McCarthy 0 #1 July 11, 2007 Starting to ride, thinking about something like a Rebel 250. Will a smaller bike keep me from driving overly aggressive and crashing it? What can I expect to pay for insurance after the MSF beginner course one a Rebel 250 as a 23y.o. male? Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mnealtx 0 #2 July 11, 2007 Quote Starting to ride, thinking about something like a Rebel 250. Will a smaller bike keep me from driving overly aggressive and crashing it? Quote Nope... only you can do that. In fact, too *small* of a bike can be *more* dangerous in some driving situations and instances. Quote What can I expect to pay for insurance after the MSF beginner course one a Rebel 250 as a 23y.o. male? Too many variables - depends on your driving record, any accidents, how long you've had a license, etc etc Quote Thanks! Good luck!Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Fozz 0 #3 July 11, 2007 Mac I taught the MSF course for many years and as I'm sure they told you: THE FIRST 6 MONTHS ARE CRITICAL NO MATTER WHICH BIKE YOU CHOOSE. I'd buy used, less than 500 cc, first time out. If you're short the rebel is a good choice and is a great local around town bike. You'll find that insurance is going to be dependent on length of license, driving record, and size of bike (here smaller is better) While I disagree that too small a bike is dangerous its more like you have to ride in conditions that suit the motorcycle i.e. a rebel may not be suitable for a fast local freeway or long road trips. Shop around, I would try progressive among others, they are very motorcycle friendly. PM me if you have any questions happy to help www.n3racing.comJohn Fosgate "In the end, its always best to choose the hard right over the easy wrong." LouDiamond MB 4310 www.N3Racing.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites mnealtx 0 #4 July 11, 2007 Thanks for chiming in, Fozz - going on the highway was exactly the type of situation that I was envisioning when I mentioned that too small of a bike could be a liability...Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites squirrel 0 #5 July 11, 2007 I have a 1200cc Vmax, age 38, good reccord. $76/year liability only. and my second bike, XT550 is only $17/year liability only. Foremost Insurance (not sure if there is actually a bigger owner of this company). Regarding the size of the bike. If you paln to go on a hwy, I would go with a 500cc or bigger...BUT!...only if your over the "I could never kill myself on this thing" age mentality. The extra power comes in handy when dealing with tailgators, or other f-ed up situations. The most important thing I can tell you is that you need to ride like you are invisible...really. Most people are conditioned to seeing the shapes of cars...not bikes. Many times I have had people say... "sorry, I did not see you" and they really didnt...their mind simply eliminated my shape from their view. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites DougH 270 #6 July 11, 2007 Do they have any over 500cc sport bikes out there that are ok for short guys? All the bigger sport bikes that I have seen look like they would have me on tippy toes @ 5'7 "The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites eeneR 1 #7 July 11, 2007 Quote Do they have any over 500cc sport bikes out there that are ok for short guys? All the bigger sport bikes that I have seen look like they would have me on tippy toes @ 5'7 Drop that frame baby! I looked at a sport bike about 10 years ago, they told me it could be done for about $400 Oh and I am 5'3 She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway." eeneR TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites squirrel 0 #8 July 11, 2007 Quote Do they have any over 500cc sport bikes out there that are ok for short guys? All the bigger sport bikes that I have seen look like they would have me on tippy toes @ 5'7 my Vmax is a cruizer style...but i have ridden some sport bikes. I am 5 7 too...and yes, i either am on my toes with both feet, or leaning to one side with one foot flat. try to find a shop that carries multiple brands and just go sit on a bunch of bikes...take your time...really see how they fit you. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Fozz 0 #9 July 11, 2007 Doug If you want a sport bike check out the 06-07 Yamaha R6 112 hp to the rear wheel and handles like a dream http://4theriders.com/pics/trackdays/2007/thill-06.26.07/_INSTRUCTOR/IMG_6697.JPG I'm 5'8" been riding almost 30 years and LOVE this bikeJohn Fosgate "In the end, its always best to choose the hard right over the easy wrong." LouDiamond MB 4310 www.N3Racing.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites squirrel 0 #10 July 11, 2007 QuoteDoug If you want a sport bike check out the 06-07 Yamaha R6 112 hp to the rear wheel and handles like a dream http://4theriders.com/pics/trackdays/2007/thill-06.26.07/_INSTRUCTOR/IMG_6697.JPG I'm 5'8" been riding almost 30 years and LOVE this bike i rode that bike...very very nice. smooth, great power, and really settles in at high speed. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Stumpy 256 #11 July 11, 2007 If you want something a bit less extreme than an R6, try a suzuki SV650. FANTASTIC way to get into bigger bikes, cheap, really user friendly, powerful enough to be fun, not so powerful as to highside you on every corner. If you get the S it looks like a "proper" sportsbike too. I rode one for a couple of years till someone trashed it for me. For everyday riding i'd have one again in a heartbeat. (But actually i have a urge to hurt myself so i'm going to get a gixxer 1000 just for fun!)Never try to eat more than you can lift Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ChrisL 2 #12 July 11, 2007 Quote thinking about something like a Rebel 250. GAH!!!!!!! OK, maybe that wasn't very helpful. Its not the bike that makes you safe or not. Its how you ride it. My first bike ever was my 1450cc FatBoy. I took the MSF course to get my license, learned to ride very slowly and carefully. Me and my FatBoy have 20,000 miles together now and its all been good. Love my bike and I'm a safe, careful rider. That doesnt mean I'm saying you should get a big bike. You need to be comfortable and if a smaller bike makes you feel more comfortable, then go for it. I just want to point out that a smaller bike will not necessarily make you safer.__ My mighty steed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Butters 0 #13 July 11, 2007 QuoteStarting to ride, thinking about something like a Rebel 250. Will a smaller bike keep me from driving overly aggressive and crashing it? No. I was overly cautious when I first bought my Kawasaki Ninja 250R but lately I have been overly aggressive. Have to slow down and remind myself ... be safe. QuoteWhat can I expect to pay for insurance after the MSF beginner course one a Rebel 250 as a 23y.o. male? I was 23 Years Old when I bought my Kawasaki Ninja 250R and paid $100 Per Year. PS: When buying a 250 be prepared to want to sell it after a year or two for a 500 or 600."That looks dangerous." Leopold Stotch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Kris 0 #14 July 11, 2007 Quote Doug If you want a sport bike check out the 06-07 Yamaha R6 112 hp to the rear wheel and handles like a dream http://4theriders.com/pics/trackdays/2007/thill-06.26.07/_INSTRUCTOR/IMG_6697.JPG I'm 5'8" been riding almost 30 years and LOVE this bike Como se huh? Recommending an R6 as a first bike is like handing someone with 100 jumps a sub-100 crossbraced canopy. To the original poster. at 5'7", you may have no choice but to tippy-toe on some sport bikes, but cruisers should be fine. Suzuki sport bikes are pretty tall, but you can get cut-down seats for them which will help. And, like eener stated, you can have a bike lowered, but it may throw off the cg enough to make it handle a bit squirrelly. If you're interested in sport bikes, all the major mfg's make some really nice entry-level bikes in the 500-650cc range for first riders. Stay away from the R6's, GSX-R's, ZX-R's until you really get some experience and several thousand miles under your butt. Definitely buy used and definitely take an MSF course.Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Remster 24 #15 July 11, 2007 I'll add the SV 650 to the list the dirty messican gave you. Its my bike, but my wife can tip toe it, but she is 5'5.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Kris 0 #16 July 11, 2007 Quote I'll add the SV 650 to the list the dirty messican gave you. Its my bike, but my wife can tip toe it, but she is 5'5. Dirty canuck! And excellent choice for a first bike!Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skybytch 259 #17 July 11, 2007 Quoteat 5'7", you may have no choice but to tippy-toe on some sport bikes And on some enduros as well. I'm 5'8" and am tippy-toe on a Suzuki DRZ400. I'm not at all comfortable with that idea; it doesn't seem real safe. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites wildblue 4 #18 July 11, 2007 QuoteComo se huh? Recommending an R6 as a first bike is like handing someone with 100 jumps a sub-100 crossbraced canopy. I'm hoping he didn't realize it was a first bike. I hope. The 250 is a perfectly good bike to learn on (BTW - the "It doesn't have enough power to get a new rider out of a situation" makes as much sense as the "loud pipes save lives" argument) After a year or two, you probably will want something else though. If you're looking for something sporty, the Bandit, sv650, or ex500 are pretty good starters.it's like incest - you're substituting convenience for quality Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites tetra316 0 #19 July 11, 2007 I got a rebel 250 for my first bike, but then again I am 5'2". And yes I do take it on the freeway, everyday. It will do 65-75 easily. I am also conservative when on the freeway since I know I can't power out of situations, ie. absolutely no weaving in and out and sometimes sucking it up and riding behind slower vehicles until plenty of passing space is available. So I disagree that it cannot be ridden on the freeway. Also what about those moped like things that you see on the freeway? Surely those can't power out and they are made for the highway. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites squirrel 0 #20 July 11, 2007 Quote Also what about those moped like things that you see on the freeway? Surely those can't power out and they are made for the highway. my point exactly...damn scary to see those things on the hwy. but, you own life is you own responsibility. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites tetra316 0 #21 July 11, 2007 QuoteQuote Also what about those moped like things that you see on the freeway? Surely those can't power out and they are made for the highway. my point exactly...damn scary to see those things on the hwy. but, you own life is you own responsibility. Why? I guess I don't see the need to do 80+ on the highway. Just be aware of and ride within your machine's limits. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites favaks 0 #22 July 11, 2007 I'm 5'7" and riding a 07 ZX-6R. I can plant half of each foot and there is no problem at all. People I know get rid of their 250s in less than a month, and 500s in less than 3 months. Get an SV650, it's a good beginner's bike. If you look at the Hurt report, statistically speaking, 600cc and larger are safer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites wildblue 4 #23 July 11, 2007 QuoteIf you look at the Hurt report, statistically speaking, 600cc and larger are safer. That's an irresponsible and misleading statement. First, it said large displacement bikes were underrepresented in the data, but injury severity increased. Second, the Hurt report is 25+ years old - I'd bet money that aspect of it doesn't hold true anymore.it's like incest - you're substituting convenience for quality Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Fozz 0 #24 July 11, 2007 Kris I completely agree, I was responding to Doug NOT Mac. I really think a first bike should STAY UNDER 500 cc's the SV may be the only exception to thisJohn Fosgate "In the end, its always best to choose the hard right over the easy wrong." LouDiamond MB 4310 www.N3Racing.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Conundrum 1 #25 July 11, 2007 QuoteWill a smaller bike keep me from driving overly aggressive and crashing it? No, but self control works. Insurance varies depending on your area, driving record, and bike. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
mnealtx 0 #2 July 11, 2007 Quote Starting to ride, thinking about something like a Rebel 250. Will a smaller bike keep me from driving overly aggressive and crashing it? Quote Nope... only you can do that. In fact, too *small* of a bike can be *more* dangerous in some driving situations and instances. Quote What can I expect to pay for insurance after the MSF beginner course one a Rebel 250 as a 23y.o. male? Too many variables - depends on your driving record, any accidents, how long you've had a license, etc etc Quote Thanks! Good luck!Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fozz 0 #3 July 11, 2007 Mac I taught the MSF course for many years and as I'm sure they told you: THE FIRST 6 MONTHS ARE CRITICAL NO MATTER WHICH BIKE YOU CHOOSE. I'd buy used, less than 500 cc, first time out. If you're short the rebel is a good choice and is a great local around town bike. You'll find that insurance is going to be dependent on length of license, driving record, and size of bike (here smaller is better) While I disagree that too small a bike is dangerous its more like you have to ride in conditions that suit the motorcycle i.e. a rebel may not be suitable for a fast local freeway or long road trips. Shop around, I would try progressive among others, they are very motorcycle friendly. PM me if you have any questions happy to help www.n3racing.comJohn Fosgate "In the end, its always best to choose the hard right over the easy wrong." LouDiamond MB 4310 www.N3Racing.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mnealtx 0 #4 July 11, 2007 Thanks for chiming in, Fozz - going on the highway was exactly the type of situation that I was envisioning when I mentioned that too small of a bike could be a liability...Mike I love you, Shannon and Jim. POPS 9708 , SCR 14706 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squirrel 0 #5 July 11, 2007 I have a 1200cc Vmax, age 38, good reccord. $76/year liability only. and my second bike, XT550 is only $17/year liability only. Foremost Insurance (not sure if there is actually a bigger owner of this company). Regarding the size of the bike. If you paln to go on a hwy, I would go with a 500cc or bigger...BUT!...only if your over the "I could never kill myself on this thing" age mentality. The extra power comes in handy when dealing with tailgators, or other f-ed up situations. The most important thing I can tell you is that you need to ride like you are invisible...really. Most people are conditioned to seeing the shapes of cars...not bikes. Many times I have had people say... "sorry, I did not see you" and they really didnt...their mind simply eliminated my shape from their view. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DougH 270 #6 July 11, 2007 Do they have any over 500cc sport bikes out there that are ok for short guys? All the bigger sport bikes that I have seen look like they would have me on tippy toes @ 5'7 "The restraining order says you're only allowed to touch me in freefall" =P Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eeneR 1 #7 July 11, 2007 Quote Do they have any over 500cc sport bikes out there that are ok for short guys? All the bigger sport bikes that I have seen look like they would have me on tippy toes @ 5'7 Drop that frame baby! I looked at a sport bike about 10 years ago, they told me it could be done for about $400 Oh and I am 5'3 She is not a "Dumb Blonde" - She is a "Light-Haired Detour Off The Information Superhighway." eeneR TF#72, FB#4130, Incauto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squirrel 0 #8 July 11, 2007 Quote Do they have any over 500cc sport bikes out there that are ok for short guys? All the bigger sport bikes that I have seen look like they would have me on tippy toes @ 5'7 my Vmax is a cruizer style...but i have ridden some sport bikes. I am 5 7 too...and yes, i either am on my toes with both feet, or leaning to one side with one foot flat. try to find a shop that carries multiple brands and just go sit on a bunch of bikes...take your time...really see how they fit you. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fozz 0 #9 July 11, 2007 Doug If you want a sport bike check out the 06-07 Yamaha R6 112 hp to the rear wheel and handles like a dream http://4theriders.com/pics/trackdays/2007/thill-06.26.07/_INSTRUCTOR/IMG_6697.JPG I'm 5'8" been riding almost 30 years and LOVE this bikeJohn Fosgate "In the end, its always best to choose the hard right over the easy wrong." LouDiamond MB 4310 www.N3Racing.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squirrel 0 #10 July 11, 2007 QuoteDoug If you want a sport bike check out the 06-07 Yamaha R6 112 hp to the rear wheel and handles like a dream http://4theriders.com/pics/trackdays/2007/thill-06.26.07/_INSTRUCTOR/IMG_6697.JPG I'm 5'8" been riding almost 30 years and LOVE this bike i rode that bike...very very nice. smooth, great power, and really settles in at high speed. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stumpy 256 #11 July 11, 2007 If you want something a bit less extreme than an R6, try a suzuki SV650. FANTASTIC way to get into bigger bikes, cheap, really user friendly, powerful enough to be fun, not so powerful as to highside you on every corner. If you get the S it looks like a "proper" sportsbike too. I rode one for a couple of years till someone trashed it for me. For everyday riding i'd have one again in a heartbeat. (But actually i have a urge to hurt myself so i'm going to get a gixxer 1000 just for fun!)Never try to eat more than you can lift Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisL 2 #12 July 11, 2007 Quote thinking about something like a Rebel 250. GAH!!!!!!! OK, maybe that wasn't very helpful. Its not the bike that makes you safe or not. Its how you ride it. My first bike ever was my 1450cc FatBoy. I took the MSF course to get my license, learned to ride very slowly and carefully. Me and my FatBoy have 20,000 miles together now and its all been good. Love my bike and I'm a safe, careful rider. That doesnt mean I'm saying you should get a big bike. You need to be comfortable and if a smaller bike makes you feel more comfortable, then go for it. I just want to point out that a smaller bike will not necessarily make you safer.__ My mighty steed Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Butters 0 #13 July 11, 2007 QuoteStarting to ride, thinking about something like a Rebel 250. Will a smaller bike keep me from driving overly aggressive and crashing it? No. I was overly cautious when I first bought my Kawasaki Ninja 250R but lately I have been overly aggressive. Have to slow down and remind myself ... be safe. QuoteWhat can I expect to pay for insurance after the MSF beginner course one a Rebel 250 as a 23y.o. male? I was 23 Years Old when I bought my Kawasaki Ninja 250R and paid $100 Per Year. PS: When buying a 250 be prepared to want to sell it after a year or two for a 500 or 600."That looks dangerous." Leopold Stotch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris 0 #14 July 11, 2007 Quote Doug If you want a sport bike check out the 06-07 Yamaha R6 112 hp to the rear wheel and handles like a dream http://4theriders.com/pics/trackdays/2007/thill-06.26.07/_INSTRUCTOR/IMG_6697.JPG I'm 5'8" been riding almost 30 years and LOVE this bike Como se huh? Recommending an R6 as a first bike is like handing someone with 100 jumps a sub-100 crossbraced canopy. To the original poster. at 5'7", you may have no choice but to tippy-toe on some sport bikes, but cruisers should be fine. Suzuki sport bikes are pretty tall, but you can get cut-down seats for them which will help. And, like eener stated, you can have a bike lowered, but it may throw off the cg enough to make it handle a bit squirrelly. If you're interested in sport bikes, all the major mfg's make some really nice entry-level bikes in the 500-650cc range for first riders. Stay away from the R6's, GSX-R's, ZX-R's until you really get some experience and several thousand miles under your butt. Definitely buy used and definitely take an MSF course.Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 24 #15 July 11, 2007 I'll add the SV 650 to the list the dirty messican gave you. Its my bike, but my wife can tip toe it, but she is 5'5.Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris 0 #16 July 11, 2007 Quote I'll add the SV 650 to the list the dirty messican gave you. Its my bike, but my wife can tip toe it, but she is 5'5. Dirty canuck! And excellent choice for a first bike!Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 259 #17 July 11, 2007 Quoteat 5'7", you may have no choice but to tippy-toe on some sport bikes And on some enduros as well. I'm 5'8" and am tippy-toe on a Suzuki DRZ400. I'm not at all comfortable with that idea; it doesn't seem real safe. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildblue 4 #18 July 11, 2007 QuoteComo se huh? Recommending an R6 as a first bike is like handing someone with 100 jumps a sub-100 crossbraced canopy. I'm hoping he didn't realize it was a first bike. I hope. The 250 is a perfectly good bike to learn on (BTW - the "It doesn't have enough power to get a new rider out of a situation" makes as much sense as the "loud pipes save lives" argument) After a year or two, you probably will want something else though. If you're looking for something sporty, the Bandit, sv650, or ex500 are pretty good starters.it's like incest - you're substituting convenience for quality Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tetra316 0 #19 July 11, 2007 I got a rebel 250 for my first bike, but then again I am 5'2". And yes I do take it on the freeway, everyday. It will do 65-75 easily. I am also conservative when on the freeway since I know I can't power out of situations, ie. absolutely no weaving in and out and sometimes sucking it up and riding behind slower vehicles until plenty of passing space is available. So I disagree that it cannot be ridden on the freeway. Also what about those moped like things that you see on the freeway? Surely those can't power out and they are made for the highway. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squirrel 0 #20 July 11, 2007 Quote Also what about those moped like things that you see on the freeway? Surely those can't power out and they are made for the highway. my point exactly...damn scary to see those things on the hwy. but, you own life is you own responsibility. ________________________________ Where is Darwin when you need him? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tetra316 0 #21 July 11, 2007 QuoteQuote Also what about those moped like things that you see on the freeway? Surely those can't power out and they are made for the highway. my point exactly...damn scary to see those things on the hwy. but, you own life is you own responsibility. Why? I guess I don't see the need to do 80+ on the highway. Just be aware of and ride within your machine's limits. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
favaks 0 #22 July 11, 2007 I'm 5'7" and riding a 07 ZX-6R. I can plant half of each foot and there is no problem at all. People I know get rid of their 250s in less than a month, and 500s in less than 3 months. Get an SV650, it's a good beginner's bike. If you look at the Hurt report, statistically speaking, 600cc and larger are safer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildblue 4 #23 July 11, 2007 QuoteIf you look at the Hurt report, statistically speaking, 600cc and larger are safer. That's an irresponsible and misleading statement. First, it said large displacement bikes were underrepresented in the data, but injury severity increased. Second, the Hurt report is 25+ years old - I'd bet money that aspect of it doesn't hold true anymore.it's like incest - you're substituting convenience for quality Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Fozz 0 #24 July 11, 2007 Kris I completely agree, I was responding to Doug NOT Mac. I really think a first bike should STAY UNDER 500 cc's the SV may be the only exception to thisJohn Fosgate "In the end, its always best to choose the hard right over the easy wrong." LouDiamond MB 4310 www.N3Racing.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Conundrum 1 #25 July 11, 2007 QuoteWill a smaller bike keep me from driving overly aggressive and crashing it? No, but self control works. Insurance varies depending on your area, driving record, and bike. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
