Beginner motorcycles for beginner?

Question

Im turning 16 and getting my license in a few months and i would like to get a motorcycle to save on gas. I have never ridden on a motorcycle before, so I would like to know what is the best bike for a beginner. I would prefer it to be a sports bike but any help is useful. Im about 5'11" and weigh about 185 . I would like something durable that handles good and has good speed snd can support my weight. So please help me if you can. Price is no option, thankyou.

And also, if anyone knows a good motorcycle school or motorcycle dealers in or around the Houston (Spring), TX area could you please tell me the name and any details you may know, thankyou.

Answer 1

Well having worked in a Honda shop for a few years I'm kinda a partial to the brand.  I would go with something around 500cc's to start with and if you talking sports bikes being crotch rockets they are not all that comfortable to ride any distances.  I'd stay with something that sits you upright, lot easier to pass a road test on when you get to that point.  I know the sports bikes look cool but keep comfort in mind and something that sits you nice and low to the ground.

Answer 2

hey dude!

so i highly recommend anything yamaha.

prefferably the raptors. there is a yamaha 450 raptor that i think would be perfect. i have the 250 and it works amazing for me. its light, fast, small....and yeah im 15, but i doubt i will be growing out of it soon!!

anyways, so it sounds like the 450 would do you good. it is VERY durable, VERY fast, and anything you could hope for in a first bike. my cousin has it so thats how i know. however, there is the raptor 700....it is WAYY powerful though dude.

no joke, my dad has that, hes had it for over a year, and its never had any problems. so yeah...but im not sure i would reccomend something like that for someone who hasnt even ridden one. go with the 450, its PERFECT!

:)

good luck........and trust me, you are gonna have a blast!!!!!

Answer 3

First:  Take the MSF BRC, pass the written/riding tests and get the motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license.

http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses.a...

Second:  Gear up!  Get a helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, and eye protection (if you decide against a full-face helmet).  Many MSF classes will give you coupons for good discounts on gear.  And many cycle shops will give discounts on gear if you show them your MSF BRC course completed card.

Third: Try to find a friend/relative who is an experienced rider.  They can be a great help when you are shopping for bikes and when you are practicing your riding skills.

Fourth: Buy a bike.

For your first bike, I'd suggest you buy something used with a lower-powered engine, and don't spend much money.  More than likely, you're gonna drop this bike a few times and you don't want to bash up a shiny new bike.  Also, when you are ready for a nicer, more powerful bike, you can sell your first bike.  Unless you overpaid, you'll likely get most of your money back.  Use that as a nice down-payment on your shiny new perfect bike.

Try Craig's List and look for a cheap lower-powered bike to learn on.  Remember, this is not going to be your dream bike, or even a bike you expect to keep for a very long time.  You should probably ride this bike at least one riding season, and then in the early spring of the next riding season, put it on the market for sale and ride it until it sells.  Then you should be in good shape to buy a better longer-term motorcycle.

http://houston.craigslist.org/mcy/

Try not to get impatient and begin riding a bike without taking the MSF class.  You may end up thinking you don't need the class, and I think that is a mistake.  The MSF class is excellent and I recommend it even for experienced riders.

Answer 4

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 5

The same guys all the time Look at the Kymco and Hyosung lines they are every bit as good as a ninja and there is a gt model sport bike. In fact there are 250 and 650 sport bikes and anyone will do what you want and are quality motorcycles. I think they are giving away ninja's in cereal  boxes.  You would do quite well  with any o f 650 models they make also.

Answer 6

You want a Kawasaki Ninja 250.  It's really the only bike in its class in the US. It is a smaller bike, and 105 mph may not be fast enough for you, but you will never get bored with 70 mpg.

If you google MSF Houston, you should find info on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Course offered in your area. I highly recommend it.

Answer 7

Get a used Ninja 250. The 250 is cheap, tons of them around, and the insurance should be relatively low for a new rider. Since it has been redesigned for 2008, you should be able to get an older one for less than 2000. You need to learn throttle control first before taking on something with more power. Another poster said you should forget the 250 because you will get use to it too quickly. You are only 16 so you will have plenty of time to learn on this bike and when you get  older and have some experience under your belt you can move up. By then, hopefully the insurance will be cheaper too.

The great thing about the Ninja 250 is that it is very popular due to the cost of fuel so when you are ready to move up to that bigger bike you will be able to sell it for what you paid for it.

Whatever you do, make sure that you take that class. You will be able to do the riding portion for your license and they will prepare you for the written test. Once you do start riding, always wear your protective gear. You will be thankful you did when you have your first mishap. Ride safe

Answer 8

Dont get a 250, you at least want to get a 600, there is the suzuki, a bandit is less than 3k, decent bike, theres the R6, Ninja 650R, Suzuki GSXR 650 that would be the first 3 i would look at.  I wouldnt reccomend anything bigger for a beginner, but you will be bored with a 250 within a couple weeks.

Answer 9

My boyfriend is 6'2" & weighs 200+ & he likes to take out my 250 Ninja for fun.  It is always dependable & fun.  He says it would be uncomfortable for road trips, but it's great for around town.

For longer trips & long term value you may want to jump in with the 500R.  After reading about it on the website I kinda want one now.  :)

Definitely check out MSF for their closest class.  There are 12 listings in Houston.  You're a better judge of which will be closest for you.  Call the numbers listed to sign up.  I recommend signing up ASAP as record numbers of people are taking the classes & there might be a waiting list.

And when you do ride, always wear the safety gear & look out for others who may not see you.