I want to get a motorcycle?

Question

I want to get a new one. Probably just a cruiser. Something for to and from work, especially with these gas prices and all. Tell me what I need to look for when buying a bike. What dealers should I stay away from. What are good prices. I thinking Honda. I know Suzuki has bikes too, any place else?

Really good answer txgold! If it helps I'm 5'2 and 110. I'm tiny lol.

THANKS EVERYONE!! IM GOING TO LEAVE IT FOR THE VOTERS TO DECIDE. TOO MANY GOOD ANSWERS AND ONCE AGAIN IM NOT FAMILIAR WITH THIS. HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Answer 1

If this is your first motorcycle, then you cannot go wrong with a Honda, they are extremely reliable and hold their value well. The 750 Shadow is a great starter bike, depending on your size and strength. It is also an economical bike to ride. The Shadow can be outfitted with saddlebags so you can carry a few things with you to/from work.

When looking for a dealer, it really depends on where you live and how many choices you have in your area. You may want to do some research on some motorcycle forums and ask for references of reliable dealers. The forums are some good places to get price information as well. I bought my Honda from Neosho Powersports in Neosho, Missouri, even though I live a few hundred miles away in Dallas.

No matter which bike you decide on, if this is your first motorcycle you MUST enroll in a motorcycle training course. Make sure it is an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) approved course. Should take only a couple of days, but it is time and money well spent. Also, NEVER ride without a helmet, regardless of what the law is in your state. Gloves and boots are also highly recommended.

Answer 2

Honda rebel or night hawk . Kawasaki Ninja 250 will work.
You can get a few dual sports that can be adjusted to your size. Look at the Suzuki DR200, Yamaha WR250r, XT250 . Kawasaki KLR250 .
Just make sure you can control the bike. The lighter the better for you . My girlfriend is as petite as you and I am going through the learning process right now. I would not put her on a 600+ just yet maybe in a few years but not now.
I have seen woman riding big bikes . Some can handle them but most are just looking for trouble. You can always work your way up to those bikes as you go along. Again if its just for to and from work and you don't have to drive far even a Yamaha Vino 125 scooter would work. Those are twist and go no clutches to worry about.
First learn how to ride then you can move up if you really want to.
Most professional racers started on smaller bikes and takes them years to move up to bigger faster bikes. Reminds me of MotoGP racing the have the 125 cc the 250cc and the 800cc. A 125 is fast 250 faster and the 800 is dangerous.

Answer 3

You can do plenty of cruising on a duel sport bike so don't rule them out. You can look at reviews of bike on-line and in magazines. Chain drive is still the best. Twins like the Rebel will be more smooth. Cruisers defiantly have a lower seat height. Some bikes go down when you seat on them. Crusiers cause more damage if you hit a car and catch your leg on a handel bar when you get ejected. For the down town you need a smaller nimble bike. In some states you can park on the side walk. For a free way commuter some thing with a wind shied is nice when it get colder and improve performance. 110 lbs you could ride something as small as a 150cc. Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki are the big 4.

Yamaha is coming out with two street legal US versions of their WR250 in 2008. Get on the bike with the kick stand down. You might be able touch the ground tip toe with both feet. If it starts to lean over slide your butt over and hold on one side. Push the bike bike up straight and go. Once you get going you won't care if you can touch the ground. They will go for about $6000.

Honda will be making a street legal version of the CRF230L that will retail for around $4500. It will shorter saddle height and lighter than the Yamaha.

But a Honda Rebel seems OK. If you never want go off road.

Don't let those greedy salesman's get to much commission. Shop around and ask for an "Out the Door Price" that includes everything.

good luck and keep the rubber side down.

Answer 4

If you are looking for a good commuter ride the new Maxi-Scooters are hard to beat. They have a trunk under the seat that will hold your helmet, lunch and other things you may need on your ride to work. They are easy to maneuver in a parking lot, and finding parking is easy.

I had a Suzuki Burgman 400 that I put over 20,000 miles on that was great, but it was at the top of it's game on the freeway at 70+ mph, would go faster but really working the engine.

I now have a 600 Honda Silverwing and I love it! Cruises at 70+ with ample speed to spare. Big trunk! I added a top box and now I can haul everything I need no problem. I can get 50+ MPG if I behave.

Good luck and keep the rubber side down.

Answer 5

a 250 Honda rebel is your best bet if you have little or no experience, being tiny as you say you are, a 750 would be way to much for you unless you have a ton of experience,which you obviously don't because your asking, Kawasaki makes a 250 ninja model, bit more of a hand full for a beginner but still a good sport bike if that is what your looking for. tell the sales man what your looking for and I'm sure he'll help find you the right bike and a riding course.. dead customers don't make repeat customers. know what I mean?

Answer 6

All the companies make good bikes. No manufacturer would survive if they didn't. You will want to buy from a local dealer. The dealer you buy from should be the dealer that services it. Ask other riders which dealers have good service departments. They will steer you in the right direction.

Answer 7

i agree with tx. i would only add. you have to decide on getting a bike you'll out grow soon and getting a bike that's too heavy on the slow turns. do you have a friend who's bike u can ride? you sound relatively petite, but i wouldn't go lower than 500cc. 750cc will have more growing room if you can handle the slow turns. hondas are awesome.

Answer 8

what a great way to flag the guys! but being the nice girl that i am......go to a reputable dealer in your area and try some on for size. don't just buy it because of your size. buy it for the feel of it under your butt! and the size of the cash in your purse. also look into the new Harley's- they are making more of them just for women! try some on and let the folks out here know what you got, oh and also go take a motorcycle course through your insurance company- you;ll thank me for that one.!good luck !!!

Answer 9

If it's your first bike, get a used 250 rebel and sign up for an MSF course.

you might also want to look at EX250's, EX500's, and GS500's