What is a good motorcycle to start out learning on?

Answer 1

For the very start of your learning, one that belongs to a riding school. There are quite a few places that offer riding lessons - the MSF is the biggest, but there are others. The people at the office that issues drivers' licenses will have a list of approved riding schools. A school will be a big help in getting you to master the basics of riding so you'll know enough to practice on the street.

You'll want to pick out what type of bike appeals to you. A cruiser with classic looks? A sport bike? A standard, which is kind of halfway between the two? Or a dual sport that can go on the pavement or off road? These all have their own riding positions and attitudes. Note that you may change your mind after a year or so of riding - don't sweat it; you've bought your first bike, not your last.

I've got four rules about a good first bike.

1. It's forgiving and predictable so you can learn how to ride without being too scared of mistakes. In particular, it's best to stay under 50 hp. For sport bikes and sporty standards, this means 500 cc or less - a 600 will have about twice that much power.

2. It's light enough that you can pick it up when you drop it. A Goldwing or the larger Harleys will be hard for a first time rider to manage.

3. When you sit on the bike, you should be able to put both feet flat on the ground.

4. The bike needs to fit you. You should feel comfortable with the way you are sitting when you have your feet on the pegs and your hands on the grips. And you shouldn't settle for a bike that looks wrong to you or doesn't interest you - there are plenty of good first bikes.

Answer 2

First, I recommend taking a good training course, before you even buy a motorcycle. If you are in the U.S., the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers a Basic Riders Course which will make a huge difference in your abilities and safety before you hit the street the first time. The cost is not terribly high, and is definitely a worthwhile investment - it could save your life. Now, for your first bike, I recommend a used light to medium weight Japanese cruiser-style bike in the 250-600cc range, depending, in part, on your height and weight (larger bikes for taller/heavier riders). You may be OK on a 750cc class bike; however, they do offer more performance (and a bit more weight), which may or may not be workable for you. The 600cc cruisers offer good performance, and are capable of highway work (although you should start out in parking lots for lots of practice, then graduate to local low-traffic volume streets, then to somewhat busier streets, etc., with major high-speed street and freeway riding waiting until you have developed a much higher skill level). Some examples of appropriate bikes range from Honda 250 Rebel to a Honda VLX 600, with a Honda 750 ACE (1998-2003), 750 Spirit or 750 Aero (2004-present) representing the upper limit of size and speed recommended for a beginner. Now you may ask, why a used bike? There are several reasons - 1) you are likely to drop the bike a few times while gaining experience, even after taking a course, and it is much less "painful" to both the ego and wallet if that happens on a used bike, and; 2) you will probably use the "starter" bike for a year or two, then move into something larger, and you won't take a huge financial hit from depreciation from new if you buy a used bike - in fact, it is not unusual to get a price at or near what you paid for the bike a year or so prior when you sell it.

I don't recommend any type of sport bike (Ninja, CBR, GSX, etc.) of any engine size as a "beginner bike," as all of them, even the small displacement bikes, have far too much performance potential for somebody who is just beginning to develop his motorcycling skills. They can, and will, leave you so far behind the bike (mentally) that you will be just along for the ride (and crash). If that is the type of bike you really want, get a year or two experience on a cruiser, thenm move into a sport bike, you'll probably be around to enjoy it a lot longer that way.

Answer 3

it seems the "riders" don't know much... yes find a bike that fits and is comfortable but Nothing over 600cc to learn on when learning you Will end up dropping the bike over and you want something very lgihtweight and small so that you can pick it back up. plus something that small will be easy to handle and are easy to find for very cheap so it won't matter if you take a spill or two. this way when you get experience and can have a larger bike you don't have to worry constantly about dropping it like you would starting out.. practice practice practice..

Answer 4

Get a dirt bike and ride a couple hundred hours off road. Then get something between 350 and 650 and try the street. If you live through the first couple of years street riding you can take a rider with you.

Oh, and pre-pay your funeral expenses. It makes it easier on your family when you crash and burn.

Answer 5

if you are just learning i would go with something chep and light weight and a small motor like a honda rebel or something small like that a 250 or maybe get a dirt bike to run for a while then you can trade it in on something biger that a 250

Answer 6

lol..."somebody else's" is a good answer. I highly recommend starting on a used bike. Less stress if scratching and denting it.

A Honda Shadow is a good reliable bike.

Answer 7

dont go too small...find one that fits..test drive for as long as you can..hard to know if your back or knees will hurt with a 5 min ride..dont be afraid of too much power...I got a 750 and my buddy gor a 500. within a month he traded it for a 750

Answer 8

My first: Suzuki Volusia...805cc...big cruiser look, but light and easy to handle. Don't get anything too heavy or crazy fast at first.

Answer 9

Somebody else's!!