What is a good starter bike for me and how much?

Question

I'm a 5'2 female. I'm interested in getting a bike, preferably used. I would be using it for travel instead of my gas guzzling SUV. I'm interested in finding out how much one would cost and how much payments generally are.

Answer 1

Kawasaki 250 Ninja,,,, msrp $3499

Kawasaki offers a low interest credit card that's something like 4.9% at $69 a month , but the low interest rate is only good for 24 months, after that the rate and the payment jumps up.

The best way is figure what it would take a month to pay it off in 2 years or less

Answer 2

Everyone has pretty much answered your question.

Just remember to take the MSF course, proper gear, proper beginner bike, and ride under your own limits. A popular (and true) saying in the biker community is "Ride like you are invisible".

Also, if you are into the sporty looking type of motorcycle, check out the Kawasaki Ninja 250R or the Hyosung GT250R. They are awesome beginner bikes and can be modified to fit your size.

Good luck.

Josh.

Answer 3

For someone your size, the most important thing to consider is seat height.  You have to be able to balance the bike while stopped in traffic.  Best if you can sit and put both feet flat on the ground.  With a seat too high, you will only be able to put one foot on the ground.  You may be forced to lean the bike to the side and can easily lose your balance and drop the bike.

Honda Shadow VLX.  It has the lowest seat height that I have seen, 25.6".  This is a small cruiser.  This is a 538 CC liquid cooled V-twin.  It should have plenty of power for you.  I would go to a dealer and sit on one first and see how well you can put both feet on the ground while stopped.  They sell new for $5500.  You may be able to find a good used one if this is too much.

If you want something with a smaller engine, the Honda Rebel has a 234CC parallel twin engine.  It has a 26.6" heat height.  They go new for about $3200.  They have been around a while so you might be able to find a good used one.  This is also considered a small cruiser.

The Yamaha Star V-Star 250 might be acceptable with a seat height of 27"  This is a cruiser style V-twin.  But this may be pushing the limit for someone with short legs. These sell new for about $3700.

The Suzuki GZ 250 is considered a standard bike. This bike has a 27.8" seat height. It has a 250 CC single cylinder engine.  This bike may also be pushing the limits for someone with short legs. These sell for about $3250.

The Honda Night Hawk has the same 234CC parallel twin engine as the Honda Rebel, but has a higher seat at 29.3".  This may be too high.

Some people might say the Kawasaki Ninja 250R. However this bike has a seat height of 30.5".  This would be a poor choice for someone with short legs.

Get yourself enrolled in a motorcycle safety course.

Answer 4

i'd suggest taking the MSF course before you buy, it only costs $25 and they teach you all the basics and provide everything but your clothing...

after you take the course you will know better what kind of bike you want, and if this is something you want to persue...

Answer 5

Any bike that fits you would work.  As long as you can hold it up, and your feet are flat on the ground when you are stopped, it will work for you. I used to ride a Sportster (I'm 5'3", but it was too tall for me until I put a lowering kit on it.  It was also kind of top heavy)

I wouldn't recommend a sport bike because you have to lean over so far and your feet are behind you.  It just doesn't seem that safe to me.

The Japanese bikes are a lot cheaper than Harleys, but Harleys hold their value better.  You should be able to get a good used Japanese bike for $5000 or less.  In my area, you can get a used Harley for between $100 and $150 a month (under $10,000).

I too recommend taking the motorcycle safety course, even if you already know how to ride.

Answer 6

First bike AFTER the safety course should be no bigger than a 250.

Buy used, you get someone elses problems

Buy new and you may dent it up

What ever you buy, make sure your feet hit FLAT on the ground, if they dont, its to big for you

Answer 7

Well lets work on the assumption that you have NEVER driven a motorcycle before... if this is incorrect you should ammend your question with an idea of your experience.

1)  Riding a motorcycle is easy to learn but takes some practice.  You shift with your feet and you accelerate with your hand.. easy eh?.   Ok.. go buy a helmet and lets get started.

2)  The best way to learn is to start with a used bike that you can buy for a couple hundred dollars.  Get something small and easy to handle.  A scooter is good if it has the same shifting as standard bikes, but I would target something 250cc or less.  There are plenty of old Hondas and Suzuki's around that will meet that requirements.

3)  Plan on dropping the bike.  Everyone does it at least once when they are learning.   You will go too slow on a turn, or forget to put the kickstand down all the way, or something really simple and wham.. gravity wins.    With a small bike you can lift it back up, hop on and try again.  Since it is already used and abused you won't be concerned with a few new dings or bent mirrors

A small engine bike may also fit your frame better and you can get an idea of what you may have to do to sit a larger bike (or it may fit just fine - can't tell)

4)  You can use this bike to take your Class D (or whatever designation your state has) test.  Smaller bikes make for easier and more confident tests.

5)  Ok.  You got your license, and you have leaned all the skills and concepts of driving a motorcycle.  You can now either sell, junk or give away your starter bike and look for another one... or if it runs well, just keep it.

6)  If you are determined to get a new one, you have a wide variety to choose from.  Part of that choice will be if you want it for in town or if you want to ride on the freeway/highway at 50+ mph..   The newer scooters are really motorcycles with a built in windshield and chair-type seat.  If you like that you should be able to get one in the $1500 to $2000 range that will have a LOT of bells and whistles.  You can expect mileage of between 30 to 50 depending upon the engine size.  Higher speeds require a bigger engine which requires more gas.  HEre is where YOUR experience  (not mine) in learning to ride will drive your purchase...

On the extreme end is, of course, a Harley.. but if you are talking payments we wont even go there.

My first choice is still a used bike.  The value of motorcylces drops like a stone as soon as you roll it out of the dealership.  As winter approaches you should get even better deals because remember that riding a MC is not really that much fun when it rains.

good luck...

.

Answer 8

u r welcome to be a passenger on mine