20 Years old, should I get a sportsbike or a cruiser (low budget)?

Question

Ive got about a 2700 dollar budget, and will definitely be getting one via craigslist or cycletrader. Ive heard many varying opinions.

Things you should know

1. Im not a crackhead thats going to pass every car on the freeway

2. Never been in an accident in over 60,000 miles

3. I'd like a good amount of acceleration, FOR MY OWN safety in traffic.

So I was discussing this with a friend online yesterday and he told me 250 cc's is probably too low, I'm 6'2 almost 200 lbs. I am , however, still undecided. I know I'm not going to get a fantastic bike for my budget, but I'll make do with a bike with low mileage (under 10,000, at the most). Ive heard varying opinions on maneuverability as well, some say ninjas are great for that, some say get a cruiser, but I dont know. Thanks guys

Answer 1

6'5" 210 here, and used a 250cc Honda Nighthawk to commute for a little over a year before getting another bike (Vulcan 900) last week.  A Ninja 250 will do freeway speeds (although not comfortably).  Take a safety course.  Once you learn on (probably drop) your first bike, and if you are more about function than style, look into dual purpose bikes (like the Kaw Versys) if you're concerned about your height.  Main thing is to go sit on bikes and see how the riding position feels before making a purchase.  Obviously, I chose a cruiser style, and the Vulcan fit what I was looking for (mid size, fuel injected, water cooled, and nice looking).

Answer 2

given your height you might want to take a look at a dual sport / dual purpose bike

there are several 650 models on the market all single cylinder 4 stroke between 40 and 50 hp

these bikes are physically tall enough to be comfortable at 6'2", lightweight and nimble, depending on what model you pick you can get a ton of aftermarket accessories like saddlebags

if you drop it and it has a scratch that is not 'bad' it's more like a badge of honor

and they are inexpensive and most get good gasmileage, too

Answer 3

Find a nice used cruiser and put one or two accessories on it, clean the engine and do your own paint job.  There is q charm to a rebuild cruiser that makes it a great date bike.  

There is NOTHING like taking a girl out on her first motorcycle date.  

Just the thrill of riding her through traffic, her arms around your waist for dear life, gives them a thrill that you have to just find some spot just off the road for the two of you alone.

Answer 4

a crotch rocket is more likely to have had the balls bagged off of it, so if you're low budget, go for the safer bet, go cruiser.... crotch rockets may have more speed, but most any cruiser is still lots quick compared to a car to get yourself out of harms way

besides which the cruiser is much more comfortable and no arguing it's more versatile

Answer 5

Cruisers are more comfortable for the haul.

Sportys are faster and cop bait.

You can take your money and have a good down payment on a new bike. Why take someone elses problems.

Most sport bikes have been beat to death.

On a 250 class bilk, you would have paid half of it off with your down, and your monthly would be maybe $40 bucks.

I bought a 650 crusier, with no down, and its like $65 a month.

Answer 6

lmao get this

im gettin the 500 1

http://razor.com/products/mx650-dirt-roc...

there fun for all ages lmao

or go to this site

minipocketrockets.com

best

Answer 7

www.ride2die.com

Great pictures of people that didn't think they were crackheads.

Answer 8

There is more out there than sport and cruiser.  Check out the standards, dual sports and sport touring.  I just got a Suzuki Bandit 1200 S for $2500 off craigslist.  The bike is beautiful!  It runs perfectly and has plenty of power.  I don't think I'll be "outgrowing" it for a while.  I'm 6'2" 215 lbs.  It's very comfortable and easier on gas than my dodge pick up, that's for sure.  Other standards are; Suzuki sv 650 and 650s, Honda night hawk, Honda 919(poor man's ducati), Ducati Monster.  Either way, these bikes offer sporty looks and ride but are more comfortable than the sport bikes.  Hope that helps ya.

Keep your wheels on the ground and both feet on the pegs.

Answer 9

If you're experienced you won't need a whole h**l of a lot of power for YOUR safety. I will agree that a cruiser is better for attracting the females, or seems to be. (my gray hair doesn't do it though) I can safely say that the sports bikes seem to be a heck of a lot cheaper than cruisers in the used bikes. You can find them for 2700.00 but I don't know what shape they're in. For MY money it would be a cruiser any day!