What would you recommend for a good first bike? read on.?

Question

Before I say anything else: I am definitely planning to take the MSF course and ride responsibly (although you might think otherwise because I'm 18) with full protective gear. I have heard people say that anything under 500cc is good for a beginner, while others advocate a more powerful bike in the 500-800cc range. I'm interested in cruisers, and I've done a lot of research. From that, it looks like a Honda Rebel 234cc bike might be a good choice, and it's affordable for me right now. However, I obviously haven't made any final decisions. Maybe a more powerful used bike for around 3 or 4 grand such as a Honda Spirit Aero 750cc will be within my limits, since I don't plan on committing suicide and will learn gradually. Anyway, I don't know. I'm 5' 7" / 5' 8" and weigh around 140-150 pounds. Any suggestions?

Thanks a lot.

-Alex

Forgot to say this: I've been driving cars all over for 2 years now, so I know the dangers of the road and such.

About my name: VodkaAndPickles has nothing to do with drunk driving. I have never done it and don't plan to. It's just a name I picked out for myself.

Also, how can I get a feel for several different bikes and power ranges before buying them? Is the test drive at the dealership enough to foresee how the bike will work for me?

Answer 1

I wish I would have known all the dangers of the road in two years. LOL You have a long way to go Alex.

But anyway, as far as your bike, I've seen petite females handle goldwings, harley road kings and electra glides. so don't worry about your height and weight.

But do start low and work your way up to those heavy cruisers.
500 - 750 would be tops to start out with in my opinion.

Go used, you will most likely drop it. As you get more acquainted with riding you can always take that next step up.
The big thing will be, see how you handle the bikes at the MSF class, those are usually rebels and such, in the 250 range.
Good luck and good riding.

Answer 2

Don't buy one until you take the MSF course. They supply the motorcycles for the course and use 250cc bikes, most commonly the Honda Nighthawk, which uses the exact same engine as the Rebel in standard bike packaging rather than cruiser style. The two days you spend on that bike will give you a very good idea if you will be satisfied with a 250cc as your daily driver.

Right now, your physical dimensions match up pretty well with the Rebel's, but a few more pounds or a couple inches will make a difference. I personally think you would get more satisfaction out of a used 500-800cc cruiser in the long run. (The Shadows are good choices)

But, like I said, take the course and get 16 hrs of saddle time on the smaller bike to give you an idea if it would be enough for you or not.

Answer 3

The 250 rebel is a good bike. Light weight and easy to ride. I'm 6'1 200lbs so it's much to small for me, but if you fit on it comfortably it's a good bike.

The 750 shadow is also a fine choice. I've driven the ACE and it had plenty of power and is easy to handle.

On the yamaha side you could look at the 750 Virago. I'm currently riding a 650 v-star, which has a low seat hight that gives it a lowrider feel. Both of those bikes are good to start on, with the virago feeling like the lighter of the two.

Answer 4

I've been riding since I was 18 as well, and everything good I know about riding I learned from that course, so pay attention. I bought a 1981 Yamaha Virago for around a grand, it was a 750. I outgrew that very quickly and got my first Harley a year later, an FXDX. I think a 750 cc cruiser would be just fine for you to start out on (I have 70lbs on you!) and then trade up after you are comfortable. If you get the 250 Rebel, you will hate riding it after a month, do not make that mistake, I have seen many people do it. Just remember that no one sees you out there, loud pipes save lives, and keep the shiny side up.

Answer 5

If you can find a used and inexpensive teeny tiny bike, do that.

But I wouldn't spend good money on something you're going to be tired of in a month.

I can highly recommend the Honda Magna, the VF750 version not the older ones (which I know little about).

It's a low seat height (28") - which won't be too bad for you. It's a well balanced bike.

Even though it's a big 4 rather than a twin, it could be considered a cruiser. I don't know technically what it's called, but it's a street bike rather than a sport bike, so you can cruise on it!

The fact that it's a 4 means that it's got a little more juice. Twins are pretty and all that, but if you like speed, they have little purpose in your life. I personally prefer a big engine.

Answer 6

Never buy a new bike to learn on. If you crash an older bike it won't be so bad. As far as size goes the first one won't really matter because you will most likely not have it very long. You need to take into consideration a few things like...How does the bike fit you...are you comfortable sitting on it in the riding position? Do your feet comfortable touch the ground? My first ever bike was a 1985 GPZ 550 I loved it but out grew it quickly withing 6 months i sold it and bot a 1980 Honda 750 Super Sport. Wrecked it a couple of times and sold it to but a 1986 Ninja like the one in Top Gun what can I say it was cool at the time. Decided I didn't like the way the crotch rocket felt and went back to the 750 honda. So you see the first bike is only important until you grow tired of it.

Answer 7

My first bike was a Honda rebel 250. I had never ridden at all. It's great to learn on but after about 1 or 2 months you're going to be looking for another gear. You grow out of it fast. It's probably good to take your class on though. Right now I'm on a Honda Shadow 750 and it is more comfortable than my rebel. Good luck!!!!!

Answer 8

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 9

Easy answer: 2007 Honda CBR125R, the best selling bike in the UK and BeNeLux countries. Cheap to insure, cheap on gas, the perfect city commuter really. Unless you are thinking of highway riding, then a 750 is the way to go. Sadly the CBR125R is not availible is the USA. Cheers to Honda Canada!

Answer 10

I started out with the Honda VLX 600 and within a month of taking the course I had outgrown it. I think the 750 would be a better starter. You'll hang onto it longer and won't lose money by byeing small and regretting it. It also depends on the kind of riding you want to do. If you want to go on long rides the 750 would be more comfortable.