100 Cubic inch V-Twin as a first bike? Not a good idea for everyone.
2) With a gazillion bikes to choose from, how would you advise a friend, new to the world of motorcycling, on which bike to purchase?
3) Should it be a used bike or a new one?
You and I will likely agree on this advice: “Do not buy the biggest and/or fastest bike available.”
OK. That’s obvious. Yet, according to an employee at my local motorcycle dealership, new buyers routinely purchase motorcycles they are not ready to handle. (And this is a LARGE dealership).
I’ve been at that same dealer when a guy bought a big, expensive bike, having never ridden before, and dropped it before he got 20 yards, breaking a lever and turn signal and causing other minor damage. (The rider was unscathed – just embarrassed). I asked one of the mechanics about it and he said, “It happens all the time†and repeated several recent examples of the same.
It’s not unthinkable that at least some of these new riders asked some rider friends about what they would recommend. What did those friends suggest?
Stated simply: If you are not an experienced rider, don’t buy a hyper-powered Suzuki Hayabusa, or Kawasaki ZX14. Don’t get a full-tourer, such as Honda Goldwing or BMW LT. Don’t buy any Harley Davidson bigger than a Sportster as your first bike. Do not purchase a sport-touring bike, such as a BMW RT or BMW GT, Kawasaki Concours14, Honda ST1300, or Yamaha FJR1300 as your first ride.
Would you advise a new rider to purchase a middle-weight bike?
Opinions diverge here.
“Middle-weight†still includes a significant variety of high-performance sport bikes, especially in the neighborhood of 600cc to 750cc.
A mid-weight could include an 883cc Sportster, which is “small†in the Harley Davidson family.
High-performance sportbike as first motorcycle? Might not end well.
My view is more conservative: I recommend that men and women purchase a “small†bike as their first machine (250cc or smaller).
• Smaller bikes are easier to lift back up if you drop it when you fail to set down your side stand correctly, or if you lose your footing in some loose gravel at a stop sign.
• Smaller bikes are easier to handle and are more forgiving: Larger and more powerful bikes demand greater precision, skill, and smoothness to keep them controlled.
• Insurance costs are less for smaller bikes.
• There’s a fuel economy advantage with a small bike, too, although that will not be relevant to all riders. (Many riders would continue their bike passion even if fuel was more costly for a motorbike than a car).
EXAMPLES OF PRACTICAL FIRST BIKES FOR NEW RIDERS
This is not an exhaustive list of practical first bikes for new riders, but they do represent the concepts in this article:
- Honda Rebel 250 (Cruiser)
- Honda Nighthawk 250 (Standard)
- Honda CRF230L (Dual Purpose)
- Kawasaki KLX250S (Dual Purpose)
- Kawasaki Ninja 250R (Sport)
- Kawasaki Eliminator 125 (Cruiser)
- Suzuki GZ250 (Standard)
- Suzuki DR200SE (Dual Purpose)
- Yamaha WR250X (Dual Purpose)
- Yamaha WR250R (Dual Purpose)
- Yamaha XT250 (Dual Purpose)
- Yamaha V Star 250 (Cruiser)
Although not everyone I recommend such bikes to will follow through and buy a small bike (they’ll get a bigger one), I’m of the thinking that a gradient approach to learning and gaining experience will pay off in greater longer-term enjoyment and safety.
What about buying a used or new bike as a first motorcycle purchase? Click here.
i started on 74 harley dropped it the 1stday too much front brake hope tooget back on it soon
First bike? Why not a Moto Guzzi Breva 750? Light but not too light. Very well balanced. Comfy. Great motor with lots of torque and not too frisky. Handles very securely and even shorties will get both feet on the ground. Not scary at all but feels like aproper grown up machine. And it’s got all the class and character of a European pedigree.
Buy a bike that fits you & that you are comfortable on. My 1st was a kaw 750 twin & while it had had adequate power was physically too small. This caused a certain lack of comfort & kept me from fully enjoying the ride. I do agree that the most powerful bikes should be ridden after gaining some experience. My 2nd, a kaw z1 900 would probably have killed me had it been my 1st.
A Honda CT 90 in the bush in tropical New Guinea. Muddy, slippery forest tracks. Just the way to learn to ride. Then Honda CB 350 before a CB 750 K2. The riding was no problem but blind selfish uncaring motorists can cause great pain.
a triumph bonneville t-100 is all you need , std rideing seating, all the power you need to fool lots of sport bikes ,2 up if needed, never have to trade up, style is time less. and if your new and crash i need cheap parts later. and if you do not crash you will never wipe the smile off your face. harley riders will wave and be jelious. and ITS NOT A HARLEY like all the 500,000+ out there.
This is how they do it in Australia
The Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) specifies appropriately powered motorcycles with an engine capacity up to and including 660cc which do not exceed a power-to-weight ratio of 150 kilowatts per tonne.
So you don’t have to do the sums, each state registration and Licensing authority has a list of models approved for LAMs.
LAMS gives learner riders access to a greater range of motorcycles and scooters that are appropriate to their level of experience and more suitable to riders of all sizes.
LAMS currently operates in 7 Australian States and Territories, those being Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory.
An approved LAMS list of motorcycles and scooters is available at your relevant Registration and Licensing Authority.
Western Australia retains a 250cc maximum for learners and a range of cruiser, commuters and sports 250cc models are all learner approved.
Until you get your full license you can’t go any larger than that and depending on the state and the rider that can be anything up to two or three years
I’m glad I got mine in the good old days of having examiner follow me on his bike while I rode mine which was a used Honda CB 185 twin.
You can not have a good foundation start from the end. Just beginning with some thing littl,e after that , you can have a medium or big bike.
It is a natural way ….
I think the best first bike is the Honda Shadow 600. The bike is easy and fun to ride with low maintenance. Also, it is small enough to not intimidate, but big enough to use it as a daily commuter in and out of the city. 250cc bikes become too small within 3 months and 750cc bikes can be too big.
My story is typical in some ways, atypical in another. I was 66 years old when I bought my first motorized two-wheeler, after 30+ years as an avid bicyclist. I got a job as a courier for the sherrif’s department and needed something economical. My first ride was a 270cc scooter (Linhai 300), a great learning tool, primarily for acclimatization to riding in and with traffic. Nice bike, but the motor self-destructed after six months of 70mph, 600 miles per week. Next was a Honda Shadow 1100, followed soon after by a VTX1300- both used. Nice rides but I felt there was far too much understeer, they both seemed a bit heavy. I wouldn’t recommend either as a starter ride. After 17,000 miles in just under a year I would wholeheartedly suggest a Triumph Speedmaster (or one of that 865cc family) as a first or permanent bike. Excellent power, smooth handling, comfortable, low enough for almost any size but sure-footed for a newbie. Also very economical. and will cruise at slightly illegal numbers of knots all day. A great first bike. I currently ride a Moto-Guzzi Norge. Wow!, but not for the beginner.
Definitely a scooter with automatic transmission. The only controls the new rider has to think about is the throttle and brake. Shifting gears, working the clutch and trying to determine what gear you are in (or should be in) is too much for most new riders to cope with.
If they catch on quick, move on up. I bought my wife a 125 Yamaha enduro as her first ride. She was overwhelmed and as a result didn’t want to ride enough to get used to it. Her next ride was a Honda Silverwing, much easier to learn and can keep up with just about any cruiser, This one she likes.
Started on a B&S powered mini bike. Owned 5, 250cc Enduros and a 400cc Enduro. Have a bad back now and have endowed so many times that I have 7 concussions(Always wear a helmet). Have ridden most every thing from 50cc to V-8 Trikes. Even a Old Harley with a foot clutch and hand shifter. Decided to move my riding to the streets. I am not a big person (5’7″, 155) so I really don’t think I need anything bigger than 1200 cc for Two-up touring. Plus, I come from the school of thought that if you Can’t pick it up after falling down the bike is too big and your not always going to find a Bro or good samaritan to help you pick it up. My advice to newbies. Learn to ride (Handle a motorcycle in Many conditions) in the dirt ( Falling down in the dirt doesn’t hurt as much as Road rash or eating Bozos Bumper), then take a Street Riders class and start with a bike that you won’t get into too much trouble with. And constantly be aware of EVERYTHING that surrounds you. People in Cars, Trucks, Semis DON’T See you. Even other Motorcycle riders can be Stupid. Stuff Happens. I taught my Daughters to ride on a 100cc Enduro and my Son-in-law taught My Granddaughter on a 50cc dirt bike.
Many moons ago I started on a 125 Yamaha enduro. From there I wernt to a CB 650 Honda, afterwards to an 86 Softail and now an 07 Streetglide. For me it was more of what I could afford rather than the size. I think as long as you are porportional to the bike, you should ride what you feel comfortable riding. I do believe that you should start with a used bike, just in case you decide you don’t like ridong, or drop it. I just bought my wife a used 03 Low Rider for $7,000. It’s her first bike and weighs in at 600 pounds. We plan to take it very slow after she completes the safety course next month. We will see how she does.
i started out with a 250R Kawasaki Ninja, always treated me well and yes as a beginning bike it was dropped at least once.. i got it new but after taking an MSF course. It was always a great bike for a starter, my advice is start off with something below 600cc, it doesnt need to be 250cc or lower, but like 500cc would work fine as well.
to Dink if your reading, LOVED your story. I can only (we can only) hope to still have the same envie that you have for riding. I tip my hat to you man. I too had a little experience with a 250 BSA (Beeza) back in 71. Wow, what torque huh? I couldn’t keep up on my highly used 1968 HD 250Sprint. Big, ugly as a mud fence in a hail storm. but oh the places we went. I salute you my riding friend, for a long, and sucessful life of riding the roads on two wheel. Stay well, live long.
jim
I dont’ know whether to laugh fo pity Mr. Warthers. I think if this topic is so complex that he may ‘never understand”, i would suggest that he maybe he need to stay on the sidewalk.
My first was a 250 HD sprint. It’s always good to start slow, and inexpensive. A lot of folks get started under the delusion that this is going to be something that they will do forever. Only about 30 percent do however, or least that’s been my experience. Between the idiots in cages running us off the road; hazardous conditions, esp.intersections; weather; they all add up to either an early grave or getting the hell off the bike. Yea, there is a certain vulnerability, but equally a high from the freedom we enjoy. I’m an incurable pragmatist. Start slow, start low, take lessons, expect to scratch it up, wreck it, whatever. If you stil can’t stay off one, get more lessons, more bike, more time. but start slow and low. keep the shiney side up folks. See you along the dotted line.
You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this topic to be really something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!
My first bike was a 1000cc Concours. Heavy, bulky and certainly with alot of power for a beginner but I quickly grew into it. I took MSF courses seriously, practiced quite a bit, bought correct gear and maintained an “adult” attitude towards traffic and riding. Looking back I wouldn’t have done it any differently…here’s why; I bought that bike cheap and never had to buy a “step up” bike. For a beginner, this bike was bullet proof & LOW MAINTENANCE shaft drive so the beginner in me didn’t have to deal with that. The bike has a large fairing/windshield for protection and that helped tremendously with fatigue, safety and keeping alert. Saddlebags were standard so I could pack stuff in it for a ride and not worry if I had the right gloves/jacket/pants/boots! Never had a worry of being underpowered and unable to get out of a stituation. Yes, the only time I dropped it was in a parking lot (stupid me hitting the front brake in a tight circle) but hey I learned and I never had it happen again. I didn’t lose a dime on that bike and sold it for slightly more than I paid for it. For a 1st bike it was a great bike.
Well i own a Hyosung GT 650 (naked version) and i feel these are your best bang for your buck newbie bike on the market derestric them and do a few minor mods and there a good runner
first bike should be a second hand foot-up trials bike. ride that for a year and get to know exactly what the dynamics are between the rider and the machine.
ride off road and fall over a lot. learn how to fall – learn how to lift the front wheel – learn how to lean at high and at low speeds – learn about weight distrubution – learn how to turn the fron wheel around on a steep climb and face downwards – learn – learn -learn but most of all learn not to be afraid.
next year hit the roads and start all over again but this time learn the dynamics of traffic and just how bloody dangerous and predictably unpredictable car drivers can be.
in the third year get a 450 and work your way up if that’s what you need to do.
I can agree with many of the comments made here. There is no substitute for experience. I started out with an AJS 250 in 1950 rode it just around town and sold it after a year of riding. In 1956 a friend loaned me his 250 BSA Gold Star and it had gobs of power but I never really got into going any distance with it. Riding on the road never appealed to me much. In 1964 I got a 80CC Suzuki for the hills, road it a couple of years and then got a 90CC Bridgestone bike to use in the hills. These two little bikes really taught me lots about balance and use of controls on the bike. Next came a 1973 Suzuki 250 Trials bike for mountain riding, then I got into Trials competition. Soon that went bye bye and a Gas Gas 160 Trials replaced it. a few years later came a Beta 250 Trials and then another Gas Gas 270 Trials bike. It seems like every one of these bikes taught me more about balance, controls, and respect for horse power and I had tons of fun in competition in a Trials club In Sacrament California. I think there was a Montesa and a Honda Reflex in the line up for a while too. I got the idea I’d like to ride on the street and I bought a Yamaha 225 in 2006. This bike is one of the nicest bikes I have ever owned. I make a lot of short trips around town and it is a joy to flip it around, gas mileage is terrific too. Then in 2008 I fell in love with a Suzuki GSX650F. It stood a little too high for me so the Dealer installed some lowering straps on it and then I could stand flat footed at a stop. I was very nervous with the bike at first. Dropping it in my drive way at only 23 miles on the Odo made me very upset with myself. I realized I was too cautious, I learned to relax and found that the bike was willing to do all the work if I would just trust it. For a while I was thinking of getting a Kawasaki Vulcan 650 as the seat was much lower to the earth. Then I realized it was also much heavier. I’m nearly 81 years of age and most of my mussel has gone South and with an inseam of 30 inches the seat hight of most cruisers is very inviting but the weight of them removes them from my list. The GSX650F has become one of my favorite bikes of any I have owned. The seat is a little hard for my bony bottom but I plan on doing some reconstruction to that soon or gain some weight to my 130lbs. After listing all my history of bikes above, I think I would agree with some that at least a 250 as a starter would be a good idea, buy a good used one first and then as you gain experience move up in engine size for extended trips and if you are going to ride two up and ride with the pack you will need more horses. Schools are fine but I do not have one near so near by parking lots when the stores are closed was my school grounds. I think a new bike with full fairing was a real threat to me for fear of scratching it, the drive way concrete took all that away. Now I’m free as a breeze and ride as I please and will probably never change bikes again. It will cruise fast enough to get a ticket yet gets excellent mileage, is a joy to ride in the hills and the more I ride it, the more I want to ride it!
I would highly recommend a Honda Shadow Aero 750, my first bike. I purchased a 2004 in 2006, with 2k miles on her, used–but rarely used. I had never ridden in my life and was considering a 250, but friends warned me that I would outgrow it in three months, and they were SOOOO right. The Aero was rather light at 550 lbs and set low to the ground giving my 5’4″ stature confidence and stability. I LOVED my Honda, I have since advanced to a 2006 Harley Softail Deluxe which I LOVE dearly, its my new baby, but I occasionally miss my Aero. I had become quite conident and connected to my Aero in curves and manuverability. While I am still learning my Softail and establishing a new comfort level with the added throttle power, my Aero was my perfect FIRST bike.
I started riding dirt bikes when i was an early teenager. That taught me alot about how dangerous bikes can be. So when I bought my first road bike I bought a Kaw 900 Vulcan it is big enough to ride with anything out there but small enough so I don’t get too crazy. But I think that you should buy what you want to ride. Safety courses are always a good idea. Though some lessons can’t be taught. A wise man once said to be old and wise one must first be young and dumb.
350 to 650 but the rider must be HWP.A smaller bike for the shorter a larger bike for the taller etc.
I started out (no laughter please) on a 49cc moped. Got the feel for riding and used it to commute to work until I moved further away. I then got an antique CZ175 which wasn’t reliable enough to use. Next was a DNEPR 650 2wd with a side car… also not reliable and drives like a truck. Then came a Yamaha FJ1200 because I wanted to grow into it. I rode that for a while with no problems other than having WAY too much power and speed… I never turned the throttle more than 1/2 way. Next I got a Honda CB350 which I love and will be using again after I do rings. My back-up bike is a Honda CB250 Nighthawk which I have been riding to work for a year now.
Looking back on this I think it would have been smart to start out with the Honda CB250 and just stay with that for years… maybe adding an “antique” CB350 for weekend fun. The little 250 is comfortable, dependable, fun and economical to ride. It is more maneuverable than any other bike I have ridden and will handle freeway speeds. It doesn’t have any more guts in it when you are tooling along at 60-65 mph and don’t plan on carrying luggage or a passenger. If you are like me and don’t use the freeways then this may be the perfect bike to learn on and to keep long term as a perfect back-up bike. The Nighthawk model is a better buy than the “cruiser” model Rebel which has plastic embellishments to make it look like a cruiser and has a fuel tank which holds about 1/2 the fuel of the Nighthawk. That 200 mile range is nice… the bike can definitely run longer on one tank than the capacity of my bladder allows! The electrical system also can handle heated jacket liner and gloves.
IMHO http://pages.sbcglobal.net/thorlick/Honda/250S.jpg
1/ Complete a motorcycle training course….!!
2/ If one lives in a densely populated urban area, start small 500cc single/twins. If one lives in rural/sparsely populated area 600 – 650 twins and detuned 600 cc 4’s are ok. Taller and heavier riders can easily handle larger twins too.
3/ Whatever the size of engine in a bike one should always be able to put both feet flat on the ground while stopped.
4/ Join a bike club, that is, the experience , wisdom and advice from experienced riders is of important value and will assist in tutoring the novice as one progresses.
5/ One should never ever partake of any substance that impairs or adversely affects ones perceptual and/or motor coordination abilities.
6/ As one progresses, take a track course and ride on the track. It doesn’t matter what size your bike is or how experienced one is. There is nothing like the track. And learn to properly dress for biking (this will be drummed into your head on a track training course day). It incenses me to see riders with running shoes, shortpants, shortsleeve shirts, no gloves, open face helmets and not wearing protective eyewear etc etc et al…!!
7/ Apprise oneself of the basic maintenance/safety requirements of your bike and do circle checks on a daily basis.
8/ Make sure one has eaten properly before a ride. As well as being properly hydrated.
I started on a Moto Morini about 25 years ago. It was a 350, and a classic. I then went to a Honda 600 Shadow for 2 years, and then a Honda 1100 Shadow for another 2 years. I now ride a BMW 1200R, all dressed. I love the bike and I feel that it is perfect for me. I dont need anything bigger, dont want anything smaller. It’s more than fast enough for me and has wonderful road manners. I di drop it once, but that was entirely my fault. I would start on a smaller bike to develop some confidence, and take an MSF course bfore moving on to something bigger. Infact, an MSF course should probabl be taken every 2-3 years. All the bikes I’ve owned were great, but even with the Honda Shadow 1100, I felt that I needed to take another step up. My 1200R is perfect for me, maybe not for someone else. Moral- Advance your choice of bikes slowly and I believe you will develop the confidence more naturally. Howeer, forthose who start big, ad have done well, God bless them. Maybe they know something I dont. At any rate, ride safe, no matter what you ride. Be well, Marc
I’ve only been a rider for 27 months and managed to be in the saddle for over 21,000 miles. My first and only bike is a 08 Busa. I asked other bikers before I purchased mine what size I should get and I was told that guys my age ( I’m 51 now) were riding Busa’s. It has been an eye-opening experince. I’m in no position to give advice, but if I were asked I would suggest starting with a mid-size bike.
I rode bikes many years ago and recently started all over again. I had always wanted a Gold Wing, so I picked up a 1988 GL1500. It is a larger bike than I have ever even ridden on and it is very heavy (like about 900 pounds) but I love it. It is a tough bike to get used to handling at low speeds, and even thought I took an MSF class and have ridden about 7000 miles on it in the past 2 months it is still a beast. Not sure what I would recommend to the new rider but just a heads up. If you buy a beast like my baby, be prepared for some challenges!
1st bike should be one that you feel comfortable on and is not super powerful. Get the feel for riding. Practice on abandon parking lots. Lots of start and stops, turns and figure 8’s.
You’ll thank yourself later.
Dean
I am about 8 months of owning my own motorcycle. before that i always got a go on my uncles bike of a friends or whatever.
I bought a really old kawasaki kz 650 csr cruiser.
it is my first bike and i ideally knew how to clutch properly and that was about it.
the learning curve was a bit slow seeing as it took me a whole day to start driving at 40km/h
sure the bike was sorta heavy, but i grew into it and now i love it.
My suggestion is go pick up a 10-20 year old 500cc-800cc cruiser and learn it.
they are cheap (mine was 800) and insurrance is great (m1 with 500 a year)
i dropped the bike twice when moving it, not going thank god. the bike was perfectly fine because the frames back then were built in a mannor that you could shoot the bike with a tank and still drive the thing. no kidding they are that solid.
my only big convern is when you get an older bike, make sure it recently passed safety and get it fully looked over by a mechanic.
600 Suzuki GF model, the high bars model. 2 cyclinder 600R Kawasaki.
1.I happen to think that learning to ride is a huge endevor and should be done over the course of time and with appropriate equipment.
I ride a HD and I recently purchased a Brammo Enertia electric motorcycle and it has no transmission so no clutch or shifter. I remember considering talking to our local safety course managers, Team Oregon, and suggesting that a true NEWBIE would be better off learning in two seperate safety courses, one that is riden on the Brammo Enetia, and then a next class riden on a gas powered bike. Back in 1996 when I first took my endorsement class, I was the only woman. A death in the family meant I couldnt do the last day of class, I finally broke down and took the class last year and out of 10 people, I was one of three woman. I know women riders are a much larger group today and yet, I think it still has its draw-backs to some. One young lady had never been on a bike before and didnt even make it to mid-class before she decided that riding was too hard. The second one had spent a couple weeks riding her brothers dirt bike in a parking lot but she dumped her bike a dozen times. She did finish the class but, I had given her my email address so we could ride… she never got in touch with me. I would love to see woman have a less intimidating way to learn! Just for the record, there were two young men that didnt do well either and they had never been on a bike. One dropped his bike around ever curve! I just believe that learning to ride with confidence is the first step to learning to ride well. Learning to shift and clutch will come later. Thats why you dont learn to drive a car with a stick shift… same idea!
I also considered that several months of riding on the Enertia would give the newbie rider a chance to get used to manuveuring the motorcycle and gain plenty of confidence on a ‘REAL” motorcycle. The Enertia has a range of 40 miles which gives the rider plenty of time to learn to ride and leaves them no chance to risk a long ride before they are ready. Too many times a rider is not ready for the ride they take. Especially on curves!
2. I would advise a friend to consider a smaller cc motor first, rather than larger. You can always trade up. I always advise a person to consider a bike they can lift from the ground, should they drop it. As a new rider, its bound to happen.. just once! I had to pick up my ’01 883 Hugger! 495lbs and nobody around but me!! Dont be talked into a manufacturer! It doesnt matter what you ride as long as you like it, can afford it, and.. most importantly, can ride it safetly!
3. I always say to go used. The worst thing to do is put the first scrape on your bike! Why take on a huge price tag if its not going to be something you want to do daily or even weekly. Once you find out how you REALLY feel about riding, then you can make a decision to do something different.
Let me wrap this up by saying that it takes time to be a really good rider. Give yourself PLENTY of time! Ride safe and enjoy!
This is not a casual question and should not expect a casual answer. As a new rider with less than 2k miles, I asked that question to a few people but in the end I knew I had to answer that question for myself. Each rider must first understand they are solely responsible for the SAFE and efficient operation of that equipment. I think more importantly the question should be followed by a number of questions, such as: What prior experience do you have? What kind of physical shape are you in? What kind of riding do you want to do? How much riding do you want to do? What do you know about riding? What do you think you know about riding? How much do you want to spend on a bike? ect.
I rode other peoples dirt bikes for years in my teens & twenties. I am 49 know, with a limited income. I am physically fit, mechanically inclined, with a limited knowledge of street riding. I bought a 26 yr. old bike needing minor mechanical/electrical work, 500cc. I have dropped my bike about 3 times, I’ve had a couple of high speed scares and some low speed embarrassments. I love my bike! I love riding! I love working on my bike! I am looking forward to buying my next bigger bike next year!
A million years ago I (along with most of my MSF colleagues) used to recommend starting small, 250? and moving up as experience accrued. Problem? A study found that motorcyclists with fewer than 5 months on a particular bike were statistically over represented in accident data.
Now, you are more or less on your own: Get a Hayabusa as a first bike and the Darwinian-self-cleaning-oven effect may occur. Get a 250 and you’ll probably get bored and have to sell it within a couple of years but at least you’ll still be ambulatory with a full range of motion in all your extremities.
One of my colleagues suggests used Vstroms. Not too heavy, good ergonomics, relatively inexpensive to buy and insure – only problem is that any male under 25 absolutely has to have a sport bike regardless of his skill level. Benjamin Franklin said experience is a dear mistress but a fool will have no other. Still true unfortunately.
I don’t make suggestions anymore I just ask the noobs to carefully consider what they want to use it for and realize that everything is a compromise.
I did my DAS, then bought an Aprilia Pegaso Cube on e-bay. Boy what a shock! It was either change the bike or wrap myself around a tree. Even though this machine was only 650cc and single, it had 5 valves in the head and twin carbs and exhausts. To say that I frightened myself silly would be an understatement. Luckily within 2 week’s I happened to call into a local bike shop and was immediately taken with a lovely looking Yamaha. I promptly part exchanged the Aprilia and became the proud owner of a Yamaha BT1100 Bulldog. What a machine, an upright riding position, relatively low seat height, low center of gravity, impeccable manners. A good strong gutsy engine which can turn into a raving lunatic if you feel the desire, brake’s that WILL stop you, a frame that never get’s you out of shape and finally, shaft drive and a headlight like a searchlight. I have no problem keeping up with so called sportsbikes, and alway’s arrive at my destination fresh, unlike the sportsters, who need at least an hour to straighten up again.
AS YOU CAN PROBABLY TELL, I WOULD RECCOMMEND A GOOD SECONDHAND BULLDOG EVERYTIME. PRICES ARE REASONABLE, AND IT’S A HELL OF A MACHINE, AND WON’T CHEW UP A NOVICE. CHEAP INSURANCE AND 55mpg. Have I let the cat out of the bag. There are plenty around at the moment, but they are being snapped up. By the way I’ve had mine 2 years and NO its NOT FOR SALE!!!
After going on a BMW novice rider cause, I bought an BMW F800ST for a first bike. Yes I dropped it on my 2nd ride but I convinced I would have gotten bored with a 250cc wihtin a month. After less than a year I’ve already ridden a Honda fireblade and I loved it. Other people might not feel the same way. It all depends on body build, confidence and personal preference. Therefore I would suggest start on the bike you feel the most comfortable on…as long as it is under 800cc.
Smaller in weight or displacement does not always equal easier to ride. I ride H-Ds and have owned 5 Harleys. Two were Sportsters, and I would not recommend these as “starter bikes” with the possible exception of the “L” series–lower seat height and Center of Gravity.
Smaller bikes also are usually (not always) less visible. Very basic lighting, turn signals and brakes, which make them somewhat less safe. I think the advice for mid-weight cruisers in the 600-800 cc range will provide a better learning platform that will enable the new biker to learn safely, and enjoy on longer rides than the small, very basic bikes.
I started out on a Rebel and after having two of them moved on to a 650 V-Star Classic. A friend of a friend was about to buy her first bike earlier this year and I advised my friend to have her buy my Rebel since it had low miles and Id give her a great deal on it. The bigest reason was because the buyer is very thin and frail. She refused my Rebel and bought a used Honda 750 Shadow classic. I dont know how many months have gone by but the bike is just sitting in their garage, never used because the weight of it hurts her neck, shoulders and arms.
I recommend that new riders get small bikes to start out with: 250 or smaller. Even though you can plop anyone on a 650 and get them to ride it – they aren’t going to be a good rider for a while. Until a rider starts encountering a few harrowing circumstances that tests his/her abilities, that new rider won’t even know if he or she will be riding for more than a few outings. Putting any new rider on anything but a small bike is just stacking the odds against them being a long-term rider, or even surviving. Having said that, I’m aware that there are plenty of riders who do start out with mid-size bikes and go on to become long-time riders. To each his own.
I have been asked by many over the years on buying a first motorcycle. My answer has always been the same, “Nothing smaller than a 650.” The main reason is with smaller bikes it is hard to stay up with bigger bikes. I started out on BSA 650 Lightining in the 60’s and owned a couple smaller two stroke bikes, Yam RD350, Kaw 350-S2 and a 250 class flat track bike. None of these were mine for long, but oh so much fun.
There have been several girls/women who asked my opinion and I suggested the Yamaha Star 650 model. Seat height is low enough to allow most females to have their feet flat on the ground.
I find that most people who take the Maryland required Rider Safety Course find the Buells they use great for first time riders but too small for everyday use. Once they are used to riding them, a larger bike is not a problem. But, I still don’t recommend a Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic.
A good article. One should consider all factors such as their strength, experience etc. I am 73 years old and begin riding on my Dad’s 1949 HD, and since have had various bikes over the years. I now have a 650 Suzuki V-Strom that I am enjoying because of it’s lighter weight (as opposed to the 850lb Yamaha Stratoliner that I traded in). Riding the Wind.
Good article and some pretty good comments. I would suggest that everyone start out by taking the MSF Basic Riders Course. After that, purchase a bike not purely built for speed or a heavy cruising machine. Spend your time doing your homework reading the bike magazines and visiting the dealerships. Leave your ego at home. Once you do purchase a bike get more training either in the MSF curriculum or at another reputable company. At no time in your adventure would I ever recommend taking off the front brake and turn signals. I can guarantee your cool guy attitude will die the same time you do, senselessly and tragically. Riding 100 mph down the highway is also insane. If you feel the need for speed visit a local track where there are expert coaches and the environment is cleared of the obstacle you would encounter on a public road way. Ride safe, ride forever.
Major thanks for the article.Thanks Again. Cool.
I took the MSF Basic Rider Course and then purchased my first bike: Kawasaki 900 Classic LT. I took to it like a duck to water and love my daily commute. I am a smaller guy at 5’5” and not many bikes fit me. The 900 is perfect for me in that it is powerful enough for the freeway and not TOO heavy. I did drop it once being stupid backing out of my garage. I can lift it ok. For me, it was also a choice of not outgrowing the first bike.
I bought my first bike last summer, a used Honda Shadow Spirit 750. After taking a safety course, I really felt comfortable on the bike and plan to keep riding it.
If you don’t know how to ride the safety course is a great start . Most of them use 250’s cause they are light and comparably cheap to fix when dropped, however ; if you drop your bike at every other stop even in the beginning perhaps you should stay on four wheels . I was raised around the old 70’s chopper outlaws and , knew I wanted my first bike to be pure 70’s chopper . Luckily for me , my brother in law , who has around 20 years more irding experience than me , loaned me his sv650 . First day out was nutz . It took me a week to get it past 90 but , not too long after that I was on an amped-up gsxr1000 , sold that and now ride that old school chopper . honda cb900 bored to 1150 , springer front end , pizza cutter front tire , rear struts , no front brake , blinkers or , speedo . Now when i jump on the sv i do 100+ thru traffic withease . Start with something fast , light and ,manuverable , and ride it like you stole it .
From my 40+ years of riding and racing motorcycles I feel that a newbie should start on a used XR200 honda. With this motorcycle you can learn the basics of clutching, shifting, braking, turning, standing, sliding, and many other skills. Why would you turn someone out on the streets and highways with a machine capable of near 200mph and no experience? I would recomend taking an MX riding course and then after learning proper technics on dirt go to a road racing school and learn the basics there and practice till your skill level is up to par and confidence too. I had heard once that life expectancy of a crotch rocket rider in a big city was like 6 months. I cannot verify this but with odds like that a newbie probably shouldn’t be out there. The more prepared a person is the more rewarding the motorcycle experience can be.
I would not change any times good or bad on bikes, what a feeling of freedom you get while riding.
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
GOD BLESS AMERICA
I notice you have recommended some duel purpose bikes. I think these are an excellent choice of machine for learner riders as riding in the dirt encourages a rider to experience a machine slipping and sliding beneath them and teaches throttle and brake control as part of the riding experience rather than a road bike which remains stable on the tarmac (for beginners) until an accident developes.
An experienced dirt bike rider stepping onto a road bike as a novice will always be a better road bike rider (handling skill wise) than vice versa.
Mike
W.Aust
I started with a Honda Shadow 600. It was perfect for me. I’m 6ft tall and close to 200lbs. The Honda Rebel was just too small. The shadow 600 was easy for me to handle AFTER the MSF safety course and a fair amount of parking lot practice! Before I took courses and studied the proper techniques for slow maneuvers I dropped the bike twice out of ignorance. No matter what you choose for your first bike make sure you know what to do and more importantly what not to do in tight situations!
Safe riding.
I followed a really slow path, not by any plan but by circumstance, but I believe its a good way.
Working downtown in a huge city for a public entity, parking for cars is not provided. I started (after tiring of the bus) with a moped, then got a Yamaha Morphous 250, and later a 750cc cruiser.
I fell on the Moped a lot through sheer stupidity, never dropped the 250cc, and only fell off the 750 a few times (very minor) within the first month of having it. If I had started with the 750 I’m sure I would have had some major crashes.