Beginner Bike - Ducati.ms

SMotU · Feb 20th, 2011, 5:15 am

A friend of mine is thinking about buying her first bike (she's going to take the MSF course). We went to look at a used Multi 620, but that bike had just been sold. While at the dealership, though, she sat on a bunch of bikes and really took to the Hyper. My initial thought was that a 796 might be a suitable bike for a beginner, but an 1100 is too much. I test rode them back to back, and the throttle response on both seemed very well sorted. Before yesterday, I wouldn't have even thought to ask this question, but the 1100 seemed very user friendly. Is it crazy to think that someone could handle that as her first bike?

Just for reference, my friend is tall enough that seat height isn't really an issue on either the 1100 or the 796. Also, she has a very reserved personality and won't have any self-control issues. I expect she'll be a very conservative rider. I just don't want to see her get in over her head on a bike that's too much for her.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Cheers!
Steve

nitsuj8686 · Feb 20th, 2011, 9:56 am

The best bike hands down for a started bike if you want a vtwin is a suzuki sv650. Everything is low cost about them. You can find them for less then 3k and if she drops it, the replacement parts won't be at a premium like ducati parts are. And it is still a fun ass bike.

Gilly · Feb 20th, 2011, 10:17 am

I think you will find ^^^^ this answer universal. Unless she has experience in off road riding, you really want to learn on a "donor" bike. Any first bike will be a rewarding experience. No sense in blemishing it with and "opps".

Give it a year on the donor, then she can make use of her new found mad skills on the Hyper. In either case, her second bike should also be a used one. Just get a year old bike from someone on the board and save again on the new bike costs. I know this goes without saying, but she can have fun with buying new safety gear so no matter what bike she is on, she will be safe.

AXE · Feb 20th, 2011, 10:31 am

To answer the original question, I believe that with proper training she could be comfortable on either bike. I think that the Hyper is very nice handling and easy to manuever which is half the battle in the beginning. It sure has a lot of grunt off the line, so throttle control is key when starting out. The fact that it has great brakes is a bonus too.

If it were me, I would do the 796, simply because it is a lighter bike. In fact I don't think that stock for stock the HP/TQ numbers are that far off.

I recommend additional classes beyond the MSF course before turning her loose. It is well worth the time and expense to get comfortable. Good luck!

Out!

Gilly · Feb 20th, 2011, 10:54 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by AXE

To answer the original question, I believe that with proper training she could be comfortable on either bike. I think that the Hyper is very nice handling and easy to manuever which is half the battle in the beginning. It sure has a lot of grunt off the line, so throttle control is key when starting out. The fact that it has great brakes is a bonus too.

If it were me, I would do the 796, simply because it is a lighter bike. In fact I don't think that stock for stock the HP/TQ numbers are that far off.

I recommend additional classes beyond the MSF course before turning her loose. It is well worth the time and expense to get comfortable. Good luck!

Out!

DOH! I agree AXE. I should READ slower as to what the question was.

nitsuj8686 · Feb 20th, 2011, 10:59 am

I jumped too.. See if you can get her on a track day where you use the school's bikes. That combined with the MSF course should be a solid foundation.

Nginear · Feb 20th, 2011, 11:30 am

I don't think any of you jumped the gun. All of it is smart advice. She should start with a bike that isn't expensive to fix or that pretty because when she drops it and she will, she won't care. Everyone has dropped a bike at one point or another. My friend who just started riding has dropped his 4 times last year. All slow speed manouvers. Hell, he dropped it in my garage after I got done showing him how to change the oil.

mdreuben · Feb 20th, 2011, 12:32 pm

My first bike was a 620 and I consider it very lucky choice. Enough power to be a real bike and not at all overwhelming. Good for both urban riding and longer tours. The upright position also helps considerably.

I just put it up for sale, as I'm graduating to the new 1200. If you'd care to look at the photos or talk further, just send a PM or reply here.

Martyn · Feb 20th, 2011, 3:56 pm

Have her take a test drive on an RC51 with an HRC quick throttle! LOL just kiddin'! In times past, 500cc was big, but seriously, I think smaller is better to start out. If the bike is on it's side, she should be able to pick it up. Spending time off road on a small dirt bike is a good thing, and fun too. The Suzuki SV650 that a previous poster mentioned is a great bike, but I might get her on something smaller first. Safety, safety safety, then the wheelies! Just kiddin', couldn't help it.

stevemuzicman · Feb 20th, 2011, 4:05 pm

Personally, I don't think a hyper is a great first bike. I've come from 10 years on far more powerful sportsbikes. Hypers are easy to ride but are definitely quirky...I've come close to dropping it 3 or 4 times in 5 months due to particularly sharp brakes, higher centre of gravity, far twitchier throttle response than any sports bike I've ridden etc etc....I have an 1100 with race ecu...maybe a 796 is easier to control the power....but literally a millimeter of throttle on mine is enough to unsettle you on corners. I'd say its a bike for more experienced riders, that experience you only gain over time and different conditions and environments...not something that can be learned on crash course track days. Personal opinion only.