I am thinking about buy either a GSX-R or a CBR. What would be the best way to go from dealer (new) or from private (used), I know new would cost more but wouldnt entail all the miles and wear and maybe mechanical problems of a used. A used would be cheaper and maybe be accompanied by mods. How does financing work from the dealer? ***What is the minimum payment?***

 

First of all, welcome to the boards. Secondly, go talk to the dealer. Every dealer has financing either through the manufacturer, or through a local establishment. They will let you know about down payment, monthly amounts, and insurance. That's an important one, as it is hard to get sportbike insurance in some states. By reading your post, I assume you ae new to riding, so be sure to take the MC Safety Course as well so you stay alive. Good luck!

 

Ryan, welcome to "BikerForums"...

"New" or "Used" ??? That's a hard question to answer. With a new bike you know for certain it is mechanically sound when you receive it. With a used bike, you never know unless you personally know the previous owner, and know how they maintained, and rode the bike. But if you look around you will find people that keep their bikes clean & well maintained.

About financing & payments, it all depends on the lending institution. Interest rates, length of loan, and down payment will all affect monthly payments.

Last but certainly not least......how much riding experience do you have? The GSXR & the CBR are a handful for an inexperienced rider. I would strongly suggest taking a MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) course....

Good luck...

FBR

 

all good advice there for you Ryan from FBR and PhatBoy... and as for your question as to which bike..... come on!...it's a no-brainer, the SUZUKI of course!
;-)

 

W00t lets hear one for CT! Im in CT too myself, yea I was more leaning towards Suzuki, only thing they do right is bikes! But yea I am looking into a rider education course...I read in the motorcycle handbook that you can skip the motorcycle skills test (in connecticut at least) if you have a valid card from the instructor of the class you took? Anyone know anything bout this?

 

oh ya, just noticed you're in Canterbury. Damn dude, you're in the boonies. I went to school with some folk from Canterboony cuz I went to Windham High School. U guys still go to WHS or do you have your own high school now?
Definitely take that course, you will thank yourself someday for doing so.

 

Naw I dont go there, whod you know here? And do you know about not having to take a test at the DMV or is the test offered at the course the lisence test? Im 18.

 

can't remember any names, it's been too long (over 21 years), but anyway... I believe you still have to take the written portion of the test, but you get don't have to take the on-motorcycle portion if you pass the MSF course. You should find some info on line as to the course locations, fees, etc. I do know this, they fill quickly, so I wouldn't be surprised if they're full through mid-summer, possibly early fall already.

 

Ryan...not trying to preach....but....

Please don't even think about riding the streets without a safety course, and some time on the parking lots, or back roads....and ride with an experienced rider if at all possible

I've just seen too many needless accidents due to inexperience over the years.....I guess it's the "Dad" in me

Hope you don't mind the preaching...

I just care...

FBR

 

Yea, my mom sent away for the papers for the class I hope I can get in this month. Yea thats what I planned I was gonna go up and down my road... Parking lot is a good idea too thanks man!. Not until i got my helmet, jacket, and gloves tho I dont plan going over like 40 until I get the feel anyways :P

P.S. Might you know a site where I can find some other things for riding gear, such as boots, and pants, or a full piece suit, Can I find, or is there a special thing for tinted face shields, or can this not be done?

 

tinted face shields are do-able for sure. even chrome ones are available. no links for them, sorry.
it's good to see you're going to take it slow and safe at first.

 

Whats the real difference between 600 and a 954 besides CC. Whats the difference mean for a new rider?
Im thinking about a CBR 600 rr for my first bike, first time ever riding a real bike too. But plenty of practice either way.

 

Ryan, 600cc will be plenty for you. My first "street bike" when I got my MC lisence when I turned 15 was a Kawasaki KE 100....that little bike would top out at 73 mph (pretty impressive for a 100cc bike).

As far as riding gear...."Joe Rocket" makes some great looking gear that is almost "bullet proof". Check EBay for Joe Rocket gear, a friend of mine recently got a nice new Joe Rocket jacket for about 1/3 of the cost on EBay.......maybe some of the other guys here will have some other suggestions....

FBR

 

So I wouldnt really have any problems with a cbr 600?

 

Ryan, smaller cc bikes are better for beginners. Less power tends to be more forgiving, but a 600cc "sport bike" has lots of torque and can get away from you very easily.

Take the course, see how that goes....they will be using 250cc bikes for that.

FBR

 

600's are very docile and forgiving until you wack the throttle, and then they are like Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hide, when they get into the upper rpms, that is where the power is. So to answer your question, a 600 is probably a good bike to learn on. But the power is definitely there, and it needs to be respected. Your parents might feel better about you starting out with the likes of Kawi EX500 Ninja or a Suzuki Katana 600.

 

Ryan....download this small clip of a guys first ride on a bike.

It's a good reason why you need the MSF course...

http://www.collegehumor.com/?movie_id=47948


FBR

 

I am enrolled in the course, the only way the bike could get away is if you pull back the throttle hard right? AND I dont plan on being a retard and trying wheelies and trying to hit 150 my first day....

 

Wow, that guy was an idiot...LMAO

 

Ryan, you'll do just fine.....

Enrolling in the class, asking about riding gear, and the right power for a first bike, all show you have a great attitude about safety. Lot's of MC accidents are caused by a person's disregard for safety.....that and the little old lady that say's "I never saw you"

Make sure you always look out for her, ride safe...and have FUN !!!

FBR

 

Other than the fact that it's a Honda??? Kidding man, but I would really recommend the GSXR. Much easier to work on, and a nicer looking bike IMO, but that's me. I've owned about 8 GSXR's in my day. I started on a 600cc Honda Hurricane, pre-cbr days, and it worked well. Either bike will fit you well, but at your age, for sure stick with a 600cc or smaller. Even a 750cc makes a lot of difference. Once you pass your MSF course, go to the dealerships and ride both bikes. See which one feels better to you. Not knowing how tall you are and all that, the bikes will ride much differently. Buy the bike you feel most comfortable on, cause the prices should be close either way.

Good luck!

 

Im about 6 foot 175 pounds

yea im leaning towards CBR but im still looking at gsx.

 

What should I look for in a helmet? The ones on Honda, are like 5-600 bucks, is that just becuase its color coded to the bikes? What should I look for in a helemt?

I already got some killer boots, nice two piece, and some gloves in mind.

 

Some of the most safe helmets out there are IMO Bell and Simpson. I used a Simpson when I used to drag race. They don't get too wild with paint, but you can always have it painted to match the bike some other day. Look for something that is DOT and SNELL approved and you'll be fine. Someone once told me when looking for a helmet, how much is your head worth to you? Good advice...

 

Bike lisence (endorsement) is just like car right at 18 I can get it right without a permit or anything? (After attending the class of course)

 

If it's like IA, once you successfully pass your course, you get the license. Now permits or anything like that. Some states may vary.

 

In Texas you can get a MC lisense at 15

You must take a riders course, and a written test from the state, or drivers education course, and the riding & written test from the state.

Only difference between the two is, taking a riders course exempts you from the states riding test.

FBR

 

I need ya help WOOHOO, do you need to make an APPOINTMENT to go to DMV just to take the WRITTEN TEST? Or can I just go in and wait in line. *Note I am in Connecticut* So only Connecticut ppl might know this I.E. whoohoo.

 

You could always call or stop into the local DOT office and find out too. Save yourself the wait.

 

Do you need to hold a permit to get a motorcylce lisence? I am 18, if that matters.