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- I don't have the money for an extremely expensive bike
- I am a male
- I am about 180 pounds
- I am about 6 feet 2 inches tall
- I am 16 years old
- I am not interested in a touring bike, a cruiser or a chopper

2006-12-08 07:20:46 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation Motorcycles

18 answers

If you don't want a touring bike, a cruiser or a chopper then that leaves you with a standard [naked] or a sport bike. Stay away from the 600cc or larger sport bikes. Unfortunately if you live in the USA you don't have that many options left.

For a beginner the Ninja 250 is good as far as engine size, but it will probably be cramped for you since you're 6'2". My brother is 6'2" and I have a coworker that is about 6'4". They both started on Ninja 250's and both enjoyed the ride. I rode my brother's (I'm 6'0") and it fit me ok, but my coworker was really too tall for that bike. It's hard to say what size bike you will be comfortable on. You really need to go sit on a few bikes to find out for yourself.

The ninja 500 is probably your best bet. The SV650 and it's "S" version brother are great bikes, but they may be a little too much for a new rider. They are a great second bike, or first bike for someone with a lot of experience on dirt bikes. Definitely stay away from the 600cc in-line 4 engined and larger sport bikes. These bikes are way too much for a new rider to handle. More often than not a new rider starting on one of these bikes will have one of two results. He/she will either crash it or be so scared on it that they end up not riding it anymore.

Look at buying a used bike instead of new one. You said you can't afford one that's expensive anyway. A used bike will be less expensive and the odds are pretty good that you'll end up dropping it anyway.

Whatever you decide on, have fun and be safe!

2006-12-08 08:29:54 · answer #1 · answered by CraigRC 2 · 0 0

I am getting tired of people saying 600cc sport bikes are good beginner bikes. I ride a 95 CBR600 F3. It has 90hp at the rear wheel which is only 10-15hp off of the brand new 600's so it is powerful enough to overwhelm a beginner and still entertain the guy that bought it new. Lot's of people are of the opinion that it is a waste of time to start on a small bike when you can just go easy on the throttle with a bigger bike and be safe. That is a load of crap! The first time you take a fast bike into it's powerband and survive you will think it is no big deal and start riding faster than you should. You will either end up dead or never learn to control the bike properly because you will just be trying to stay alive instead of learning how feed a little rear brake in a corner to tighten up a turn or give it a little throttle to widen a turn.

Now to answer your question. Used 250/500 ninjas have a very predictable and controllable powerband, good brake, acceptable suspension, and other than the tiny wheels and tires they look like a full blown sport bike. They are bikes you can make mistakes on and not get into nearly as much trouble as a 600+ sport bike. Somebody mentioned the 450 Suzuki which is a great starter bike. A riding budy of mine started out on a 450 and the bike had plenty of power to ride on the highway and wasn't overly powerfull as to get you killed before you learn to ride it. Basically any 500 or smaller that fits you would be a good choice until your skills have progressed enough to get a bigger bike.

2006-12-09 01:49:36 · answer #2 · answered by just another guy 2 · 2 0

I'm about your height, and I ride a Suzuki GS500F. It's budget friendly, not too crazy for a first time rider, and pretty fun. You might also want to look at the smaller Kawasaki Ninjas - the 250 and the 500. Sit on them to see if you feel comfortable.

The other choice would be a dual sport - sort of like a dirt bike, only street legal. A single cylinder dual sport up to 650 cc's is still going to be a pretty good choice for a first bike, and these all give taller riders a bit more stretched out riding position. Note that 250 cc dual sports may have trouble on the freeway, but are still good for in-town riding.

2006-12-10 11:10:09 · answer #3 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0 0

DOn't buy a Sportster, and don't buy an F2 or F3, like the other person said. Just because a bike is older does not by any mean mean it is slow. A good rider on an older 600 can stomp any squid on a brand new GSXR1000. If I were you, I would look for a GS500E. They are affordable, not ugly, and you will be able to enjoy it for much longer than a 250 Ninja, which will become boring within weeks. Other alternatives would be a 500 Ninja, CB350/450/500, DRZ400SM, XL400.....I can't think of anything else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide on.

2006-12-08 08:17:12 · answer #4 · answered by Chuck V 2 · 0 1

You will not like insurance rates for a 16-year-old motorcyclist. But that said, I thoroughly enjoyed my first bike, a Suzuki SV650S. I'm only 5'11", but I'm "gifted" with a 35" inseam. I didn't feel cramped at all on the SV.

You could also try to score a used Ducati Monster 620 or Suzuki GS500F, and though the seat height is lower you may be able to find a used Kawasaki 650R.

Whatever you do, take an MSF course FIRST! You don't have the years of experience in dealing with traffic situations, and bikes are VERY different than cars. Not only should the MSF course lower your insurance, but it will get you started with the correct mindset to survive in a sea of cellphone piloted SUVs.

2006-12-09 11:42:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

You could try a Ninja 250 or 500, they are excellent for beginners and super cheap (250 is under 3k new), but they are pretty small. An older 600 might work well too for a beginner as they are definitely no where near what the new ones are. Try looking at Suzuki katana 600's, Yamaha YZF 600's, Ninja 600E's, or Honda cbr f2's or f3's. You should be able to get a decent mid-90's bike for around 2k.

2006-12-08 07:29:05 · answer #6 · answered by manderso750 2 · 0 0

My first bike was a 1980 kawasaki 440 LTD road bike. It is a great bike to learn on as it is powerful enough to get you around but not so strong that it will take off on you. As for cost, I only paid $140 for mine. My advice is to keep an eye on the classifieds and find an older machine between 250 and 650 ccs; and then move onto something bigger if you want after you get some miles under your belt.

2006-12-10 08:29:16 · answer #7 · answered by cholsin 4 · 0 0

Buy a used Sports bike something around a 500 or 600 should work fine for your size and age.You can find one cheap locally or Ebay,that way if you do drop it a couple times you can always replace the parts cheap off Ebay.Then after you get some experience on the road you can always sell it off and move up to a bigger bike.You don't want a 250 they're to small for you and you'll want to trade or sell it after a couple months for a 500 or 600.Just be careful what ever you decide.

2006-12-08 11:43:24 · answer #8 · answered by wild1highinvamountains 3 · 0 0

Stay away from the big crotch rockets, they are way too much bike for a beginner. I've seen way too many squid get into bad crashes on the Crest. A Harley Sportster is not a good beginner bike, they are heavy and hard to stop...two things a newbie doesn't need.
Ninja makes a decent 500 that you might be able to handle.
I hope you've been through or are planning to go through a motorcycle safety class...some states require it before you can get your motorcycle license if you are under 21.
Good luck to you...ride safe

2006-12-08 08:11:39 · answer #9 · answered by Loli M 5 · 0 0

I understand your issues. I am 6'4" and started ridding over 30yrs ago . I look for a motorcycle whose ergonomics are right for me, which I believe is the greatest key to an enjoyable ride. One you might look at is the Honda 750 Nighthawk. It is a standard type. It is not too heavy, with adequate power. As the motor is bullet proof, might be found used which may serve best.
There are a couple of scooters out there, Suzuki has a 400cc & Honda has a 650. I don't believe either are 'step throughs'. By that I mean you sit on them like a motorcycle.

2006-12-08 08:45:29 · answer #10 · answered by r n 1 · 0 0

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