[jz606]

Hello!

Just got my license a few weeks ago and I've been shopping around for bikes, my local Yamaha dealership has me leaning towards an SCR950 or 2018 XCR700. The SCR950 is a bit more in my price range with the current sales happening (7k flat out the door paid in cash, which I've been saving up), but as I'm a new rider, I've been a little concerned about buying something with such a high displacement for my first bike.

That said, I test rode an SR400 and hated it - I'm 6' and 200 pounds, it felt like a toy...rode the 700 around the lot and it felt great, the 950 felt the same. Curious if anyone here has any advice/recommendations or experience with the 950 as a newer rider?

Thanks!

 

[gallam03]

I would say trust your gut. Yamaha makes good bikes and I can’t really see you going wrong with either. They are pretty different bikes. Which were you more comfortable on? Do you like the styling of one over the other one?? I only have experience on the SCR. Never ridden the other. Are you planning any mods? You may want to consider things like that. the SCR has some pretty decent mods you can do because it shares a lot with the Bolt,but there is little support for some things on it. For example....pretty much everyone hates the stock seat on the SCR. There are no aftermarket seats at this time, but there is a push to try to get someone to make something for it. Personally I shipped my seat off to someone to redo for me so it’s more comfortable. I should have it back later this week.

Read some expert reviews, go through the forum and read stuff on it and the sleep on it and trust your gut, get your bike and don’t look back. Just enjoy the freedom of riding on 2 wheels.

 

[jz606]

Thanks! Honestly, I dug them both equally in terms of feel, but the 950 is like 10% more my vibe.

 

[ChopperCharles]

If this is really your first bike, and you haven't ridden anything else, I really say go smaller. Think Ninja 300 or Rebel 300. Or Rebel 500. I'm 230 and I absolutely loved the Ninja 250 I used to own. It'd do 80mph 2-up and was just a blast to ride and even tour on. It wasn't even my 1st or 2nd bike... I think it was my 14th. While the Bolt line doesn't have a lot of horsepower, they do weigh a metric crapload, and are not a cheap bike. The XSR700 is more worrisome, with nearly 70 horsepower and 400 lbs, that's SV650 territory. I think any dealer pushing somone to start out on a 950cc bike that weighs almost 600 pounds (wet) or a naked sportbike equivalent is prioritizing their bottom line more than what is best for you. That's my take though...

Small bikes are fun to ride and inexpensive, and in my opinion worth a second look, ESPECIALLY as your first bike.

Charles.

 

[YamiGuy]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Mellowrider]

I started out on a 1977 KZ 750 .. So it was pretty much the same bike for me. They weigh just 4 pounds different .. Same style and size. its personal preference.
Whichever bike you feel most comfortable on is the one you should go with. The scr is the kind of bike that feels better the more you ride it.
Happy trails.

 

[YamiGuy]

I started out on a 1977 KZ 750 .. So it was pretty much the same bike for me. They weigh just 4 pounds different .. Same style and size. its personal preference.
Whichever bike you feel most comfortable on is the one you should go with. The scr is the kind of bike that feels better the more you ride it.
Happy trails.

But that can be said for most bikes like the SCR, its one of many new bikes on the market these days that suit a wide range of riders. Ergo's alone give it away.

 

[Bryan.Love]

I had the same dilemma. I went, saw them both and then did a bunch of research. Went back some time later and sat down on the SCR950 and I just felt comfortable. Before I could hesitate I called the Sales manager over and had him prep it. Its a **** of a bike. definitely has some weight to it but that's what I wanted.