Best beginner's bike?

Question

I will be taking the Virginia Basic Rider's Course next month and am looking to buy a good beginner's bike. My friend gave me his old one, but this thing will not last long and so I think I should start reviewing bikes now. What attributes of a bike make it a good beginner's bike, and which one would you learn on?

Answer 1

Any Honda 250 road bike under 8 years old ~~

Answer 2

All of these answers are good answers, but it doesn't really matter what WE think is a good beginner bike. It matters what YOU are comfortable on. I recommend taking a safe rider course (like the ones offered through MSF). They have several bike sizes to choose from and will help you find what fits you. Then I would go shopping based on that information. If you can't or won't go to an MSF course then remember these points when you go shopping: 1. comfortable seated position (reach bars and pegs without discomfort) 2. feet can reach the ground without being on your toes 3. light enough to balance at a dead stop When it comes to power, it's all a matter of being comfortable and not having so much power that it will scare you off the bike. A 125cc should fit that description. Oh, and remember one thing; in America, motorcyclists will tell you that anything between a 250 and a 600 is a beginner/chick bike. The rest of the world doesn't seem to have that problem so take all of our comments regarding engine displacement with a grain of salt and buy what works for you, whether that is a 50cc or a 500cc. Ride safe and have fun.

Answer 3

You don't state what kind of bike you want. I started on a Kawasaki 500 cruiser. It was perfect to learn on. I'm 5'7" but I'm a pretty big guy so I can muscle around most bikes. If you want a sport bike, you can't go wrong with a 500. Since then I have had a Honda Shadow 1100 and now a custom chopper with a 1650 engine. That thing is a beast! I found the 250 too small for me. Bikes aren't as tempermental as cars. And they are easy to fix if you have some basic knowledge and a repair manual. I would keep your friend's bike till it dies. You will probably lay it down once anyway. Might as well do that on an old bike and not one you just bought. Also, learning how to work on your bike is great to learn everything you can about your bike. That's how I got to the point where I built my own from scratch.

Answer 4

Fit I think is gonna makes a huge difference in the beginning. You should be able to sit comfortably w/ both feet flat on the ground for a cruiser. If you go sport its tip toes, or one foot a firm flat and the other peg'd.
Everyone also always tries to stick people on these damn 250's and training wheel bike's. Be advised, these low power bikes can get you into trouble. If you are 6'-180-200 lbs and try to ride a 250 you could get yourself hurt. The bike has to have enough power to move you WITH ROOM FOR MANEUVERABILITY if the situation calls for it.
Find a good fit, then find the right power range. I ride Western MD, VA, and parts of WV and PA so i know the roads and a little power will deff help in the hills and mountains.

Answer 5

Cheap dirt bike - you can get a street legal 175cc or so, and get used to it before moving up to a 450-500cc bike.

I ride a Suzuki Boulevard C50 (805cc) that I've been really happy with. I'm an experienced rider, but it wouldn't be too much for a beginner - though it is heavier, that's why I suggest the dirt bike to begin with - not as bad if you drop it, plus you won't scuff up a nice bike.

Whatever you decide to do - be careful, when it comes to other cars, pretend like you are invisible (or do what i do, and pretend they are actually trying to kill me). That way you will never be surprised when one cuts you off, gets over into your lane, pulls out in front of you, slams on their brakes in front of you (or behind you - especially scary).

Have fun!!

Answer 6

400 Kawasaki ninja sport bike, Yamaha star 650 cruser. You have to fit the bike A 5.6 person wont fit the bike I would buy. There are plenty of professionals that can help you find just what you'll need. Get a good Pair of boots Brand new Helmet streets are tough place to learn the rider course is just the right start.

Answer 7

I will start with a Ninja 500 or Ninja 650R this two in the sport side but if you want a cruiser look into a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 or a Shadow 750.After I took the safety course I went to different dealers sat in different bikes and get quotes for insurance, you have to feel the bike after my research I decided for a Vulcan 900 it might look to big but it will take you a couple of days to get used to it.

Answer 8

I find the "standard" bikes good for beginners. Cruisers (like Harleys) are low to the ground with foot pegs forward, Sport bikes are higher with foot pegs rearward. The standard style places footpegs in a more natural position when you are sitting upright on the seat. A good first bike is one where you can place both feet on the ground and easily maneuver the bike with the engine off. When you are seated on the bike with your hands on the handlebars, your foot should find the pegs easily, and you should be able to work the clutch and brake without reaching or stretching. I like a dual-purpose bike, like the Suzuki DR250. It's lightweight, easy to manage, you can ride it on or off road, it's fun to ride, and it is very inexpensive.

Answer 9

I'm going to give a k the thumbs up, and go with the Ninja 250, specifically. And more important than the bike is taking one or two MSF courses!

Answer 10

for an absolute beginner, you can not go wrong with a ninja 250 or ninja 500. they are light and easy to handle and have enough power without being too much. be careful and take it slow, look into an msf course