Yamaha R3 - first bike?

[derek badger]

Good morning ladies and germs. An old friend of mine pinged me recently to ask for advice as her son wants to buy a motorbike, her main concern was what gear he needs to buy. I pointed her in the direction of a decent shop near her and explained about textiles, leathers etc. He's since found a bike on autotrader and wants an opinion on it.

2019 Yamaha R3. Any good as a first bike? Anyone had one? Any known issues or things to look out for?

[Skub]

Yo man.

It's a sportsbike,that would be my only concern for someone as a first bike. I can absolutely see why a youngster would want the R3,it's a very cool looking bike.

I don't know anyone with one,so I can't comment on issues.

[derek badger]

Yo man.

It's a sportsbike,that would be my only concern for someone as a first bike. I can absolutely see why a youngster would want the R3,it's a very cool looking bike.

I don't know anyone with one,so I can't comment on issues.

Yea, the cost of a low speed drop or having it stolen are my initial thoughts.

[Rockburner]

Probably better than a CBR600 which everyone used to recommend as a first bike.

Who's footing the insurance bill.... him or mum&dad?

[derek badger]

Probably better than a CBR600 which everyone used to recommend as a first bike.

Who's footing the insurance bill.... him or mum&dad?

No idea to be honest.

[Rockburner]

Probably better than a CBR600 which everyone used to recommend as a first bike.

Who's footing the insurance bill.... him or mum&dad?

No idea to be honest.

That might change his plans somewhat....

[Taipan]

I'd steer him away from one. Its always the first bike you drop in one way or another and a naked or trail type bike would be better and cheaper to do that on.

[derek badger]

He's at his 2nd year of Uni in Manchester so can't even get a quote for the area he lives in!

[Rockburner]

He's at his 2nd year of Uni in Manchester so can't even get a quote for the area he lives in!

yeah - that doesn't surprise me.

TBH in his place a shonky 250/400/500 twin that's undesirable to thieves would be an ideal bike to get experience on. Bigger and "more manly" than a scooter, but actually insurable.

[derek badger]

He's at his 2nd year of Uni in Manchester so can't even get a quote for the area he lives in!

yeah - that doesn't surprise me.

TBH in his place a shonky 250/400/500 twin that's undesirable to thieves would be an ideal bike to get experience on. Bigger and "more manly" than a scooter, but actually insurable.

I suggested a CB500

[KungFooBob]

MT-03, same bike, no fairing. I think Yamaha do funky optional crash bars for them.

[mangocrazy]

Doesn't anybody learn to ride on pre-crashed 125s these days?

[The Spin Doctor]

Good morning ladies and germs. An old friend of mine pinged me recently to ask for advice as her son wants to buy a motorbike, her main concern was what gear he needs to buy. I pointed her in the direction of a decent shop near her and explained about textiles, leathers etc. He's since found a bike on autotrader and wants an opinion on it.

2019 Yamaha R3. Any good as a first bike? Anyone had one? Any known issues or things to look out for?

Deffo nickable... put some decent locks on it, and consider an inexpensive tracker... Android have just released 'find my device' here in the UK which means you can stick a tag on it and track it via nearby Android phones just like an Apple airtag, but for a fraction of the cost.

[Noggin]

He's at his 2nd year of Uni in Manchester so can't even get a quote for the area he lives in!

390 Duke any better? Probably the best bike I ever had for town but also a really good all rounder for further afield - still pretty knickable sadly, but probably less insurance costs than an R3? Maybe?

[KungFooBob]

What's the Chinese brand that have an entry in the Junior Sports class in WSBK, where they're all 3-400cc singles and twins?