(May 12, 2016 at 8:23 am)TheRocketSurgeon Wrote: My first "sport" motorcycle was the two-cylinder Kawasaki EX500, a similar setup to the (much more advanced) Honda you have up there. I loved that thing, and I've read good stuff about the Honda. I think it's a very smart choice for first streetbike.
Have you taken the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) weekend courses, both the Basic and Advanced? I'd highly recommend it... they average $250 apiece, depending on where they're given, but as far as I know every state has them. They'll not only save you insurance money, but they'll very likely save your life at the higher speeds you'll be facing, even though you're used to scooters. As I'm sure you've learned on the scooter, the road is full of hazards-- and you're about to be accelerating and turning a lot more quickly than before, so you need your skills at dodging the idiots on the road who seem to be trying to kill you to be a lot sharper.
I also strongly recommend you acquire some riding leathers and/or kevlar/nylon gear, good gloves, and boots. I presume you already have a helmet. If the cost of those items makes it impossible to get the Honda, look for good used examples of Ninja 500 (later model of of the EX500, above), which can be gotten quite cheaply and are very reliable, plenty quick, and 60-70mpg fuel-efficient bikes. Better to spend the money on training and gear which are permanent, than to buy a brand-new sportbike of small displacement, which you'll most likely replace with a higher-displacement model after a couple of years anyway. Wait for the 2nd purchase, get a used starter sportbike, and make sure you have full gear and training.
Thanks for the advice!
I've taken the MSF course a couple of years ago because my scooter is 150cc and it was required.
I spent about $400 so far in gear and I'm going to stop by cycle gear again later to get some boots and better pants... These Bilt ones don't zip to my alpine star jacket so yeah lol
Cash is no problem :-)
