What would be a good starter street bike for me??

Question

I will be going to the class pretty soon and I want to get a bike soon after that but I don't know what to get. My husband wants me to get a 250 but I hear that's a waste of money because I will soon want a bigger engine.

What do you all think??

I really want a sport bike but that VStar looks really nice! Thanks swenjj

Answer 1

A 250??? I would suggest a 600.. After about a year you will want more power because other riders usually have a 750 or 1000 and you will see when other riders are around you that a 600 doesent even keep up with that.. . I learned on a 250 for my courses but for street... Start off with a 600.

Answer 2

It depends on the rider. A 250 cc cruiser will barely be able to keep up with highway traffic, but if you feel the bikes in the class are all you can handle, it will be just the thing to build your confidence. It's also great for in-town riding. And the Ninja 250 can keep up with freeway traffic with no problem.

I ride a 500 cc sport bike myself - it's faster than most cars, but is safe enough that many beginners can handle one after taking a class. I can't say that about the 600 cc sport bikes, which have around 100 hp. A 500 is a great size for anything short of a state to state trek - and some people have used them for that, too.

With cruisers, I'd say the limit to put on size is simple, if you do well in the class. Just don't get one that is so heavy that you can't pick it back up by yourself if it falls over, and you should be fine unless you go for something on the extreme end of muscle cruisers.

Answer 3

I ran into the same problem. thank goodness my husband had enough sense to talk me into a larger bike. I was 52 and am a small woman. I tried everything on the market, I opted for the 1100 v-star. I almost bought a 600 or 800 out of fear of too large a bike. boy am i glad I didnt. I have the bike of my dreams and can keep up with (and outrun some) of the BIG BOYS, lol. Also, the options of customizing it outweigh any other bike out there. Mine is lowered and hugs the curves really well. My son gave me a practically new Harley that is still in the garage and I am now selling it. My bike rides so good, the upkeep is minimal and I spend my money on riding rather than fixing it or paying for it.

Answer 4

If you want a bike that will keep you happy for a long time to come, get a Harley Sportster - L (low). They are made, designed, built, etc for women. You want to be able to sit on whatever bike you get that is comfortable, and yet has the ability to get up and go. I'd suggest getting a used one, and if you go to "lets-ride.com" and click on the classified ads, you will find a bunch of them, or go to a local dealership web site and search for used bikes there. Granted, the Sportster comes in either an 883 or 1200 model, but like I said, they were designed and built for women. An inch or two closer to the ground while you're sitting down can make all the difference, when it comes to riding a bike for more that 15-20 minutes at a time, without your butt getting sore. The lows also are designed so that when you straddle the bike, you legs aren't too far apart. with most other bikes that I'm aware of, they are NOT designed for a particular gender. If you don't believe me, just go to any dealership, or go to them all and sit on the various bikes that they have to offer.

Answer 5

A 250 is small and you'll probably want a bigger engine soon but it is not a waste of money it's a matter of safety and learning how to ride first so you can handle a bigger bike. Congratulations on your first bike and ride safe.

Answer 6

http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelhome/21/0/home.aspx

the big companies make smaller cycles that look just like the nice bigger cruisers, the yamaha v star classic is a 650, and still looks really nice

Answer 7

Suzuki bandit 600, good bikes, realiable, very cheap, quick when you want it to be.