Best Motorcycle for a Beginner?

Question

Heya, everybody.
I just got my motorcycle endorsement a couple months ago after taking the MSF course. I am now in the process of looking at motorcycles, cruisers to be specific. The models I'm looking at are:
1. Yamaha Virago 250
2. Kawasaki Vulcan 500
3. Honda Nighthawk or Rebel
I'd like a slightly bigger bike to begin with but $$$ is a big issue, as I am a college student.
On the bikes I've listed above, I'd like to know:
1. Comfortable cruising speed and range (living in Montana, I want a bike that I can drive 120-200 miles at a time at highway speed (75 mph)). Also, is it comfortable to drive on the freeway?
2. Average MPG that the bike gets.
3. Any other specifics that you think I should know.
I will mainly be using this bike for short trips (50 miles or less), but as I said, I'd like to be able to take it on longer trips now and then.
I'm a taller guy, almost 6'6" and weigh about 160 lbs, so if these bikes are really going to be an absolute killer for me to ride, tell me. THX.

Answer 1

Your are on the right track, you don't need or want a Harley Breakdownison. For you it sounds like the best bike for you would be a Honda Nighthawk. It has a little more power than you need so use some discretion riding it, but it will happily cruse at 75mph all day long and if you don't screw off should get about 55-60 miles to the gallon. Look for one used with less than 15,000 miles on it in good condition and you should be able to save some money and still end up with a bike you wont get bored with in your first few months. Honda's are also known for reliability which is probably an issue being in a state like Montana with wide open spaces. If I end up with a bad rating it is because Stupid people worship Harley like it were God and got mad that I call how I see it and H-Ds are the most reliable bikes out there. Make your own decision it sounds like you've got a good head on your shoulders with the bikes you have narrowed it down to.

Answer 2

Don't go with a 250. I know they are much cheaper, but you will not be happy. I just bought my first bike a few weeks ago after taking the MSF this summer. You can get a good deal on a bike this time of year.
I looked at 250's and 500's because I am a college student with limited funds as well, but after riding a 250 there is no way I would take it on a highway. I am 6'2", 205 and it is way too small for me. My wife told me I looked like Dumb and dumber.
I found 2 bikes that I really liked for not much more money. Suzuki Boulevard m50 (800cc) and Honda Shadow 750. This is about the minimum you want for cruising down the highway. I ended up with the Honda, only because it was selling at a benefit auction at my son's school. I spent $4000 on the bike which some guy paid $7200 for in April and it only had 274 miles on it.

There are plenty of deals on ebay right now, you just have to be patient. Look for anything Suzuki, Yamaha or Honda in the 650-800 range. These will all be V-Twin engines so you don't rattle your teeth out going down the highway. You also won't get blown over by a passing tractor-trailer. These bikes will get 40-50 MPG.

Trust me, the small bikes are not made for big guys or cruising down the highway. You will basically be buying a bike from a woman who grew into something bigger.

Answer 3

The best motorcycles for a beginner is one that is properly fitted to you by a dealer ranging from a 250cc to a 650cc. You also need to feel comfortable on the bike. Leave the bigger bikes till later and you get some experience and more confidence in your ability to handle the bigger bikes.A 250 or 650 will do all that you =want it to do for now. Dollar Wise the smaller bikes are the Best buy for a person just starting, so try the smaller version to start then move up to the more expensive ones later if you really enjoy riding. Just remember street riding is different that off road riding and buy accordingly to you preference. GOOD LUCK

Answer 4

i think of something between 500-seven hundred cc. dissimilar human beings going to permit you be attentive to to purchase a 250cc. the difficulty you will out grove the bike no time. not likely to have sufficient potential etc. A 250 is large to verify the fundamentals that's approximately it. i does not recommend the crutch rockets with the aid of fact would be costly to insure for you age. Do to the reality maximum bike injuries occurs with a interest motorcycle. i could recommend a bare motorcycle like Suzuki sv650 or Yamaha Fz6. Any motorcycle with around six hundred cc does not have any difficulty with your weight. i began on a Kawasaki 750 as my first motorcycle. be certain you will use the throttle responsibly.this is a internet web site what direct you to the closest preparation facility. sturdy success!

Answer 5

Get a newer used Harley, not an 883 though because you would tire of it in a couple of months. A 1200 is less than 500 pounds and with your height you can plant both feet on the ground at a stop sign or red light.

Answer 6

You need a Harley 883 :)

Answer 7

KAWASAKI