Looking for an easy riding motorcycle for a 24 yr old?

Question

Hi, I'm 24 yrs old and a motorcycle fanatic. I used to have a kawasaki zx-6 ninja which was super fast but unfortunately i got into an accident and had to get rid of my hobby. I've recently recovered from my fear of bikes and would like to purchase another one. But this time, i don't want to get a sports bike, as they're uncomfortable and no fun unless you ride them at 100mph. At the same time i don't feel old enough to be riding a cruiser, its just not my style. Therefore i'm interested in the naked sport bike category and would appreciate any advice or help regarding what bike to chose. I'm interested in the triumph STREET triple and the ducati monster. Are those good/fun bikes to ride?

Answer 1

What?! Don't give up on the Ninja! I'm younger than you and what's the use of riding if you're not doing 120? What's to be afraid of? Just make sure you're helmet matches your bikes paint exactly, you'll be safe!

Answer 2

All of the above. I agree that a speed triple might be too much of a bike, but the 620 Monsters are nice to ride. There is also the Multistrada 620, quite different to the Monster. In this class is the Suzuki V-strom, both are hybrid street-tourer styles. Even easier (and a lot less expensive) would be the Suzuki SV650. If you prefer a four cylinder rather than a V-twin, the Suzuki GS500 naked seems good value; even less expensive would be the Kawasaki ER6. There is also the Yamaha Fazer (FZ6), a de-tuned version of the R6. Honda doesn't make much in this size; but does have the 500fi, which is more sprotsbike style
Rather than the Ducati, Cagiva make a very nice bike, which has the same engine as the SV650.
I am assuming that you are looking at a medium size bike, and don't want to step down to a 250. If you were, however, the Honda 250 V-twin is agruably the best 250 around.
As far as build quality is concerned, in my opinion the range (going down) would be Ducati-Honda-Yamaha-Suzuki-Kawasaki.
Have a good look at them all.

Answer 3

Ducatis are so kool. Wish I was big enough to hold one up, lol. But if you had an accident before on a bigger ninja, why not try a smaller one? The Kawasaki ninja 250cc I've got is only $2,999 brand new, and isn't going to go so fast it forces tears to fly out of your eyes...to say the least lol. But then again, I'm a 17 year old girl...tippin the scales at 95lb>_< It's all I can handle whilst I pray to gain weight so I can get a bigger bike. But neways, I'd work my way up from a smaller bike. And yes, you're definitely still too young to be riding around on an old dude cruiser, you've still got that sport bike spirit in you somewhere!

Answer 4

Both good choices, and fun rides.

I'd go for a Ducati, but its a matter of taste, with some subjective pros & cons.

There are several Monsters - 900+ CC ones are either two valve air-cooled or 4 valve water cooled. The 2 valve ones are easier to maintain, & therefore cheaper to run, have as good or even better bottom end power, but not as much at the top end as the 4 valve ones.

I think the Triumph would be cheaper to own, and probably more powerful than a 4 valve Duke, ( power comparison depends which year of each etc), but won't handle as well as a Ducati (not much does!).

For me a Trumpy just wouldn't be as all-round satisfying as a Duke, but it also depends how familiar you are / want to become with your spanners - and will this be a long-term relationship or just a short fling ?


*** Ducati - Making Mechanics out of Riders Since 1946 ***

Answer 5

I'm 24 and I ride a 2001 Suzuki GS500. It's a naked bike, and it's not powerfull enough to get too crazy with. If you still want the power look into a Honda CB599 or CB919. They all sit more upright and still have some killer style. Maybe you could look into a BMW, they have a lot of more mature options. I'm not much help on the ducati or triumph.

Answer 6

This thread shows the UK/US cultural difference. When I lived in the UK, people rode bikes as a primary form of transport, rather than a hobby (no offence intended).

When I sold my last bike (pre-exup FZR1000), it was to slow down TO 100mph :-) Idid the same thing again recently, to slow down - I sold my Corvette & got a Toyota FJ Cruiser :-)

15 years, I'm thinking about a bike again & I AM thinking about a cruiser - but a power cruiser, like the Yamaha/Star Midnight Warrior, or the new V-Max, if they even bring it out.

I MIGHT think about a Triumph Speed Triple, too.

I would NEVER get a HD - too slow, heavy & down on HP. Sometimes limited quantities make it hard to get what you want.

Answer 7

I'm 22 and have a SV650S. Mine is the faired version but they do have naked ones out there. This bike is a lot of fun to ride even if you are not going over 100. It's very responsive and has a lot of spunk. It's not that expensive and it is a great beginners bike. I think you would really enjoy this.

Answer 8

I have the S2R1000 Ducati. They are awesome bikes. Plenty of power (about 94 hp). They look great, especially if you chop the rear and add your own pipes. I have a Ducati Performance ECU (chip) and opened the airbox, just to let it breath better. Mine now has 8,500 miles on it in just 1 1/2 years.

Answer 9

Why don't you try a mid sized cruiser or an older standered until you get used to it then move "up" to the sport bike you really want? Less money and a little less power but you can take your time. Just a thought.

Answer 10

Get a 250cc Honda Nighthawk or Rebel used. These bikes are great, the repairs are cheap, and there gas mileage hovers around the 70-80 mpg range. People consider these bikes "starter bikes" but in reality, these used to be "mid-sized" bikes before bikes started having 800cc and larger engines. Although you won't be picking up any ladies or winning any street race, these bikes are the best bang for your buck and you can still travel on the highway.