What size motorcycle should I get?

Question

I just got my endorsement, and other than during the training course, I have never riden a motorcycle. I want to get a sportbike. What makes and engine sizes do you recommend? Oh yeah, I am kind of on a budget because I go to school full time and don't work that much.

Answer 1

that moron just wants u to get a bike he knows u cant handle, and a bike like that will get u smoked. if u want to live thru the first season, u need to start small on a crotch rocket. ur budget isnt enough for a gsxr or even a used sportster. a 250 will just scoot in under the wire used. water cooled bikes are alot more potent than air cooled of the same cc size. i've ridden a honda aero750 cruiser that's about the size of a heritage. this bike is water cooled, and it has as much if not more of a punch than my 1200cc air cooled sporty.

if u remember in the training course, the first 6 months is the deadliest time for a new rider. and that yahoo obviously forgot what it's like being a new rider that's never been in the street....and he suggests a gsxr. anything with an 'R' in the name is too much bike for u. u cant afford to hop on an unforgiving bike. those will get u hurt real bad. my neighbor basically grew up on a bike, and he will tell u the same thing i am.....stay under 500cc's on a sport bike for at least a year. u have to walk before u can run.

Answer 2

I will assume you live in the United States - laws and model availablity are different elsewhere.

How did you like the bike in the training course? If you felt like it was all you can handle, I'd recommend a 250. There are two good 250 cc sportbikes on the market, the well-estabilshed Kawasaki Ninja 250 and the newcomer, the Hyosung / United Motors Comet 250. These are very controllable, and have enough power to go on the freeway (even if they are a bit buzzy at such speeds).

Feel ready for something bigger? Then I'd recommend a 500 cc sport bike. They'll more than keep up with highway traffic, while still remaining beginner friendly. I ride a Suzuki GS500F myself, and I still haven't "outgrown" this size after about 4,000 miles of riding on this and one other 500 (an old, worn-out Honda CX500, which is not a sport bike). Other 500s include the Kawasaki Ninja 500 and the Buell Blast.

The bikes I've listed have retail prices of around $3,000 to $5,000 new, and used ones can be picked up for much less.

Answer 3

A 600cc bike would be perfect. I would not start out with a sport bike. That is like giving a 16 yr old, that just got his license, the keys to a new Corvette. First of all, depending on your age, insurance will cost you a bundle. Some ins. companies will not insure sport bikes for anyone under 21. I would recommend something along the lines of a Honda Shadow until you become a decent rider. The riding position is much better for actual day to day riding, you will be less likely to push the envelope of your riding experience (speeding) and the overall costs are lower. After a year or two of actual street experience then I would look into a sport bike. Work your way into a sport bike.

Answer 4

Here in PA they offer free motorcycle safety course and provide motorcycles for the course, They are 250's and most of them are Honda Shadows. These are good training cycles and are not very expensive. However, if this will be your first bike buy used and pay cash, get the experience of riding before moving up to bigger and more expensive bikes. I have had friends who bought big bikes like Goldwings and rode only a few times then selling them at a loss because they weren't ready for a big bike. Nothing wrong with starting small and working up to bigger later on. In fact the smaller bike will normally sell quicker when you are ready to move up, then use the money for your next bike.

Source(s):

25 years motorcycling, owner of Goldwing and Harley Sportster, member of "HOG" and Christian Motorcyclist Association.

Answer 5

If the interstate that you get on is transferring quickly (above sixty 5) on your thanks to artwork, the 250 ought to no longer be sufficient engine. you should opt to seem for an GS500e (no fairing) or GS500f (fairing), they'd a quite low seat height as a inventory motorcycle. The Ducati Monster 620 is a sturdy motorcycle too, yet should be above your funds. you'll have a much more advantageous powerful concept after the kind, you'll in all probability be on 250cc motorcycles and get a strong experience for the quantity of ability they have. strong success!

Answer 6

Suzuki GSXr 600, Honda CBR 600 F series and RR, Yamaha R6, Kawi ZX6 are all good starter bikes. The people here will tell you to start on a 250cc... and they will surely thumbs down this answer for disagreeing. But, a 600cc is perfectly manageable for a new rider, and you will get bored of the 250cc very quickly. you will be able to pick up a used Honda CBR F4 or F3 for 3,000 to 3500 if you can find one in good shape... good luck!

Also take a look at the Suzuki SV650... very underpowered compared to most 600cc, but the v-twin engine is supposed to make for a fun ride, and they only cost 6k brand new.

Answer 7

u should get some experience on a cruiser before trying to stay alive on a rocket. before u commit on getting a rocket, it would be a good idea to price how much the insurance is going to be on it. if u cant afford a gsxr, i highly doubt u'd be able to afford the insurance u'd need because of the bank loan.....like u'd be able to stay in 1 piece on that.

Answer 8

Vespa