My first bike is going to be...

...I don't know. Lately I have been on Craigslist looking for the best "first bike". I've talked to some "intermediate riders" (cause I don't know how many years or experience they may have, but they have more than me). Some have told me to go with a 1000, others say a 750. Lately I've been told that a 600, 750, and a 1000 sit on the same frame. Can you say puzzled?

I am looking for a bike that I can ride to enjoy. I am not trying to race anybody. I'm not joining "Team Suzuki" (yet I love zuks), not betting, cutting, any of that lingo they use on the race track. Simply ride and participate in group rides.

Here are a few I ran up on:

09 Suzuki 750

This bike is mine if I can afford it!!! But I can't so I can only dream right now. I don't know what got me into liking Suzuki's but I have seen some nices ones and have wanted one since. Now I would not start off with an 09...maybe a 03 or 04 depending on the price. Here is the review from http://www.reviewcentre.com/ :

Everything about the 750 is awesome. Looks, handling, power, easy to ride, good for all round use and very comfartable. Best bike I have ever owned by far. This is a great first and last bike. it's only as fast as you want it to go. Don't take my word for it though, look around and people will say the same.

"Only as fast as you want it to go". Yeah, that's what I'm talking about. Can't be running around like Buzz Lightyear. Okay, next bike...

2006 R1 Raven

My favorite color is blue, however I will setttle for an all black bike. This "Raven" reminds me of the poem by Edgar Allan Poe called "The Raven". To me, that was the best piece of writting he's ever done.

Here is a review I found on the bike from Powersports Network (http://www.powersportsnetwork.com/):

This bike is off the hook. I just bought it bout 3 weeks ago. The first week I put 500 miles on it. I can't unleash the power within until I hit 1000 miles; I take care of my toys. BUT, I already had a chance to take it 70 in first, and I'll tell you what, HOLY MOLY, wheelies NO problem. Even in third at that speed, still no problem, maybe even forth. Unbelievable pull, raced a 954RR and beat it. Gas mileage is 55 average, ripping on it and cruising. I go riding in groups of 15 and more, and I get all the stares and chicks. I owned a 500EX then a 636 after, I'll tell you what. HUGE DIFFERENCE.

Hmm...I just remembered I have a friend who always talks about his "fast ass R1". I might have to inquire about that.

99 Ninja 500

I don't think I like the body of it. I like the color but it almost seems retro. Here is the review on it:

THE EX500 IS A GREAT WAY TO GET INTO SPORTBIKING WITH A BUDGET. NO MATTER WHAT YOU BUY YOU WILL MODIFY IT SO MIGHT AS WELL SAVE MONEY ON THE BIKE AND BUY SOME GOOD AFTERMARKET BITS. I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS WITH MINE. I'VE DONE A FEW MODS AND IT WILL RUN A GOOD 125 TO 130 AND HAS A RESPECTABLE LAUNCH OUT OF THE HOLE. I'VE DONE A MUZZY PIPE, JETS, BRAKE PADS, LOWER GEARING, AND REMOVED THE CENTER STAND AND THE REAR FENDER. IT HAS A HOME MADE PLATE FRAME AND LITTLE TURN SIGNALS MOUNTED UNDER THE REAR FAIRING ON EITHER SIDE OF THE TIRE. IN ESSENCE, IT'S A GREAT TOY. THE ONLY DOWNSIDE TO IT IS THE SUSPENSION (ONE MUST BE CAREFUL AND RIDE SMOOTHLY TO AVOID UPSETTING THE CHASSIS WHICH ACTUALLY MAKES YOU A BETTER RIDER!!!!). BUT THE SUSPENSION IS UPGRADABLE AS WELL.

**scratching head** we'll see about that one. It does look like a motorcycle they should train you on in the safety classes instead of those small dirtbikes with the big bobble head helmets. This is my opinion on this folks so please don't get offended.

At any rate, I am going to keep on searching and hopefully when the new year rolls around, I will be at Midlands Technical College completing the motorcycle safety course. I have had my permit for 3 years. There have been several things in my life that had prohibit me from getting my bike sooner. Now I am more than ready.

Will keep you updated on how that goes.

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