First Bike..500cc?

giftgrub · 23-04-2004 5:03pm #1

ok looking to get a proper bike..ive been on a vespa for a while now, but need something bigger

the vespa's a 200, and i was thinking about getting a 250 bike, but then had a rethink

would a 500 cc be a bit daunting for a motorbike novice like myself?

i was thinking of getting something like a cb500.

rymus · 23-04-2004 5:37pm

so it's not really your first bike then... I went from a 125 to a 650cc without any problems. In my case, once I got used to the extra weight & power of the new bike I was grand. I've just recently gone from a 650 to a 1300cc. Lot more power & alot heavier but I'm getting used to it. Might as well buy the big one, take it easy on it until you know what you're capable of and ride within your limits. It wont take you long at all to get used to it.

giftgrub · 23-04-2004 5:41pm

yeah thats what i was thinking...but isnt there going to be a big difference between a 15 bhp/200 cc scooter and a 33bhp/ 500cc motorbike?...even if it is restricted?

Snaga · 23-04-2004 5:58pm

Biggest issue will be getting used to the gears

I went from a virago 125 to a dragstar 650 and the only real differences were in the weight of the bike, everything else was as it was before (bar that wee bit extra zoom

) so there was little 'learning curve' involved at all.

Going from the scooter youll end up poot pooting around in the lower gears till you get used to changing gears smoothly so it will take a bit longer to get comfortable, but it would take just as long on a 250 bike...

Emboss · 23-04-2004 5:59pm

just take it easy for a few days, get used to the weight/tork

only let her out on straights get used to the speed.

Yamad Kuntya · 24-04-2004 9:55am

my first bike was/is a cbr400rr .. have a mate who learned to ride on a cbr600 .. use your head/common sense and get lessons(IRTA ETC) . Its not really the size of the bike but rather how you behave on it ... best of luck either which way and enjoy yourself whatever you buy

rymus · 24-04-2004 10:10am

Originally posted by giftgrub
yeah thats what i was thinking...but isnt there going to be a big difference between a 15 bhp/200 cc scooter and a 33bhp/ 500cc motorbike?...even if it is restricted?

Yeah, but you'll get used to it. As Snaga said, once you get the hang of the gears you'll be laughing. There is a big difference between a 15bhp and a 33bhp but I'm sure you'll manage it.

giftgrub · 24-04-2004 10:45am

well i kind of am used to gears already

on a vespa the clutch and shifter are all operated by the left hand...pull the clutch and pull it towards you for first, push it away for second and so on...plus your brake is a little peddle for your right foot.so its not a million miles away

as for training i was thinking about using ISM before i buy, as they have their own bikes, then when i do get it i'd go with IRTA..carole nash told me they offer discounts for people with ROSPA qualifications.

but hey thanks for the advice....500cc it is !!!

First Bike..500cc?

Comments