What's a good bike for an inexperienced (but qualified) rider?

Question

Recently passed my DAC. Having gone from never ridden to fully qualified in less than a week I accept I still have a lot to learn.

What's a good forgiving bike to start with?

Must be:
cheap insurance (no no claims yet!)
upright riding position
not single cylinder
able to keep up with traffic (60-70mph) comfortably
not too heavy
mainstream manufacturer (make servicing easier/cheaper)
and suitable for a short-@rse!

I'm only looking to spend £1500-2000 so am looking at older models.

Answer 1

If you are looking for a really good Bike try a VT Honda Shadow they are classed as a cruiser, Bikes range from a 125cc 250cc 500cc 750cc 1000cc you will find it has an upright riding position is a really good looker If you shop around you should get 250cc nearly new for just under £2,000.00 or a littleolder 500cc for about the same price. I myself have a mint VT500cc Shadow its 20 years old and has only done just over 15,000 miles and is Fantastic to look at also to ride having had 20 Bikes over the last 30 years this is the cream at the top of the milk. You could even have that for £2,000 including a years MOT and TAX any trial it has a drive shaft instead of a chain so a lot less problems. Also by the way I am not a dealer just a Biker any other help you need please just ask. PS Insurance for a Shadow 500cc Not knowing your age, because it a classic you should pay between £90.00 and £250.00. I insured my Bike this year for £87.00 and that is with only one years no-claims.

Answer 2

You could probably get an older Suzuki Katana 600 or a GS500 twin for what you want to spend, both reliable, 100mph (lot more on 600)
The Honda CM/CB400/450 twins are reliable but they are getting pretty old now.
Yamaha FZ,FJ or XJ line is good, FZR are too low and uncomfortable around town ( I think FZ may be europe only?)
I dont like Kawasaki, so I cant recommend any of their line (although the old 500/550 fours are reliable, and the Z650from the 1970's has a classic syle (so isnt usually cheap)
Stay away from 400cc four cylinder bikes, they have generally been abused, even if well looked after they have a pretty short life.

Answer 3

most training schools put you on a honda CBF500 and then we all go out and buy one right? Wrong, most instructors ride Yamaha Fazers because you can punish them and don't need a degree in motorcycle engineering to run one. I passed a year ago and got a Fazer 600 it is has a split personality, it is civilised at commuting speeds and a maniac if you let it. Not the fastest bike out there but the best first bike. Get this and you won't think of upgrading for .... a long time. Other options, Suzuki bandit 600 and SV650. DO NOT GET A DUCATI, if you do carry lots of WD40 around with you

Answer 4

My local training school uses Suzuki Gs500 twins . They are good bikes which can reach 90mph. The newer bikes have standard bars, so slightly more upright seating position.
Kawasaki GT550 is a good bike, up right riding position, max 115mph, comfortably 70mph. It wieghs about 420lbs. Boring looks, but if your a good buyer you can get yourself a reliable bargain off ebay!.Most look tatty

Answer 5

Look at a Kawasaki 500 cc Vulcan or a Honda 600cc Shadow VLX. I don't know how to convert pounds to dollars , or what is considered economical in your country, but these bikes fit your specs. I know ladies that ride them. One ladie rode the VN 500 from South Texas, to Canada.

Answer 6

Hondas are great, very reliable, and go for something on the smaller side, ie. 250 or 400, the actual size of the bike is a wee bit smaller than a 1000cc!!! And good luck, have fun!!

Answer 7

Take your time and look for a bike that suits you, in the 400cc range. If you have a friend that knows motorcycles, take them along to look the bike over. I have found lots of bargains on nice bikes in that range as people move up to bigger machines. Good Luck

Answer 8

The small Honda Shadow's are very agile, light, and reliable.
The same can be said about the Honda Rebel's

Good Luck.

Answer 9

I would look at a 400 Jap street bike, Honda maybe... very forgiving engines... not a sport... If your very short then the Moto Guzzi V65 is low...... there are lots out there really.

Answer 10

Buy a car, you can buy any quality bike four that price range.
Look at $7000- 9000.00 if you want zero maintaince and something that will move with the traffic.