What kind of a motorcycle should I get?

Question

I have riding lessons soon and then may be looking to buy. I want a bike I can occasionally take on 2-6 hour trips but mostly around the city. Have kids too so want them as safe as possible on the back. Sportster, hard tail, soft-tail, fatboy are some terms Harley uses. All types have cheap touring and expensive. How much bike do I need? Is it much harder to ride the bigger bikes?

Answer 1

Is it harder to ride the bigger bikes? YES.

First bike I rode was a feather-light 125 cc bike in the MSF class. After learning that, I started riding an old Honda CX500. It's not a huge bike compared to many things on the road now, but it is a lot larger than a CB125T. I tried to duplicate the precision control exercises in the MSF on my own bike. It was much harder. The lighter bikes take a lot less force to control, and if you almost drop one at very low speeds, you can often just muscle it back upright.

And high powered bikes can be trouble too. On a 125 - or my CX500, for that matter - there is a huge difference in what you have to do to get it moving sedately from a standing start and to do a wheelie. And a huge difference in how much brake you need to grab to make it slow gently and how much brake will stand it up on the front tire. On something like a CBR600, there isn't nearly as much difference. It's easier to learn without giving yourself extra things to worry about.

If you want a cruiser, I would say that either a Japanese cruiser in the 500 to 800 cc range or a Harley 883 Sportster ought to meet your needs. David's suggestion of a Shadow VLX is a great choice. Or maybe a Kawasaki Vulcan 500, or Yamaha V-Star 650. Those things have enough speed to keep up with freeway traffic, no problem.

If you are thinking something other than cruiser, check out BMW's F650CS, the Suzuki GS500, the Buell Blast, or the Kawasaki Ninja 500. The Yamaha Seca II is also a good choice if you are considering a used bike. Stay away from the 600cc and above four cylinder sport bikes - they have enough power for a small car.

Answer 2

If you're set on a harley, I can't help you much. I know nothing about them.

If you're willing to think outside that small box, though, your possibilities open up quite a bit.

You're definitely headed for the cruiser/standard market. As to which one to get - I suggest you pick up a bike mag, look at the pictures, and pick out the ones you like. Then read the stats on them. When you get it narrowed down, check for one at a dealership so you can see it in person. Do more research on that particular model, and see what owners have to say about it.

You want a bike with a low enough seat height that you can reach the ground comfortably. Although lowering bikes is certainly an option. I'm an evenly proportioned 5'3, and a 28" seat height is pretty good for me. I can go as high as 29, although 26-27 is even better. At some point you can get out to a dealership and try some on. Ask what the seat height is on a bike where you feel comfy, then you'll know what to look for.

As a newbie, you want to avoid the really big guys. 500 lbs. may be pretty average, and unless you're teeny tiny, should be an ok weight for you. Go much higher than that, and it'll be more difficult for you to manuever, especially with a passenger. Not while riding, but when parking, etc. So while it's not harder to RIDE the bigger bikes, it is harder to do the slow stuff with them.

Be sure to get a backrest if the kiddies will be riding along.

As for cc's....if you take a beginner's course, you'll likely be riding something like a 125 or 250. That size doesn't sound right for what you describe, although you could certainly buy one that small to cut your teeth on. Or you could get what you want right away.

It's probably NOT a good idea to take the kids out with you until you've got some experience under your belt. You probably knew that, but it bears mentioning.

Answer 3

It's all depends on your riding style. I don't see you taking a 2-6 hour ride anywhere, depending on the heat in your area. Today it was over 100 where I live and ride, so riding for more than 1 hour becomes painful.

Their are many things to consider when buying a bike. For me it was the value + quality rule. I found a 2006 Harley that someone only rode 6 times, then because of his divorce had to sell it, so I jumped at this one. A black softail standard, perfect bike and will do anything I want.

If I were planning on riding to florida from my house it would be painful. Remember all the larger bikes need to refuel every 140 to 160 miles, and by that time your ready for a drink and a break.
(Num-Butt).

The key will be not to ride double for the first two weeks, learn the bike solo first, braking, steering, etc. take the time to get the feel. make sure when you put another ride on, tell them to lean with you, if they don't you will have a big problem.

Harley's hold their value.

Honda's are a great bike, along with all the other jap bikes, if you buy a jap bike, just get the one you like and buy it used, so you don't loose so much money on it. the resale on them is rotten.

Some of the Harley's cost more used, due to people putting all the extra's on them, increasing their value.
I have only had mine for 2 months and it's increased in value over 1000.00, due to the great deal I got on it, plus all the extra's.

Answer 4

The newer Harley which came out recently is light. It is a Dyna Bobber style. It is worth looking at in the dealerships. It will need some options after purchasing it. Your body weight should factor in when picking Engine size. Engine sizes are fixed per the model and is not an option that is ordered..

What your height is used for in deciding models is to match a bike's seat height that best suits you. My wife rides a 2003 Honda shadow spirt custom. It fits her well and was afordable and is great looking. She is short and is able to ride our son on the back often. If this is your first bike try not to pick a brand until youve gone to differnt dealers and sat on many models.

Answer 5

if you r looking to buy a bike u should first figure out your cost range then go with that range and find a bike that fits u not your friends don't try riding kids till you yourself master the bike u buy but always get the bike that fits u go to the dealer and try a test ride on a few before you buy buying a bike is kinda like buying a new car find it ride it buy it just cause it says Harley on it don't mean its for you hope this helps a little. T

Answer 6

It is harder to ride bigger bikes. I made the mistake of purchasing my "dreambike" as my first bike and it made it really painful to learn on...and I dropped it twice.

The bigger bikes are harder to deal with because of the increased power and the fact that they are heavier. THe weight will matter the first time you have to do an emergency stop and you are a little off balance. With a lighter bike, you can normally overcome this with the strength in your legs. As I found out on my first drop, that isn't the case with a larger bike.

The power caused me to drop it the second time, I hit a large bump while riding in the dark which caused my backtire to come off the ground..my weight shifted back which caused me to roll on th throttle...guess what happened when my back tire hit

Answer 7

Its hard to ride bigger bikes when you're learning how to ride, because you have many other things to worry about.

If you're into cruisers, I'd suggest a small Harley, Honda Magna, or similar 800cc cruiser. Japanese cruisers are usually cheaper than Harleys and more reliable.

Answer 8

if you have money to burn, i doubt it since youve got kids, you can buy a harley but i would recommend a honda. you can buy a honda brand new for less than many used harleys. and if your just getting lessons soon i would look into a vlx thats a 600cc vtwin low seat easy to handle, and you could get one for 2000 - 6000 bucks 6000 would be a new one. and i went from no experience on a motorcycle to a class and a 250cc rebel for the course then later the last day i hopped on my 1100cc shadow, but i havent got kids so... good luck

Answer 9

harleys are for SUCKERS. buy a metric cruiser and get a better bike at half the price. did you know that all harleys require 91octane gasoline? what a joke. the only reason to buy a harley is to be in the harley 'look-at-me-on-my-harley' club. if that's your reason for wanting one, remember what PT Barmun said, because harley is crossing their fingers that you WON'T.

Answer 10

Honda Shadow 600 VLX is low, and stylish It makes good power for a VTwin. Missus has ridden hers on 300 mile (one way) trips.