A good first motorcycle for me?

Question

I am thinking about buying a motorcycle. I would be fine with either a cruiser or a dual purpose/dual sport. I am also looking to spend less than 2.5/3k, so it might have to be used. This would be a commute bike, so my top speed would be less than 70mph, but I don't want something that strains to do 55mph.

Thanks a bunch!

Note: Keep in mind (for bike dimensions) that I am 6'0" 150lbs

Answer 1

If you have never ridden...i suggest you get your hands on a 4-stroke dirt or trail bike and practice. Dirt is softer than concrete....good luck and be safe.

Answer 2

I live in the Uk and we have a different set of rules to America.

However, I used to drive a 125 cc. It could react 60 if you really pushed it so it is not what you want.

However, I am riding a 400cc Honda CB400 which can easily get to 70 despite being restricted to 33 bhp (it is a legal requirement for 2 years after I pass my test).

I am 5 foot 10 (approx) and about 190 lbs.

I would advise getting a bike of about that sort of power (33 bhp) as it would be a good bike to learn on. I know some people have suggested 500/600 cc bikes, but the power to weight ratio in those is immense. Yes, after a year or so you may be ready to get something with more power, but it is far better to get something smaller to start off with (after all, although there are people in these message boards that say they bought a 600 cc bike as their first bike, assuming they are correct, you still don't hear from the ones that bought that size of bike and killed themselves).

I hear good things about the ninja 250. You may want something more powerful, but every biker I know (and I trust them more since they are speaking to me face to face and I know they have experience) says that a 600 cc bike is too powerful for a beginner.

If you get a good used bike, you can sell it on once you get a bit of experience and if you are ready for something more powerful. If you get a bike like a Honda or Yamaha, they are relatively trouble free.

Answer 3

What about the Honda 50? They are good transportation. I dont know about the speed though maybe 35-45. Just leave a little earlier. probably get one for 500 dollars or so, then spend the rest of some spiffy motorcycle duds.

Answer 4

  honda makes a good 600cc scooter /you can use it for fun work and play..good luck

Answer 5

a ninja 500 or 250. I'm 6' 190 and the 250 will go about 115 mph which you wont need. if its your first bike go cheap. great gas mileage to. remember its not if you crash but when, so buy a cheap first one. and wear a helmet. the smaller the bike the easier to pass the test also.

Answer 6

For that budget you need something simple - a basic bike that will last well.  A single cylinder dual sport is cheap to run and cheap to maintain.  Something low tech like a Suzuki DR650 (single cylinder, air cooled, no fuel injection etc) that's done less than 50,000km (less than 35,000 miles) should be within your price range.

I got back into riding recently and tried a cruiser and a sports bike before getting my DR.  I would never have thought that a "dirt bike" would be so good for on-road use, but the DR650 is better suited to bitumen than dirt.  

It's nice and light (no fear of dropping it, easy to manoeuvre in traffic) and you sit up high so you can see the cars (which is the most important safety feature of all).  I also found the more upright sitting position more comfortable than a cruiser (even though the cruiser looks comfy).