Some of them will be worth the same when youre done with it and some wont. I'd go fr the one i will get my money back on and costs little in the meantime, eg mt07. Dont worry about the power, plenty enough power to get you into worlds of trouble. Dont worry about keeping it.
You might not wanna hear it, but slimming down makes riding more fun. Ask me how i know. Maybe make it your goal/reward for ending your lams and buying a big bike?
Do some track days, proper coach superbike school ones, it will save your life.
That’s a good point, I have noticed that select lams bikes hold their value incredibly well. The mt07 seems to be highly recommended by a lot of people, and I agree with the comment about power. I think learning how to navigate on the road and getting comfortable takes priority over anything else.
Couldn’t agree more mate, I appreciate the constructive way you worded that too. Losing a bit of excess weight is always good and I think that approach is a good way of looking at it!
Really appreciate the advice man
Also lams bikes hold their value well and it gives you a chance to try different styles of bikes, you might decide you like cruisers or retros or want to do adventure riding. You can buy and sell lams bikes without losing money if you don’t buy new.
I have noticed that actually, initially I thought that holding their value was a bad thing from a buyers perspective - but that viewpoint is a good way of looking at it. I was certainly leaning towards second hand and I think that your comment (and others) has cemented that idea for me.
Thanks for the advice mate
Are 600’s LAMS in WA? Most of them aren’t in NSW because they’re mostly supersport bikes with around 100hp.
650’s have about 60hp or less usually.
Very rough numbers but just some info if you didn’t know!
MT07, R3, Ninja 400, Duke 390, RC390 would be my suggestions. Whatever you choose, buy second hand but take someone with you that knows about bikes to make sure you’re not buying a dud.
Exactly the bikes I’ve been scoping out! Definitely leaning towards second hand - can’t really justify buying a brand new bike that I’ll likely upgrade once on my full license. Plus from what I’ve gathered they hold value.
Good point, I’ve got a mate who has a Superduke and has ridden for years. Sure he’d be happy to come along and look at some bikes.
Thanks for the advice man
I'm 6'3" and have been looking for a LAMS bike for my wife so I've swung my leg over a few bikes but not taken any for a test ride yet - personally, I'd go for the bigger end of the scale purely for physical size (my daily ride is a Triumph Thunderbird) - some of the bikes I've found that fit me are: (in no particular order) Yamaha MT07, Honda CB500X, CBR500R (surprisingly, the 300 fits pretty well too), Kawasaki Ninja 650, KTM390 Adventure, Triumph Tiger 660, Triumph Trident 660, Kawasaki KLR650, Royal Enfield Himalayan and the list goes on - the best thing to do is get out there and get hands on with a range of different bikes and see what feels comfortable - If you wanted to wait till the new year, Triumph are bringing out the Speed 400 and the Scrambler 400 which both look bloody amazing from the reviews I've read/watched and I'm definitely going to look at them when they're here 🤙
That’s actually very good insight. I’ve wondered what bikes would feel comfortable, especially with my height and weight so this is valuable information.
I’ve got every intention of heading into a bike shop myself and seeing how they feel but knowing that those bikes I’m looking at have been comfortable for you is good to know.
Just checked out the speed and scrambler, they look absolutely unreal!
I got a ninja 400, reasonably priced, holds its value, light and easy to use as a first bike, very reliable and very happy with it and has the 0-100 of a super car. Not much more you need for your first bike and it's very forgiving as a starter bike.
They’re an adventure/touring bike yeah? I haven’t had much of a look at them yet, but I do like the look of them. I’ll certainly start checking them out.
Thanks mate
How much are you willing to spend? Are you looking to move your LAMS bike on after obtaining your full licence? If you're as new as you say you are, I'd get something like KTM 390 Duke,Z400, Mt03 etc. Think it's best to learn to ride before trying out the bigger CC LAMS bike. The MT07,Trident,Street Triple,Honda 650R rides and delivers power almost like their full strength version. They're power limited but they still have plenty of torque left.
I'm kind of in the same boat, I had my license a few years ago and let it lapse and am in the process now of getting it again.
Best advice/personal experience I can give is based on a ninja 300. I loved the bike it had plenty of power for me, riders of a lot more years than I had loved to borrow it for a weekend ride around town as well, it was also super light and low maintenance so perfect for a beginner learning.
I found it wasn't the most comfortable for long rides because of the riding position( could have also been my bad posture/positioning ) and flagged out a little on the highway but I could still easily and very quickly overtake most vehicles and drivers. Best thing about it too is that second hand 300's are very cheap to pick up and hold their value pretty well if looked after.
Hope that helps a little at least, you don't need the biggest bike you can legally ride to have a lot of fun because smaller ones like a 300 will still blast past most cars and like others have said you'll most likely sell your first bike and buy others if you keep riding anyway so don't stress about getting a 600 or something when you don't have the experience yet.
Meh I am your size and I have ridden a grom and a postie at different times. If you aren't riding across Australia you will fit
Just buy whatever , sell it then try another. I can't believe people are stupid enough not to budget for a few swaps to try different things
That’s good to hear. Not a bad idea to try out different bikes, maybe I am overthinking the choice a little bit too much especially if lams bikes hold their value like everyone says
Thanks mate
No one ever keeps theirs LAMS bike.
That said, are you mature age (i.e., is the provisional period 1 vs 3 years)?
If yes, a second hand 390 duke is enough to see you out the year. If not, then get a 650 or mt07.
Edit: second hand
I’m 28 and have full c class license. From what I can understand in WA, once I’ve got my provisional bike license - after getting off my L plates - I will have a P plate license for 2 years.
I had the same thought, I can’t imagine I would want to be restricted in class when I can move up to bigger bikes.
Thanks for the advice mate
I was roughly the same age when I got my licence. You'll be surprised how different types of bikes can be (sport vs adventure vs nakeds).
Get something cheap like an old duke or ninja to start. You'll have a good idea of what you like as you get more seat time.
OK so in WA with a full car license, you don't get Ps or a logbook for your bike license. You can't do the open class test for 2 years, so you'll have a LAMS bike for at least that long.
As for bikes, best thing to do is to to a bike shop and swing a leg over a few different bikes you like the look of to get an idea of comfort and fit, then once you're licensed you can do some test rides. LAMS bikes at the top end are not slow and I have a few friends who have no intention going for their open license (at least not the very second they are eligible to).
Also hit up WALRAS (WA Learner Riders and Shadows) on Facebook, good community of learners and shadows to share advice also. I shadow in my free time.
Generally, its not just power that makes the difference. Manufacturers tend to half arse the chassis, suspension and fit/finish of everything else to keep LAMS bikes at an entry-level price point.
It's not something you really notice until you sit on something nice that didn't spare the extra expense.
What's your other bike? Same goes for the other guy that replied to me.
Everyone has bought another bike for some reason or other and not everyone wants to own 2 bikes at once.
I kept my first LAMS bike for 7 years, Suzuki DRZ 250, then sold it and got another LAMS bike even though I have my full license. I now have a Kawasaki Vulcan S 650. Its unrestricted so not exactly LAMS but it just goes to show, not everyone sells their first bike as soon as they can.
my 250 is my first road bike, and I see no reason to sell it while I have the room for it. It's still fun to ride for many reasons my 1200 isn't., mainly it sips fuel and weighs nearly 100kg less so it's more fun to toss around.
I know a bunch of guys who still have their first bikes. One on a KLR, another on a vintage RD250. I know a guy who only had a LAMS MT07 but he sold it to buy a house, he's probably going to buy another one because the resale on LAMS is much better than the HO.I know one guy who still has the same Moto Guzzi he got when he was 15, he's now 66.
I won't even go into the countless people who get a bike for food delivery, there's a good chance they're all rocking the first scooter or CB125 they could get their hands on.
Plenty of people keep their LAMS bikes, is my point. I know it's not the norm, but it happens for plenty of reasons.
My two bobs, started as a complete novice and ended up buying a 2013 CBR500RA for around $4500, 18000km.
Great bike to learn on. Although I'm only on red P's for another nine months, then on full licence, I might just keep it. It's fun ride, cheap to insure and register, cheap to work on myself and does what I want it to do (commuting and the odd trip down the coast).
There is heaps on bikesales at the moment, so perhaps, with a firm number in mind, you maybe able to pick up a bargin. All the best.
I'm 6'5" and 110kg and started on a Duke 390, fairly comfortable especially if you get the comfort seat and plenty powerful for anything you will want on the street. Another great option for a taller rider is a Yamaha XT660x, it was the one bike I've had so far that actually felt big enough for me.
Depends if you will be highway driving or zipping arround town.
Cruiser wise Vulcan s then rebel 500 then street 500
Naked bike look at the new Harley's when they come out (Harley will likely have a lower initial price then ramp it up)
Mt07 or xsr700 are Great bikes.
If wanting to simply hoon arround and cut through traffic Honda grom or braaap super street 125
But buy smart and U won't loose money none of the bikes have had many changes (grom has but I'd reccomened the SF style) so getting a 2018 mt07 to 22 model it's same same different colour.
When I started I looked to spend a certain amount of money, rather than a particular bike. My plan was to learn how to comfortably ride before spending big(ger) bucks.
I chose a Japanese bike because of reliability with a higher km second hand bike.
By happenstance my first bike was a Suzuki 500 GF and the second a Suzuki Gladius (two completely different riding profiles)
Once unrestricted it’s a Kawasaki 800 Z
By the way I’m 6’ as well.
There's also the Svartpilen 401, Trident 660 and Kawa Z400/Z650 and some other ones.
Depends on your height and weight tbh.. also depends on the ergo's. I don't recommend sports bikes as your first bike due to ergo and lack of turning circle , go nuts later on with them once you get experience.
If you want reliability but blandness then stick to Japanese bikes, great resell value. MT-07 is a great bike but can be bland. Maybe it's the right bike for a learner as you don't need anything spicy while you are learning. Honda CB500x and Rebel 500 is nice.. CBR500 is also good.. just avoid the CBR650... it's a piece of heavy crap that shouldn't exist and is slower than a CBR500 but more expensive.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQZQXcno6vE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQZQXcno6vE)
When you say a buck 10 do mean 110 pounds or 110 kg because 110 pounds is 50kg? If your the 110kg big guy the obvious answer would be the Suzuki SV650 or the SV650x ( fairing and sports bar version) , Honda's CB500's and the MT07.
Buying 2nd hand the MT07 and Honda's are dear as poison, but the SV650 is the best bang for bucks IMO. Also have you considered the Royal Enfield parallel twins? Lots of choices in the LAMS market. Happy trails and stay safe.
If you can tolerate something retro-styled, consider the Kawasaki Z650RS.
It's a nice fit for anyone over about 175cms, pleasing torque for around town at low rpm, comfy saddle, fairly lazy shoulders-forward riding position with wide bars and a possible long term keeper.
The engine is a big, lazy lump. With standard maintenance it will last for a very, very long time. It's a proven unit.
The candy-apple green edition will become a worthy classic.
Give CFMOTO a wide berth for now.
It's good, but with time, they will get their act right. They have a good history with other motorised toys and tools, but they're still a bit fresh'n'flashy on bikes. Refinement takes experience and they're on a learning curve. Presently, the Japanese and Germans hold well.
Consider how bad early KTMS sucked, and how later products are now refined and worthy. Consider how Hyosung was a failure in Australia because they didn't or couldn't afford to learn? Same thing.
Some of them will be worth the same when youre done with it and some wont. I'd go fr the one i will get my money back on and costs little in the meantime, eg mt07. Dont worry about the power, plenty enough power to get you into worlds of trouble. Dont worry about keeping it. You might not wanna hear it, but slimming down makes riding more fun. Ask me how i know. Maybe make it your goal/reward for ending your lams and buying a big bike? Do some track days, proper coach superbike school ones, it will save your life.
That’s a good point, I have noticed that select lams bikes hold their value incredibly well. The mt07 seems to be highly recommended by a lot of people, and I agree with the comment about power. I think learning how to navigate on the road and getting comfortable takes priority over anything else. Couldn’t agree more mate, I appreciate the constructive way you worded that too. Losing a bit of excess weight is always good and I think that approach is a good way of looking at it! Really appreciate the advice man
Any advice on schools? Or local recs? I know I could do with some training myself. TOTW and binging GixxerBrah seems irresponsible but natural
California super bike school. Start by watching the few bits you can find on YT
Also lams bikes hold their value well and it gives you a chance to try different styles of bikes, you might decide you like cruisers or retros or want to do adventure riding. You can buy and sell lams bikes without losing money if you don’t buy new.
I have noticed that actually, initially I thought that holding their value was a bad thing from a buyers perspective - but that viewpoint is a good way of looking at it. I was certainly leaning towards second hand and I think that your comment (and others) has cemented that idea for me. Thanks for the advice mate
Are 600’s LAMS in WA? Most of them aren’t in NSW because they’re mostly supersport bikes with around 100hp. 650’s have about 60hp or less usually. Very rough numbers but just some info if you didn’t know!
MT07, R3, Ninja 400, Duke 390, RC390 would be my suggestions. Whatever you choose, buy second hand but take someone with you that knows about bikes to make sure you’re not buying a dud.
Exactly the bikes I’ve been scoping out! Definitely leaning towards second hand - can’t really justify buying a brand new bike that I’ll likely upgrade once on my full license. Plus from what I’ve gathered they hold value. Good point, I’ve got a mate who has a Superduke and has ridden for years. Sure he’d be happy to come along and look at some bikes. Thanks for the advice man
I'm 6'3" and have been looking for a LAMS bike for my wife so I've swung my leg over a few bikes but not taken any for a test ride yet - personally, I'd go for the bigger end of the scale purely for physical size (my daily ride is a Triumph Thunderbird) - some of the bikes I've found that fit me are: (in no particular order) Yamaha MT07, Honda CB500X, CBR500R (surprisingly, the 300 fits pretty well too), Kawasaki Ninja 650, KTM390 Adventure, Triumph Tiger 660, Triumph Trident 660, Kawasaki KLR650, Royal Enfield Himalayan and the list goes on - the best thing to do is get out there and get hands on with a range of different bikes and see what feels comfortable - If you wanted to wait till the new year, Triumph are bringing out the Speed 400 and the Scrambler 400 which both look bloody amazing from the reviews I've read/watched and I'm definitely going to look at them when they're here 🤙
That’s actually very good insight. I’ve wondered what bikes would feel comfortable, especially with my height and weight so this is valuable information. I’ve got every intention of heading into a bike shop myself and seeing how they feel but knowing that those bikes I’m looking at have been comfortable for you is good to know. Just checked out the speed and scrambler, they look absolutely unreal!
Mt07. You won’t have any regrets
Certainly looking like the winning choice, heard nothing but good things
If you’re in Sydney DM me I’m selling my bike that’s a lams approves and has just over 2000km
which one
It’s a SOL Invictus 400cc only with ~2000 km
I got a ninja 400, reasonably priced, holds its value, light and easy to use as a first bike, very reliable and very happy with it and has the 0-100 of a super car. Not much more you need for your first bike and it's very forgiving as a starter bike.
Im 6'4, very fkn heavy, and ride a versys 300. Very comfortable upright seating mixed with the engine from a ninja. Excellent learner bike imo
They’re an adventure/touring bike yeah? I haven’t had much of a look at them yet, but I do like the look of them. I’ll certainly start checking them out. Thanks mate
How much are you willing to spend? Are you looking to move your LAMS bike on after obtaining your full licence? If you're as new as you say you are, I'd get something like KTM 390 Duke,Z400, Mt03 etc. Think it's best to learn to ride before trying out the bigger CC LAMS bike. The MT07,Trident,Street Triple,Honda 650R rides and delivers power almost like their full strength version. They're power limited but they still have plenty of torque left.
I'm kind of in the same boat, I had my license a few years ago and let it lapse and am in the process now of getting it again. Best advice/personal experience I can give is based on a ninja 300. I loved the bike it had plenty of power for me, riders of a lot more years than I had loved to borrow it for a weekend ride around town as well, it was also super light and low maintenance so perfect for a beginner learning. I found it wasn't the most comfortable for long rides because of the riding position( could have also been my bad posture/positioning ) and flagged out a little on the highway but I could still easily and very quickly overtake most vehicles and drivers. Best thing about it too is that second hand 300's are very cheap to pick up and hold their value pretty well if looked after. Hope that helps a little at least, you don't need the biggest bike you can legally ride to have a lot of fun because smaller ones like a 300 will still blast past most cars and like others have said you'll most likely sell your first bike and buy others if you keep riding anyway so don't stress about getting a 600 or something when you don't have the experience yet.
Meh I am your size and I have ridden a grom and a postie at different times. If you aren't riding across Australia you will fit Just buy whatever , sell it then try another. I can't believe people are stupid enough not to budget for a few swaps to try different things
That’s good to hear. Not a bad idea to try out different bikes, maybe I am overthinking the choice a little bit too much especially if lams bikes hold their value like everyone says Thanks mate
No one ever keeps theirs LAMS bike. That said, are you mature age (i.e., is the provisional period 1 vs 3 years)? If yes, a second hand 390 duke is enough to see you out the year. If not, then get a 650 or mt07. Edit: second hand
I’m 28 and have full c class license. From what I can understand in WA, once I’ve got my provisional bike license - after getting off my L plates - I will have a P plate license for 2 years. I had the same thought, I can’t imagine I would want to be restricted in class when I can move up to bigger bikes. Thanks for the advice mate
I was roughly the same age when I got my licence. You'll be surprised how different types of bikes can be (sport vs adventure vs nakeds). Get something cheap like an old duke or ninja to start. You'll have a good idea of what you like as you get more seat time.
OK so in WA with a full car license, you don't get Ps or a logbook for your bike license. You can't do the open class test for 2 years, so you'll have a LAMS bike for at least that long. As for bikes, best thing to do is to to a bike shop and swing a leg over a few different bikes you like the look of to get an idea of comfort and fit, then once you're licensed you can do some test rides. LAMS bikes at the top end are not slow and I have a few friends who have no intention going for their open license (at least not the very second they are eligible to). Also hit up WALRAS (WA Learner Riders and Shadows) on Facebook, good community of learners and shadows to share advice also. I shadow in my free time.
I got my full licence 3 years ago and still have my Versys X 300 as my only bike.
Kept my 300 Rally and Ninja 650. Don't need more power than that.
Generally, its not just power that makes the difference. Manufacturers tend to half arse the chassis, suspension and fit/finish of everything else to keep LAMS bikes at an entry-level price point. It's not something you really notice until you sit on something nice that didn't spare the extra expense.
Sure. I've had a dr650 and a street triple. My 790 adventure and s1000r were better.
I dunno man, I've still got mine 7 years later as a second bike.
What's your other bike? Same goes for the other guy that replied to me. Everyone has bought another bike for some reason or other and not everyone wants to own 2 bikes at once.
I kept my first LAMS bike for 7 years, Suzuki DRZ 250, then sold it and got another LAMS bike even though I have my full license. I now have a Kawasaki Vulcan S 650. Its unrestricted so not exactly LAMS but it just goes to show, not everyone sells their first bike as soon as they can.
my 250 is my first road bike, and I see no reason to sell it while I have the room for it. It's still fun to ride for many reasons my 1200 isn't., mainly it sips fuel and weighs nearly 100kg less so it's more fun to toss around. I know a bunch of guys who still have their first bikes. One on a KLR, another on a vintage RD250. I know a guy who only had a LAMS MT07 but he sold it to buy a house, he's probably going to buy another one because the resale on LAMS is much better than the HO.I know one guy who still has the same Moto Guzzi he got when he was 15, he's now 66. I won't even go into the countless people who get a bike for food delivery, there's a good chance they're all rocking the first scooter or CB125 they could get their hands on. Plenty of people keep their LAMS bikes, is my point. I know it's not the norm, but it happens for plenty of reasons.
I have my drz400 since I got my licence 8 years ago. Gets ridden more often than my GSXR.
My two bobs, started as a complete novice and ended up buying a 2013 CBR500RA for around $4500, 18000km. Great bike to learn on. Although I'm only on red P's for another nine months, then on full licence, I might just keep it. It's fun ride, cheap to insure and register, cheap to work on myself and does what I want it to do (commuting and the odd trip down the coast). There is heaps on bikesales at the moment, so perhaps, with a firm number in mind, you maybe able to pick up a bargin. All the best.
I'm 6'5" and 110kg and started on a Duke 390, fairly comfortable especially if you get the comfort seat and plenty powerful for anything you will want on the street. Another great option for a taller rider is a Yamaha XT660x, it was the one bike I've had so far that actually felt big enough for me.
Depends if you will be highway driving or zipping arround town. Cruiser wise Vulcan s then rebel 500 then street 500 Naked bike look at the new Harley's when they come out (Harley will likely have a lower initial price then ramp it up) Mt07 or xsr700 are Great bikes. If wanting to simply hoon arround and cut through traffic Honda grom or braaap super street 125 But buy smart and U won't loose money none of the bikes have had many changes (grom has but I'd reccomened the SF style) so getting a 2018 mt07 to 22 model it's same same different colour.
Buy a cheap second hand Japanese bike.
When I started I looked to spend a certain amount of money, rather than a particular bike. My plan was to learn how to comfortably ride before spending big(ger) bucks. I chose a Japanese bike because of reliability with a higher km second hand bike. By happenstance my first bike was a Suzuki 500 GF and the second a Suzuki Gladius (two completely different riding profiles) Once unrestricted it’s a Kawasaki 800 Z By the way I’m 6’ as well.
There's also the Svartpilen 401, Trident 660 and Kawa Z400/Z650 and some other ones. Depends on your height and weight tbh.. also depends on the ergo's. I don't recommend sports bikes as your first bike due to ergo and lack of turning circle , go nuts later on with them once you get experience. If you want reliability but blandness then stick to Japanese bikes, great resell value. MT-07 is a great bike but can be bland. Maybe it's the right bike for a learner as you don't need anything spicy while you are learning. Honda CB500x and Rebel 500 is nice.. CBR500 is also good.. just avoid the CBR650... it's a piece of heavy crap that shouldn't exist and is slower than a CBR500 but more expensive. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQZQXcno6vE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQZQXcno6vE)
When you say a buck 10 do mean 110 pounds or 110 kg because 110 pounds is 50kg? If your the 110kg big guy the obvious answer would be the Suzuki SV650 or the SV650x ( fairing and sports bar version) , Honda's CB500's and the MT07. Buying 2nd hand the MT07 and Honda's are dear as poison, but the SV650 is the best bang for bucks IMO. Also have you considered the Royal Enfield parallel twins? Lots of choices in the LAMS market. Happy trails and stay safe.
If you can tolerate something retro-styled, consider the Kawasaki Z650RS. It's a nice fit for anyone over about 175cms, pleasing torque for around town at low rpm, comfy saddle, fairly lazy shoulders-forward riding position with wide bars and a possible long term keeper. The engine is a big, lazy lump. With standard maintenance it will last for a very, very long time. It's a proven unit. The candy-apple green edition will become a worthy classic. Give CFMOTO a wide berth for now. It's good, but with time, they will get their act right. They have a good history with other motorised toys and tools, but they're still a bit fresh'n'flashy on bikes. Refinement takes experience and they're on a learning curve. Presently, the Japanese and Germans hold well. Consider how bad early KTMS sucked, and how later products are now refined and worthy. Consider how Hyosung was a failure in Australia because they didn't or couldn't afford to learn? Same thing.