Which motorcycle for a first time rider?

Question

With no experience riding and about to take a motorcycle training class, which motorcycle would you recommend? I'm 5'10", 230lbs and still some sense of athleticism. This motorcycle would be used mostly on freeways approx. 100 round trip to work and back. I'm looking for something of the cruiser section, but would like an old school look. What do you think about the Boulevard or even the Harley 1200 nightster? I know my weight and experience has alot to do with it so I'm hoping to get something of a 900 or 1200cc engine.

Answer 1

personally id recommend the nightster1200 but really you just have to find what fits you best and what you think is most comfortable. when doing this don't allow a sales man to talk to you let him know you're just looking. they will prob hassle you and get you to sit on bikes that you're not necessarily looking for. just go around and see what you like.

Answer 2

a 900 suzuki boulevard will move you pretty good, as far as a Harley the 1200 is much better than a 883 for running down the highway but since it's your first bike don't overspend and plan on buying another bigger one in about a year.  

Answer 3

If you have to ask, then you are not ready to buy a bike. Why would you let people on a website tell you what you should buy?

Go look at bikes and decide for yourself!

The only way you'll be happy is choosing a bike for yourself.

Answer 4

1. 2008 Suzuki GS500F ($5,199)

Photo © SuzukiThe GS500F's sporty appearance should appeal to performance-oriented riders, but its air-cooled, twin-cylinder 487cc engine is tame enough for beginners.

For more check out our photo gallery of the 2008 Suzuki lineup

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2. 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 500R ($5,499)

Photo © KawasakiOne of the tamest members of the notorious Ninja family, the 500R is like a Ninja 250R on steroids-- while remaining manageable enough for beginners.3. 2009 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD ($5,499)

Photo © KawasakiBuilt around the compact parallel-twin found in Kawasaki's Ninja 500R, the Vulcan 500 LTD is a well-balanced mid-sized cruiser that's well-suited for beginners.4. 2009 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom ($6,099)

Photo © YamahaWith a wet weight of 513 lbs, Yamaha's V-Star 650 Custom cruiser might be heavier than most bikes here, but its low 27.4 seat height and mild manners make it an approachable beginner bike.

Click here to view the entire 2008 Yamaha lineup.5. 2009 Suzuki DR-Z400SM ($6,299)

Photo © SuzukiIf supermoto style is what you're after, the Suzuki DR-Z400SM offers that unique combination of a dirtbike body and street-biased suspension.

For more take a look at our photo gallery of the 2008 Suzuki lineup.6. 2008 Honda Shadow Aero/Spirit 750 ($6,799)

Photo © HondaThe Honda Shadow Aero and Spirit 750's liquid-cooled 745cc V-twin might be more powerful than most bikes in this category, but low seat height and predictable handling make either bike a solid choice for beginners.7. 2009 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 XL Low ($6,999)

Photo © Harley-DavidsonThe cheapest member of the Harley-Davidson family, the Sportster offers back-to-basics style, a low center of gravity, and one of the greatest exhaust notes of any beginner motorcycle.

For more, read our 2007 Harley-Davidson Sportster Nightster Full Review.

Also, check out our 2007 Harley-Davidson Sportster Nightster Photo Gallery.

And finally, take a look at our 2009 Harley-Davidson Buyer's Guide, which covers all 33 bikes in the Harley lineup.8. 2008 Suzuki GSX650F ($6,999)

Photo © SuzukiDon't let its Gixxer-like looks fool you; the Suzuki GSX650F's upright posture and tractable powerplant make it a great beginner bike.

Click here for a photo gallery of the 2008 Suzuki lineup9. 2008 Triumph Bonneville ($7,299)

Photo © TriumphIf you like the look of classic British bikes, you'll love the Triumph Bonneville. Its torquey air-cooled 865cc parallel twin doesn't need to rev to produce decent power, and its iconic design combines retro styling and modern functionality. 10. 2009 BMW G650 Xcountry ($7,500)

Photo © BMWThough it's generally considered a premium product, beginners craving a versatile dual purpose bike might want to consider a BMW G650 Xcountry. Its 53 horsepower single-cylinder powerplant should offer years of reliable operation, and its oddball styling cuts a unique silhouette on the road.

Answer 5

i think a good bike for you would be a honda shadow ace 750. it a cool bike easy to ride and has the cool look of an older bike. look for a used one. real reliable i have 100k miles on mine and other than normal maint. is all you have to deal with. happy riding