Should You Skip a 400cc Bike as a Beginner?

[@yammienoob]

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[@michaellowell4115]

So I’m teetering between husky vitpilen 401/701 a suzuki sv650… which to choose

[@carlosx5077]

Importante question I heard 250cc,400and 450cc are more dangerous then 600cc the specific reason since it lacks in power when u need it ???

[@TremereTT]

I'm 45. Is a BMW R1200GS a good first bike? I mean it has all the assistent-systems for safety right? I'm a beginner in the sense that I did ride a Yamaha RD 80 LC (official 9.8PS official 80km/h)...back when these kind of bikes existed and I was 16.

[@GuilhermeTeixeira]

I started on a 900cc ten years ago and died in a crash a few days later. I don't need motorcycles since then because I'm a ghost.

[@menzbercedes8962]

Ghost comment

[@PersonManManManMan]

Ghost comment that

[@GuilhermeTeixeira]

@@PersonManManManMan Boo

[@ARC-4824]

I started on a Ninja 400, the best decision I ever made, and still considering keeping it when I get my 2nd bike. It's just a fun bike.

[@Ninja-400-girl]

Im with you on that!

[@dawnscragg9513]

Totally agree, I have the 400and 650 and plan on keeping them both even though I now have the 636 as well

[@leospeeds500]

Keep it, I plan on keeping my Rebel 500 when I get another type of bike. I like variety

[@ARC-4824]

@@dawnscragg9513 I wish I could have 3 bikes I will be getting a CBR 600rr soon, I want to keep my 400 but if I can't it will go to a friend at least.

[@ARC-4824]

@@leospeeds500 Exactly, its just fun to ride different bikes. thats why I want to be able to keep my 400, get a 600 then a grom as well. Whatever I feel like that day then that is what I'll ride.

[@chudleyflusher7132]

I wouldn’t skip the lower displacement. I started on a 350 and that was enough for the next 30 years until today. All my bikes have had small engines and, considering my riding style-on the road, within the law for the most part-I never reached their riding limits. And I’ve always had plenty of fun.

[@gandhiwitcrocks4946]

Bro does light of trails 🤣

[@RARufus]

This! There’s really no need to get a large displacement engine if you’re riding within reasonable limits of the law, unless you’re tracking it. As far as I’m concerned it’s a waste of money. Same with cars that go 180 mph or whatever. You can’t use the power on the road and it’s just about dragging your balls on the floor, or bragging rights for the most part.

[@gandhiwitcrocks4946]

@@RARufus what 🤣. My car that can go well over 180 can use all of its power on the road. It's not about bragging it's about the fun.

[@drippyjase]

Just go fast the cops cant catch you😭

[@derekbrackett1622]

@@gandhiwitcrocks4946 omg finally! I am over here thinking......but they're just so much fun !

[@CharredSteak]

Started on a 400, moved up to a 750 within a couple years. Definitely was worth it learning on a light and nimble bike

[@drlecter3608]

40-50lbs lighter 🙄

[@krashgamingandoutdoors1125]

I learned on dirtbikes. Started on a kx80. When I bumped up to a yz125 it was definitely a big difference. (Which is only about 50lbs) From my experience that makes a big difference on dirt and pavement. Although rider weight would also probably affect how much you notice the bikes weight and I've never been over 165lbs. I wonder if bigger people just don't notice bike weight as much as smaller people do.

[@Win7ermu7e]

@@drlecter3608 A svart 401 is 330lbs. SV650 is over 100 lbs more than that. I can find more extreme examples. 🙄

[@jayaneyon9316]

​@@Win7ermu7ewell a cfmoto 450 is like the same weight as a gsxr 750 so it's really a bike to bike thing

[@Bob_Jones123]

Started on a Ninja 400. Highly recommend it. Then I got the ZX6R, now I have a ZX10R and an R1. The progression reaps its own rewards. Each bike offered a unique feel and vibe. Once you get to the 1000's, you've got nowhere left to go.

[@RARufus]

This is an honest question…what’s the point of a 1 liter class bike when you can’t use its power on the road? I can see if you’re tracking it you can run it out there. I get it will pull like crazy but you can only use a small percentage of it on the road. Maybe I’m just getting old too! 😊

[@dblackviper2k3]

@@RARufus you forgot the "legally" part

[@RARufus]

@@dblackviper2k3 LOL! Yes I forgot that part. 🤘

[@Bob_Jones123]

@@RARufus Liter bikes are great for group rides. You can close that gap easily. They are also nice on the street because you don't need to rev the piss out of it like a 600 to get power.

[@vfhx5267]

H2?

[@dukie1616]

No, I started on a Busa and now I’m a high-speed 178mph wheelie champion. God bless America🫡🇺🇸

[@AdamKipling-vc1oh]

Booo wendy testaburger boo....boo wendy

[@Uncle_Tijikun]

I'm in the UK, started on a 125 at 34 years old and happy I did instead of going straight for the big license. Taking it easy and trying to learn as much as possible. Hopefully I'll be on a big bike by next year

[@whelennut]

I started out with a Ossa Pioneer 250cc with knobby tires. I rode alongside the interstate in the ditch and could keep up with traffic. No Helmet. I wanted to race motocross or endurance racing. My second bike was a Harley Davidson 74 cubic inches. No electric start or windshield. I highsided after 4,000 miles with a passenger. I would start out with a 250cc if I could do it again. Riding my adventure bike I was ahead of myself 500cc is plenty big enough.

[@233kosta]

I put about 3000 miles on my 125 before going for DAS, with an instructor check-in at 1500. By the time I was doing the big bike training there wasn't much left to tidy up. There's no substitute for putting the miles in. I mean going on that thing literally everywhere, including 4 hour cross-country treks. Learn the right techniques and don't be afraid to lean into the boundaries of your comfort zone. My 125 was quite light, I was doing light stoppies (not far off the ground, maybe like 5cm) to get used to the feel of the front brake. Can't keep a safety margin from the limit if you don't know where the limit is sort of thing ;) Also, those silly speed bumps you'd straddle in a car - PERFECT practice for the avoidance thing on your mod 1, approach at 30 and countersteer assertively to swerve around them. By the time I was training on the MT-07 it felt like second nature. Good luck, dude!

[@nesto9889]

I'm almost 18, so I can get my A1 license for 125cc. I'm just not sure whether I should get the A1 immediately and get a 125cc, or wait until I'm 20 and go for the A2 license and get something like a ninja 400

[@233kosta]

@@nesto9889 May as well get a cheap 125 to get some miles in. Then when you upgrade your license you'll feel a lot better on the 400. Or decide to keep the 125 for a while longer... point is you have options ;) But I'd want to get the miles in first, before getting something bigger.

[@nesto9889]

​@@233kosta I think I'll go with the 125cc, so I can't do dumb stuff. Then after getting A2 I could try to sell the 125cc for an upgrade

[@kingmawey]

My first bike was a cbr 600. I had ridden dirt bikes for many years (125s, 250s, 450 etc). felt I could manage a 600cc bike, which turned out to be true. That being said after taking the MSF course and watching people who've never ridden any motorcycle before having a really hard time keeping the bike up right and doing basic maneuvers, I would say it would be absolutely terrifying to see a beginner hop on a high horsepower bike 😂 Next bike I want to get is a Grom

[@dant3588]

First street bike was CBR600. Not the best decision ever, but I survived. Rode the snot out of it, acted like a hooligan, until some near misses caused me to straigten up. Eventually got a Ducati 999, which I still own (now nearly 18 years later). Caveat, I started riding later in life (after 30), learned everything I could about safe street riding after my initial near misses, did track riding schools, MSF courses, and generally took it seriously. Have had quite a few bikes, some epic rides, many close calls and brushes with disaster since then despite all of that. I attribute my good fortune (easpecially starting the way I did) to a combination of a recognition of and proper attitude toward the risks, and old fashioned good luck. Would I reccommed doing what I did? Absolutely not. But, it was a great time!

[@couchgaming5577]

How do you like the 999? I just got a 01 cb750 as my first bike and id like to get a 999 down the road. Unpopular opinion but i love the headlight on it.

[@rileybradford2987]

I seriously can’t recommend getting a dual sport enough when it comes to a first bike! I started on a CBR250L and I’m so glad I did. I ended up going that route because there was no denying that I would one day want a bigger bike so instead of getting a little street bike I basically got a dirt bike with turn signals. I’m definitely getting a more road oriented bike in 2023 because it compromises a bit on the road but there’s no way I’m selling it. I love being able to see something and just go there no matter the terrain and it’s hilarious how many times I’ve been pointed at or filmed in the city because normal people don’t understand it. Also unlike regular bikes it wears scratches and scrapes like they’re triumphant battle scars rather then an awkward mistake.

[@iliketurtles4463]

Dual sports don't get the love they deserve as first bikes in my opinion. Dirt based posture and durability, the go anywhere factor, aftermarket parts, often easy to work on... For older or more mature riders that like to go fishing explore gravel roads etc they are a great introduction point. I get it for younger guys with a bunch of squid friends, that a DR650 isn't the best choice for their expected journey, but for almost everyone else, its just about all you need!

[@johnadams3038]

I was thinking of buying the Duke 390 as a first bike but decided to get the Duke 890 R 2022 and that was the best choice. The electronics package helps a lot as a beginner. Even though very powerful it is very manageable power. I got it in mid-August and already rode 4000-KM with that bike.

[@BrateX98]

Thats Nice to hear, im about to start on z900, it has electonics to keep power on 55% of power but when i say that to ppl they dont want to listen

[@whodat4265]

@@BrateX98smh

[@bluewafflecream1580]

Everything with bikes are risk assessment. Know yourself and how you are. That will let you know on how big to go.

[@dmvbenz7536]

Yeah I can’t imagine having started riding on my low rider S as my first bike, I’m glad I got a z400 to learn on and kept it a lil over a year and now I can do slow speed maneuvers and u turns comfortably on a bigger bike

[@bdsurfer13]

I started out later in life as a new rider, first bike just this year '22 CFMoto 700 CL-X Sport, mainly needed the higher HP to ride 70+ mph for commute over 120 miles a day. Was originally looking at the 300 and 650 models from the sales guy, but saw the 700 sport with cruise control and knew that was the bike for me.

[@Butts0hboi]

Been looking at one but I have had no experience on a bike. Was it pretty approachable?

[@bdsurfer13]

@@Butts0hboi yes in eco mode the CFMoto CL-X 700 Sport, it's totally tame. Flip it over to sport mode and it's a different bike. Take the MSF course as well

[@stevebirks1]

Started riding this year UK, my age ( 57) allowed me to go straight to whatever I wanted. My learner course was on a suzuki gladius ( basically SV650). I figured I'd stick with the same performance characteristics, but because I'm 6'3" opted for the 650 V strom. I think, for me anyway, it's a perfect middleweight machine. I'll keep it for a year or so, but eventually want a big cruiser.

[@markstewart3648]

I'm in roughly the same position (52)also in UK I'll be doing my DAS in January on an MT07,I did a spec check on the v Strom as that would've been my preference for a first bike,the ride height is way off for me as a 5'7" rider,after checking many bikes,I've come to thinking the Kawasaki er 6 will be a great fit for me

[@poch_malone]

First ever big bike is the Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 that my father bought for me to be able to ride along with him. Glad I started on it since it is really a fun bike. Already crashed on a Super Four since I was insanely stupid on the twisties but learned a lot from it. Either way, the Svartpilen can catch up with my Dad’s Z900RS on the uphill twisties and can easily go through traffic. As long as we don’t pass by the highways and expressways, I can easily catch up with him. Since I have been riding for more than a year though, currently want to get my dream bike which is the XSR 900. Sir Yammie is actually telling the truth that it depends on the person. Being a defensive and disciplined driver is the number 1 thing when choosing between your motorcycle displacements.

[@zacharylothes2220]

I’m 29 almost 30 and I started 2 years ago on a 1991 Honda cb750 night hawk. Honestly hasn’t felt like too much bike for me and I’ve never really felt out of control with it. Really well running bike for having 40k miles on it but my next bike will probably be something like a ninja 400 to be able to real refine my riding skills and gain even more confidence… and also not have to deal with carburetors lol

[@DansCampShopCoffee]

I 100% recommend a ninja 400 - it's been an absolutely great bike so far for me

[@Wells338]

I actually got a 92 nighthawk 750 for me first bike

[@MatthewBurns8]

I'm on a Svartpilen 401 and love it. Bit more room for mistakes, light so I haven't dropped it through sheer idiocy yet, etc. Maybe I'll get a bigger one next year, but I love it so far. 0-60 in like

[@Win7ermu7e]

It's actually 5 seconds but yeah it feels quick.

[@Bad_Riders]

My first road bike was a 90’s cbr600 had 90hp at the rear wheel and after riding dirt for most of my teens i was alright. I made mistakes, learnt from them and have settled into the 600 class comfortably… sure theres the “why not upsize to 1000cc” thoughts but ive talked myself out of it as ive got what i need from my cbr600rr

[@ryancraig2795]

A lightly used KTM 390 or Kawi 400 would have been a revelation compared to my actual first street bike, a pretty rough 12 year old '78 Yamaha XS400. And it was plenty for me as a new street rider, even with extensive dirt bike riding experience when I was a little younger. And then I had a Yamaha DT200R, before finally moving up to my dream bike at the time, a ZX6 that had about 150% more HP.

[@SkylerB17]

my friend told me before i got my first bike, that starting off on a smaller bike is better overall. because like you said, its easier to learn the fundamentals of riding on a smaller bike than a bigger bike. him and all his riding buddies ride 1000+ CC cruisers, except this one guy who rides a 650, and my buddy said the guy on the 650 can outride any of the guys on their bigger bikes. so i bought a Suzuki GZ 250 as my first bike and i absolutely loved it for my first 800 miles of riding til it broke and then i missed out on the last several months of riding season this year. so hopefully itll be fixed over the winter and ill be back on it in the spring. ill probably never get rid of this little bike.

[@manggit21]

I started with a Honda Rebel 500 and from time to time take my husband’s SV 650 for some saddle time… a year after that I finally got me a kawi Z900 RS… i would say the mastering the fundamentals with a smaller bike made me more confident and able to handle a bigger bike… Though technically the bikes I mentioned are all uniquely different and handles differently, working your way up and trying different rides will allow you to find your match… rides safe from the Philippines 😊

[@YungAnt7]

There’s pros and cons to everything in life what bike to start on is no different. The answer is: if you know how to ride (whether you’ve been riding ur whole life or are fresh outta riding class) if the bike scares you weight wise or power wise, then it’s probably too much bike for you. But if you’re confident on it you can start on it. If you’re going to hurt urself - any bike is fast enough to do so, the power level won’t be the reason u hurt urself - incompetence or a small mistake or misjudgment will hurt u before too much power will cuz ppl who know how to ride don’t whiskey throttle or loop bikes. This is a topic that’s 100% subjective.. THERES NO RIGHT OR WRONG BIKE TO START ON. It’s all on a given persons mental competence of the art of riding.. everyone is different. Everyone has different levels of restraint and discipline and understanding of physics or “feel” of a machine. A person can go fast down a hill enter a corner too hot and hurt themselves or worse on a pedal bicycle - you can start on a r1 with all the TC on and on low power mode and never do more than 70mph and be fine. You can start on a ninja400 and ride 90mph everywhere and hurt urself.

[@Whitey1345]

Started on a 2019 Honda Grom that was stretched 6”. People made fun of it and I felt funny but it was perfect to scoot back and forth to work. It saved me tons on fuel. But getting passed by everyone and people not really taking me going the speed limit serious I needed something bigger. Just picked up and R7 today. It’s definitely a ton more snappy but I’m 37 and have been around bikes my entire life. With the family at the house I’m taking it easy on her

[@ViscountAlbany]

You need to consider weight and weight distribution of the bike as well as power. When I bought a 750 as my first big bike I found I couldn't control it when starting or stopping. It wasn't that fast due to its gearing. Eventually got a 250 dual sport (after watching Yammie's video on the WR250R) and it was barely slower in any road situation but just way easier to manage. Edit: in the UK everyone must start on a bike not more than 125cc until you've passed a series of tests, so I had plenty of confidence on a small bike

[@SlightlyM3ntal]

Started on a Grom, rode for a season. Time for an H2 😈

[@lukeroy5676]

I started on a CBR 600 F3, big fan, lots of power in the upper revs, but very manageable under 7000rpm. You just have to be responsible, I liked starting on a 600 because of the extra confidence on the highway, and because speed is fun every once and a while

[@jasongill287]

I started with a ninja 400 and I’ve learned so much riding that thing without killing myself in the process. I still have fun riding the 400 using it as a commuter bike. Now I ride a speed triple and I would have probably crashed and died if I started on the speed triple!

[@tiger2q]

What’s a speed triple?

[@craigdiekmann9963]

As a father and longtime rider. I put my boys on dirt bikes first at 7ish years old then into a CBR250 for first street, the first son moved to HD 883 Sportster then to a Street Bob today. The other wrestled with the Ninja 650 vs 400, but he went with the color/looks he liked and got the 2023 Ninja 400. This matched the bike his friends have so they are all comparable too.

[@socheeesey8870]

this dudes one of the main reasons i got my ninja 400 then he goes and makes a fuckin video like this 🤣 god damnit!

[@sweettooth9363]

I think it depends a lot on the individuals responsibility, honesty with themselves, restraint, the understanding of their limits as well as how crucially important smooth throttle and braking practices are. Take the msf. Take the following courses. I’m starting on my grandfather’s 1997 Honda VFR 750f (RC36 Interceptor). Age 24. Licensed back in June/July 2022.

[@TheJCampos92]

My first time on a motorized 2 wheeler was on a Honda Rucus(50cc). From there I purchased a Honda Grom (125cc) to learn the motorcycle controls (clutch, gas, brakes etc.). First proper bike was an SV650 where I learned to respect the power of street bikes. I then moved up to my current GSX-S1000 that scares the ever living crap out of me still. But yea sub 400 is a good way to go if you're not familiar with motorcycle controls.

[@dnatal09]

Always remember the mantra, Start first from the beginning before you jump to the next level. I happily. Enjoy my low displacement bike because im practicing my bike maneuvers before heading to a higher one.

[@gogox98]

Here's an interesting thing no one mentions. In Europe, you can do the full A license at 24 (if you have A2, you can earlier, but that's beside the point). I did mine this summer, as it is ofr a lot of people, i went straight to A. To do that though, you have to ride a 600 in the course. Specifically, in our course we had the Honda Hornet CB600 or something like that, basically a slightly detuned cbr600rrr engine, makes 105 HP. While I did get used to it, as our courses are much more extensive than the MSF, I wouldn't say I'd start on it. Passed my exam from the first attempt and did pretty well. I do feel that after the course, I could easily jump on a big bike, but I also have to wonder what is the point. If most of the riding you do is in the city, being stuck in traffic or lane-filtering stopped traffic is equally annoying on a 600 and on something smaller. But the smaller bikes have cheaper parts, MUCH cheaper insurance (esp. here in Germany and esp. for a new rider) and less fuel costs. Plus they are more forgiving. That being said, I am originally from Bulgaria and there are simply no small bikes. Small bikes being everyone's first choice is a relatively new trend. People back there ride mostly older bikes, due to the cost associated with buying a new one. That, of course, leads to small bikes like the R3, ninja 300 and so on being relatively absent from the second hand market. In that case, you either end up forking a lot of money for a bike like that or you take the "cheap" route and start on a 600.

[@owenernst7768]

That is not how it works everywhere in Europe, just mostly in the north. But I get your point

[@nducation8039]

My courses were on a Suzuki 600 GSR, 90HP. I loved it. When I got my license, I bought a 600 Fazer.

[@cmpmendes]

My A license was done on an MT 07. Not the best beginner bike but hell of a lot of fun.

[@metal4et0]

As a fellow from Bulgaria I also got my A license at 24 on Honda Hornet CB600, I believe the year of the bike was 2003. It is true that here the A licenses are on a 600cc bikes, honestly the Hornet didn't feel like a rocket during the course. Here we also have hours which we need to ride in the city with our instructor. It felt pretty good. Now as a first bike I am driving my fathers Honda CB500T from 1996. It is a very nice smooth bike to go around the city. I am looking, however, for a bike of my own and I'm thorn between saving for a new Ninja 400 or going for some second hand 600cc bike. I will just go and sit on a bunch of bikes and see what feels good and what postures feel natural. Drive safe, guys.

[@thisveterancan]

These 400's are still fun, and always have been! Just look back at the old Honda VFR 400, or the RVF 400... amazing bikes!

[@thecoolio9167]

I just bought my first ever bike this week. I'm 31 and I just purchased a 2021 R3. So far I'm loving it.

[@MrBiggles53]

I started off on a used 50cc Honda Moped in Italy, which was perfect for the local area and tight city streets. Donated it to a church when I moved to Las Vegas because it couldn’t keep up with the traffic and extremely bad drivers; so I bought a used Honda CM450 and put 10,000 miles per year on it for 3 years. Ha, rode it down to San Diego at night the day I got my learner permit. Then sold it snd moved a couple more times,then bought a Kawasaki KZ650D and kept putting 10K miles a year on that until I moved again and was travelling too much; so it mostly sat for for 2 years before I traded it for a computer. Bunch of years rolled by, had health issues that left me barely strong enough to Handle a 50cc Honda Ruckus, then recovered and 6 months later bought a Suzuki GS650 GL, which took me the usual 5-6 months to get comfy on. Found out what I wanted in bikes and a couple years later bought a new Yamaha BWs Zuma 125cc for daily nearby commuting year round and a lower center of gravity than my Suzuki used, Honda Shadow Spirit 750cc shaft drive for longer trips. I like practical bikes that I can carry 4 bags of groceries in or on and not weigh my shoulders down for long with backpacks, except for carrying maybe glass, eggs or laptops. Honestly, I ride for morale purposes. It uses less gas and makes my truck last longer.

[@MattisMatt777]

I went from a Yamaha Xmax 125 to a Kawasaki Ninja 650 after 6 months of having the 125. I have no regrets at all and I love having the power I need to do my daily commute to work. I’m British btw (fyi) and I travel a lot on roads that are 60-70mph and having the ample power to do that makes travel SO much easier! The jump wasn’t as intimidating as I thought it would be as long as you RESPECT the power of the bigger bike and do your research before the jump. Of course though, it may be different for other people but I personally feel that I didn’t need an intermediate bike. I started riding July 2022 (I’m 27).

[@capberganza]

where I live is common to start with a 110 - 150 cc so watching your beginner vids starting at 400 really blows my mind

[@Tomatolover120]

In the US there was like a 20 year period until recently where no one was making or selling a street bike under 500cc. And now the creep up with beginner bikes is happening again; manufacturers released 250's then made them 300's then 400's and the new "beginner" ninja is now a 500.

[@JuanIsHigh]

in my country most people ride 125-400 mopeds and scooters and if they go for a bike most start at 400 cc

[@LCNismo]

My first bike was a CBR 945 rr and it’s scarred the shit out of me. A few years later I bought a 390 duke and loved it. I still ride it and thinking about making the move to a 790/890 duke

[@calumkz]

DRZ440SM > MT09 > and now also a 125 for cheap commuting. I just kept all 3 bikes, more bikes is always better 😁

[@CokeOnDaRocks]

Started on a 650.. had no choice since I have to drive on highway to get anywhere so I needed something bigger

[@JessicaSimonson1976]

I would say no, and you should stay on a smaller cc bike for at least 2-3 years considering the riding season is short in some areas. And given when you completed your MSF course. I think you learn better on a little cc bike. On some larger cc bikes you'll never leave first gear most of the time. Doing speeds 100 + all the time can cause you lose license as fast as you got them. For the guy who started on 883 and traded down for 660.....lol

[@tarynwebster2883]

The whole "respect the big bike and you'll be fine" argument is pretty flawed. Exercising restraint might help avoid intentionally doing something stupid; but no amount of respect will stop a beginner from making accidental mistakes when they get a case of butterfingers.

[@harrisonmorgan103]

As I’m in the uk and was 16 I was forced to start on a 50cc scooter but now looking to buy a 125cc bike in 4 or 5 months. Used this 50cc bike to get to and from college 4 days a week for the last 3 months and put over 2,000km on it and wouldn’t change a single thing about how I’ve started. Looking forward to getting on a small but bigger bike in the new year

[@AZ-wc5ot]

i just sold my 125 after a year with it... Honestly pretty great for learning :)

[@MrBiggles53]

I’m 60 and use a 125cc Honda BWs Zuma for commuting 8 miles to and from work. It’s perfect and so fun! Also have a Honda Shadow Spirit for longer rides & touring. Very smooth.

[@neodurden6793]

Hey ! Another story of a Ninja 400 fan. Started on a Yam TDM850 because it was dirt cheap in mint condition: 1400$. This old inline twin 270° / 82hp with High center of mass is very confortable, perfect for highway and longer trip. Super fun in the twistie. But, I had to battle with it. It is no so flick able. and depsite the weight, was a bit overwhelming for me. After two mounth, traded it for a Ninja 400. Best descision ! Learning curve is way better, and I feel really confident on it !

[@Keodez]

I just bought my first bike last week and it’s a CFMoto CL-X 700 and me being with no riding experience thought it was very manageable and easy to ride. Just enough power to scare you if you don’t know what you are doing yet enough power to put a fat smile on your face.

[@sinn1916]

I bought a new ninja 400 2 years ago partially based on yammie's videos. Was kinda concerned I would get bored. Still have her and ride every weekend!

[@kingbutterfly4]

I rode a tiny Kawasaki dirt bike when I was kid in the 90s and have wanted a street bike for over 20 years. Four years ago I did my BRC and got my endorsement. I always wanted a Ninja, but I kept looking at the z900rs. Unfortunately, it was never the right time to buy a bike. We had a wedding to plan/pay for and then a baby to plan/pay for. But I finally convinced my wife and bought a Husqvarna Svartpilen 401 a few weeks ago. It's a lot of fun and I'm very happy with it. Winter riding isn't too bad, but looking forward to Spring. PS: @yammienoob helped me convince my wife the Svartpilen was a good choice with his 2021 Beginner Bike Tier List video (S Tier!)

[@alanmott-smith9358]

I rode a small bike for my first year and then went to a Goldwing. I'm glad I did it that way.

[@jackripper2352]

Older guy here, on the outside anyway, on the inside still 9 yo. Wanted a ZX6r, but the 9yo would have gotten me killed ! Decided on a Ninja 400, could only find a 300. Absolute blast in curves and hills, still fun 3 seasons latr. Something else to keep in mind, do you want to learn maintenance on your dream bike ? Do you want to drop your dream bike, lay it down, etc ? Make all those mistakes on your first bike. It also depends on the bike type too tho - adventure bike vs Harley vs sport bike.

[@codyjohnson7093]

I did. Straight to CBR600RR. Working good so far.

[@gsd2796]

Started on a R3 after 3 years moved over to Z900 took my time just need to respect the bike and you'll be fine

[@keaneu4456]

I think starting out on the 400’s is a great way to go. I started riding off road at age 6 on a Honda Z50 and then 70 cc, 125 & 250’s. Then in the early 90’s I got a Honda CBR 400 that I road and crashed a few times. After that I had 2 Kawasaki 636’s. Then I quit riding around 1995 until I bought my 2019 GSX-S 750. Now if I were to get one it would probably be a R7 or Aprilia 660 🏍️

[@brianworden7022]

I just started riding for 4 months and have my permit. The bike I have is a 1970 Honda C70M Super Cub. It gets me around town fine. Hopefully I will have money to get a little bigger of a bike without needing to sell the Cub by summer so I can go on back roads to visit my mom.

[@fastec5]

Damn yall, i started on a Suzuki TU250 with 16hp lol. Then moved on to a Ninja 250 then a CX500 (both under 50hp). My first big bike was a 750 Magna with some mods so i mean 80whp is still a quick bike, but not supersport fast by any means. And while ive road the hell out of it, i still have a LOT to learn.

[@ForgetfulFoot]

I just got my license 3 months ago and bought a used LAMs Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 399cc. Done just over 1000kms. It's been such a great bike so far. I might want a little bit more power in the future for quicker overtakes. But other then that, I am very happy, it's such a blast to ride and I haven't properly revved it out yet to tap into its full potential. It looks amazing too. And I have never seen another on the road.

[@kevinhagberg1648]

First time rider. Just bought myself a MT-07 for my 34th birthday. I feel great on the bike after taking the MSF course.

[@akxra_rr2]

Started on my R7 a few months ago, still developing my skills but I feel more confident every time I get on the road, power doesn’t feel overwhelming, actually feel like I could handle more, but waiting till I feel completely bored with the bike to consider trading up

[@AlexReyes-ry5jc]

Did you learn on it? That’s what confuses me I guess people say first bike but idk if they mean my first bike I’m gonna learn on or first bike I’m getting myself

[@akxra_rr2]

@@AlexReyes-ry5jc I took my MSF course and the day after I started riding it, so I didn’t learn to ride on it but it’s my first bike and developing my skills on it

[@tiger2q]

@@akxra_rr2 do you feel like you would’ve learned your skills faster on a smaller CC bike or do you feel trying to learn to ride on a 600 cc was pretty simple and not challenging? I’m only asking because I’m in the same position: beginner rider with no experience and debating on a 400cc bike or start on the 600

[@akxra_rr2]

@@tiger2q well a 600 and a R7 that’s 689 cc’s are completely different, I think a 600 is too much to start on, but the R7 is a perfect beginner bike in my opinion, you can learn on whatever you want but I’ve learned pretty well on my R7, the R7 doesn’t have a lot of power either, really gotta twist the wrist to get going fast

[@tiger2q]

@@akxra_rr2 ok thank u for the input

[@jkim6200]

YAMMIE, I used to ride a VF500F and a VF1000R in the States, but since moving abroad, I have ridden on a 125cc v twin, a 400cc 4 banger sports bike (an old GSXR 400), a 250cc Thumper (which I rode concurrently with the GSXR but which I have gotten rid of), I also got an a CitiAce, a 110cc Honda SuperaCub copy for work. Despite downm sizing on the rides, the GSXR and the CitiAce are a blast.

[@someoneelse1i1i]

MOST people would benefit from starting on a small displacement bike. I started riding again after a few decades of being out of it. Even when I rode as a young man it was smaller bikes and in places where speed wasn’t a major issue. I’ve now got a cbr650r, which while being a “sport bike” and not a “super sport”, will go really fast on the high end (about 155 mph - not a lot of low end torque) but I know I wouldn’t have been ready for it when I started again. Rode a cbr300r for a year - about 10,000 miles - and then moved to the 650. Everyone is different but I would recommend it.

[@DistantSon.2]

Its me, started-on-a-literbike-guy, granted its early 2000s so only makes about 115 hp bit thats plenty. I got a deal on it and im glad this was my first bike im going to keep it for a long time and save 10s of thousands of dollars that i would have spent upgrading if i started on a smalled engined bike. Wouldnt recommended unless you are cautious and have the discipline to not ride beyond your capabilities

[@adgonn]

I started on a 150cc cafe and rode it about 50K kilometers even did a road trip with it. now when I jump to gsx s1000 i felt so good and never got intimidated. like yammie said it depends. everyone has a different style and expectations. just ask what do you want as a beginner never get lost in details, don't fall into peer pressure and feel like you need a giant engine to enjoy riding. just have fun and be realistic about your talent/desires.

[@antoineallard8788]

Meanwhile, as a kinda experienced 25 Y/o rider, i went back to small cc. My Royal Enfield Himalayan made me fell in love with a simplier way of riding

[@kryptorick5120]

10:38 the nice aspect of legally needing to start on a smaller bike is that it really protects from peer pressure. Especially kids. You're 18, your buddies are all riding 700cc and above, you really gonna go "nope, I'll start with an MT03 and progress into an MT07" ? No, you'll go straight for the MT07 and flex. Even if you don't feel ready and you'll know you'll get yourself in potentially fatal trouble. Whereas when you have to have an MT03 for 2 years then you can relax and learn properly. A nice corollary of this, is that in these countries the small cc 2nd hand market is really dynamic because people are reselling 2-3 years old machines all the time.

[@christophervincent77]

The displacement of the bike I don't think matters as much if you have a modicum of self control. If you don't then you shouldn't be riding at all. It's more important to get something you like, so you'll ride a lot and gain experience. Might also be good to get something used, or at least be willing to lose value if you drop it or have other mishaps as you're learning.

[@JesseWrangell]

I think it depends on what discipline of motorbike riding you plan on doing. But I personally will always say that a 400 dual sport is the perfect starter. You can go and hit the dirt trails to get your skills up, and then when you are ready for the road, you can just slap some new tread on the bike, and a couple other little upgrades, and you can have a nice serviceable bike for hitting the streets and having some hood rat fun.

[@skyolson3905]

I went from a Honda XR 100 as a kid to a Shadow 1100 with no drama. Displacement isn't the key issue, but rather HP to weight ratio.

[@mrgman1228]

Started on a Ninja 400 and will be upgrading to a z900. Definitely worth it to start on a smaller bike.

[@TomsMotoTV]

Just bought a z900! I absolutely love it!!

[@redpyramid77]

I started on a 250. I ride cruisers anyway so I don't care about the crazy speeds. I had my fun, regardless of size, it's a motorcycle. Yamaha virago 250 was super light and great bike for a fresh out of highschool kid to learn on. Fast forward about a decade after I had to sell the bike. Put myself through school, got married had a kid. Wanted to ride again, but I had totally lost my confidence from not riding for so long and got a vt400s. I'm taking my sweet time getting up to a bigger bike, but I've never regretted my decision. It's all about confidence and respect for the bike and safety. I've been riding my 400 for 6 years now to get myself to work and the occasional road trip. Definitely not enough power when going up hill but does it's job and I have a lot of fun riding it. I'll get a bigger bike soon, but until I can't say I'm ready financially, I won't pressure myself into getting a bigger bike for the sake of size.

[@charlesprice7608]

Started at 5 on a Z50, first street bike was at 16, Yamaha 600 Radian. I was lucky, had a place to ride growing up everyday as a kid.

[@lukahomersham9826]

im in NZ and i had a bit of prior experience in the dirt. I started on a 250 for about a month and then moved to a cb400sf four cylinder with 54hp. loved that bike and had it for a year. i then moved to a SV1000 120hp, loved that bike and only just sold it about a year after having it. now i have a Honday CBR954rr Fireblade 154hp. I defiantly wouldn't recommend anything more than 50-60 hp for a beginner and dont get fooled with rider modes, the temptation to see what it has will always be there. it wasnt long into riding my fireblade that i had it up to 220kph because i didnt realise how fast it was.

[@lr1a704]

I started on a Z650, six months later my wife picked up a ninja 400 and I traded my Z650 for a 114ci (1868 cc) Harley Lowrider S. I take her bike on occasion because the 400 is very snappy and a lot of fun to ride. I enjoy the Harley and Ninja for different reasons and when she decides to get a bigger bike I told her I want to keep the 400.

[@dougfresh1341]

Always told people start with the bigger bike. You’ll out grow the small displacement bike in a few months and be wishing you didn’t have to sell and buy again. Maybe not a Hyabusa, but definitely the 600cc range.

[@jacegdisis3720]

@yammienoob I’m 18 and been riding dirtbikes since I was 5, and really wanted to get into street bikes, I got a terrible 1989 cbr600 for $400 because I was 17 at the time, fixed it up. winter hit so I had to wait until next summer turned 18 and rode it for a month and sold it for $800 then got my self a 2012 zx14r, I put 4k miles on it in 2-3 months of riding it in town and the outskirts of town but no road trips. I absolutely have a blast on that bike I am pretty good in the corners, I can keep up or do even better then my friends with bmw s1000rr in the corners. I 100% recommend people that have never touched a bike to get small displacement bikes.

[@adriennehamm2689]

I'm probably gonna start on a 300 although I've been looking at an MT07. Getting ready to purchase it this next week. I'm a wife and mother of 2 and people depend on me. I'm starting small because I want to make sure that I build my skill set and get the small stuff tackled before I move up.

[@stanley427]

I started on an 80cc two stroke Yamaha Riva scooter my dad bought as a pit bike for drag races. I rode it all over with no bike endorsement even though it was over 49cc. I then learned on a friends xr250 out on some dirt trails. The next time we went out they let me use a cr500 with a worn out front tire. It was insane. I had no idea how to ride it but I did all damn day as they all had a good laugh.

[@sdbrogs]

I’m looking to start on the Daytona 660 as a beginner, it’s said to be very beginner friendly for the class it’s in and it’s smooth with the power. It’s worth mentioning I’m 33 with 16 years experience on the roads with cars and large vans

[@BINX-RR]

Here’s the dilemma you see, with a big bike riders are humbled quickly. They understand it’s very powerful, heavy and expensive to repair. With a small bike riders usually aren’t humbled until it’s too late. They know it’s not super powerful, know it’s light and know it’s cheaper to repair. They will try to pop wheelies and do highway pulls in their first month. I started on a 1250cc sport touring and am heavily considering getting 2 more bikes, a dirtbike for off-road and wheelie practice and an R6 to replace the 1250 bandit. It’s not necessarily a step down though as it’s faster and lighter than the 1250. If I could I would have started on a 600 but than again I may not have been humbled until it’s too late. Get the bike you wanna get and let fate take over, people still wipe out on mopeds so engine size isn’t everything. Plus it gives me a chance to buy your discounted R6 that was too much bike for you.

[@jimmythecacodemon2397]

I really wanted an R6 for my first, then I saw the zx4rr came out, but with a whopping (almost) 10k price tag I can’t justify it, now I’m looking at R7s, bit cheaper, and a bit more power than a ninja 400, I think that’s what I’m gonna go with, especially with all the good things I’ve heard about it

[@RicoS0L0]

My first bike and second bike were both R6. I knew nothing about bikes at the time and knew that any bike needed respect.

[@mattsloop2736]

Started my son on a klx250s. He's having a blast. All last summer and isn't bored with it yet

[@terrivasquez7743]

Health is an awesome band.

[@AST4EVER]

well, well, well.... I'll be jumping from a 160cc directly to a 1000cc bike next year.... why..?? coz I'm a 31 year old mature and responsible guy now.... and have experience to manage shi tt y situations than me from my younger self.... it'll take me some time, but I'll get used to it without endangering myself and others in the process....🙎

[@kushpaladin]

i started on a 50cc dirt bike when i was 7..... i think i got my KTM 350 when i was 17. 10 years later i just bought a R3. i've been riding it daily for a year and i'm still not bored of it, it's really fun in the corners. now when i upgrade to a R7 i'll already know body positioning and corner skills

[@celsonarvaez3304]

I was thinking about starting in about starting in 400 I completed the course got my license did some research just to get ideas I went to buy a 400 and funny story the dealer didn't had one and I seen this beautiful blue bike lol so I got a R7 and fuck yeah I can't get enough of it I love the thing not saying fuck small bikes you start where you feel comfortable but if you're responsible and respectful of the bike is a shit ton of fun and trust me I'm no slow rider or driver I'm always in a hurry for some reason

[@ericy8290]

As a 230 pound 6’6” 21 yo male, I started on a 2007 fz6 (84hp). It was scary but I stayed light on the throttle for a while until I got more comfortable

[@cruzmarco6048]

No way you are 6'6" just no way.

[@themystx2]

Became a new rider at age 42 in 2021. Got an MT-09 as my first bike, yeah it was a little overwhelming with all that mid range torque but I simply pushed the bike a little more every day until my confidence was built up, eventually decided I wanted a spicy meatball with creature comforts, now I have a Multistrada V4S, which oddly despite being almost 1200 cc with 170 hp, was easier to manage on the road than the MT-09 with its overly snatchy throttle and harsh engine braking.

[@tarnishedsquid2967]

I've been riding a ninja 400 for about 2 years now. I can comfortably say after test riding a new XSR 900 I'm glad I didn't start on a torque monster like that. It's fuckin wild how fast it gets to 100. 10/10 next bike for sure 😂

[@colefetters7253]

I started on a buell blast, and had a lot of fun as long as I wasn't spending more than an hour In the saddle. I am 6' and the bike is designed to fit very short riders. My guess is around 5'5". Had a blast on it, did a out 5k miles over 2 seasons and then bought a BMW f800st. I'm now on a vintage Honda that I fixed up because I wrecked the BMW, but the beemer will ride again. 80hp feels a lot different from 35hp, and if will feel like getting on a rocketship when I ride the BMW again.

[@diogenes9809]

I started on an 80s cb750, got a klr650 after a month, then a wretched hayabusa with no plastics - my take is just get something used and cheap for a first bike - doesnt matter what size, you just want a beater to learn on and drop a few times.

[@jamesjanney4440]

Started on a Yamaha xs 650, then to a cb 750K (raked and stretched hardtail) , then. V 65 Sabre (awesome till I totalled it and spent 3 1/2 months in a cast, then Harley sports term, Harley heritage, then (now) a Kawasaki Z900 Naked and I love it.

[@krekac1232]

my first bike ever (the one i learned how to ride on) was suzuki k7 1000cc, then i had 2020 r6 and i have a mt07, getting mt 07 for a beginner bike is not a good idea... rather get r6 since is smoother to ride because of the 4 cylinders and its not throttle sensitive at all... the mt 07 has power all over the place and its very sensitive..... the true beginner bikes should be 600cc with 4 cylinders... less torque, more power and you are fine :D, torque bikes are scary if u are beginnner :D

[@dave12059]

Started out on a CB 350 used bike. Bought a KZ400, then a Honda 650 Nighthawk , then a Harley 883, then Harley Electra-glide limited, hurt my back to ride it. Kaw 650 Vulcan after that, same problem. Then when I took the 650 in to be serviced there sat a 900RS !!! Have been riding it since 2018, during that time I had a Honda 250R that I used for practicing(didn’t want to drop the RS), enjoyed it so much that I just bought a ZX4RR. Still have the 900. N+1 🤪 if it will do highway speeds I’m of the thinking it’s fast enough to enjoy. Rarely get above 80 on either bike. Just enjoy the two styles of riding they represent. Forty years work of riding

[@CorvetteGuy912]

Started on a 2002 R6. Then went to an 04 R6; after a bit traded it for an FZ07. Fast forward two ZX6R’s, a Buell Firebolt I now have an S1000RR and an R7.

[@jeffreystorer4966]

Smaller bikes are cheaper easier to learn on and just more practical , crashing slowly n cheaply just hurts less

[@ralphcantrell3214]

My kid went straight to an SV650 for his first street bike at age 14 (he only rode behind me until he was 16). He had started out at 6 on a CRF50, and had progressed to a CRF450R dirt bike by that age, which is a much scarier bike than the SV650. I felt it was better to get him on something he wouldn’t be so quick to get bored with. He still rides that bike at the advanced age of 23, so I was right.

[@georgekrpan3181]

Back in the 80s I bought a big bike as my first bike, a Honda 1100cc V4. What a mistake. Skip to 2022, I ride a 400 and love it.

[@aedanm664]

I started on a 600 with absolutely zero riding experience besides riding a cbr500 and a couple harleys and I personally don’t get what the big issue is on starting on one of them. 600’s are DOGS below 8k, they drive like 300’s. Take an msf course, take it slow and get used to your bike, and don’t ride like an idiot and you will be able to ride whatever you want. Although I don’t think starting on a 1000cc is a smart idea.

[@kerenhaiweha6257]

I’m about to take the MSF course in a few weeks, and I saw lots of videos of people agonising over the choice of bike. I decided to go with a Ninja 400 since I don’t have any experience with motorcycles. I figure that it’s better to get a bike that you can safely learn on than to get one that you can’t handle and not want to ride anymore. Wish me luck 🥰

[@MrSirjamalot]

I started on a 50cc yamaha zuma because I've always like scooters. Then moved up to a honda reflex 250cc after 3 months. Kept it for a couple of years and moved on to a suzuki Burgman 400 sport. The reason I like scooters is because I don't like to shift and there were no automatic motorcycles available 20 years ago. I rode the Burgman for at least 7 years, rode everywhere on it until my accident 6 years ago. Ended up wit a broken ankle because the bike got caught on an electrical wire that was in the middle of the road. My insurance covered my medical bills up to 2 thousand dollars because I was wearing protective gear. So people should wear PPE. Anyway at the end of December 2021, I pre-ordered a Honda Navi because It looked pretty cool and it was automatic. And a couple of months ago bought a Can-am Ryker 600. Also automatic. I am enjoying both of them. I get a lot of positive comments from a lot of people on both of them especially the navi. It's a small bile but a lot of fun.