I'm looking to buy my first motorcycle. What are the better ones for a beginner?

Answer 1

Contrary to the advise of the inexperienced, horsepower can definitely be considered a defensive tool on a motorcycle.

If you get an underpowered motorcycle, getting away from stupid people can be difficult.

A favorable horsepower to weight ratio is always an asset in traffic.

What will get you in trouble more times than not is your own stupidity.

I got in trouble alot . . . so I know.

Have respect for your motorcycle's capability, understand that it always exceeds your own capability for controling it and be ever aware of motorists around you. They have no respect for smaller vehicles in traffic.

Ride like you mean it.

Answer 2

I started with a Suzulki SV650, year 2000. It was a great starter bike. All the power you need, good acceleration, light - 375lbs. It could beat pretty much any car off the line and topped out at about 120mph - way faster than I ever cared to go. I bought it used for about $4000 and sold it 3 years later for about $3000. It still looked and ran like new with about 8000 miles on it.

I strongly recommend that you save money by starting with a used bike. Realistically anything in the 600-700cc range will be just fine. An for God sakes, wear a helmet and protective clothing! There are two kinds of motorcycle riders - those who have had an accident and those who are going to have an accident!

Be careful and have fun!

Answer 3

I've got three newbie bike rules.

1. Don't get one that you can't put both feet flat on the ground when you're sitting on the seat.

2. Don't get one that is so heavy you can't pick it up if you drop it.

3. Don't get one with so much power it is likely to get you in trouble.

A high powered bike can be a tool. So is an acetylene torch. Useful for a few jobs, and VERY dangerous if you don't know how to use it. Most problems are ones you can avoid by paying attention to the traffic and keeping a safe distance from other cars. And in the hands of a beginner, too much power can be dangerous.

I'm assuming you are in the United States or another place where you are allowed to pick just about any bike available as a first bike. If you are in Europe or Japan, you'll have quite a few restrictions on what first bike you can choose.

When I was taking the MSF class, we had one guy manage to wheelie one of the tiny, low powered bikes they have there when he accidentally grabbed too much throttle trying to get it going. That same newbie mistake on a 600 cc supersport on the street would probably have flipped it over or slammed the rider into the nearest car. It's not just starts - grabbing too much throttle in a corner can be a disaster, and the brakes on a supersport bike require careful control too. You will be able to feel calmer, more confident, and more in control on a less wild bike, and that will make learning a lot easier.

Speaking of the MSF, I highly recommend you take that class, or an equivalent one. It'll give you a chance to get familiar with bikes in a safe environment. I know I made at least one goof there that was just a bit embarrasing in school, but could have gotten me killed had I done it in traffic. And get a full set of gear.

As for what bike to get. You will need to decide what style you like and figure out what is comfortable for you. Visit a dealership and sit on a few bikes. Cruisers tend to put your feet out in front, while standard bikes like the SV650 and many entry level sportbikes put your feet under you and your body upright or leaned just a little forward. Some sport bikes have you leaned way forward with your feet pulled back - usually, these are not very comfortable or a good idea for a first bike. I kind of like the standard riding position myself, but some people like other ones.

If you came out of the MSF class feeling really unsure or barely got a passing grade, I would say stick to something in the 250 cc class. Something like a Kawasaki Ninja 250 or Honda Rebel. If you are feeling more confident, you might want to look at any cruiser up to 750 cc (or a Sportster if you want a Harley), or a sportbike or standard in the 550 cc and under range, like a Suzuki GS500, Buell Blast, or a Ninja 500. 600 cc four cylinder sportbikes usually have over 90 hp - not exactly something that I would recommend for a beginner. Or you could get a dual sport (sort of a street legal dirt bike) up to 650 cc, like a Kawasaki KLR650 or BMW F650GS.

I've heard mixed opinions on the SV650 - some say it's a good first bike, others say it's a bit much. I haven't ridden one myself.

Answer 4

I agree with the guy who suggested the Suzuki SV650. The guy who wants you to buy a bike with "enough horsepower", suggesting that you should go buy a liter bike or something, is a complete moron and will soon to be dead anyway.

I have had 6 bikes in the last 7 years, and started with a Triumph Daytona. While I had a lot of prior training, both on the street and off, the 955cc bike was simply a liability when it came to my learning curve. I bought a Ducati 996 following that, and an R6 after that. I learned more on the R6, and had more fun, than any of the previous bikes. I now ride an 85hp, 600lb BMW R1150GS (definitely not a beginner bike) and regularly smoke 170hp GSXR1000 squids on the curves.

Start with your ego in check and you will learn a lot quickly. It's like learning to fly a helicopter - it's hard and not for everyone. And you should commit to never stop learning.

Good luck. Be safe.

Answer 5

OK this is what i would say to you. First read mad scientists rules i totally agree. My father took me and my bike layed the bike on its side and said pick it up if i could not i wasn't allowed to ride it. Second Get a used bike i really like Honda CB 500 or 650 for a first bike and you can get a good one for about $600 to $1000 dollars in the 1980 to 1985. Third get a shop manual And learn to work on it yourself trust me. If you work on your bike you WILL BOND with that bike and know just by its sound when something is not right. And for any newbie on a bike PLEASE wear a helmet you can get hurt very fast i have fifteen yrs of riding haven't worn a helmet for ten years till last month when a friend of mine with 30+ years of riding got hit and killed doctors said it was the head trauma that killed him had he been wearing a helmet he would still be here. I put one on every day now.

Answer 6

Suzuki GS500, CG125

Answer 7

Height, weight? Any driving experience? What do you want from a bike - speed, good looks, comfort, long trips, short fun jaunts? What's your price range?

Answer 8

Buell Blast 500cc easy to work on, crash parts are cheap, very durable, and best of all it's American made



www.badweatherbikers.com

Answer 9

Just saw your question. The best bet for you is to go to a dealership, look at what strikes your fancy.

Answer 10

kawasaki ninja 250cc