What would be a good bike for a beginner? - Page 4

Scrappy Doo · 04-09-2010, 12:48 PM

The vstar 650 was my first street bike. it is absolutely perfect to learn how to ride on. You can completely dump the clutch and it will just kill, and not spin out, flip over etc.
You can grab them used starting at like $2500 bucks.

That or the Honda shadow.

After you get comfortabale, then step up the power.

bigearl · 04-09-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brokinarrow

^ That's why I was looking at the honda Rebel, though I'm leaning more heavily towards the V Star 250 now. Lighter weight bikes (around 330 lbs or so wet), just as maneuverable, but lower to the ground then the ones you posted so I'll have a lower center of gravity. Thanks though

Should be a good commuter. Sounds like you're thinking smart on this.

Xanthos · 04-09-2010, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brokinarrow

^ That's why I was looking at the honda Rebel, though I'm leaning more heavily towards the V Star 250 now. Lighter weight bikes (around 330 lbs or so wet), just as maneuverable, but lower to the ground then the ones you posted so I'll have a lower center of gravity. Thanks though

You might also consider a used 80s model Yamaha or Honda.

They're built like rocks, they're pretty light (my 650 is about 450 pounds wet), braking is good for the time period and no worse than one of those 250s you're looking at, and they have more than enough power to merge onto the interstate, pass, etc.

- X

2010 SSRS · 04-09-2010, 01:32 PM

Get a Hayabusa, start at the top and rule the streets.

Brokinarrow · 04-09-2010, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2010 SSRS

Get a Hayabusa, start at the top and rule the streets.

If by 'rule' you mean 'splatter myself all over the pavement', YUP I could see that happening on one of those!

Brokinarrow · 04-09-2010, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xanthos

You might also consider a used 80s model Yamaha or Honda.

They're built like rocks, they're pretty light (my 650 is about 450 pounds wet), braking is good for the time period and no worse than one of those 250s you're looking at, and they have more than enough power to merge onto the interstate, pass, etc.

- X

Yeah, that's the other thing i was thinkin about. Wasn't too sure how well a lil 250cc bike would do on the interstate, as I use it to get to work every day (about 25 miles or so one way). Found this at a local shop: http://www.struthersbros.com/new_veh...68&pov=1533360 Looks pretty nice.

Xanthos · 04-09-2010, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brokinarrow

Yeah, that's the other thing i was thinkin about. Wasn't too sure how well a lil 250cc bike would do on the interstate, as I use it to get to work every day (about 25 miles or so one way). Found this at a local shop: http://www.struthersbros.com/new_veh...68&pov=1533360 Looks pretty nice.

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roa...s40/index.html

Apparently good on the handling, a bit short on power for the interstate. Taking it around town it should work great though.

- X

Brokinarrow · 04-09-2010, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xanthos

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roa...s40/index.html

Apparently good on the handling, a bit short on power for the interstate. Taking it around town it should work great though.

- X

meh, as long is it is able to get up to 70 and stay there I'll be happy. no huge hills or anything on my route, so that shouldn't be a problem. Think I'll drop by this shop today to take a look at it.... is it 5:00 yet?!?!

Rtoups · 04-09-2010, 03:58 PM

I've heard many people recommend a Ninja 250. Nice looking sports bike and good for a beginner.

Brokinarrow · 04-09-2010, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rtoups

I've heard many people recommend a Ninja 250. Nice looking sports bike and good for a beginner.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brokinarrow

So I'm thinking of getting a motorcycle eventually. What would be a good bike for a beginner rider? I don't want a sport/street bike, would like something I can cruise on comfortably and ride back and forth to work on nice days. Also, I'll be looking at USED bikes, cheap and reliable is the goal.

bigearl · 04-09-2010, 04:09 PM

I haven't ridden that particular Yamaha(the vstar)- but I doubt it would have any issue riding at 70. That one I pictured above (wr250x) will do 90+ and it's comfortable at 80. A honda sh150 scooter will go 70+.

That being said, if you are running 25 miles each way on the interstate I do think you'd be happier on a 500-650 like that Vulcan 500 or the s40 pictured above. I have no doubt the 250 would do it, but I think it would wear on you from being so wound out for that long.

monstertodd · 04-09-2010, 07:35 PM

I would go with a Ducati Monster 620 or a Suzuki SV650.

Both very easy to handle bikes with lots of torque in the lower part of the RPM range. Much more fun than a 4 cyl bike IMHO.

My first bike was an 03 Ducati Monster 620.

Zeus · 04-09-2010, 07:49 PM

If you want to overpay for something which is going to require more upkeep and is made better and more efficiently by the Japanese, then buy a Ducati.

monstertodd · 04-09-2010, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zeus

If you want to overpay for something which is going to require more upkeep and is made better and more efficiently by the Japanese, then buy a Ducati.

We agree to disagree. My experience has been different. I've owned an 03 Monster, and an 05 749. They are very easy to work on. hourly labor charge at a Duc shop isn't any higher than at a Suzuki or Harley shop.

04-09-2010, 01:32 PM	#46
2010 SSRS Drives: 3 V8 Camaros Join Date: May 2009 Location: The Ocean State Posts: 111,186 View My Garage	Get a Hayabusa, start at the top and rule the streets. __________________ Jannetty Racing JRE Street Package

04-09-2010, 03:58 PM	#51
Rtoups Drives: RJT 2LT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Palos Verdes, California Posts: 602 View My Garage	I've heard many people recommend a Ninja 250. Nice looking sports bike and good for a beginner. __________________ SoCal Camaro5 Family Member

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04-09-2010, 12:48 PM	#43
Scrappy Doo Drives: Callaway Rogue Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: W8n 4 Snow, Minnesota Posts: 4,731	The vstar 650 was my first street bike. it is absolutely perfect to learn how to ride on. You can completely dump the clutch and it will just kill, and not spin out, flip over etc. You can grab them used starting at like $2500 bucks. That or the Honda shadow. After you get comfortabale, then step up the power.

04-09-2010, 04:09 PM	#53
bigearl Drives: 10 Camaro 2lt Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Napa Posts: 553	I haven't ridden that particular Yamaha(the vstar)- but I doubt it would have any issue riding at 70. That one I pictured above (wr250x) will do 90+ and it's comfortable at 80. A honda sh150 scooter will go 70+. That being said, if you are running 25 miles each way on the interstate I do think you'd be happier on a 500-650 like that Vulcan 500 or the s40 pictured above. I have no doubt the 250 would do it, but I think it would wear on you from being so wound out for that long.

04-09-2010, 07:35 PM	#54
monstertodd Drives: 2010 Cyber Grey Metallic 2SS/RS M6 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Tega Cay, South Carolina Posts: 4,032 View My Garage	I would go with a Ducati Monster 620 or a Suzuki SV650. Both very easy to handle bikes with lots of torque in the lower part of the RPM range. Much more fun than a 4 cyl bike IMHO. My first bike was an 03 Ducati Monster 620.

04-09-2010, 07:49 PM	#55
Zeus BOOOOOM MF'R!! Drives: to Chipotle daily Join Date: May 2009 Location: Flo-Rida Posts: 3,614	If you want to overpay for something which is going to require more upkeep and is made better and more efficiently by the Japanese, then buy a Ducati.