Rant: Every bike I've every owned is a beginner's bike

K

kurth83

Well-known member
EDIT: this post is 100% satire, although much is factual, based on some memorable (in my mind) BARF threads and themes, and inspired by reviewers that called my new 700 a beginner's bike. I should have waited till April 1st to post it...

---

It recently struck me that I've never owned a bike that wasn't considered a beginner's bike in some way.

In 10+ years, it's been a Yamaha 250, G650GS, CB500X, (Street 750), F700GS.

Every single one has been called an 'entry-level' bike by somebody in the moto press.

So what do I have to buy that isn't a 'beginner's' bike? Is it just a conspiracy to get me to buy bigger and bigger bikes, a fool and his money and all that?

Or, I could just buy an R6, but it's a girl's bike ya' know...

So I am getting the impression that anything less than a liter bike is a beginner's bike in some people's minds.

But I've even heard some liter bikes classed as docile, beginner friendly, etc... So maybe I should buy a 'beginner's' liter bike, what the hay, but that doesn't solve the problem.

I've never seen a bike marketed as a macho man's (or women's for that matter), beginners stay away from this, bike made for immortals only, cuz everyone else will die riding it.

So, maybe I should just give up, I can make a pretty good case I really am just a beginner:

I mean really, I've never been on a track, or offroad, or taken anything beyond BRC. Never been over 100 mph on a bike, although I broke 90 once, no ticket or any proof either.

And my skills suck, I mean I actually rely on ABS and TC from time to time, need much more braking and throttle practice so I don't need those beginner-friendly gizmos any more.

And for some crazy reason (maybe because I'm just a beginner), I mostly stay within the speed limit. 'The pace', seems way too fast for me, I mean cornering fast on public roads is risking your life anyway, so why do that (this is the great unanswered question)? The only times I use significant power are lane splitting (rarely) and freeway on ramps (not so rarely).

And back to my severely limited riding skills, my one and only super-power is reading rush-hour traffic patterns, which doesn't even count as a riding skill, can't use that on a track AFAIK. Shoot, you can use it in a car too, it isn't even moto specific.

And yet, somehow... Still crash-free after 10 yrs of commuting (including 17)... (yeah I know, knock on wood).

So yeah, rank beginner here. Time for some figure 8's in a parking lot (sorry, couldn't resist).
 
Last edited:
budman

budman

General Menace
Staff member
I think the entry level bike thing is just pointed at machines that are not basically crazy fast or hard edged. Like the R6. It does not have to be a 1000 to be non newbie friendly.

My RGV500 Gamma was not newbie friendly.
My Husky 510 is not very newbie friendly.
My Kawasaki Mach III 500 is not newbie friendly.
My R6 was not a newbie bike.

Bikes that are based on a race platform or just handle crappy, are very heavy, or have shitty brakes or even with a lot of power typically are not entry level machinery.

Many of the bikes you described can be labeled entry level, yet they can get someone with good skills from here to there faster than a race inspired bike because the pilot is not an entry level rider.

Goals for riders are different.

Don't worry about the labels.....
Give up on listening to them and enjoy the :ride
 
1962siia

1962siia

Well-known member
You should probably just buy my xr650r. It’s kick start only and not for beginners. :teeth
 
mototireguy

mototireguy

Moto Tire Veteran
kurth83 said:
It recently struck me that I've never owned a bike that wasn't considered a beginner's bike in some way.

And my skills suck, I mean I actually rely on ABS and TC from time to time, need much more braking and throttle practice so I don't need those beginner-friendly gizmos any more..
Click to expand...

I'm confused.
 
Jbella

Jbella

ThePastisHardtoPredict
My Yamaha V Star 950 is considered an entry level bike in some reviews. It has a 66 inch wheelbase and weighs 610 pounds without the hard bags.
 
Marcoose

Marcoose

50-50
In America, where anybody can pass a half ass test and throw a leg over a Turbo Busa re-flashed for peak performance ... every motorbike is a beginner's motorbike. Conclusion: you must be reading American press.

Overseas, it's a very different story.
 
K

kurth83

Well-known member
American press, yes, absolutely. I can link the articles if needed.

My attempt at some levity (ie sarcasm) apparently failed however.
 
Cyclesuzy

Cyclesuzy

Proud Pissant Squid
kurth83 said:
American press, yes, absolutely. I can link the articles if needed.

My attempt at some levity (ie sarcasm) apparently failed however.
Click to expand...

No worries - with the exception of my cruisers, I've only ridden beginning bikes too and I've been riding since '04.
 
Erbuck

Erbuck

Power Lurker
:laughing OP: I was surprised at the serious answers, so the levity was not lost.

And.....admit it.....you use the wrong oil too? Don't you? Admit it!
 
TheRobSJ

TheRobSJ

Großer Mechaniker
Turbo Busa, Panigale R, or H2. That’ll get you the street cred you desire.
 
Last edited:
ScottRNelson

ScottRNelson

Mr. Dual Sport Rider
I think the original poster needs to get either an Aprilia Tuono or a KTM 1290 Super Duke. Neither of those comes close to being labeled beginner bikes. :laughing

I quit caring what people think of what I ride. I pick what I think I'll get the most enjoyment out of, then I go out and enjoy them. That's all that really matters. :cool
 
Gary856

Gary856

Are we having fun yet?
We’re all chasing different things from our riding and bike choices. There’s a cost-reward balance point for each person, but you need to sample a good cross-section of bikes to find it. I went thru 7-8 bikes of different types and performance levels before I figured out what types of bikes I really like.
 
mrmarklin

mrmarklin

Well-known member
I would consider any machine over 600cc as a full motorcycle, and not a beginner bike.

The Harley Street series, for example, is considered beginner, but that’s because Harley doesn’t make anything smaller. I personally wouldn’t hesitate to take the 750 cross country. :thumbup

Remember, the magazine writers ride a lot of stuff, and get jaded bu performance that only bigger bikes can give.:wow
 
rsrider

rsrider

47% parasite 53% ahole
So what do I have to buy that isn't a 'beginner's' bike?
Click to expand...

turbo 'busa...........................wait...................
that is also a beginner's bike.
 
Last edited:
mrmarklin

mrmarklin

Well-known member
ScottRNelson said:
I think the original poster needs to get either an Aprilia Tuono or a KTM 1290 Super Duke. Neither of those comes close to being labeled beginner bikes. :laughing

I quit caring what people think of what I ride. I pick what I think I'll get the most enjoyment out of, then I go out and enjoy them. That's all that really matters. :cool
Click to expand...

Don’t waste any money on these piss-ant bikes. Get a Boss Hog. 350 (or more) ci V8 power. :rofl
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top