Which Motorcycle to buy?

Question

I have limited motorcycle experience, so I want to buy a motorcycle without a huge engine. I'm looking at the 500 to 800 cc range. I'm 5'10", 210 lbs. I'll be shopping for a bike I'm comfortable on, but I want enough performance to get me up to 65 mph when I'm on the highway, although the majority of my riding will be city driving at 45 mph. My first choice is a 650 cc. Will that be enough or should I consider 800-900 cc bikes?

Answer 1

Based on your weight. I suggest a Suzuki GSX-R 750.

It's a great bike and has plenty of power. The 600cc is mostly the same, but you need more power to work like it should.

You would be very happy with this bike.

Answer 2

Look for any cruiser or standard bike in this CC range.  You will be happy.

Anything in the 500 - 800 CC range will get you up to speed plenty fast enough.  Keep in mind, no matter how fast your bike is, there will always be something out there faster.

The cruiser and standard bikes will be easier to ride for a novice.  The sport bikes do not make good starter bikes as they take more skill to ride.

Don't get obsessed with any particular brand.  One brand is as good as the other.  Narrow minded people will tell you that the bike they ride is the best.  I think this is mostly because they would not want to admit that there could be a different bike out there that could suit someones needs better than the bike they selected.

Answer 3

I have a 1989 Suzuki VS750 Intruder, a cruiser.  When it was made, 750cc was considered a big bike.  My 20-year old bike is capable of sustained 70mph riding 2-up (with passenger) on the freeway.  At 220lbs and 5'9", I am about your size and regularly cruise at 75mph.

I like my bike because it is forgiving and nimble, but sturdy enough for my size.  At 750cc, it has more than enough power.  It has been ideal for me to learn on.

Answer 4

650 will get you better MPG than bigger bikes

check out the V2C 650s by United Motors.

Answer 5

if you want suttin fast with the most performance ,and if you dont want a 1000 then I would get the R6 from yamaha..considering you want a super bike.the R6 it has bout the same performance as 750s do.

Answer 6

650cc is plenty.  Back in the day, the meanest, baddest, hottest bike was the Triumph Bonneville, a 650.  65mph is just not very fast today.  If you don't do a -lot- of freeway riding, you could probably get away with a 500.

Motorcycles today are seen mostly as recreational devices.  Which is fine, it really is a lot of fun to have 100 hp between your legs.  But back in the day when bikes were seen as mostly cheap transportation, the average size was like 250-350cc.  So 500cc is already more than you need around town.  The only thing larger bikes do better is long-range high-speed cruising.  A 250 will do 65, but it's not comfortable doing it all day.

Most important, you want to be able to sit on a bike with both feet flat on the ground.  That shouldn't be a problem for someone who is 5'10", but it's something to try before you buy a bike.

Stay away from sport bikes like GSX-R, CBR, R-1, etc.  They are wonderful machines, marvels of engineering, but they are very single-purpose, like racing machines.   They aren't designed for just transportation.  A 'standard' bike, or a cruiser, would do you better for all-around transportation, and maybe a fun Sunday ride.

Answer 7

I'd say the 600, with someone of your statue, that bike will hold it's own in the streets.  Acceleration is hella fast, and the 600 is a sexier looking bike than the 650.  If you want more power...go for it.  But be aware that you have alot of ponies under your ballz that are itching to kick into action at any moments notice, I'm 18, fresh outta high school and into the Coast Guard and I'm riding a 2008 SE ZX-14...whats faster than that...not the hayabusa if thats what your thinking.  you will know your bike, the moment you sit on her.