Motorcycle brands?

Question

I am looking into getting my first motorcycle, and was wondering what kinds are the best for what I want. I rode a Honda Rebel that I really liked, but I was told that they only go about 45 mph so I wouldn't be able to go on the interstate with it. Can anyone tell me about some bikes that are similar in style, size, and weight, that can be driven on the interstate?

Answer 1

A Rebel is a great bike. It will go highway speeds no problem. For a first bike check out used bikes on craigslist.org or oodle.com you can often find a real bargain. Honestly most people drop their first bike.
Sport bikes are not comfortable, they are meant for short rides and handle great. A cruiser will easily out handle almost any car. It is your decision, bu my two cents is a small cruiser like a Rebel.

Answer 2

FEAR not the Rebel is of legal size to ride on the interstate.
DMV states in order to ride a Motorcycle on a freeway it must be at least 250 cc or bigger and the Rebel will run at 60 mph all year long it gust take a little longer to get up there. However Kawasaki has a 500 witch took over the 454 but looks the same A low set height that is a dream to ride. I think you should go down to your local Dealership and have a seat on one and lets not over look Tryumph as they too have a vary good line up with the best suspension in the market If your 4foot or 6foot tall you can ride this bike
the only thing is hope you like black. I have never seen any other... This would be my first pick as it handle the best out of the pack of small bikes and is often overlooked. It also is vary reliable as well and voted best pick last year in Cycle World

Answer 3

The rebel will go 70-80mph. It's not bad, but you might want to start off with something a little bigger if you're leaning towards the cruiser style. My first bike was the Kawasaki Ninja 250. It was fun, and topped out at about 100.... From there I went to the cruiser bikes and got the Kawasaki Vulcan 500. Another great bike, perfect for beginners. Also seen as a good female rider bike. I now have a 750 Honda Shadow which is perfect for me. My friend who just learned this summer bought the Vulcan 500. He likes it, but after a few months, he's already thinking of something bigger by spring. Although he is much taller.

Answer 4

Ok, judging buy your Pic, ;-) you are a young Woman. To be honest I haven't ridden many crusers. I myself am a Sport bike guy! I like the speed and power. However, My Girlfriend is looking into getting one as well. She wants a cruiser also. Take a look at the 650 Yamaha V-star, or the 600/650? Honda shadow. both of these bikes are proven motorcycles. both of them are not much more than a rebel, and both of them are capable of going on the interstate. I personally would not want a smaller bike for Higher speed Highways. There are many instances that I have been thankful for the guts of a larger motor,but I do know these bikes will do it! oh and both bikes are around 300-350 lbs dry weight. add almost 20 lbs to any motorcycle's dry weight to adjust for oil, gas, and coolant. take care and good luck!!!

Answer 5

IMO, the best motorcycle to start out with is the Kawasaki Ninja 250R. I haven't ridden before, but i have researched extensively on what kind of motorcycle i want for a first bike. The Ninja250R costs about 3-4k. It is a good beginner bike, and insurance costs much less than the 600c bikes. It has sports fairings and looks fairly sporty. Here's the offical website (http://www.kawasaki.com/Products/Detail.aspx?id=200)
Also, heres a Self-Help forum for it (http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Main_Page). The 250R tops out about 120MPH(i read from a website of multiple people posting their top speeds). It can get to 0-60 in about 5 secs. Also, if you are planning on getting a motorcycle, take the MSF(Motorcycle Safety Foundation) Course. It will help you get use to riding, and they too use 250Rs as test bikes and such. Check out the MSF course here(http://msf-usa.org/) to find a center near you. I am only 15, but i am REALLY looking forward to purchasing a Ninja 250R, and i hope after all my info, you are too!

*Also, from what i have read of other experienced motorcycle riders, they would NOT recommend starting with a 600cc bike. Too much power, too little experience. *

Answer 6

I don't make recommendations about which new bike for a beginner. But, I will say this: Don't toss that Rebel so fast. You say you rode it, but you also believe that it won't go over 45 because someone told you that. To me, that says you did not ride it anywhere near it's potential. That being the case, you are not ready for anything bigger.

Answer 7

If you want a good price and a practically maintenance-free and trouble-free experience with your new bike I would stick with the Japanese brands. Honda consistently puts out great bikes that ride great, require a minimum of maintenance, and hold up to the test of time. Yamaha also consistently puts out quality stuff that holds up over time. I would look at the Honda Nighthawk or the Yamaha equivalent.

Answer 8

Look into a Kawasaki Ninja 250. It's the best starter bike out there and it is more than capable of highway travel.

Good luck!

Answer 9

Can't argue with that! Although it isn't an upright bike. unfortunately Harley doesn't make anything smaller than a 883 sportster and those aren't a good starter bike. I got a friend of mine started on a Yamaha v-star 650. its low has good balance good acceleration and Yamaha has one of the best service plans. good luck and remember to insist on a test ride before u buy. happy hunting!!!

Answer 10

Kawasaki Vulcan 500 is similar in style.