What is a good starter streetbike, what about a cruiser?

Question

i am looking to buy either a cruiser and or a streetbike and i cant decide i really like the honda cruisers, low maintence and low price i like the kawasaki ninja streetbikes but i just dont know please help me with some feed back thankyou.

Answer 1

Welcome to the world of two wheels (or, at least, nearly there)! Before you buy your first motorcycle, I highly recommend you take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Riders Course - you will learn a lot about the methods and techiques of riding a motorcycle, and, very importantly, how to stay alive on a motorcycle in traffic - very important! I returned to riding m/cs after a 30-year or so layoff, and took the course, even though I knew how to ride, but was rusty - I learned a lot, and highly recommend it. BTW, they supply the bikes for this course (usually Honda 250 Rebels, a light cruiser, but other bikes may also be found in the stable, depending on the individual facility). Go to www.msf.org for more information.

As to your first bike, I highly recommend you go for a cruiser, rather than a sportbike (you referred to them as 'streetbikes"), choosing one in the 200-600cc range. In that range, Honda makes the 250cc Rebel and the 600cc VLX. Both are good looking cruisers, the Rebel is great around town, and can attain freeway speeds, but it doesn't have much reserve performance to call on if you are at highway speeds. Most owners report mileage for the Rebels in the 65-75 MPG range, BTW. The VLX has a bit more oomph, but still not enough to let you ride through a curve (and into a guard rail, a fence or a building beyond it) at 150 MPH - no, its top speed will be in the 85-90 MPH range. It gets very good mileage, also, though not as good as the Rebel. Either is a good choice for a first bike. Plan to spend a year or two on your first bike, and you can "move up" to a bigger bike (or a different style) after you have developed more skill and "street smarts." I do not recommend a "crotch rocket" (Ninja, etc.) as a first bike, for a lot of reasons. Even the smalles of those bikes is capable of performance which will leave a beginning rider far behind it mentally, though the rider's body is astride the missile hurtling to possible doom. Their performance level is much too high (and tempting) for a beginning rider. Also, they are, IMHO, quite uncomfortable to ride, and can be considered an instrument of torture if you try to ride them for any extended period or distance (though your chiropractor will be glad you bought a crotch rocket). Life expectancy on a crotch rocket is, usually, rather short for beginning riders. Even 600 cc sportbikes are capable of performance exceeding most Ferraris and many purpose-built race cars, and, frankly, they aren't really all that happy at lower speeds (as found on public roadways). A cruiser, on the other hand, is much more comfortable, is quite versatile, and, although they perform pretty well, usually don't have the siren's song of temptation to go so fast you're body hits the wall, road, etc. long before your mind has a chance to get there.

BTW, I recommend you buy a used bike in good condition for your first bike, as it is highlly likely that you will drop it several times as you learn and develop experience, and it is much less expensive (and less heart-breaking, as well) to have this happen to a relatively inexpensive used bike than to a beautiful new motorcycle. Also, when you "move up" to a larger bike (almost an inevitable process), you won't take a huge financial hit from depreciation to the new bike.

In short, take a course, buy a suitable (small to medium) cruiser, develop a year or two experience, then move to whatever larger bike you then desire, whether it be a larger cruiser, a touring bike, or a sport bike. If you do it that way, the odds are much more in your favor as to living long enough to enjoy the sport of motorcycling.

Answer 2

I'd start with a used bike that is the right size for you. Get some miles and a couple of seasons under your belt before spending the money on a new machine.
When you're ready, get a new bike that fits you. Never ride a bike that you can't stand back up if it goes down. Almost all bikes produce a lot more power than neccessary to send you down wind in a hurry, but there aren't any that are legal over 65 (MPH in the States). Don't fall for the salesman's line about how much more powerful one bike is compared to another, they all go plenty fast.
I've owned hondas, yamahas, an old indian, and now have a kawasaki. All the jap bikes were very reliable, although I ve had a hellish time finding parts for the old kaw. The indian was a collectors only kinda thing and I just didnt have the time or resources to take proper care of it.
So take your time learning to ride and while doing so you'll define your own riding style. Then choose a bike based on your how it fits you, your riding abilities, your riding style, and the features/creature comforts you want on it, in that order.
I'd suggest learning on what the industrie calls a 'standard' bike. Good examples of these are honda's nighthawk 650,700, &750s, yamaha's maxim or seca 550,650, &750s, or kawasaki's kz 550,650,&750s. Suzuki makes a nice standard bike too, but I'm not real familiar with it. get used to it and you'll soon discover which type of bike and what engine is most appropriate for you. Then go get the one you really want, deck it out with all the do-dads you want and make it your own unique ride.have fun, and see you on the road.

Answer 3

I have a Honda VTX1300. It's really nice for cruising.
One thing to keep in mind is.. are you going to be carrying a passenger? If so, I've seen people on the back of the street bikes, sitting way up high and really doesn't look very comfortable. But maybe that's why the women like it LOL, kinda bumpy.
If you're just starting out, first I'd suggest taking a MC driving course.
The cost of about $250 is well worth it.
Upon completion and passing, you will earn your MC class for your license.
Next, if you go with a cruiser, I would start out on a 750 or less. I wouldn't go any higher until you get comfortable.
Good luck and Ride On.

Answer 4

Don't start with the ninjas or similar race replica - type bikes; you need to gain some experience first, or you'll almost certainly get hurt. Start with something light and easy to handle, preferably a standard such as the Honda Nighthawk 250. If you really don't like those, a small cruiser would be the next best choice.

Answer 5

I ride Honda cruisers. I have a Valkyrie, but I also have a 1995 VT600-C Shadow VLX. My missus has ridden this bike on several trips that were 4 hrs each way. I like to ride it in town. Its light weight, sits low, handles well, will cruise at 75 mph and gets 50-70 mpg.

Decide what kind of riding you will be doing, then get the right tool for the job.

Answer 6

Stay away from the cruisers... the Honda F4i, ninja 250/500, suzuki SV650 are all good starter bikes.

Answer 7

Three rules I always tell people who are starting to ride:

1. Smaller is better to begin with until you gain some experience.
2. Life is short so don't push your limits, that way you'll live to have lots of enjoyment.
3. If you want to shorten your life even more, disregard rule number 1.

Answer 8

I would buy a cheap second hand bike to learn on...buy one in good condition ( there are a lot of good second hand bikes on the market).. small bikes are better to learn on because they are lighter ( around the 250 to 500 cc ).. new riders tend to get it wrong now & then & throw the bike down the road...not something you would want to do to your exspensive new bike...once you feel confident you know what your doing you can get a bigger newer bike...

Answer 9

If you are able to know your traits... thoughtful...... crazies..... crazies don't live long in the 2 wheeled world. Take a riding taining school and live better.

If you have already leaned then getting started on a dirt bike is the best bet. Crotch rockets..... you have to have all the control all the time..... one instant............!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That's my opinion. Less flash and dash

Answer 10

check out the Yamaha vstar 650 classic!