Getting my first bike next spring, any advice and tips?

Question

Hey all, I'm getting my first bike and need help on deciding which one best suits me. I commute to college and drive to my job, in my '02 ford focus each day. I'm planning on getting a bike and have found a bunch that I think would be nice starter bikes.

The main things what I'm looking for in a bike are:

1. it has to be light

2. stylish

3. comfortable over long distances on park-ways and hi-ways

4. easy to handle

5. easy to maintain

6. from $2,000 to $7,000

These are the bikes I have been looking at. They are very diverse from each other in many ways but seem like great bikes to get started out with.

1. Yamaha Tw200

2. Yamaha FZ6

3. Suzuki DR650E

4. Suzuki SV650

5. Honda Nighthawk

6. Buell Blast

7. Kawasaki Verseys 650

8. Kawasaki KLR650

I'm leaning towards Kawasaki's bikes more than the others. They're just so bad ***.

Thanks for reading, please comment.

Answer 1

Honestly, all of the bikes you have on your list are excellent bike for the beginner. But, if you want a bike that you can start out on and not outgrown the thing in less than I year I would highly recommend the Suzuki SV650. Here's why: The bike is plentiful both new and used. They have been around since 1999, plus there are two versions of them. The naked standard model and the "S", which comes with fairings. There are many SV rider forums on line should you have any questions about them and the are one of the most backed by the aftermarket industry for bolt on parts and upgrades.Far more peolpe support this bike than the others you have listed. These bike are so versitle you can take them around town, long distance touring and even racing! I had one I rode to work during the week and raced Expert Small Twin Class on weekends. It is a fantastic bike with more possibilties than the other you have listed. And the are less than your $7000 limit brand new. It is that well supported. And most importantly, they are an absolute blast to ride! I have been around bikes my whole life and I work in the industry.I plan on ordering a new 2009 "S" when they are available. They are great!

Answer 2

My preference would be Honda first and then Yamaha. The rest would be up to you but I have owned both of these maker's bikes and gotten good service from them. A friend of mine had a Kawasaki and had problems from the tranny forever. Gears just started leaving the gear box and he wound up with first and third I think before he sold it. From what I have read here, the Buell is a boat anchor at best? My brother-in-law had a Suzuki and always was working on it in stead of riding.

Answer 3

all bikes can be fun however with what your asking i would go with the Honda Nighthawk out of your lists this fits best

Answer 4

Get a KTM.

I know you didn't say you wanted one but they are sooooo much better made than any of the Asian bikes. You can put street slicks and road kits on any of their dirtbikes, you won't be dissapointed.

Also, if this is your first bike EVER, like you've never been on a motorcycle before get a 450CC or less. A 450 is the smallest engine size I would take on the freeway, but I also wouldn't recommend riding on the freeway until you have alot of experience riding surface roads.

Safe Riding

-W