Can I Start on an 800cc Motorcycle?

Should beginner bike riders consider choosing an 800cc motorbike as their first motorbike? It is an important question, especially if you live in the US. Starting with an 800cc bike depends on various individual cases.

Your skill level and confidence, together with your selected bike, determine your ability to start with an 800cc bike. In this article, we will examine both the positive and negative aspects of starting on an 800cc bike and its suitability for new riders.

An 800cc motorcycle comes with an engine displacement size of 800 cubic centimeters capacity. The 800cc engine bike segment provides excellent power-producing ability while delivering fair control abilities to riders.

This category of bikes functions well for motorbike touring, as well as sport riding and daily commuting. The power and torque-producing abilities of 800cc motorbikes exceed that of 250cc or 500cc motorbikes. However, it is low-powered compared to 1000 cc sport bikes.

The 800cc motorbike offers a sufficient mix of power that allows smooth traffic movement and comfortable high-speed performance. The ability to travel efficiently on both highways and long routes becomes possible because of the decent engine capacity and power.

Most 800cc bikes are made to handle numerous riding purposes. An 800cc bike works well for all kinds of situations, including daily travel, weekend trips, and long journeys. Because they perform well in various situations, 800cc bikes serve as a suitable option for riders who need versatile motorbikes.

Beginning your biker career with a small-capacity motorbike may result in fast outgrowth. If you are a fast learner, you will get ready to move on to your next bike soon. As a result, you will soon require a motorbike upgrade.

An 800cc bike delivers decent power, so you will likely avoid upgrading your bike for an extended period. As a result, you will save money as you will use it for years to come. Also, you may never need to upgrade to an 800 cc bike if it fulfills all your riding needs.

The market value of 800cc bikes remains stable over time. You will obtain a beneficial price when you decide to sell the bike.

The 800cc bike possesses greater power and weight compared to other bikes in the entry-level or low-powered category. A beginner may struggle to control such a bike because of its higher power and weight. The throttle, clutch, and brakes require special care when operating such a motorbike.

The cost of 800cc bikes exceeds the price of smaller bikes. The insurance costs are higher, along with the upkeep costs. A limited budget may prove to be a problem if you choose to purchase an 800 cc bike.

More power means more risk. Your inability to maintain proper control over the motorbike as a new rider will result in accidents. Many experts point toward starting with a motorbike with a small-capacity engine.

800cc bikes are not lightweight and are small for a beginner, depending on the bike type and class. These bikes have bigger dimensions compared to other suitable beginner bikes. Motorbikes with 800cc engines become challenging to handle at both low speeds and narrow areas, especially for new riders.

Starting with an 800cc bike requires beginner riders to follow the below tips to ensure their road safety:

Learning basic skills through a bike safety riding course will help you manage an 800cc motorbike effectively while also getting familiar with its handling features. The safety courses from reputable bike riding schools have learner motorbikes for practice that enable students to learn on a better learning platform.

Make your first practice sessions in an open, safe space like a parking lot before taking an 800 cc motorcycle on the road. Learning to control your bike includes getting comfortable with its weight together with throttle and brake operation.

Begin by taking it easy on an 800 cc motorbike. Start slow as you twist the motorbike throttle. Spend enough time with your bike while riding slowly until you feel at ease with how your bike operates and responds. Wait to ride on highways and high-speed lanes until you have developed enough bike-riding skills.

As a bike rider, you should always protect yourself by wearing a helmet, leather jacket, pants, biker boots, and biker gloves. Wearing safety riding gear can save your life. It can help avoid life-threatening injuries that can take your life. So, never ride a bike without the proper gear.

Before riding a motorbike, you must study the owner's manual to understand its key operational features. Gaining knowledge about your bike operation also improves your riding safety.

Most American bikers begin their motorcycling career on 800cc bikes because of the wide network of wide and open roads, along with their traditional riding customs. Here’s why:

• Most Americans find themselves on highways, which makes small bikes struggle to reach and maintain proper speeds. An 800cc bike has sufficient power to ensure safe riding on highways.

• A basic skills test enables riders to choose larger bikes when they obtain their license. The licensing process allows new riders to start operating mid-range motorbikes immediately after passing their skills test.

• In the US, the availability of an extensive motorbike product range allows new riders to choose from 800cc bikes that include adventure bikes and cruisers, which deliver power in a controlled manner. Unlike sports or super sports bikes, an 800 cc cruiser is not a very fast motorbike. A very popular example is the Harley Sportster Iron 883, with an engine size of 883 cc. However, it is one of the most favorite beginner-friendly motorbikes in the US.

• New bike riders in the U.S. participate in safety courses that enhance both their confidence and basic skills, which prepares them for their first 800cc bike.

A beginner should determine which engine capacity bike they can safely handle. The right engine capacity for a new rider depends on their comfort zone and preferred bike design. Here’s a general guide for beginner riders:

• Beginners will find the most suitable first bikes in the range of 250cc to 500cc. Suck bikes offer low weight together with straightforward handling capabilities as well as decreased sensitivity to mistakes.

• Novice riders can handle 600cc to 800cc bikes when they choose models with mild power delivery features, such as cruiser bikes. A popular model includes the Harley Sportster Iron 883, which is an ideal beginner cruiser bike.

• New riders should avoid using sport bikes within this engine range because they tend to offer an aggressive riding experience.

• Bikes with engine capacities of 1000cc and above do not suit new riders. These bikes are big machines that need experienced riders to operate them safely because of their top-end power and weight.

• New riders should avoid bikes with more than 500cc unless they feature beginner-friendly features such as low seat height, low-powered engine, and smooth throttle response.

The speed of an 800cc motorcycle depends on specific bike specs and bike type. The following information provides a basic overview:

• The speed range of most 800 cc bikes extends between 120 to 140 mph (193 to 225 km/h). A sportier version of the same model can achieve higher speeds than the original version.

• Motorbikes with 800cc engines can usually accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (0-97 km/h) speed in around 3-4 seconds, depending on the bike type and specific model.

• 800 cc bikes can achieve good top speeds, considering their weight and overall features. However, motorbike makers usually focus on maintaining a cruising speed between 70-80 mph (113 - 129 km/h), which makes them suitable for extended rides.

• Every new rider must exercise extreme caution when it comes to attaining top speeds on a bike. All riders must consider their riding skills while obeying speed limits.

A beginner’s safety and self-assurance depend significantly on selecting the proper bike size. Here’s a breakdown:

• 250cc to 300cc: Ideal for absolute beginners. These bikes feature lightweight construction and easy handling features.

• A 500cc to 650cc bike provides power beyond entry level. However, the handling features make them somewhere manageable for novice riders. Bike riders who aim to cover both highways and longer trips should consider these bikes.

• Novice riders who possess dirt biking experience or are confident riders can consider bikes with 800cc engine size. New riders should select models that offer a low sitting position and deliver power smoothly.

• Most cruiser bikes feature a lower seat position and relaxing riding stance that helps new riders master their skills.

• Adventure bikes feature certain 600cc models, which cater to new riders through their comfortable riding experience with controllable power delivery.

• New riders should avoid sports bikes since these bikes become difficult to manage at high top speeds.

• You should choose a bike that enables you to rest both feet on the ground while seated. Flattening both feet on the ground provides better balance and control during riding.

• A bike weighing less provides better control when riding at low speeds or when moving the bike when parked.

A beginner rider can operate an 800cc bike. However, it is not the most suitable and best option for all new riders. Bike riders who are confident and capable of operating a high-powered motorbike may safely ride an 800 cc bike if they dedicate time to learning.

Those bike riders who are either inexperienced or uncertain about their abilities should begin with a smaller bike before upgrading to an 800cc bike.

Safety remains the essential factor that must never be ignored, especially if you are a motorcyclist and a beginner. Before riding a motorbike on open roads, you should dedicate time to studying and practicing bike operations.

The decision about purchasing an 800cc bike as a beginner gets easier when you evaluate its advantages and disadvantages and follow the recommended guidelines.