Philip
Member
"Aside from the safety factor I've also found that big bikes early on can lead riders to become lazy."
That's a good point. Also, any bike that's initially intimidating to ride is not a good learning tool. I would almost recommend my Gen 2 as a 1st due to the commanding view/ergos and the situational awareness it allows. Also, the handling is precise and confidence building. Under 6k it's a pussycat, unlike most other naked sport bikes. You don't just hit the throttle too hard and pull wheelies all the time. However, it's still big and imposing for a new rider. I've always thought the old SV 650 is a good learner bike. I guess these days the Ninja 650 gets bought a lot by beginners. It's not about growing into something, it's about having sharp enough steering and good enough brakes to really learn to ride and build skills IMO. However, it's hard for me to imagine a totally new rider getting on a bike in the city! I'll always be grateful I grew up riding dirt bikes. By the time I was 17 I'd been riding for 8 years.
That's a good point. Also, any bike that's initially intimidating to ride is not a good learning tool. I would almost recommend my Gen 2 as a 1st due to the commanding view/ergos and the situational awareness it allows. Also, the handling is precise and confidence building. Under 6k it's a pussycat, unlike most other naked sport bikes. You don't just hit the throttle too hard and pull wheelies all the time. However, it's still big and imposing for a new rider. I've always thought the old SV 650 is a good learner bike. I guess these days the Ninja 650 gets bought a lot by beginners. It's not about growing into something, it's about having sharp enough steering and good enough brakes to really learn to ride and build skills IMO. However, it's hard for me to imagine a totally new rider getting on a bike in the city! I'll always be grateful I grew up riding dirt bikes. By the time I was 17 I'd been riding for 8 years.