buying a "shitcycle"

Hey all, I'm planning to buy a used sportbike in a few months (after the snow clears). My goal is to learn to be an excellent rider (knee dragging, clutch work, throttle and braking control, etc.) so that I will be able to wring out as much performance as possible from my dream 600cc supersport (Japanese Racerep).

I don't plan to keep this used sportbike for 1-2 seasons unless I feel I'm not ready for a supersport yet. As those of you who read my earlier post know, I was originally considering a slightly used (2006-ish) Suzuki SV650S, a very nice, fast, and cool starter bike that would probably cost me $5000-6000.

However, I'm now thinking that spending that heap of dough on a bike I only need for one year might not be such a good idea, since I want to put most of my money toward the bike I really want. I'm now considering what my brother "politely" refers to as a "shitcycle," a bike that runs great (I'm not a mechanic) but is pathetic by modern standards in the performance/looks/cool factor department. I'm considering a heavily used (but not damaged) early 2000s (or even older, gasp!) EX250, and hoping to spend just $2000!

Needless to say, I'm not easily ashamed or embarrassed. I have no "vanity arguments" that compell me to buy a cooler bike and I'm not so stupid as to think that I can handle a supersport as a first bike. I've got a good head on my shoulders.

So my question is, how much of a shitcycle is too much?! If I buy a bike that old, will I have to deal with a rash of reliability issues and inconveniences that are no longer problems on modern bikes? Will it be more trouble than its worth?

Most importantly, will such a bike be so slow that it will not adequately prepare me for a supersport?! How fast a bike do I need to train my reflexes for the lighting response of a 165+ mph race replica?

IF IT HELPS: I'm very short at just 5'4" but solid at 140 lbs. I have no motorcycle experience. I'm good at shifting because my first car (which I still have) is a manual.

Thanks guys!

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/mcy/880771468.html

like this one? :)

Long Live the NINJA!

You can get a decent good-running motorcycle for fairly cheap. Look for one that's reliable so you can actually get out and ride. There are a lot of "older" bikes available that still run fine. Getting out on the road and riding will prepare you for a bigger bike. Having experience with working a clutch will help also.

Most importantly, will such a bike be so slow that it will not adequately prepare me for a supersport?! How fast a bike do I need to train my reflexes for the lighting response of a 165+ mph race replica?
You're not training your reflexes as much as you're developing a skill set. Having a smaller, slower bike will let you make mistakes with throttle and clutch without, say, your bike shooting out from underneath you and you ending up flat on your back. Having a lighter bike will let you develop your sense of balance in low speed maneuvers better without sending you crashing to the ground if you don't counterbalance correctly. The reflexes you're talking about will also be developed, but again, your reflexes are only good as what you practice often.

Wow....

Take an MSF Course.

Buy a Ninja 250 for your first bike.

I'm in the same boat as you and looking for anything newer than 1980, which is when they generally got rid of ignition points... good riddance. Fuel injection sounds kinda nice but a smooth working carb is ok too. You don't want something that bogs or cuts out.

The car I'm driving I paid $375 for, I have some mechanical ability, but for my first bike I'm actually looking for something less fixer-upper-ish, as my experience in that arena is limited, and mechanical failure easily leads to more dramatic bodily injury. It sounds like you're on the right path with newer and less hp.

I'm in Maine so it's funny, our cars are rusty junk after 10-15 years, but bikes get to be 20 years old with only 5-10k miles due to our short summers.

There are many Ninja's available ranging from year 2000 to 2007 in a price range of $1800 to $2500.

Sign up for an MSF course and get a Ninja.. way to go.

it's not a shitcycle, but an SV650 would be a perfect second or third bike--not because it's too fast, it's actually almost good for a beginner, but people who start on SV's never appreciate just how good of a bike they are. they're great track bikes.

but yes, i'd start on a 250/500 and get your basic skills honed so you can get on track ASAP. Take a class/school and just make sure you get as much seat time as you can handle. I think a 500 might be better for this, but a 250 works too. Be patient with how slow it is too, you're learning invaluable stuff.

in about a year or so, you'll be ready for a SV or a 600cc supersport. keep the 250/500 around for commuting and keep a 600cc track bike.

you can go the "old" bike route too, the honda hawk is a great bike for what you want.

http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/mcy/880771468.html

like this one? :)

Actually, that is right along the lines of what I was considering. Also, if any moderators are reading this, please move this thread to the "buying first bike soon" section, since I haven't actually bought the bike yet. Thanks.

and thanks for everyone's advice.