WHAT IS THE BEST FIRST BIG MOTORBIKE TO BUY AFTER MY TEST?

A common question that I see almost every week in forums, Facebook groups and beyond. “What is the best first big motorbike to buy after taking my test?”

The most common response is to go for something small. With some commenters arguing until they’re blue in the face that a newly passed rider is incapable of handling anything more. Is this always good advice or will some riders need something with a little more grunt? 

How do I find out which bike will be right for me?

The best person to advise will be your riding instructor. They will have the best understanding of your riding style, ability and confidence. Discuss with your instructor what bikes you are interested in and ask if they would feel comfortable seeing you on one.If anybody can help you choose a first bike it will be the person who decides whether you’re ready for a test. Drum up conversation with them about any bikes you plan on looking at. Ask them if you think it would be suitable and whether you’ll be comfortable and most importantly safe when riding one. 

Chat with experienced riders

In every motorbike forum you’ll have those with two decades and beyond experience with motorcycles. They’ll happily tell you about the 2-strokes they owned back in the day and how nothing compares. But they’ll also tell you about more modern bikes that are suited to your needs. 

Talk to newly passed motorbike riders

Despite lacking in overall experience, new riders have recently done the same as what you’re doing now. Researching a first big motorbike. Find out what they did to get the perfect bike for them, see if they were happy with it or wanted to swap for something different early on. 

Things to look out for when buying your first motorcycle

• Reliability – The majority of dealerships now provide a full year MOT and minimum of 6 month warranty on all used bikes. Be sure to get these agreements printed out and keep with your V5 when it arrives.
• Size (not engine) – Some motorcycles are too tall for certain riders. Make sure you and your pillion(s) can comfortable mount the motorcycle. Work out and ideal seat height and shop from there.
• Size (engine) – Are you comfortable with the bike’s acceleration, power and speed? This applies to a bike being too small also for the more confident riders. If you think a bike may be too much for you, it probably is. If you think you may get bored of it quickly, you likely will.
• Is it comfortable for your use? – Whether touring, commuting, weekend riding or just heading to the occasional meet. Choose a bike that is comfortable enough for the journey ahead.
• Insurance – The pricier and more sought after a bike is, the higher your insurance will be. You can reduce the overall cost based on additional storage and security requirements being met.
• Reviews – Have you read or watched enough user reviews of the bike to make a more informed decision?
• Service history vs Mileage – A lot of riders will argue that a bike with high mileage is likely to be unreliable. With modern bikes this isn’t the case. Reliability depends on how it’s been used, maintained and serviced. A bike with 50,000 miles on the clock and a full service book is likely to be more reliable than a 10,000 mile bike with no services or maintenance undertaken.

 What do the public say is an ideal first big motorbike?

I reached out to a local Facebook community of bikers to hear their verdict. The most prominent consistency was mentioning bikes within the 600cc bracket. The most common mention was for the Suzuki SV650.

Personally I know numerous riders who have chosen this bike for their first and it is easy to see why. You can pick one up with low mileage and in great condition without breaking the bank. With most SV650 motorbikes they boast a modest but fun 60-70bhp. Enough to feel the wind on your chest without risk of pulling your arms off.