best condition used bike in my area and in my budget, and that's why I chose it
Fortunately, at least in some circles, the 600cc or bust isn't a thing.
My buddies, two of whom are long time motorcyclists, asked what I'm looking to start on. I'm looking at Svartpilen 401. Absolutely zero shame from em. They were more stoked that I was getting up on two wheels than anything.
There's 600cc and 600cc. Single cylinder thumper 600cc with 40ish hp is an excellent beginner bike. My first bike was Honda NTV650 with around 55hp and it was excellent, I was never overwhelmed with power and I started riding at 40.
I turned 18 in the late seventies and many young guys purchased Kawasaki 750s.. even Kawasaki 750 2-stroke widowmakers along with kz900s... And many of those people that seriously hurt or died.. I brought my first starter bike it was a Honda hawk 400 1978... And I'll tell you what a great bike to start off on not only that I was able to take it on the highway and I took it on long distance trips.. no not ideal for long distance trips but I went everywhere with that bike and felt very comfortable I could maneuver it... I would also take out my dad's 74 Suzuki 500 two-stroke.... Always purchase a bike that you can actually handle because you may have to handle it in an emergency within an emergency maneuver.
In 2000, i started with a 1984 Magna V45 (700 cc) . it had the potential to be a beast, but handled very calmly. Im now on a Tracer9 GT, because of commuting on Los Angeles freeways. If youre in my area, a 300 is going to be a difficult struggle.
My first motorcycle is a 1981 Honda CB650 with a 4 into 4... Granted, I've only ever purchased manual cars, and I ride road bicycle every day, so it only took me about a day to get my head around it, and I already look ahead to anticipate car actions.
Utah does have a set of licenses. By default, you're limited to 650. You have to pass the same riding test on a 650 or larger to be cleared for bigger engines. Yeah, it's not great, but it is something.
My first bike was a brand new GSX-R600 (2006 K6). I survived and "I'm fine". Would I recommend someone else do it? No. It was a mistake. I commuted to work in traffic on a race bike; definition of "made it harder on myself". It was my daily. I was really bad and, looking back, there were better options that would have been so much more... helpful to learning. I still love that bike but I am also convinced that I would have been a better rider and had more fun on a "starter" bike. I bought the "cool" bike that I could afford and ended up looking dumb duck-walking and dropping it trying to park on uneven parking lots.
I’m gonna be honest
This horse is beat to death
Bottom line is if you know your own self well enough you know the answer to the question
“Should I start on a 600”
-
If you can honestly respect the machine
*Yes*
If you can’t respect the machine
*No*
I ‘should’ have started on a 600 at 29 after driving a manual for the last 10 years. But I’m perfectly happy with my 300
After owning a zx10r and zx9r. Jumping on a 2023 zx6r is golden!! 🤩
Driving a manual car does not correlate to being able to jump on a fast motorcycle lol
@@vebez5993 if only that were the only variable I stated, brother.
@@vebez5993 I’m not 18
@@DeniedClimax doesn’t matter? lol
2018 Honda Rebel 500 my first and I have been riding for 4 years now and I love it.
Here in Sweden if you want the "full" tier of motorcycle licence it is *required* that you do the driving test on a bike with 600+ CC, above ~65HP and above 170KG weight. That being said, it can be any type of 600CC+ bike, not necessarily a supersport.
Just got my first bike fz6r, originally was planning on getting an r3 but my dad whos been riding most his life, even raced recommend i get something bigger, honestly couldnt be happier, it feels like the perfect amount of punch for me
The fz6r is a VERY detuned 600. Yes it’s technically a 600cc but it really isn’t a 600 like the super sports he’s talking about. It’s a good beginner bike that doesn’t have a lot of power
My first bike was a 750 - but one with relatively little power and low centre of gravity so not nearly as powerful as it may seem.
Also, on an unrelated note: nothing helped me more with getting into the motorcycles than riding a triathlon bicycle.
You may think lol wut dude, how?
The answer is simple:
1. Triathlon bicycle ( let's call it TT for short, ok? ) has very narrow tyres so when you get on a motorcycle you are positively surprised just how easy to handle a motorcycle is.
2. TTs fall without warning due to their geometry, so you get into the idea of being aware and cautious all the time.
3. If you think car drivers often fail to spot motorcycles... well.
4. You need to be constantly aware of gravel, look out for oil slicks et c - in other words, you build the same sort of awareness.
Funny, but true.
Great video!!!! I survived my 600-purchase 25 years ago. Wish I had seen this video 1st! Rethinking my next bike. MSF course this weekend!
There are 2 types of 600, the “R” and the “N” or “F” type. The F or R can be suitable for a new rider with some sort of experience. The R type can be very tricky. 350/500 are a good school for power, weight, stoppage,etc
I grew up in a riding family. Been riding first since 4. When I was 15 in FL they allowed you to have a 150cc or under.
Got a job at 14, and bought a Suzi GN125E.
Best thing EVER! Rode it up to VA, over to KY, IL. Down through MS, AL and back home.
My father rode his goldwing with me the whole way, the same bike I'd been copilot on since I was 7.
First motorcycle adventure on my own bike.
You don't need a 600 for your first bike.. they and liter bikes are track weapons and really aren't that great on the street.
The new 3-400s are awesome!
Heck.. a DRZ400 may even be too much. 😂
Thanks for that video Yammie. The problem, though, is that the Suvivorship Bias leads many experiented riders to suggest beginnners to buy dangerous machines as their first bike.
As you explained in the video, we have a decent licence system in Europe. I have had my lessons on a Z650 and I believe that is a great beginner bike. You can only drive that a 24y or older. That's I really good beginner bike. Just like the MT07.
The thing is in the UK starting on a 600 is normal because our testing is way more thorough unlike America where you drive round three cones and then are given a license 😂
Just watched the rest of the video where you touch on that. Definitely a US problem
You guys can't start on a super sport 600, though? I thought that you still had power to weight restrictions?
@@davidbrayshaw3529 The three-tier license means that if you're 23 you can ride a full power bike. There's no power-to-weight restrictions. Just 125cc / 11kw for A1, 35kw for A2, unrestricted for A.
@@fnglert24
Yeah, that’s not the test here at all. When you take a riding course there’s a full riding test that’s longer and way more dynamic that the dmv. The dmv test is actually harder to pass considering there is a smaller course and less exercises.
I was born in the country that every person has at least a motorcycle (include the new born baby cuz they will ride one anyway). And truthfully, riding without any experience is something we will go through, and not many of us will actually be taught carefully how ride properly, tips always gonna be: don't fall, don't stall, and don't hit the wall( or people). Well, we do have driving course but once we get to the riding school, most of us only come to do the theory test and riding test for the license at the age of 18. However our first bike is usualy a 50-150cc bike like a monkey, cub 50, mt15, cb150, ex150,..., or e-bike, which we will torture it, crash it, broke it or even never actually maintain it. But that's when we learn how to handle a motorcycle, how we maintain our next bikes, what is the limit of the bike. Eventually we know what happend with a bike by only hearing the engine. In conclude, the first bike should always be something that you can learn from it.
Start on a ~400cc bike. You'll quickly learn it, they're light, and cheap. Once you learn riding well on a 400 you can quickly jump up to around an 800cc or so and be a strong confident rider. Confidence comes from riding time, not years of riding. You need seat time and lots of it. Jumping too a bigger CC heavy bike will make it very difficult to push the limits and learn what really needs to be learned.
I'm european 30 years old 6'3 and 240 pounds and I'm starting on a honda CBF 600 S from 2008 and delighted with it.
Initially I wanted to start on a 300/400cc but to pass the A licence you need to do it on a 600cc and since I didnt want to go through the A2 licence test and then the A licence test I went straight for the 600cc one.
I was already used of using gears because I've always driven shift, I just had to adapt it to using the clutch on my hand.
Because of my height and weight handling a big bike like this isn't too hard on me and then you just need a good training before being on the road by yourself.
I think also my maturity is a bit of help regarding my approach to biking.
Started on a 16 street triple r last year, and last week I bought a 23 s1000r. Next week it has the 1000km service, and I'm off to the track :D I'm 35 and it has been fine, although there has been a few situations.
Started on a 1200cc boxer, yeeted myself into a rather sensible biker now. Recently took out a liter sportbike with chain out and that thing really made sure I respected the difference between engine types.
It's important to note that a 600 Ninja is a world apart from a 650 ADV. I would absolutely recommend a 650 V-strom to a beginner over 5'9" 180lbs. The weight is all up high making it a bit rough for shorter beginners.
my mom and dad had a 04 636 and they stopped riding a while ago. ive always wanted to ride naturally and it was the bike ive started on because its a free bike and it’s what i had access to. ive gotten so much better at riding but i rode my friends ninja 400 and man that thing is fun, comfortable but somewhat sporty, i like how you can wring it out without feeling scared. If i could do it over again and i didnt have access to a free bike, i would not start on a 600. id definitely start on a traditional beginner bike
I'm just that guy. I grew up on the dirt bikes and holding onto the back of Harleys as long as I remember, and when I started exploring for street motorcycles I realistically didn't want something like the Honda 250s i had tapped out the range on. I immediately wanted to size up. Learning to respect the road came with time and crashes but its something I mastered before having something that was built for the streets. In fact it was the 175 Comp Quad that I traded for my first bike the 1996 Kawasaki Ninja GPX600R (With the purple 90s vibes) that i rolled long before i knew streets didn't slide like dirt. Its hard owning an older bike, and it is truly not for the uninitiated to run a 600 as your first street bike, but if you have the understanding of how to PROPERLY ride dirt bikes, you should be fine to take BABY STEPS on a larger street bike. The amount of information I get from you tube about street riding keeps me humble because it is like playing softball vs baseball, they act similar but your dirt bike riding is only going to translate so much to the road. Thanks Yam, you should send me a bike from this millennium ;)
I started a while ago, on a 600cc bike. Pretty much zero prior experience apart from occasionally riding small scooters. I feel my bike is very manageable but I am fully aware that it definitely has the reserve to scare the crap out of me. I'm 36yo and I'd say I'm sensible enough to appreciate being alive and healthy and I respect the bike and what it can do. Would I recommend everyone else do what I did? No. Be sensible, don't push your limits, even if you could.
So I started 2 months ago on a CBR 600 F4i. I am still here, the bike is very tame under 8K RPM. But I am from Europe so we have to spend appx 30 hours to get our license and pass a theoretical and practical exam in order to ride. However, I am 28 YO and quite calculated. Even if I started on a 1000cc I guess I would still be around. Keep your attitude in check and you ll be fine.