Buying a bike...should I go for a cruiser or a sportbike?

Question

I'm female, 5ft 11inches tall. I'm buying a 250 cc bike, nothing bigger than that, so it'll probably be either a Kawasaki Ninja or a Yamaha Virago. (Used) Any advice?

Sorry, a motorcycle, not a bike. :)

It'll be used mostly for getting to work and school, trips of about 30 and 10 minutes respectively. No highway involved, and it's got to be 250cc cause insurance is a bit much for me if I go for anything larger.

Age - 24, weight 125lbs, riding experience - about 14 hours (Motorcycle safety training course). I picked the Virago and Ninja because they seem to have pretty positive reviews everywhere I look. :)

GEICO seems to be only in the States. I'm Canadian. The best rate I can find is 320 CDN a year...for a 250cc bike.

Answer 1

Well, you're not a very petite (no offfense intende) girl. If anything you're a tall gal. Those two bikes are very different types of bikes. Ones is designed for comfort while the other is not. Most guys will tell you to get a pocket rocket, 'cause it looks cool, especially if a girl rides it; however, those types of bikes will cause some pains.
Pains like on your wrists, back, neck from being on that "racing" position for so long.
The "cruising" type of bike, are a lot more comfortable fitted for better cruising rides, after all that's what bikes are for to go and feel the wind and enjoy the scenery, not feeling the pain in your joints after half and hour of riding.
Since you are in the taller category, I'd say it be more suitable to get a cruising bike. Any girl on a bike looks bery sexy anyway.

Answer 2

I'm not sure what your age or riding experience is, so I'll just answer generally. Either bike will serve your purposes, but the Ninja is not as comfortable (although it's quicker and the handling is better) and will probably be in worse condition used. The Virago will be a smoother ride and insurance will be less.

I'm curious why you are limiting yourself to only these 2 bikes and why only 250cc. At 5' 11" you will probably be much happier in the long run with a 500cc bike. Shop around. Read magazines. Ask people who ride the bike(s) you're considering what they think.

Also, check with GEICO Motorcycle Insurance. I haven't found better rates anywhere. I ride a Suzuki SV650s and pay only $167 per year for full coverage.

Answer 3

The diecision should be made by you and only you firstly. Having said that. . . my wife is 5'4" and rides a 2006 HD Sportster 883 and has ridden one as big as 103 CI or 1550 cc. So, the size of the rider is definately not relative the the bike all that much. It is really about what you can afford and what you feel comfortable with. If you really just want a bike for fuel efficiency and getting around town on a budget then maybe you should look at a scooter. For someone with little to no skill at all I would stay away from the sport bikes and look at cruisers or sport tourers

Answer 4

Instead of trying to decide between one extreme and another, think about compromising and choose a style in the middle. A standard bike. They have the ease and comfort to ride as a cruiser and have better handling abilities like a sport bike.
Honda CB250 Nighthawk. It's stylise and fun to ride.

These are considered cruisers. You might enjoy a cruiser or standared bike more than a sport bike (unless you're high strung and race ready. LOL)
Yamaha XS250
Kawasaki ZL250 Eliminator
Suzuki GZ250 Marauder
Take a look at each model -
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/buyersguide.htm

Answer 5

Try something in between, like a Honda Nighthawk or Honda Rebel. I'd recommend a larger engine, though...the 250 will make you want a bit more power before you know it.

I'd suggest at least a 400 or 450. If you can find a Nighthawk 450, or a Rebel 450, you'd be on a good starter bike, but you wouldn't be bored in two monther. Nighthawk is in between cruiser and sport (standard) and the Rebel is more cruiser.

Answer 6

Contrary to the above couple of people recommending sportbikes, get a cruiser. They are easier to relax on, you are not hunched over the gas tank and engine, more comfortable, easier to control. The only reason for a sport bike, is frankly, to be an a**hole on. Check the accident stats on motorcycles. You'll see the trend; kids on sportbikes are rackin up the points.

Not that a cruiser is accident free, but, it's better off in the long run.

Answer 7

Depends on how you will use it. A cruiser is comfy for some people, but because you sit upright, the wind get tiring against your arms & chest after awhile. The sport bike keeps you more out of the wind. Since the Ninja 250 is not an "extreme" sport bike, with really low bars, I'd go for that. It's faster too.

Answer 8

Both of these are excellent choices for a beginner - well, the Virago is not good for very tall riders like myself, but you're probably about the right size for it. My advice would be to sit on both and see which one you feel comfortable on. For best results, try to spend at least ten minutes in the saddle with your feet on the pegs and the bike on the kickstand in the showroom so you can get a feel for if something starts to hurt.

Motorcycles are like clothes - it's best to try it on before you buy it.

Answer 9

OMG i amm getting the kawasaki Ninja 250. I have been deciding for a long time and the 250 is the best. I've been to the dealer like a bigillion times and he loves the bike. It sounds and looks awesome!!!

Answer 10

Do you plan on being on the bike for any length of time? If you plan to just ride around town the sport bike might be fun, but if you plan on taking rides that are longer than 30 min in length you want a cruiser. I've not had a sportbike but my friends that have them say they can be murder on your back and neck if you ride for a long time. My husband and I go for rides that are 45-90 min one way with a break before we come back and my neck still hurts afterward, but my back doesn't.