What kind of motorcycle should I buy?

Question

I have no experience on a bike and I want to know, what kind of bike would be good to start off with? Keep in mind too, that I plan to drive this only to work and back, which is about 10 minutes from my house. Thanks.

Answer 1

I'd start with taking some lessons, if you haven't already. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is the largest provider of these in the United States, but there are others too. The office that issues drivers' licenses will have a list of approved motorcycle schools. The lessons typically take a weekend, and the school will have the bikes for you to ride there.

You can often get a license after passing the class, but that's not its only benefit. You will learn a lot about the controls and riding safety, and it may give you an idea of what sort of bike you would want. If the bikes in the class felt like all you could handle, get a 250 from any of the major Japanese brands. These are fine for a 10 minute drive off the interstate, but any of these except the Kawasaki Ninja 250 will have trouble going over 70.

If you feel like you can manage something bigger after the class, and you want a more powerful bike, you might want to look into a 500 cc sport bike, or a cruiser in the 600-something range. These have more power without getting out of hand for a beginning rider. The larger cruisers can get rather heavy for a smaller rider, however, without experience in handling them. I wouldn't recommend a 600 cc sport bike to a beginner - at 100 hp or so, these are rather unforgiving bikes to learn on.

Whatever you get, make sure you can get both feet flat on the ground when you're sitting in the saddle. This will be a big help in keeping it upright at stoplights and the like.

Answer 2

Its not so much as to what kind of bike...its size. you never rode before, stay under a 600 cc bikebut i like kawasaki's. had 3 of them 2 hondas and a yamaha. Antoehr thing, during the day drive with your high beam on. Remember this...NOBODY can see a bike. i have been down a few times...road rash sux. ALWAYS ride in the left track of the road. right where you would be if you were driving a car, that way the cars can see you a little better. NEVER ride the middle, thats where all the gas and oil from cars drip. And the right rrack is no good, you wont be seen at all. I am 42 been riding for 32 years. My Unlce was 4th best in the country in flat track racing back in the 60s. I have been ariund bikes all of my life. Dont get anything over a 600cc I got a ticket in 1985 for 138.9 miles an hour on a GPZ 550. Be safe !!! any questions e-mail me [e-mail]

Answer 3

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 4

When you go to take you MSF Basic Rider Course, they will put you on a 250cc (Honda Rebel probably). If you like it, stick with it. Buy a used 250cc, get it safety checked by a certified motorcycle mechanic, and tool around for the first summer. You can always think about upgrading the following year after you get some experience under your belt. Ride safe.

Answer 5

You've already received some really good answers; I agree that you should stay under 600cc, and I would also say stay away from a speed-bike/crotch rocket... They are too powerful for an inexperienced rider. Get something more situated to cruising, like the Honda Shadow or Suzuki Boulevard.

Answer 6

I would recommend a 600 cc sport bike. You can take a motorcycle safety class and learn how to ride. You should get a bicycle and practice for at least a week. A motorcycle is still a bike with a motor. Nothing else. Learn how to ride a bike good then get a sport bike. You will be happy and very popular.

Answer 7

first, id like to say, though i am not sexist, i do find it funny that the first girl to answer said "Harley Davidson or nothing" that makes me laugh... hold on, I'm still laughing... OK I'm better.

i do not recommend a bike to someone who can't ride one. that's stupid. learn to ride by a MSF course, then rent a few different types, then start looking to buy, THEN ask here.

but i will say this... in the entire history of the planet, Harley Davidson has never built a bike as good as a mediocre Honda.

if Harley Davidson made planes, would you fly in one?



Honda actually does make a jet. does this say anything to you about the engineering ability they have?

Answer 8

Honda rebel 250 small dependable reliable good starter bike and sell new for around 3000 to 3500

Answer 9

They are easy to ride.If I was just riding a short distance to work and back I would check out a Honda Silverwing.Once you get used to it you'll use it more than you think.They are great fun and a nice ride on the weekends will start being your favorite thing to do.
Be careful and Good luck.

Answer 10

Kawasaki EX250 or EX500