I've got a gas-guzzling, muscle car (not the best commuter car!) that I bought when I was younger and didn't know any better. With gas prices still sky-high in the Bay Area, this is killing me!! I know nothing about motorcycles other than they're good on gas and they can get through traffic better than the boat that I'm driving. What would be the best for my size if I were to get a sport bike or a chopper/cruiser??
2007-09-01 07:20:59 · 18 answers · asked by iLuvLamp 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
If you just need a commuting vehicle, consider a scooter, they are available in all displacement categories up to 600 cc, have reasonable wind and weather protection, built in cargo space, are inexpensive and are very fuel efficient. Scooters are becoming kind of cool too.
2007-09-01 08:00:03 · answer #1 · answered by cimra 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
if these people read your question they would have seen the "sport bike or chopper/cruiser" at the end of your question....Obviously you are looking for something that is not a beginners bike....but are you a beginner?....if yes, then you really DON'T want a chopper....and a sport bike?...NO not if you're a beginner ...they have way too much power and they take a considerable amount of ability to safely ride.
Go see if you can find a Kawi 500cc Vulcan....same basic engine as the ninja and they have a 6 speed transmission.
they also have a lower seat height than the Honda rebel has...there is a girl that has one of these Vulcans and she occasionally rides with us.....most of us have large Harleys...and I have to honestly say that #1 it's a sharp looking little motorcycle...#2 she has absolutely NO problem keeping up with the bigger bikes...that engine and 6 speed transmission are a nice combination....there are lots of bikes to choose from out there ...this is just one suggestion for you.
good luck with your search...and enjoy riding.
2007-09-02 04:20:39 · answer #2 · answered by flh_ryder 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My brother was a poor college student looking for something which would get him a lot better gas mileage than his car, and he decided upon getting a motorcycle and started checking around various motorcycle dealers.
Then, at his very part time job at the Emergency Room, a motorcycle driver was brought in, in very bad shape after he accidentally "turned" his motorcycle in an accident which only involved his motorcycle as he lost his balance.
My brother decided to stick with his gas guzzler regardless of the price of gas as life and limb cannot be replaced with all of the small amount saved on gas using a motorcycle.
I can track two people down I know who are without a limb, or, a third person who is paralyzed because of losing balance on their motorcycles in an accident which only involved the motorcycle (a "one motorcycle accident"). I am sure that they can provide you with some real expert advice on motorcycles.
And, to think when I was a 12 year old in the state where I lived, that state at that time licensed 12 year olds to drive around on the streets on 50 cc motorcycles (usually Honda 50s were the "thing" to have as a 12 year old).
2007-09-01 14:04:07 · answer #3 · answered by Score 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, sport bikes are pretty much out of the question, due to your height - except for a Ninja 250, which may be a good option for what you're looking for.
Go to a motorcycle dealer that have several brands and start sitting on bikes and see which one you feel comfortable with.
Look for cruisers under 800 cc. Suzuki S40 (650cc) is a very light weight cruiser that would work really well for your purposes. If you're looking for used bikes, the Suzuki Savage is the same model with different handlebars and seat.
2007-09-01 07:40:13 · answer #4 · answered by terje_treff 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Take the Motorcycle safety course; they normally set you up with a 250cc that you can get a feel for. I'd suggest a 250cc to keep for a while. Here is a list
Honda nighthawk 250-this is what I wanted!
Honda Rebel 250
Yamaha Virago 250-I own this one
Suzuki 250
Kawasaki "eliminator" 175? (don't know if I'd want to ride this)
I use to ride a 750cc; It was too big for me to develop the confidence and skills I needed.
Good luck.
2007-09-01 18:58:13 · answer #5 · answered by Chalgal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Weight and how tall your are does not mean a thing. Best why is to look into mirror, and being to thin unless your very poor is not bad thin. Just start eating more I am about 5"10 just i just to weigh 110lb(I was 16) and i starting eating more and I start having a belly. Unlike some people i could not carry weight very well. So i start eating less. I started training and slowly eating more also i got older for some reason I see that people are able to carry weight better when they are older. Know i weigh about 180LBS pure muscle by eating slowly more,training and getting older. I just turn 20 so i did took my a while.
2016-05-18 22:20:36 · answer #6 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The though of a newbie in Frisco traffic
on a bike, is a bit off putting, however:
Get a 'standard` 250-350 cc.s to start.
Especially in traffic, you'll be better on a
lighter, nimbler machine and that size
range should offer enough power for
a rider of your weight without being too
heavy for you to manage..
2007-09-01 11:01:23 · answer #7 · answered by Irv S 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I agree, a large scooter, some of those things have some pretty decent built-in storage, and the larger CC bikes are Interstate legal, will get up and, ah, scoot. BUT the larger ones (over 50cc or so) require a cycle license, the 50cc ones do not. The couple I can think of would be the Suzuki Burgman I think it's called? And Honda has a few similar, where you just sit on it kinda like sitting on a chair. I bet you'd like it.
2007-09-01 09:49:35 · answer #8 · answered by Baron_von_Party 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Kawasaki EX250
great beginner's bike, you won't get tired of it; you can pick up a decent used one, all required gear, a year of Insurance and the Safety course for just over $5,000.
75MPG, top speed of 110MPH (Kawasaki rated), 50 state Interstate legal.
there are also a plethora of replacement parts available because the design hasn't changed in 20 years. making all parts available; cheap and easy to get.
50% of all 2-wheeled vehicle upsets (single vehicle collisions) are below 20MPH; the range most scooters have to stay, as they are unstable at the higher speeds. due to a high mounted, and offset engine, and small wheels. the larger wheels of a motorcycle balance the vehicle at speed.
http://ninja250.com
http://www.msf-usa.org
keep the shiny side up!
2007-09-01 12:04:40 · answer #9 · answered by godz68impala 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
id like to suggest a shadow 750 aero they have the lowest seat height of all Honda's. my little brother has one he is about 5'7 and can stand all the way up and be off the seat. so you should have no problem. he gets about 40 mpg with a windshield and saddle bags. it also has a good amount of power. we rode from Illinois to sturgis sd at 80 mph and had no problem carrying tents and a few duffel bags. if your going to use it for errands id get the bags it helps. lastly all the weight is pretty low so it seems lighter than it really is
2007-09-01 09:19:21 · answer #10 · answered by ikepaintball 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋