Comtemplating buying a bike in spring...

Im just trying to research and look into the whole street bike scene.

I was reading the stickys and they kept saying dont get a 600cc bike, how many cc's should I be looking to get?

Can someone just give me a rundown of the jargon and abbreviations and stuff like that that I should know when reading these forums.

I want to start small(low power) and work my way up. I am completely new to street bikes and dont know much. In fact, the last time I was on a motor bike was years ago when I rode my cousins dirt bike once and hit a fence becasue I couldn't reach the pedals all the way lol(I was only about 10 at the time).

I am completely ignorant to everything that is street bikes and I appreciate any knowledge you may be willing to give me.

I know this may seem like a waste to many of you, but Im just trying to research and learn what Im talking about so when I go to buy a bike, I can be informed.

Thanks in advance

Hello.How about a Yamaha Rebel?? Check em out,Diesel1962

it's not mostly about cc's, a sv650s and a ninja 650r are both over 600cc's but they are great beginner bikes still. when people say no 600 bikes they mean the gsxr, cbr, zx series etc.

here's my list of good beginner bikes:
2003- present suzuki sv650s
hyosung comet gt650r
aprilia rs125/rs250
honda cbr f2/f3
kawasaki ninja 250r/500r/650r

v-twins are a little more forgiving than inline bikes and more predictable as well....plus there is less shifting involved with a v-twin because they have better torque than an inline....go with an SV650...i've ridden a couple...great bikes...

Would it be smart to buy new or used?

If I buy a used, whats alot of mileage for a bike?

Also, if I have to get a bike to take the lessons, how do I test drive the bike first?

in my opinion it wouldbe smart to buy used because you're probably going to switch bikes after about a year so you don't want to spend to much money on your beginner bike and don't worry about getting a bike for lessons, if you take the msf course they'll lend you a bike to learn on.

Ok, so go take the lessons before buying a bike, got it. Thanks guys.

what is good mileage for a used beginner bike?

what is good mileage for a used beginner bike?
It isn't "safe" or "fair" to give a number as an answer... it all depends on how the bike was maintained.

I'm behind that, it depends on the shape of the bike. I have an 85 gpz550 at the end of a restoration project (pics need updating badly) with 14,000 miles and it looked like this here
(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b82/anghellicdan/zx550/DSC01243.jpg)

I have an 81 Honda CM400E with 9500 miles (5000 since I bought it) with no problems. I have an 81 Yamaha SR250T for a grocery-getter and light off-road duty with 56,000 miles when I wrecked and nearly killed myself.

Two points, it's not the mileage that matters when buying a bike but the condition of it. And second, regardless of engine size/power, motorcycles can be dangerous if you're not careful, and sometimes when you are.

If you're really serious about getting into motorcycling, take the beginners MSF course, buy a smaller used unfaired bike; something without a lot of plastic in case of a tipover (which is a good possibility). Search around for good used bikes, they are out there. I would also suggest getting into maintaining your bike too as you'll appreciate the sport/ hobby/ addiction :grinyes: so much more.