What's a good beginner motorcycle?

Question

I am taking the rider safety course / motorcycle test soon, and will in all likelihood be getting a motorcycle. What is a good bike for a beginner? I'm looking for a used bike that will allow me to learn to ride safely but have a bit of fun, too. I'd like to spend under $2,500 if possible.

Answer 1

I bought my 96 EX250 (Kawasaki Ninja 250) all my gear, a year of full coverage insurance, and the MSF course for $5,000

http://ninja250.kingston.net/ninja-value.html
here is a price calculator for the ninja 250. it has its own disclaimer on it.

I like the little bike, as do most veteran riders. it is hard to find a bad review on this bike.

I bought my 96 for 1500, and a brand new one cost 3,000 so it is not hard to find a used one fairly cheap.

if you decide on this bike; there is a huge community of support online for it at http://www.ninja250.com and their FAQ section at http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Main_Page

it is good info, even if you choose another bike. (some Motorcycle Safety Courses use these bikes)

although it looks like a "sport" bike, it is really a full faired standard motorcycle (Even Kawasaki's Ads say it is a Standart MC)

good luck

Answer 2

I think something between 500-700 cc. A lot of people going to tell you to buy a 250cc. The problem you will out grove the motorcycle no time. Not going to have enough power etc. A 250 is great to learn the basics that's about it. I wouldn't recommend the crutch rockets because will be expensive to insure for you age. Do to the fact most motorcycle accidents happens with a sport bike. I would recommend a naked bike like Suzuki sv650 or Yamaha Fz6. Any bike with around 600 cc wouldn't have any problem with your weight. I started on a Kawasaki 750 as my first bike. Make sure you will use the throttle responsibly.Here is a web site what direct you to the nearest training facility. Good luck!

Answer 3

It's more than 2500 but a Harley 883 is a good starter and keeper. But just about any 500cc bike (or smaller)would be good. A decent dual sport bike like a DR225, DR350 or 650 would be best because you could take it to a field and practice and really learn how to ride and have a blast doing it. But really anything small would be great if it's something you want as a temporary bike to learn on until you are ready for something substantial.
If you keep an eye out you can find some good 80s (80's decade not cc) bikes out there that have been well cared for for a $1000 and under. Everything in the 80's had electronic ignition by then. (This is a great thing)
First go to all the shops and look at bikes that appeal to you and find out what style they are. Then look on Craigslist.org in your area and see what is being sold that might be an equivalent of that bike. Also check out Cycle Trader on the Internet in your area. Check out your local newspaper too. But mainly keep looking and asking questions about what you are looking at and you'll find a bike that makes you feel good. Good Luck

Answer 4

The ninja 250 is the best and only good choice for your price range.

They are light and small and they retain thier value. If you buy one today you will sell it for the same price in a year.

I purchased one to teach my wife and sold it for $200 more after a year. It sold in three hours.

the ninja 250 also will do up to 100mph and handels well. The 250 redel is under powered and does not handle at all. The rebel sits very low and is good if you are very short but otherwise get the ninja 250 or the 500.

If you have a few more dollars look into the SV650. the are the next step up and are great bikes to ride.

Answer 5

You want to get a bike thats just small enough to be able to manuver and such at low speeds (when everything is shaky and you have to muscle it a bit) But big enough that you wont outgrow the bike in a couple of months. A Honda Rebel or anyones equivalent will be way too small. My first bike was a Honda Shadow 750 CC. I still rode that thing for a whiole after I got my Harley. The shadows make good bikes, and I would stay around 500-750 cc. A nice Honda shadow spirit is 600cc. My A.C.E. Shadow was 750 and I think the perfect size for me. It will break 100 on the open road, and doesnt even think twice about a hill.

Answer 6

Kawasaki 250 Ninja, this bike is a bargain, new is $2995, used between $1500 to $2500.
This is a "do anything" bike, its fast enough to keep up with traffic, or its faster yet to pass up the Harley's.
Its as light as a feather, lightweight bikes are easy to ride and handle, and if you tip it over its light enough you can pick it up yourself.
This bike will get at least 80 MPG, very reliable, will never break down, and other riders will respect this bike and tell you its a great bike.

Answer 7

the Honda rebel is a great learning bike but any 250 is going to turn out not to be enough bike unless you are just driving it down the block. look for something around 500cc. i like cruisers but there are different options. this is the right time to start looking for a used bike because some folks will be looking to sell what they have now so they won't have to store it. dress warm and as long as the roads don't have ice you can ride. i have had some real nice rides on Christmas and new years.

Harley may not be your best bet for a first bike. that name will raise the price and repairs and maintenance cost more. Honda's are reliable, easy to maintain and roll down the road. and you won't fell nearly as bad if you are standing there looking at it on it's side. be safe, have fun.

Answer 8

Very smart choice in taking the riding safety course first. You will see how worth it is to take once you begin riding on the streets regularly.

Not knowing what your likes and dislikes are, I would suggest a Harley Sportster 883. You may have a bit of trouble finding one in the $2500 range, but I have seen them in that price range.

I suggest the Sportster because they have a low center of gravity, which allows for your feet to be planted firmly on the ground when you come to a stop, and not on your "tip-toes." This also helps with balancing the bike. They are heavy (about 500 pounds) which helps you control the bike better when there is a wind gust or tractor trailer passes you.

Try going to a Harley showroom and sit on a few and see how you like the fit.

Answer 9

Agood starter bike would be a cruiser class 550cc or lower.I would stay away from sport type bikes.They will be time later if you like this type of bike.The most imporant thing to do now is to learn to ride safely and get to know everything you can about the bike you get.This will help you to become a better rider.Best of luck with you choise.

Answer 10

How about a Kawasaki Ninja 250. It's a great beginner bike, but still has zip enough to have a lot of fun.

You can pick one up used in good condition for under $1500 --- maybe less after the riding season ends, like late October.

Check http://www.craigslist.org in your area for one.