What is the best motorcycle for a beginning rider?

Question

Ease of handling, safety, cost... Want advice please!

Does my size matter much on what bike to get?

Thanks all, this advice is great!

Rich1967f, opposite! LOL I'm small! :-)

Answer 1

http://www.ducati.com/bikes/my2006/ducatiModel.jhtml?family=superbike&modelName=999-06

Why a Ducati 999 Superbike...of course!

Answer 2

I agree with rich. For some reason a lot of harley riders are blind or ignorant to all other brands of motorcycles in the world. They all have their place on the road. Since you said best handling, I'm going to leave out cruisers. You can get a Kawasaki EX250 or 500 really cheap. A 2 or 3 year old one can sometimes be had for 2k or less. A lot of people start on these bikes and some never leave. If you only want an american bike, look at the Buell Blast. It's more expensive and the ergos are a little weird, but it has a low seat height and 500cc motor. This is assuming you're short, you said does my size matter, but you didn't say you're short or tall? A Suzuki GS500E or SV650 wouldn't be bad choices either. If you have a certain degree of self restraint, and enough inseam, there's no reason you can't start on an older 600cc sportbike if that's what you want to do, although they will be a bit heavier and harder to pick up if you drop it at some point, which isn't uncommon for a new rider. Just go to look at a bunch of used bikes for sale, and sit on them to figure out what fits you best. It's also a great idea to take the MSF course first, cause it'll give you your MC license if you don't have one already, and also an idea as to your natural ability and what kinda bikes you should be looking at.

Answer 3

Yes, rider's size does matter. If you are very tall, you're likely to have trouble fitting on some of the smaller (frame, not engine size) bikes. For example, I'm 6'2" and cannot fit on a Honda Rebel very well at all. On the other hand, bikes with a higher seat height or more weight require larger riders to manage. I would not recommend my CX500 as a first bike to a rider who is 5'6" tall.

It's also worth noting that engine size does not always match frame size. My CX500 from the above example seems to be larger than many bikes with twice its engine size. You will want to find a bike that feels comfortable to you.

As a general rule, the 250's will be some of the easiest bikes to ride, safest, and cheapest. But other than a Ninja 250, they'll top out at around 70 mph, which might make freeway rides a bit difficult.

At the same time, you don't want a bike that is too big. I'd say a reasonable upper limit would be 750 cc's for a cruiser, 650 cc's for a dual-sport (basically a street legal dirt bike, or 500 cc's for a sportbike or standard. However, if you find the larger bikes heavy or awkward, go smaller.

Answer 4

If you like sport bikes, go with a Kawasaki 250 Ninja or 500 Ninja; they are very good beginner bikes. They handle well, are easy to maintain, and don't go too fast. If you want a more of a cruiser, you could go with the Honda 250 Rebel. The 250's are smaller bikes, perfect for women riders. If you are a guy, I'd try a little bit bigger, just so you fit on the bike better. It's difficult to shift if the bike's too small for your frame.

Also, I recomend taking a riding course. Not only will you learn all of the safety reccomendations, but they usually provide bikes for you to learn on, mostly 250cc cruisers. That will give you a notion as to which bike will fit you best!

Good luck in your endeavor! Happy Riding!

Answer 5

Hi, I have been riding for 30 years and have four sons who all ride they started out on little 50cc bikes but it sounds like you are way to big for that so hear is the best I have first off motor size realy does not matter unless it is way to large. The most important issue would be how you feel on the bike. One of the best ways to go about finding what fits you is sit on as many bikes as you can untill everything feels right to you no one can pick your bike but you. I ride a full dressed harley and as much as it hurts to say this a jap bike shop would be the best place to start they have a very wide selection of bikes for any size person. Go to a honda or any or that type bike shop and ask a sales man to show you the floor they will let you sit on every bike there. Good luck and it's very easy just use your head and let your body tell you what fits. Rich

Answer 6

As a initiating rider a pair years in the past, I went out and offered a Sportster, it became into my first motorcycle. I extra countless the customizations that have been formerly reported, the comfortable seat and the engine shield have been the wisest ones. i've got been waiting to journey long distance no difficulty - for this reason the comfortable seat. As a women rider i became into discouraged from procuring a Harley because of the capacity and weight. whilst first beginning, I took the capacity into attention and in simple terms went slightly extra handy on the throttle. i've got by no potential had a difficulty with the capacity, in fact I right this moment discovered to relish it. i'm basically 5 ft 4 and well-known build, however the burden hasn't been an argument the two. collectively as stopped I have not got any difficulty retaining it on top of issues, the burden isn't that great. Yeah, it has tipped over - fortuitously not collectively as driving and it is likewise why i'm thankfull for the engine guards. the burden is be conscious whilst this has surpassed off, yet with slightly trick and slightly use of the leg muscle tissues, it rather is exceptionally common to get upright back with none help. whilst determining on your motorcycle, shop around and circulate with your gut (in spite of sort, basically you will understand which one feels good) and whilst driving in simple terms be smart and use your head. For me, a Harley became right into a solid determination as a beginner's motorcycle.

Answer 7

I would suggest a smaller more affordable bike. I would not suggest a powerful bike for your first! A good used bike to learn on can be had form the local classified ads; you can sell it later fro nearly the same price when you are ready to move on to another biker or one with more power. I strongly suggest taking a Riders Ed course prior to your purchase (I do not suggest taking HD's Riders Edge class as it is more of a sales tool than training).

Answer 8

This will go against everthing you will hear. Don't get a small bike to start off with or you will be sick and tired of it in a month or two. Check out the new 2007 Harley Sportsters-All fuel injected-no carburator. They're quick but have the Harley look. Don't be afraid of the bigger engines-you'll get used to it real quick.

Answer 9

Honda Rebel Excellent started bike

Answer 10

It all depends on the country you are in. For my case, in Singapore, a good begineer bike will be a Yamaha RXZ. Its a 2-stroke bike. Another bike would be Yamaha X-1. This is a 4-stroke bike. Both are 135CC and 110CC respectively. Ride safely yar....

Answer 11

Any 250cc cruiser bike. It will be low enough for any size rider to touch the ground and the power isn't enough for a beginner to be overwhelmed by an accidental twist of the wrist.
-I started on a Virago 250cc. You can purchase a used one for about $500-$1000.
-Always wear gloves, a motorcycle jacket and remember one thing.....You have to assume every car out there is out to hit you! Learn to pick up on driver cues and tendencies about sudden lane changes, weaving in and out of traffic and traveling in blind spots.