I'm brand new to the forum and the bike world. I have never road a bike before, but I'm ready to start. I want to know how hard it is to learn to ride at my age 23? Also wanted to know if the 500 is the way to go or should I go with something else? Thanks for your time

 

hi and welcome to the world of metal horses, the only way to go... you are never to old nor never to young to jump up on one of these ponies. I have been riding bikes for 23 years now but mostly cruisers, just last summer i went for broke and started my sportbike experience, it was a little different but i got used to it and its a blast now i love it, i started with a 2006 ninja 500 R i love it, but i'm ready to move up i'm looking at the zx 9, so pretty soon i'll be cruising on one of those, but i give all the credit to my experience to my darling little 500 r.

 

Welcome to KF, The 500 is a great bike and learning is not that hard. Take the MSF course it will give you the basic skills http://www.msf-usa.org/

 

Definately take the MSF - and it won't be hard to learn at 23. I was 28 when I took the course and I had never driven a motorcycle before. I had no problems and have been having a blast on my 500 ever since

Personally, I think the 500 is an awesome bike to start out on (but then again, I am biased!) The 500 fits me perfectly and is exactly what I want in a bike.

Good luck and welcome to the forums! If you need any other info, we'll gladly do our best to help you out!

 

Thanks for all the advise, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna go with the 500...Do you suggest me being a new rider that I go with something used, or is it a good idea to go with a new bike?

 

That would depend on your financial situation, if you have the $$$ get new, if you can only afford used then go used. I have never bought a new bike.

Also do not forget the gear, helmet, gloves, jacket, boots and pants. Do not let people tell you its not cool to ride all geared up, what’s not cool is never getting a date because you are deformed and have little skin left on your body, or worse.

Gear will range from 400-1800. Get what you can afford,

I just came back from Texas and it was real freaky to see fools ridding around w/o helmets.

Ride safe.

 

I bought mine used. The nice thing about these bikes is the people label them as a starter bike. They go out and buy one, drive it for a year then sell it and get something bigger. These bikes are generally not too abused, they usually do have some cosmetic damage from being dropped - but I find them to typically be very good value for your money.

The first thing you should do - is buy proper gear (helmet, gloves, jacket, pants and boots) then see what you have left. If you can afford a new one, go for it - but just keep in mind, you probably will drop it and put some scrapes on it. Good luck - keep us posted on what you get - we love pictures here!!!!

 

There is no such thing as a starter bike in my opinion. you could learn on a zx-14 if you wanted to. Self control is the only issue you must abide by. go easy on the throttle until you can handle more, and DON'T try to act like you've been racing motorcycles your whole life when you're getting used to your new bike. Oh, and maybe it's just me, but start out riding in a very open area. You won't have to worry about anything being in your way that you wouldn't know how to get around, or handle quickly. That's my advice.