[DukeQ]

I dont know if I may ask this, on this forum but anyway here it goes

I am looking to buy my fiance a bike. She has never ridden before, but loves bikes, and I thought it would be a great Birthday gift.

Problem is I dont know what to buy.

She prefers the superbike style bikes, not naked bikes. It must be something that is easy to learn on, but still has a bit of attitude, cos I know she will outgrow it very quickly, as soon as she feels comfortable on the bike.

She mentioned that she'll feel comfortable starting on a 400 but I cant seem to find anything new in a 400 class, only 600cc.

I dont want to get a second hand old bike, cos this is a birthday gift, so its gotta be new.

Any suggestions, and why?

I think the 848 might be too much for her, opinions?

Thanks

 

[Jwallig]

Personally ... I don't think an 848 would be too much as a starter bike especially if she is a quick learner.

If she doesn't know how to ride then I would find something scrappy to have her learn on and then give her the 848.

Just my 2 cents ...

~Justin

 

[FirstDuc-1098]

do they have motorcycle safety training where you are? do they have student bikes? Send her thru a training and then buy her the 848. BTW if she doesn't like the 848, I'll take it off your hands.

 

[von1098]

If I were you I would get a used 250cc along with the new 848. About 2-3 grand more. Hell, see what the Dealer can do for you, maybe he'll do something for you.

Make sure you send her for MS training let her learn from the instructors.

Then let her get used to riding on the 250cc.

Allow her 2 night a weeke to ride the 848 to the Local Starbuck's & Bike nights.
Plus, if you own the 1098 the 848 is the best companion, so it would be cheesy. but it would Great to have your wifee on a 848. That would be SWEET. Please take pictures. Lololololo

 

[DukeQ]

2 nights a week, and weekends its mine on the track...Cant let her have all the fun

 

[morgan]

i think you would be nuts to buy her an 848. let her learn to ride on a beater. gs500 or one of the chinese 250s. let her ride it for awhile and if she hasn't rashed it up after a few months then think about a nice bike.

 

[Stimacsays]

2008 Ninja 250 $3500 msrp
2007 Ninja 250 $2995 msrp
Low seat. This is what my wife learned on, only dropped it once. see my photo album for the 07
BTW, it will do 100mph, so she can keep up on most rides.
www.kawasaki.com/Products/detail.aspx?id=263&content=introduction

 

[cbrenthus]

I don't think the 848 is a bad first bike, but mentally it might be intimidating for her. I like the idea above about getting her a nice new 848 AND a used 250. That way she can learn on a smaller bike but have something to look forward to.

Alot depends on your financial situation. Here's 4 situations:

Money is no object: buy 2 848s. 1 for her to learn on and drop and scrape up, then it becomes your race bike already broken in and scraped up!

Money is somewhat object: Same as above, only with a 748.

Money even more tight: Ninja 250

 

[Randarosa]

Respectfully, guys, but who in their right mind would recommend an 848 for any beginner? My wife rides, currently a Thruxton and a V Rod, but she started a zillion years ago on a KZ200. An 848, or anything like it is a loaded weapon. Don't do this to anyone you love. Start with something relatively small, and decidedly cheap. If it must be new, a Ninja 250 or similar really is a good choice.

 

[von1098]

DukeQ is the same guy that spent 5800 on his 1098 that he has dropped. Now as a beginner who took the plunge and you know what it's like to spend money on repairs. U don't even have any body there to properly dial in her suspension and set the bike up. NO WAY................................. 250 for you and the WIFE. Put the 1098 up and both ride and learn on the 250.

 

[morgan]

Respectfully, guys, but who in their right mind would recommend an 848 for any beginner? My wife rides, currently a Thruxton and a V Rod, but she started a zillion years ago on a KZ200. An 848, or anything like it is a loaded weapon. Don't do this to anyone you love. Start with something relatively small, and decidedly cheap. If it must be new, a Ninja 250 or similar really is a good choice.

Thank you, somebody who understands lol. i know ppl on this board dont want to recommend anything but ducati but damn a beginner on a 140 hp bike with what 70 ftlbs of torque its a no brainer .....well for atleast a few of us

 

[mrinflux]

Pandora's box

Respectfully, guys, but who in their right mind would recommend an 848 for any beginner? My wife currently rides a Thruxton and a V Rod, but she started a zillion years ago on a KZ200. An 848, or anything like it is a loaded weapon. Don't do this to anyone you love. Start with something relatively small, and decidedly cheap. If it must be new, a Ninja 250 or similar really is a good choice.

Thank you, somebody who understands. lol. I know people on this board don't want to recommend anything but Ducati, but damn, a beginner on a 140 hp bike with what 70 ftlbs of torque?!! It's a no brainer .....well for at least a few of us.

Guys,

While it is obviously so, let it go. The last time this issue came up, the thread went on for almost three months, (122 posts!), with no resolution. Let's not go there! As my dad used to say, "You can lead a whore to culture, but you can't make her think!"

Elton

 

[ritatita]

Randarosa,

Wise words

 

[DukeQ]

I like the idea of the Ninja 250 for her. Nice bike and I think she would like the styling. Rather inexpensive and not a rocket. Great beginner bike, tks

PS Von .....You might think that it was dumb of me to buy a 1098, and so would most of the guys on here, but its bought and I have never regretted buying it. Yes made some rookie mistakes, but if you notice it was never high speed crashes etc, because I am not a show-off type off guy, and ride it carefully.

O ye, I do stay/work in a country that hasnt got USA experts just around the corner, but I am only working here and I am planning to go back home soon with the "gift" in cargo to my home country, were we have long and winding roads with the best scenery imaginable, and an expert in every major city.

This is not my first bike, it is just my first superbike / streetbike. Riding since I was 6, and stopped at 15 when my brother cracked his scull coming off on his bike. We used to ride motocross Yamaha PW50, Yamaha 80, Kawasaki 80, and Yamaha 250. All motocross.So Im not a total newbie, just a newbie on the street.

PLS LETS NOT VISIT THE NEWBIE THREAD AGAIN