best, first time rider, motorcycle??

Question

i dont know what motorcycle i should get, and if should get it new or used because i dont know anyone that owns a bike and i wouldnt even know how to maintain it?? help

Answer 1

Well, I'm glad I bought a used bike. Dropped it in my garage not long afterwards trying to put it on its centerstand. I might have been upset if it were all shiny and new, but I had a banged up, pre-dropped bike. Plus, it leaves more money for safety gear, and if you decide biking's not for you, you can sell it without taking a big hit to the pocketbook. You probably won't want to start with a bike that's old enough to vote - which I did - if you fear maintenance.

I've said it a couple times before in other Answers: I have three rules for a first bike.

1. Don't get something too heavy, or if you drop it you won't be able to pick it up. If you are buying a used bike, the owner may even let you try this out on the lawn.

2. Don't get something that's up so high that your feet can't both be flat on the ground when you're sitting in the saddle.

3. Don't get something with so much power that it's likely to get in trouble.

Dirt bikes can be a good starting point. You can ride them where there's no traffic, and get to practice dealing with all kinds of complicated terrain before encountering it on the street. There are also dual sports, which are essentially street legal dirt bikes.

Some good bikes to look at for a beginner include most one cylinder dual sport bikes, most cruisers of 750 cc's or less, and most other bikes under 600 cc. A Kawasaki Ninja 250 or Ninja 500 are great if you want a light, fun sportbike. Same with the Suzuki GS500 or the Buell Blast - the latter being a bike that Harley came up with especially for beginning riders who don't want to do very much maintenance.

The 600 cc sport bikes are often 100 hp or more - not exactly newbie friendly. As I heard on one now defunct motorcycle message board, "The trouble with supersport bikes for beginners is that they do exactly what you accidentally tell them to do."

Answer 2

I got an old 78 Honda 400. Still have it. Have an Intruder 750 now. It would have been all right as first too. When you buy used, get from a bike shop that has done all the look over and making sure it is safe. If buying private make sure they can answer and show you when it's last tune up was. When they changed the oil. (for storage and every 3000km approx) Bad oil takes a lot out of an engine. And gas treatment for storage - if not used will make your carbs bad. If the bike looks rough and not looked after, then it isn't. People who looked after there bikes have clean bikes and know everything about it.

I started riding and I didn't know a thing about them or know anyone. Never ridden before. There is even a book Motorcycling for Dummies! It is actually very informative and amusing!

I recommend safety course for anyone. You will learn 100 things that will save your life and make you look like an experienced rider.

Answer 3

Personally I go with the Harley. Rule of thumb is you never sell your Harley, but reality is we can't all have a garage full of them and frankly they don't run like a dream forever. With that said yes a harley costs more off the floor then other brands but the resale price and demand are much higher then other brands. There is also the attitude that riding a harley brings. Imagine how people look when 10 Yamaha's ride down main street, now imagine the looks when 10 Harley's rumble down main street. If reliability and comfort are your main goal, don't buy a Harley. My 00 sportster had two rebuilds by 06. My new Dyna has had a few factory issues but Harley is great about getting it taken care of. The 00 heritage has 90K miles with minor repair needing. So ya the Harley can do it but it is a rare story not a common story. Still reliable but not forever. Have you noticed how many other brands take on the look of the sport touring Harley's? That says a lot, they all wanna be a Harley when they grow up. Me I ride an 07 Dyna (Harley), as a small female rider I get a ton of double takes and would on any bike, but you don't hear oh man that hottie rides a bike, you hear that hottie rides her own Harley :-)

Answer 4

I would go with a used bike to start off with that way if you drop it it won't seem as bad ( it'll still suck). they size is going to depend on you though. some of things you should consider first are:
what type of bike? sport, cruiser or something in between. ie a Ninja, a Harley or an SV650.
Next is what thype of area will you be riding in is it a flat state with very few hilly/ curvey roads or will you be tearing up twisties on a 20% grade all the time.
What do you weigh/ how tall are you.
I would suggest spending a day at a small local shop asking every question you can think of. maintenance is a whole other story. it reall depends on how mechanically inclined you are.

Answer 5

If you are starting out that fresh, I suggest taking a safety course first to see how you handle it. That way you are not out any money and gain a lot of first-hand knowledge. I bought my first bike without knowing how to ride one and I could not touch flat-footed on both sides. It did not run properly and I had all kinds of problems. As it was said before, go to a dealer and ask around. They do give you lots of info to help you make the right choice. Riding is great, but there are a lot of stressors out there and a lot of things to consider. Good luck.

Answer 6

the new ninja 650r is very rider friendly with a sticker price of 6,200 or the sv650s is also a good first timer bike stickered at 6,400. also look into the motorcycle safty foundation(msf) they run about 230 bones, and take you from knowing nothing about motorcycling, and end with your license in only 2 or 3 days. check it out on the dmv web site.

Answer 7

i honestly recommend getting a dirtbike or enduro and riding in the dirt for awhile before hitting the street ... then i would buy the bike i wanted and not waste time on a turd

Answer 8

Get a 100cc dirtbike! It will hurt ALOT less if fall in the dirt.