PaulMarshall I think you gained 100 posts just from this thread! LOL

There are quite a few people who have started out using the LS650 as their first bike, it all comes down to the individual.  Some people are intimidated by a larger displacement and if you aren't comfortable just thinking about a 650 instead of a 250 just don't do it, frame/peace of mind is a big part of learning to ride for some people. On the opposite side if you are an impulsive over anxious person you would need to dial it back a little on the LS650 to start, as it does have enough torque to get you in trouble if you let the bike ride you instead of the other way around.


I believe there are a few states here like California that still only let beginers with a permit &/or first year of operation use bike up to 250cc. I'm sure for alot of beginers this law has saved some broken bones and road rash, but I'm not sure everyone should have to be limited to the size of bikes to start out IE: people who rode motorcross prior and such.  

Geez Paul,  I can probably pass the bar exam now!

Serowbot wrote on 11/24/12 at 08:01:23:

Yes I would have to agree in todays standards the Savage is mild but back in 1983 when I first got my learners licence this would have been a beast, If it existed back then. (well it still is)
My first bike was a Suzuki GT250 twin 2 stroke, 1975 i think. And that was plenty big enough to learn on. I must admit the open road  speed limit was 80km back then.

Guess I should have checked, but her in the U. S. of A, Minnesota at least, we can ride pretty much anything on a learners with stipulations. Helmet, no passenger, no freeway (interstate), no night time. And you can keep renewing the permit forever. It's only a written exam. Seemed pretty lax to me where safety is concerned but it did allow me to get comfortable on a bike before I took the classes. Best money ever spent and you get your endorsement test at the end of the class.

But now I guess I'll have to go check for sure to see if there are actually displacement restrictions. Curiosity is a time consuming thing.

Jack

Im from New Zealand and just got my learners a couple months ago, got my first ever bike which is a s40 2005 and I thought the 650 would be too much power for someone who has never riden apart from a friends 125 farm bike 20+ years ago, but its not too much power for me personally, i wish i had a couple more horses to boost past some of these crazy mo fos in cars. im 34 so not really young and dumb, but its easy to be reckless on a bike for a beginner. im stoked its 650 and not 250 because im 125kgs and would imagine id struggle to travel 70+ kilometers every day on a 250.

jcstokes wrote on 07/22/13 at 21:57:23:


Yes you have a valid point.

Executioner you will probably be ok, provided the bike can get a NZ WOF, safety inspection to others, and of course is registered. Third party property insurance is cheap in this country, but if you are nineteen and want comprehensive insurance, look out. Hope you aren't riding without the WOF and rego stickers.