whats a decent starter motorcycle when you're on a tight budget?

Question

any suggestions? Specific models? Thanks guys

Answer 1

Look for a used good deal within your budget. Check out the Auto trader or similar trade paper in your area. Start out cheaper, get used to the motorcycle and save some of that cash to purchase a new bike once you have everything under control. If you purchase a smaller "starter" you will quickly out grow what you could get used. Good luck, hope this helps!

Answer 2

You could try a Honda Rebel or Nighthawk, both are 250cc but will still get you around faster than a scooter. They only run about $3,000 new, and you should be able to get a decent used one for a lot less.

If you want to go a little bigger, you could try a Suzuki GS500F or Kawasaki Ninja 500R, which run about $5k when new. As always, since these are often suggested as first bikes you can often find a good deal on a used one.

Remember, if buying used it might not be pretty. You'll probably get it as another new rider graduates to a bigger bike, and it might have been dropped a couple times. But if you make sure to have someone that knows what to look for you can get a very functionally sound and safe bike to learn on.

Always wear your gear, and keep the shiny side up.

Answer 3

I picked up a Honda CX500 for $1,100. But I would only recommend that if you are tall enough to flat-foot one and willing to deal with the probles you can find on a bike that's nearly 30 years old.

The Kawasaki Ninja 250 costs $3,000 when new, is pretty easy to find used, and is forgiving and predictable enough that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation sometimes uses them in their Basic Rider Course for beginning riders. But at the same time, it's fast enough to keep up with traffic on the freeway even if your local drivers are total maniacs.

That brings me to another point. Even on a budget, you ought to take the Basic Rider Course or similar lessons. This'll teach you a lot about how to ride the bike before you try it on city streets. And budget a bit for some good safety gear, too.

Answer 4

I have a Kawasaki KLR650 and it is a very versatile motorcycle. It is built to handle offroad conditions so it is very durable but the engine is also strong enough to maintain highway speeds without a problem (I've taken it up to about 90mph). I paid $2800 for a used on with 5000 miles on it.
The only downsides are that it is a pretty tall bike (may be an issue depending on your height) and it gets a little uncomfortable on long rides (~3 hours+)
Check it out: http://www.motorcyclegiftshop.com/featured_bikes/2000klr650.html

Answer 5

depending on your body size, weight, and age.

I just purchased a yamaha v-star for around $6000. It is a 650 and is a good bike for a starter. It is a clutch so if you do not know how to ride one, then learn (I made that mistake)

So far, I am pleased with the bike, but my insurance was high... I am switching to progressive tomorrow (quoted for allstate, and geico over $1500 for 12 month policy... progressive was $619 for 12 mos)

Good luck in your pick... but if you can make the choice, go with shaft drive over chain drive.

btw, this is a close pic of my bike, it is white, and has no add ons.

Answer 6

I agree with matt c- it totally depends on your size/age/etc, as well as what you want to use the bike for- speed, commuting, picking up chicks, etc.

I ride a BMW R1150R- but they do make a smaller bike (650) that gets great gas mileage. Check them out, the bikes are basically bullet-proof. You should be able to find some used beemers out there on ebay or at a dealer.

Answer 7

The Royal Enfield Bullet can be had very inexpensively. It is a thumper with very simple design that is easy to learn the basics on, but will still get you there in some style and comfort.

Answer 8

My first bigger bike was a Kawasaki ER5. Available quite cheap secondhand now (I'm in UK). Very light, easy to ride, both nippy through town and capable of holding it's own on bigger roads, dual carriage ways, etc. Have owned lots of bikes but for ease of use this was one of the best.

Answer 9

Honda Rebel

Answer 10

Mini bike