What kind of motorcycle for a beginner rider?

Question

I'm a beginner rider (no riding experience yet, but am taking a class and I'm getting a small loaner soon to practice) and am looking into a good cruiser. I mainly want to ride it around town (25-45 mph) in lieu of a car and up the highway (65 mph) about 20 miles to university. I also need it to be able to carry two people, combined weighing approximately 350 lbs. I don't want to spend much more than 7500. I'd like some extras(saddlebags, passenger backrest, etc) to come with it, preferably, but can pick up the goodies elsewhere. MPG is important. I'd like something that is relatively easy to maintain (I'm mechanically able, but not motivated), and would like a bike that would last awhile.

Please include some information about ideal engine size range, highway handling, etc.

Answer 1

My buddy had a really cool yamaha tw200. it was pretty quick and had really wide tires for stability. its an enduro so you can ride it on the streets and dirt. go to

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/produc...

to look at it. or you can get an older version.

Answer 2

I recently got back into riding and had similar requirements to you.  I tried a small cruiser style bike (250 Virago) thinking the low centre of gravity would be easier to handle.  But the cruiser seating position is really not that comfortable on longer trips.  And 250 is barely big enough to ride on the freeway, and not comfortable for 2 people.

I then tried a bigger sports bike.  The problem I found with this was the sitting position was too cramped for me (I am 46 so I suspect younger legs would not mind being tucked up in a crouch position for an hour or more).  I also did not like having such a heavy bike - I dropped it once just backing out of the driveway.

Finally I got the perfect bike for me - a Suzuki DR650SE.  This bike is:

* Relatively cheap (I got a new bike with a warranty and hopefully no repairs for years to come for $7,000)

* Cheap to run (big single cylinder engine)

* Cheap to maintain (air cooled, cheap repairs etc)

* Light (compared to my old sports bike it feels like riding a bicycle)

* Comfortable sitting position (upright)

* Feels really safe in traffic (sit up high so good visibility)

* Adjustable seat height (good for oldies who can't swing their leg up high over the seat)

* Fast enough to ride in highway traffic (accelerates away from problems at 60mph) and enough power for 2 people

I never thought I would ride a "dirt bike" as a road bike, but this experience has made me realise what a great choice a dual sport bike can be.

Answer 3

Cruisers are a good choice for a beginner, they have a low seat, a low center of gravity so they're very manageable and easy to handle.  They are statistically safer too, but I think this is because of the riding style.

If you need to go 20 miles at speed, you want something 650cc or bigger.  750 would be better.  900 would not be too big.  Generally, as you might expect, smaller means better mileage, larger means more power and stamina. But a 650 can carry two people and luggage well enough.

Anything made in Japan is a good bike--reliable, well-engineered, long-lasting.  All the Japanese mfgrs make cruisers, from just your regular motorcycle to get around up to highly-styled bizzaro-bikes.  I'm a Honda person myself, but all the Japanese makers are good.  None of them will require a lot of maintenance.  You ought to be able to find a nice one, maybe not new but 1 or 2 or 3 years old with low mileage for $7500.

Harley Davidsons are very nice, actually, but way expensive.  The Japanese bikes are just a better deal for the money.