What are some good starter motorcycles?

Question

i am 18 and about 6 ft 2in have never ridden a motorcycle before, and i am looking for a good starter bike (definatly not a cruiser), id like to get a decent sport bike something that would be comfortable for a hour drive, and has a decent amount of power but not so much that i cant handle it. and cheap would be nice to but not a huge factor.

Answer 1

I don't know a lot about sport bikes but encourage you to give a dual sport bike (such as a Suzuki DR650) a try before deciding.  I recently returned to motorbikes after a long break.  I tried a cruiser and sport bike before trying (and then buying) my DR.  What I like about it is:

* Very comfortable sitting position (better for me than cramped sport bike or sit up and beg cruiser).  I did a 4 hour ride a few months ago and it was great;

* Lightest bike I have ever owned - not worrying about dropping it;

* Feels really safe - I think sitting up high helps a lot as you can see the traffic easier;

* Cheap to buy and run - good fuel economy and cheap for parts and servicing

The DR is a bit rough around the edges (the one downside is the engine vibration from a big single) but is fantastic value for money.  If you can afford a nicer bike Suzuki make the V-Strom which is more road oriented and a lovely, comfortable touring type bike.

Good luck - stay safe

Answer 2

a vispa, ha ha  

Answer 3

You're a big guy so some of the usual answers would be too small for you. What about the Honda F4 in 600cc? Good Lord knows there are enough models and styles out there. You should probably just go out to a couple of shops and "try some on".

And if you have never ridden you might consider the Motorcycle Safety Foundation classes. They really help a lot and teach quite a bit about being a safe biker. Too many people know nothing about bikes, decide to get a somewhat powerful bike and then get in over their abilities to ride. Then comes the crash.

Answer 4

I ditto what that chick below said, take the motorcycle safety foundation course, you can get your license without taking the test at the dmv and you learn how to ride.

As for a  motorcycle I was asking the same question as you earlier. and btw Iwas in the EXACT same position as you, I'm 18 6' 2'' and 180lbs, you may be heavier.  I had my heart set out on a 600 cc sportbike. but cheap was a priority so I bought a 1992 yamaha fzr 600 for $1650.  And let me tell you that I would have been scared ST1TLESSS if I hadn't taken the msf course, because then I had to ride it home 38 miles on the freeway, at night.  And it's really powerful(if you're used to cars). but the moral of the story is to take the course other wise who ever you're buying from won't let you take a test ride.

Now if you're looking for a comfortable sport bike then you're on a wild goose chase. But you should get at least somewhat used to the ergonomics of the bike.  when I got home from my firstride my back triceps and forearms were sore just because I wasn't used to it.  If you're looking at brand freakin new bikes then I would suggest the gsxr600.  I went to  a dealership with no intention of buying just to sit on the bikes and see how they felt and I the gsxr has a wider set gas tank so it's easier to brace yourself. the newer fzr's are more like standard sportbikes (I don't really like the look of them though).

So in short take the course, then buy a 600 cc sportbike that you can afford without a  problem. and if it's used be prepared to get an over tuneup and drop about $500 more on stuff you didn't know was wrong and 800 if you need tires.

Answer 5

a harley vrod.... my first bike easy to ride and all

but it is not a sport bike

Answer 6

Sport bikes are really for the shorter guys. After 6 feet tall, comfort goes out the window on anything from the big 4.

Less powerful starter bikes:

ZZR600

YZF600R

Katana600

CBR F2, F3, F4

YZF-R6S

Standard starter bike:

GSX/R 600

CBR600RR

YZF-R6

ZX-6R, 636