K11 Owners Group

Mystic Red · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 2:24 pm Post subject: New Riders Bike

My sister in law was going to upgrade from a 1996 250 Yamaha Virago before we left on our yearly St. Joe fly fishing expedition and offered it to my wife for a $1000. I was sorta surprised how excited my wife was about getting her own bike. She was planning on taking the written part of her endorsement Monday so she could start practicing. Well deal fell through on the upgrade and she's not selling until she finds a replacement which got me to looking for a bike for my wife as she is more than a little disappointed that she's not a proud new owner, at least not right now.
The Virago has a low seat and light HP to learn on as does the Honda Rebel. What is another good learners bike? Any suggestions?
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Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

Off the grid · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 2:33 pm Post subject:

My local Honda/Suzuki dealer was having a promotional party just Fri night and out of ALL the bikes in the showroom only ONE fit my wife....Suzuki GZ 250.

And fit it did....perfectly. She could flat-foot it, rare for a woman that is 5'2".

Pretty cheap too, 3500$ for an 08. Used ones can be had for 1500 or so.

She absolutely loved it, and for a second I caught a glimpse of what happens to a guys face when they find a toy they want.
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Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 2:34 pm Post subject:

Ninja 250 is widely accepted as a GREAT beginner bike.

I've looked at lots of bikes trying to find my brother something as a learner. Got him a Ninja 250 last month. But he's been busy and hasn't ridden it yet.

I rode it home for him. Rides like a scooter at lower speeds/RPMs but can wick it up once her skills develop.

The Rebel might be good but she'll outgrow it quickly and it's not up to slab riding IMO.

This is a good site. Have wifey sign up there.

http://www.beginnerbikers.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=28

I think a good used Nighthawk 450 would also be a good starter bike.
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93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Mystic Red · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 6:49 pm Post subject:

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 7:19 pm Post subject:

Yes. It's a Honda. I had an 82 650. It was a very easy bike to ride. I only rode a few times a year back then. I could hop on it in the spring after not riding it for 6-8 months and I'd feel right at home on it.

There are a few exceptions like the Ninjette but IMO most 250s (or enduros/dual sports) are gonna get outgrown pretty quickly. My thinking is that something a little bigger has more capacity for growth. That way she can get more experience under her belt before getting her "real" bike.

You should have her read that site every few days. As more seasoned riders we forget a lot of basic pointers that noobs need to know because they long ago became second nature to us so she'll be able to pick up noob pointers there you'll forget to tell her about.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Mystic Red · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 8:05 pm Post subject:

She spent the whole day cleaning house and she said she cleansing her soul, i.e. really pissed off about the bike she thought she was going to be practicing on today.
Can anyone tell me how low a K75 can be lowered safely?
_________________
Scott Hespelt, '94 K11LT
K11 OG #466

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Jul 27, 2008 8:47 pm Post subject:

You cna get a bike with a low seat (or swap with someone who bought a low seat bike and wants regular.)

You can get a 1" shorter shock and drop the forks a bit.

You can go with slightly lower profile tires.

What a low seat looks like:

_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

BlackHoof · Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 11:11 am Post subject:

I know it's not a BMW, & it's not a macho real woman's bike, but
has your wife ever considered a maxi scooter? My wife's Burgman
400 has a low center of gravity, weighs about 400 lbs., has liquid
cooling, disc brakes, fuel injection, & will keep up easily with my
650 Burgman. Best of all, everytime she takes off her helmet there's
a silly grin on her face...

Think about it Very Happy

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Kent

'93 K1100LT- Blurple Colored
Lucky # 887
'27 Bugatti Replica/Kit Car-Dark Purple
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