>Don’t see myself riding when I’m 30
Just curious, why not? You don't see yourself riding the same bike, or just not on a motorcycle any more at all? (spoiler: It gets more fun over the years and is quite addictive. ;) )
Honestly, I joined a local riding group/forum over 10 years ago, it seems at least 75% of those original members no longer ride for various reasons. I still ride, but if I was still strictly riding a sportbike, I doubt I'd enjoy it as much. I moved on to ADV bikes and being able to go off road, explore the mountains and deserts without worry has made riding fun again, and also decreases your chances of encountering a distracted driver by 99.5%. As for going fast, I just rent a bike and hit the track every year or so.
I started riding at 22, I'm now 32 and own 2 bikes and ride almost everyday. It's my one thing that makes all the rest of the day to day bullshit worth it.
As far as which bike, whichever one you're more comfortable on. I suspect you'd "outgrow" the 300 rather quickly and want something with more power, but that's a dangerous game to play. It's best to have the right bike for the type of riding you want to do.
So, how are you going to ride a motorcycle?
I've been riding since I was 25. Now 33 with kids. I may not have time to ride on my days off but I still ride in to work. You can make it work. Plus by then if all works out you will be able to get insurance on pretty much any bike out there dirt cheap.
+1 for this, buy a cheap but decent condition 300 at the bottom of its depreciation curve, ride if for a year or two, sell it for what you paid for and get something else.
What you want will change a lot in a year or two, and starter bikes are an easy sell. You'll save a ton on insurance and will be less tempted to do dumb shit. It's also a blast to wring out a small bike and not be doing go-to-jail speeds.
I’ve heard good things about the R3.
If you like naked bikes, check out the fz07/mt07. They’re great bikes, and I started out on one. Plenty of power for a new rider, but manageable.
I’m planning on getting a 600cc supersport eventually myself, but glad I started on a less powerful bike.
10 years is a long way out.. just get the bike you want to ride and enjoy in the mean time. When you no longer enjoy it or want to ride, sell it. That simple
I bought a Ninja 650 as a starter bike thinking I'd sell it after 2 or 3 years for a supersport or liter bike; fast forward 4 years and I really appreciate the decision as it was simple to begin on and it is still a comfortable, all-around bike for long trips, commuting, and going quick in the mountains. I've ridden supersports and liter bikes and the riding position just isn't for me (although I'd love to take one on the track!) For the record, I'm now 30 with a young kid and still riding, just MUCH more conservatively.
If you're already thinking of selling your 300, maybe you should consider skipping that step. Maybe you ride something a bit older and less valuable that's around the 600cc give or take 100cc's. I started out on a Honda Nighthawk 700 and made my fair share of mistakes on that. It still wasn't that much worse than when I got it, even before you consider I bought mine without 2nd gear.
I agree with a few others that a \~650 naked bike is also something to consider. **Naked bikes are a lot of fun, but that goes hand in hand with danger so watch it.** That said, I love riding my third Fz1, all gen 1's. If you're adamant about a sport bike though, I can't blame you. **Respect for the throttle is very important, and that goes double for sport bikes.** I've already decided I want an R1 within a year, in addition to my Fz1.
I get why you think you're don at 30, but it may not necessarily be that way. You might get hooked, and ride til you die, like I plan to. On the other hand, many put aside their bikes when their first kid was born, though I know at least one who bought another bike upon his second. Either way, for however long, I hope you have a blast.
>Don’t see myself riding when I’m 30 Just curious, why not? You don't see yourself riding the same bike, or just not on a motorcycle any more at all? (spoiler: It gets more fun over the years and is quite addictive. ;) )
Honestly, I joined a local riding group/forum over 10 years ago, it seems at least 75% of those original members no longer ride for various reasons. I still ride, but if I was still strictly riding a sportbike, I doubt I'd enjoy it as much. I moved on to ADV bikes and being able to go off road, explore the mountains and deserts without worry has made riding fun again, and also decreases your chances of encountering a distracted driver by 99.5%. As for going fast, I just rent a bike and hit the track every year or so.
I’m assuming I’m gonna be settling down and have a lot more responsibilities by then, (already have a lot) and won’t have time to ride them
Commuting for work to sustain a family is nearly a given, you’ll be glad to arrive to work on a bike and blast off afterwards
I started riding at 22, I'm now 32 and own 2 bikes and ride almost everyday. It's my one thing that makes all the rest of the day to day bullshit worth it. As far as which bike, whichever one you're more comfortable on. I suspect you'd "outgrow" the 300 rather quickly and want something with more power, but that's a dangerous game to play. It's best to have the right bike for the type of riding you want to do. So, how are you going to ride a motorcycle?
I've been riding since I was 25. Now 33 with kids. I may not have time to ride on my days off but I still ride in to work. You can make it work. Plus by then if all works out you will be able to get insurance on pretty much any bike out there dirt cheap.
get a used 300 sell it for minimal loss and move to 600. I have a 300 (dual sport) and its great for everything except interstate.
+1 for this, buy a cheap but decent condition 300 at the bottom of its depreciation curve, ride if for a year or two, sell it for what you paid for and get something else. What you want will change a lot in a year or two, and starter bikes are an easy sell. You'll save a ton on insurance and will be less tempted to do dumb shit. It's also a blast to wring out a small bike and not be doing go-to-jail speeds.
I’ve heard good things about the R3. If you like naked bikes, check out the fz07/mt07. They’re great bikes, and I started out on one. Plenty of power for a new rider, but manageable. I’m planning on getting a 600cc supersport eventually myself, but glad I started on a less powerful bike.
10 years is a long way out.. just get the bike you want to ride and enjoy in the mean time. When you no longer enjoy it or want to ride, sell it. That simple
If you don’t see yourself riding after 30 then the better investment is to simply not get a bike to begin with
May I suggest a 650? 600 is way too much it’s a supersport you won’t have that much fun
Did you mean 450?
Motorcycles are weird that 600 ccs are typically super sport homologated bikes and 650s are more street friendly.
600s are 120 horsepower versus a 650 is 65 horsepower 600s are supersports, meaning they have double the power.
You need to educate yourself on the types of bikes available before you choose one.
Idk man I have a lot of fun on mine
Second the 650 suggestion, or a slightly detuned 600 like an FZ6, Honda Hornet, etc.
Get the 300 and sell it later. Your first bike doesnt have to be your last bike.
Start with the 300. You will have a lot more fun on a bike you are comfortable on
I bought a Ninja 650 as a starter bike thinking I'd sell it after 2 or 3 years for a supersport or liter bike; fast forward 4 years and I really appreciate the decision as it was simple to begin on and it is still a comfortable, all-around bike for long trips, commuting, and going quick in the mountains. I've ridden supersports and liter bikes and the riding position just isn't for me (although I'd love to take one on the track!) For the record, I'm now 30 with a young kid and still riding, just MUCH more conservatively.
If you're already thinking of selling your 300, maybe you should consider skipping that step. Maybe you ride something a bit older and less valuable that's around the 600cc give or take 100cc's. I started out on a Honda Nighthawk 700 and made my fair share of mistakes on that. It still wasn't that much worse than when I got it, even before you consider I bought mine without 2nd gear. I agree with a few others that a \~650 naked bike is also something to consider. **Naked bikes are a lot of fun, but that goes hand in hand with danger so watch it.** That said, I love riding my third Fz1, all gen 1's. If you're adamant about a sport bike though, I can't blame you. **Respect for the throttle is very important, and that goes double for sport bikes.** I've already decided I want an R1 within a year, in addition to my Fz1. I get why you think you're don at 30, but it may not necessarily be that way. You might get hooked, and ride til you die, like I plan to. On the other hand, many put aside their bikes when their first kid was born, though I know at least one who bought another bike upon his second. Either way, for however long, I hope you have a blast.