I need the best balance between price, ease of riding, and reliability for a new rider.
2006-09-12 10:22:58 · 14 answers · asked by mypfsman 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
What is the difference between a sportbike and a cruiser?
2006-09-12 10:33:59 · update #1
Wat is the MSF course?
2006-09-12 10:34:57 · update #2
I'll answer your questions in reverse order.
The MSF course is a basic training class for motorcycles. You spend a weekend with an instructor explaining how to control the bike and practicing various exercises in controls. They provide the bike - you just have to show up with pants, boots, gloves, and a long sleeve shirt (although it helps to bring your own helmet too). And they'll give you tips about how to stay safe on the street. At the end there will be a test (both written and on the bike).
Cruisers tend to have old fashioned styling, lots of chrome, and a riding position that will put your feet directly below or in front of your knees. Sport bikes have plastic bodywork and are tuned for power and performance. The sport bikes I would recommend for a beginner tend to have a rather upright seating position with your feet below your hips and your upper body upright or only slightly leaned forward. Some of the more advanced sport bikes have you leaned forward and your feet almost feeling like they're behind you - I would not recommend one of those as a first bike, as most bikes with that riding posture are designed for experienced riders.
These aren't the only two types of motorcycles out there - you'll also find standards (similar riding position to what I described for a beginner sport bike, without the plastic bodywork), dual sports (basically, street legal dirt bikes), and scooters as large and as powerful as small motorcycles. Visit a few dealers, sit on a few bikes, and see which style suits you best. You will definitely want a bike that you feel comfortable on and where you can plant both feet flat on the ground while sitting on it.
Here are some good bikes for a new rider on a budget:
Honda Rebel: A cruiser that's very light and small, so it's easy for smaller riders to control. Has enough power for in-town riding, but will have a little trouble keeping up on the freeway. Reliability? Not only is it a Honda, but they've been building these for over 20 years and have the bugs worked out.
Yamaha Virago 250: Similar to the Rebel but with classic V-twin styling.
Kawasaki Ninja 250: A great entry level sport bike that's tame enough for new riders but will keep up with freeway traffic even if local drivers are total maniacs.
Buell Blast: A standard bike with enough get up and go for highway use. More expensive than the other bikes, but it's designed especially for low maintenance. Hardly anything you need to do to it besides change the oil and keep the tires properly inflated - the other bikes require such things as chain adjustments and valve work periodically.
2006-09-12 14:57:35 · answer #1 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, I think you need to take a step back. If you're not familiar with the MSF course, that's where you need to start. Sign up for that, or with another beginner's instruction course, and THEN start thinking about what you want.
After you know how to ride, you'll have a better idea of what you want out of a bike.
Sportbike - aka crotch rocket. The most nimble and fastest style. Examples Ninjas and Hayabusa. Not a good choice for newbies, as they are so intuitive that they will do anything you accidentally tell them.
Cruiser - pretty much like it says. A standard street bike designed for longer rides. Most commonly has a vtwin engine. Vtwins are not fast bikes typically. You get these for putzing around.
V4 or higher engines are what you'd get if you still want a cruiser type for longer, more comfy rides, but you dont' want to sacrifice power or speed.
2006-09-13 02:47:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Motorcycle Safety Foundation will give you the Basic Rider Course for a fee. Harley's program is also MSF approved. Take the course , first, then decide what kind of riding you are going to do and get the bike that fits you and your needs.
I get good service out of Hondas.
2006-09-12 10:47:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
new rider, that means you did take/pass the MSF course in your area.
I wouldn't recommend a new motorcycle for a new rider because you may end up dropping it a few times as you learn. Nothing hurts like that first scratch in a brand new bike.
Do you want a sportbike or cruiser?
2006-09-12 10:30:21 · answer #4 · answered by KrautRocket 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I own a Suzuki 500 I'd say go 600 if u take the MSF course b/c in the end u will want bigger.
2006-09-12 10:32:37 · answer #5 · answered by ChikaSexy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just Starting Out ?? I'd stick with something no more than 500cc until you get your Motorcycle Legs. Like trying on a new suit , you want to make sure it fits properly and you can handle the weight of the Bike . Even the Best of them out there Drop their Bike.
2006-09-12 10:39:49 · answer #6 · answered by rwrocketrider 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. Most states require it for a license, or as a substitute to a state sponsored riding test.
2006-09-12 11:29:24 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Harley Sportster 883. Low seat and Lots of torque make it easy to ride and comfortable. Look at all the old Harleys you see running around, they must know something about reliability and longevity.
2006-09-13 11:31:34 · answer #8 · answered by atvman_400 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't get a new bike because when you dump it, (and you will) you'll regret it. Hone your skills on a used one for a while. Trust me
2006-09-12 14:23:45 · answer #9 · answered by Motorpsycho 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like honda motorcycle thats me
2006-09-12 10:28:57 · answer #10 · answered by Black Butterfly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋