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.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a colleague
who was doing a little research on this. And he actually bought me dinner
because I found it for him… lol. So let me reword this.
… Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss this topic here
on your blog.
The 650 Burgman is much to be admired – not if it isn’t too much for someone’s first bike though. It could give an inexperienced rider a false sense of security.
My favorite encounter with one was last year. A friendly older fellow (68) rolled into the coffee shop with the biggest grin you ever saw. Those who knew him asked what he was so happy about.
He had just followed a smart-ass kid on a Harley 1200 Sportster up to 105 where he realized that the HD had nothing more. Then he blew by at 115. When they met up the road, the kid wouldn’t even make eye contact.
My bike is a Burgman maxi scooter. Don’t laugh. Consider the following: It will do over 100 MPH, no clutch handle, no shifting, with a rear top box I can put 5 bags of grocery’s in it. Has an adjustable windshield and ABS brakes. A very quiet 650 engine that’s liquid cooled with fuel injection. It is a step through design with a very low center of gravity. It’s designed as a highway cruiser. Many riders have taken them cross country.
Many Senior Citizens with arthritis have sold there Goldwings and Harleys for this scooter for the following reasons: You don’t have to throw your leg over it to get on and you don’t have to pull a clutch anymore, your legs and feet are behind a fairing.
What more could you ask for in a cruising bike. Google them.
my update is now weight not power ….was in the ”villages” [ land of the living dead ] fla sun with the wife and watched the older gray hair group ride in and try to turn – back park there big h.d’s and the look a likes .[ they all look the same -flags,teddy bears,loud noise ] any way i was just waiting for the tip over as they could not walk back the size and weight .. it took 2 extra’s to push em back and hold them up and one to guide em in.to the curb … very fun time as they roared in with open pipes, bad ass looking cloths, head rags etc…but could not park the bikes ..age and weight ..thank god there was no tip overs or it would take 8 gray hairs and 2 heart attacks to try lifting one 900 lb over loaded whale bike up off the ground …nothing like a fat 70 year old playing bad ass biker .loud pipes , the black tee-head rag look ..bad ass . sure i know the ”villages” and fla is rodger rabbit cartoon world .. but ride a bike you can handle …park ..lift ..and do you really think your scareing anyone .. with the look …
Anyone starting biking for the first time would be better off on a bike that is lighter, smaller, and presents less opportunity to put themselves in really dangerous situations (which is how I got into biking….a Suzuki 125 Enduro), but given their physical and mental capabilities, a mid-sized, lighter, smaller bike like a Suzuki SV650, may be well suited to a rider starting out (or something in the lighter, smaller, 400-600cc range)….
I think bikers get more enjoyment from riding if they get very comfortable riding a machine that they can really master (which takes quite a bit of time….and quite a bit of effort to push those smaller machines, beyond the conservative operations envelope that the majority of riders remain within). I’ve known a few riders who move up to ‘sexier’ bikes, in the 800+ range, but who ride with trepidation each and every time they take their machine on the road…..that’s not the best approach to matching machines to their skill, in my opinion.
We’re just waiting for the snow/ice/frost to wane, and then biking will return with vigour down here in Cork, Ireland! (although there are still those that like to push any envelope!, and ride on roads where black-ice is common!)…..safe riding!
My first bike (other than safety course loaner) was a brand new 2012 BMW r1200r. Could not be more pleased. I road that bike almost every day during the summer and fall. I cannot wait for the spring.
Bottom line is: a bike will only go as fast as you make it go. At the begining you can’t expect to use it to commute to work or run errands. Just spend a solid month or so just practicing the basics and getting a feel for the brand new 1200cc beast. Taking it slow will come automaticaly if the investment you made in the bike was large. After a month I began taking it onto the highway – during light traffic hours – and became used to aceleration to high speeds and higher speed handling. After only one season I am far from being an experienced rider, and yet i feel 100% confident on my r12r.
I dont think my progression will be slowed because I dont have a smaller bike to wip around. I slowly and steadly push myself a little bit further each and everyday I ride. I also ride with a lot.
I must be missing somthing in the advice i constantly hear experienced riders passing on to newbies… Cause i just dont see it. Or maybe I’m dangerous ;).
before anyone starts in ..think brakes are brakes so with the 250 you have less braking and thats GOOD.?? higher traction tires …thats bad ???? better handling thats bad ??? more power to get you away from some fool in a suv ..thats bad ….so its the useing the better brakes… stopping to fast is bad ??? swerving around the fool and not sliding .. so better handling and traction is bad ???? ok its the power thing …well just do not turn the twisty thing so much … but not having the power if you need it passing is good .. ??? if you can not use your brain to say ”hand do not twist so much” you do not need to be on the bike …any-bike
so we still are on this, 250cc ..my ass .. get the fastest, best stopping/handleing, largest cc bike you think you want … if you get a 250 within weeks you will want to sell it, $ loss, 500cc , within months you will want to sell that , more $ lost buy the time you get to where you wanted to be , when you wanted to ride it’s going to coast you 3 times the $ so get it first… you will have batter brakes, handleing, pride and the desire to learn to ride …if to much power scares you… do not turn the twisty thing in your right hand , or if you are plain dunb and have some muscle control issue have a cable stop/ blocker on the throttle so you can not turn it more then 1/3 the way …then when you learn to control your hand function’s remove it …. or if your so dam dumb, stupid , scared or have the shakes stay off the two wheels.. and stop sending out insurance rates higher … some people just can not do lots of things at one time , as is brake , gas ,shift , look down the road, point…its ok some do some do not…
Aaron,
The Can-Am won’t really give you a motorcycle experience if that’s what you want. I wouldn’t get the Ninja either, not because of the power, but because it’s a sport bike; you’re going to be looking down at the asphalt while you ride.
Look for a bike where you can sit reasonably upright. A 650 is fine, and good for the highway. The new BMW F700 might be worth a look, since it will have ABS. If you do buy a used bike, get one with lots of available parts, e.g., an HD Sportster.
My wife started riding, and by far, absolutely hands down. a hyosung Aguila GX250 is the BEST beginner bike. Handles great, very forgiving, and unlike the honda rebel which you will outgrow in a few weeks. the Aguila you could ride for quite awhile. bike gives the appearance of a much larger bike and feel. My wife would not be the proficient rider she is today without that bike. I test rode that bike, I am 6′ 200 lbs, that bike had no problem propelling me to 80 mph. Good luck with your choice.
Ride safe, take your time to learn, buy a bike that fits you. you don’t want to become a 10 year rider with 20x 6 months experience!! keep educating yourself..
Ozz
Aaron, as a new rider, don’t get either.
They are both way to big. Anything you save on gas you will pay in multiples for insurance.
And don’t buy new. You will lose on depreciation, insurance and, when you inevitable drop it in a parking lot it will kill you to see the first scratches and dents.
Buy a 30 year old 250 or 400, don’t pay more than $1100 and you will still get $1000 for it in 6 months or a year when MAYBE you could safely move up to a 500 or a 650.
I want to start riding. I live in Los Angeles with a lot of traffic and I commute a lot. Part of the reason why I want a motorcycle. My choice is a new Ninja 650 or a new Can-am Spyder RS-S. The can am is significantly more expensive and less MPG. But is it worth getting the Can-am more of a safety issue than a smaller bike. I am a little self conscious about getting a trike because it’s quote “is a motorcycle poser”. But besides that I would love to have a ninja also. SO as a new rider which one would you recommend?
Get a ninja 250 its
Lightweight
very nimble
if u messed up on clutch or throttle control its very forgiving
a down side is u will want a bigger bike
I started out pretty late on bikes and have owned only 1 bike 350cc Royal Enfield Thunderbird.
My experience tells me if you are a newbie always consider 2 falls in your account. Now if you are sure enough you can cover the costs for those falls then sky is the limit.
I bought a new heavy bike and fell a couple of times have some scars to show. But then in 3-4 months your bike will obey your every command.
If you want to keep your new bike scar free .. start with a used one.
If you are too lazy to sell/buy again and don’t mind a couple of scratches buy your dream bike and tame it… It shall remain loyally yours ever after.
Kind of bike … if you are in late twenties or early thirties and bother about your back go for a cruiser type. If you choose style and and have a strong back sports bikes….
I always choose what i would like to be seen with than compromise initially and lust the bike when parked next to mine.
I am a female writer and I have been riding since february 2012, when I took the MSF class . I knew absolutely nothing about riding a motorcycle; all I know is that for years it had been a dream of mine. At the course, I road a Honda Rebel 250cc. The bike seemed heavy and I had no idea how to shift up nor down. With the help of my instructors and class participants, I was confident and somewhat knowledgeable and was able to pass the course.
The bike I purchased was a Ninja 500. I had the bike lowered to fit my 5’3 frame. Even with taking the class I still had a fear of riding in traffic and properly shifting gears, and going up or down hills that required me to stop dead smack in the middle of inclination. I decided to do short distance riding (7 miles going, 7 miles back), which was to my job and back. I also road in groups or along side someone so they could coach me, I even road on the back of a friends bike so I could get a feel of the gear shifting. I ride pretty well now and I am happy on my Ninja 500.
Taos:
Run, don’t walk, and buy Brenda a V-Star 650 asap. They are way cheaper than diamonds my friend.
Firstly, I don’t think I would ever buy anything other than a used bike, period. There are a crap ton of ’em out there, most in good to excellent shape, as many people buy new thinking that they want to ride, then it turns out that they’ve neither the time nor true inclination.
My wife, a first time rider this season, is LOVING her 1999 535 Yamaha Virago. We bought it very gently used, with only 4,700 miles for $2,000. I am of the opinion that anyone who approaches riding with dedication will become bored with anything under 450cc within about a month. The 535 Virago has several qualities that make it ideal as a first-timer. It is reasonably light at 430 pounds, and with a crash bar installed and it’s low center of gravity, yer granny could pick it up. It has VERY easy and forgiving handling, yet is fun in the twisties. And best of all, though quite docile at low speeds, it’ll bust on up to 90+ quite nicely if you want to take it there. But – Brenda is already wishing she had something with a little more power – heavy sigh – what’s a husband to do?
The first bike you ride should be at an MSF course. If you have a choice select a standard such as the Honda NIghtHawk. If you have a long inseam try a dual-sport. Above all the bike must fit you, not the other way around. Most tip-overs happen in parking lots during slow turns. Cruisers are great in a strainght line but suck at slow speeds. The rake and trail make them very heavy in the front end.
I have ridden for 50+ years and everything from Cushman to Busa. My rides today are standards, a Suz DL 650 and a Harley XR 1200. When you become an accomplished rider, try the different styles, sport, standard, dual sport and cruiser, then pick the one you will ride NOT what your friends think you should ride. Peer pressure can be a killer.
I do accident reconstruction in Puerto Rico. I do a lot of motorcycles collisions. When somebody ask me advise on what bike to get as a first motorcycle, I always advise them on a motorcycle not larger than a 250cc. Either a cruiser or a dual purpose. In Puerto Rico there is a competition between Scooters and Hayabusas on which bike would cause more deaths. They are about even. Things got so bad that the government had to pass a law to prohibit riders younger than 18, and they must get a motorcycle licence in order to ride motorcycles. The situation is that the majority of the people don’t take the time to educate on the bike they are riding. Motorcycles the same as cars don’t respond the same way as other bikes or cars or for that matter trucks. An SUV doesn’t behave the same way as a Toyota Corolla even though they both are four wheel vehicles. The same thing happens with Motorcycles. A Hayabusa and a Moped are two wheel drive vehicles but they sure don’t behave the same way, specially on a panic moment or a collision. Therefore it is imminent that when you are going to acquire your first bike, you take lessons and study your ride thoroughly so you have a more enjoyable relation with this fantastic way of travel. Just because you can keep a motorcycle on two wheels and you can shift the gears, does not make you a motorcyclist. If you don’t take the time to educate yourself, then you will become an “ORGAN DONOR”. Good luck and safe riding.
first bike ..ltes see power to not get run over and pull into traffic, best brakes to stop when you need to in the short time….handling to avoid cars pulling infront of you.. best tires for traction….some thing you will not get tired of and take a big $ loss in 6 months , some thing that you can go across the county or to work every day with out blowing up. ok first bike must be a 1000cc + sport bike.. just do not twist the right grip all the way till your ready.
Take an MSF course FIRST, by then you will have a good idea whether or not this is something you truly wish to do. The depending on your size, plus the abilities and confidence you have gained through the course, start looking for your BEGINNER BIKE.
I personaly would suggest a cruiser type, used and not over 500cc’s. Cruisers are not as powerful as the sportbikes, and are much easier to handle and learn the streets on. The courses in general only teach you how to ride around in an empty parking lot. The street riding is left up to YOU! Learn everything you can and then ride safe.
It may have evolved into a stereotype, but it does seem that a disproportionately large number of young males buy hypersport bikes while older/re-entry riders often buy Harleys or other large cruisers. I believe any insurance company would tell you both situations are more likely than average to result in trouble. I don’t know of a one size fits all solution to a proper first bike or bikes. MSF and Riders Edge courses really help as does dirt training and a lighter weight reasonably powered machine. But after reading the comments here it is clear that the most important single thing is your mentality – being smart and having the right attitude. And I think that is the hardest thing to bring out in people.
I started out on a Honda Rebel 250. Never rode any motorized bike in my life. After a year on that (plus the MSF course) riding my Harley Sportster XL 1200 was a piece of cake. All my new skills transferred right over to my Harley. So I am an advocate of starting out small, honing your skills, THEN getting on something bigger if you like. If you’ve never ridden before, choosing a big bike to start is suicide.
I know my limitations and don’t plan to get a bigger bike. Yes, there are some small women riding huge bikes out there. Very impressive and I applaud them but that’s not me and I have no desire to emulate or impress.
Choose what fits YOU, physically and mentally, according to your skill level. Don’t let someone talk you into a bigger bike before you’re ready for it.
P. S. Uncle George, you are right. A Sportster, I was told by a Honda man, is ‘half a Harley’. Well, my 1200 has more than enough power, thank you very much!
Motorcycle size is more of a peer pressure and ego issue than anything else. In the seventies I rode a Honda 350 and my friend rode a Honda 250. We bought the bike while stationed in Japan and rode the entire continent which includes many mountainous rides. We brought our bikes back to the US and went to work in Alaska. For three years we rode the back country of Alaska and Canada. Once each year we would take vacation and take road trips. One to Key West Florida (and back), One to Mexico (When Mexico was worth going to), and One to Quebec and Maine. I am still not sure why someone needs anything much larger unless it is some notion about comfort. I say get a lazyboy and sit at home.
I am now returning to ride at the ripe old age of 62. I have recently taken the Riders Edge motorcycle course in Orlando. I am buying a used something or other to practice on for a while and fully intend on buying a Kawasaki Ninja 650. Of course for some reason that is considered small these days but I am buying it because after sitting on many bikes this one “fits” me perfectly and I like the riding position. It sits very much like my Honda 350 did. The cruiser sitting position would not be comfortable for me on a long trip nor do I feel like I have near as good as control. But that is just me.
People are dying all around us. I think it is partially because people are buying too big of bikes and have little experience. Some people claim to have been riding for years but when you investigate their statement you find they have little experience. Less than 22% of riders can brake properly. In my riding class, two students had bought large harley’s and one of those two did not even know where the back brake pedal was or what a clutch was. It was a young girl and I do not know any reason why she needed a 1300 cc Harley except it is the “in” thing. People put on a tee shirt and go to a bike week and they think they are now a motorcycle gang member. They are really an accident waiting to happen.
That first bike? Good question?
Street riding: The first bike should be at the MSF basic riding course, period. It makes no difference if you have hundreds of “off-road miles, the street is a different animal. When taking the course, the bike must “fit” the rider. My grand daughter was stuck with a cruiser style training bike. She is 5 ft tall and about 90 lbs. This bike ruined her for riding a motorcycle. Cruiser rides are not worth a d_ _ n for newbie rider training. They are too heavy handling at low speed. The best training rides are neutral handling UJM standards.
Off road the first bike should be a dual sport, not a full blown MX machine, something with which to learn control and not have any big power hits. Again, the bike must “fit” the rider. “Mini-bikes” for the most part do not “fit” the rider. Mini-bikes are for mini-riders or play bikes for experienced riders.
In any case, protective riding gear is mandatory.
1) Get a mini pocket rocket bike in manual trans as a first bike for $700 and learn the controls and feel of a bike. Top speed out the box 35mph so it’s unlikely you’ll kill yourself. Also, you can just ride it on private property to learn without worrying about cars.
2) Once you feel comfortable on the mini I believe any bike will be fine. Bigger the bike probably the better since you will be afraid of it more and give it it’s due respect. California Superbike School had more accidents on their 600’s than when they switched to the KTM rc8.
3) Buy a used bike at first. If you down it you will be thankful it wasn’t brand new. It will also give you an opportunity to work on your own bike without worrying about voiding a warranty if you buy it in cash and have the title. When you get the courage, do your brakes, adjust your sag and suspension, maybe fix any scratches or holes in the abs plastics and paint it. This will all be more work than owning new but way more fun. You will feel connected to your bike and she will love you for it. Good Luck.
Before gettting that first bike, be sure you know why you are doing this, what you want to use it for. If for gas saving and local errands, a 250 is fine. For light commuting, there is safety in the better ride, stability and power of a midweight. in traffic I found both the 750 Honda and 900 Kawasaki excellent for this purpose. If you have serious hiway miles in mind with interstate speeds, think heavywt, 1700 or so, i USE A kAWASAKI vULCAN 1700. oNLY FAVORED OVER OTHER BRANDS BECAUSE OF VERY GOOD USED BIKE PRICES. Stay with a low miles used bike with good rubber, not too old, say 2007-9. Best prices are the 2006s, because the banks will not finance them. Look for under 5000 miles, they are around, whatever size/ insist on everything being anf looking very good. Many older bikes have been little used and garaged. Bikes kept outside tend to have both visible and hidden corrosion here in coastal Florida.
I am 72 years old, have been riding since 1959, have owned too many bikes, going back to Indians, Bultacos, most Jap. brands, early Harleys. Now 2 (used, low mileage) Kawasakis, 900 and 1700.
Enjoy riding and stay safe!
I would recommend to anyone who is thinking about buying a motor
Cycle find a motorcycle school and sign up
For the class then use one of their bikes
And after you will have a pretty good idea of what size you want
But do go to the school first. Ok
I started on a 125 honda cm twin…..the transition to a cx500 custom was easy, and fun. Ive stayed with the cx, because I like it…!
I’ve been riding since 1973. I have a little under 600,000 street miles under my belt.
I did not know much (actually almost nothing….) back then about bikes & riding. (Other than some SERIOUS miles on bicycles…) Unfortunately for me I had no off-road experience, and my first (And 2nd, and 3rd, and 4th… ) bike was a brand new Honda (CB) 750. Fortunately I was a fairly quick learner and only had two very minor accidents during the 144,000+ miles I put on it before I got another new one. All of your suggestions for NEW riders are spot on!
So….. start small dual-purpose used,… and get X-number of thousands of “Learning” miles under your belt first,.. at least a year or two of riding…. In the long run, you will be glad you “Started out right!. Then step up to something newer/larger and avoid the much tougher learning curve that I experienced.
Four recommendations:
used – so you’re not always worrying about minor dings. Since you are buying used, you can easily move up to your next bike after getting more experience (used bikes hold their value a LOT better than new ones do!)
good – buy from older, more experienced if possible and have it checked out by a reputable mechanic
suitable – depending on how you intend to use the bike – make sure it fits you and has sufficient power to do what you want to do. If your goal is to ride around town, a 250 is more than adequate but if you need some highway speeds look for a nice 650 cc twin – stay away from the supersport bikes or big sport tourers until you get some experience. If you’re a cruiser, you can probably go a bit bigger on the engine.
Finally, training – take a motorcycle safety foundation course or comparable
Within two years at age 64 I started with a 200 cc Suzuki, then a 350cc Yamaha, then a XL600V Honda Transalp, and finally found the perfect bike for me, the BMW R1200 GS. The shaft drive eliminates the vibration, it handles like a much lighter bike, and it has a catalytic converter which makes GS group riding much more pleasent smoke wise. The newer R1200 GS is also available in a lower frame for the shorter folks.
Define Newbie…First things first. If you have never ridden (or its been forever since you have), you need to pass the MSF, Harley Riders Edge or similar program before you buy ANY bike. A newbies reaction to the basic bikes they ride in those programs will give you the info you need to pick a first bike.
My first bike last June was a BMW K1300GT. I love it and have 1500 miles on it. I tried to buy a smaller bike bu t i\I’m a big guy 6″6″ . I just couldn’t see myself on a 450 KLR.
That said I’m 57 years old and , realistic about my goals, and don’t aspire to be Evil Knievel . I took the safety course, and ride with the BMW club and will take a riders course at the track in the spring. I don’t recommend this for everybody. And Oh yeah – 2 month s into this i dumped my bike in the parking lot at zero spreed just backing it up in front of a bunch of Ladies . Bad for the ego but learned that i can pick the bike up by myself – i couldn’t ask anybody ! !! Anyway I love and respect my Bike..
This summer, at 60 I decided to be a Newbie again after 37 years. Back then I drove a Kawasaki 2 stroke, 250 triple and one of the reasons I stopped was that it scared me to be out in traffic.
Now I have the luxury of being surrounded by all sorts of back roads and ways to go from home to the local coffee shop that can avoid the truck routes. So, I was determined to start up again. At this stage in life, cost was not be a factor and having the “M” on my licence for 39 years made insurance as cheap as it gets.
But you don’t get to where you can afford what you’d like by making foolish choices so I avoided retail outlets and bought a wonderful 30 year old 250 cc. single (Yamaha SR250) for $900. My reasoning? I wouldn’t be scared of the machine I rode and no need to ride it where there is anything else to be scared. And, if I didn’t like riding and ended up wishing I had never started up again, I could always get my $900 back since the price just doesn’t go below that level if it’s well looked after while you have it.
A no-brainer really. I have had more fum and met all kinds of interesting people. Big bike riders have all been friendly, helpful, kind and (most importantly) not patronizing. I was even approached by a member of the Vintage Motorcycle Assoc. and invited to join. In his world, I have a little gem – who would have thought it?
I am still riding it on good days and am looking forward to tomorrow and the 2 days after when it is going all the way up to 6, 8 and 11 (43, 46, 52). Less than $100 in good used ICON riding pants and leather uppers keeps me warm enough to make it all the way to the coffee shop on the scenic route if it doesn’t go below 5 (41).
watever bike one is buying look mainly for its handing and power.It will give u d feel of riding a true bike like those in d ’80’s
I started out riding on a125 dirt bike, my first story ride was a 500cc Honda interceptor out was perfect for my size. From there I jumped to a 1000 ninja, then fz1100, now I ride a hayabusa, definitely bout the motorcycle for a first timer. I agree with the author start small but not too small a 250 is to small. A 500cc should be fine for any first rider, ours light weight, and easy to get the hang of, to practice your skills. Newbiesoften think because they can pass a driving trees they know how to ride, safe riding included much more knowledge than that to come home unscathed. Be careful in your choice and enjoy your ride.
I started out and passed my test on a red BSA Bantam 124cc (ex-post office) which still had the red wooden post boxes as panniers, this was back in 1967. Progressed from that to a 250cc 2 stroke Ariel Arrow soon after and boy it really went. Never forget the day I picked it up from the garage (all second hand of course) and did a blast at about 60mph on the road home, happy days.
Now (after a 40yr gap) I have a Virago 535 and it’s just great, comforable and pretty quick too, a terific cruiser and good for long trips (second hand of course).
So for me the moral is, don’t be to eager to buy new or big, take it easy and just enjoy the feeling of riding a bike you can handle. Second hand bikes also hold their price better too and you can customise to your hearts content, no worries.
Enjoy.
600 – 800cc is the way because after 3 months on a 250 if your smart enough to want to learn its sell at a loss time..with the 600 -800 it’s a few lb’s more but it will go and go for years before you will take a big $ loss for something else…or a rebuild . and on a 250. any long fast road trip is out, your stuck to side roads and being left behind on a group ride . plus if your a grown up a kids bike sure looks dumb to be on…power is in the the right hand learn not to turn it if your starting out rideing, and you have something to look foward to…
My beginning ride was an 80 cc Yamaha, then a
125 Suzuki
250 Yamaha
350 Kawasaki
750 Kawasaki
1200 Yamaha (VMax), and now a
1600cc Victory
My next bike will probably be a
1900 cc Goldwing.
With each step I had some adapting to do, but I was able to handle the extra weight and the less nimble handling. The rewards for a heavier bike are many but the ease of handling goes down as the comfort goes up. I learned with the 1200cc that you have to be aware of any slope to the ground where you park, and you don’t just pull into a parking space head first unless you have a way to back it out again. Gravity becomes a lot more important as the bikes get heavier.
On the flip side of all this, I have a buddy who started with a Goldwing and after three months of constant training he’s pretty good on it. I wouldn’t even consider such a thing myself but he seems to have pulled it off. He does ride with a guy who is a Trainer and the feedback and practice has helped him considerably. So take as much training as you can then get as much practice in as you can.
My suggestion would be to start with a 250cc bike, but if you know someone who is a Trainer and you have a talent for riding you can start bigger. No matter what size you start with get all the training and practice you can.
If I were starting from scratch I’d buy a 250cc dirt bike and keep it. Then I’d buy a larger street bike when I got more into street riding but I think I’d keep the dirt bike for playing on dirt and ride a larger street bike such as a 750cc or 900cc bike and then go heavier from there. Many people would never want a bike as heavy as 1300cc or bigger and it would be less expensive and painful to drop something smaller. You don’t want to go too big for your personal comfort level or you’ll end up quitting because your bike is too big for you to handle.
I’m a 45-year old “newbie” who just took the 2-day MSF course. I had ridden mini bikes as a kid and, more recently, quads but never a motorcycle. Before the course, I was set on a Honda Rebel or Yamaha Virago/V-Star 250. After the course, I am confident I can handle a Kawasaki Vulcan (500 cc), Honda VLX (600 cc), Suzuki S40 (652 cc) or the V-Star 650 cc. But I didn’t know until I took the course, and I would not go higher than the 650 cc for the first ride. I’ve researched all of these bikes. They are all low, so your feet are firmly on the ground. They all have a fairly small wheelbase for better handling. The Honda and Kawasaki are both lighter as well. You really have to know yourself and your confidence level. The deals on these used bikes are amazing and many of them look brand new and have less than 10K miles because people ride them for a while, get their confidence and move up to bigger bikes, which works out great for newbies like me. Can’t wait to get mine!
I started back in 2005 with a new Yamaha FZ6 N. It’s a multipurpose, mid size commuter, perfect for city, still suitable for reasonable tours, very feasible and providing a lot of pleasure both in daily riding or touring. If from time to time you have a few miles of clear road ahead you might go crazy for seconds and rev it up to 12,000. You will then discover the second heart inside it and it’s MotoGP heritage . I have liked it when bought, now I love it. Yet, I would now like to step up to a Sprint ST 1050 but the economic down trend holds me.
Wishing for better times, clear roads and safe drive!
Iulian
I’m a new rider for about 3-4 months now. My first and only bike…2004 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000. I absolutely love it and have had no problems riding it. I know my limitations and do not push them. I did take a Motorcycle safety course and listen to the “oldtimers” every chance I get. I’m 45 and respect my bike and it’s abilities as well as the others around me. I think each individual should be able to make an informed and mature choice. I was extremely nervous but felt more comfortable with the taking and passing of the safety riders course. by the way, I am 6’2″ and 330lbs. I think I made the right choice for me.
I started out on a 1975 DT125 Yamaha and I have had 37 motorcycles in all over the years. I really enjoy my current BMW K1100LT but I often bye an older small bike just for the fun of it. A friend of mine and I use to teach ridding at Humber College, he had the same Triumph since 1972 and I have had many bikes as stated above but he changed girlfirends every year and I’ve been happily married for 25 years, what ever floats your boat! It all comes down to your individuality, motorcycling is one place where you can really express yourself and feel alive doing it.
I learned on a neighbor’s frequently borrowed Honda 50, which made most of my newbie mistakes pain-free, and let me learn easily the basics of handling: steering, cornering, and braking. A factor not mentioned in a discussion of bikes, is the rider him/herself. What is the rider’s overall attitude toward machinery? Does the rider love or fear the experience, given it’s noise, it’s speed, and the complexity of having to do three or four things with hands and feet all within a few seconds? Another factor not mentioned is the not to be sniffed-at experience and confidence gained by riding a bicycle for 10-12 years before climbing aboard an actual motorcycle. And I must say it: the HD Sportster is not a beginner’s bike or a girl’s bike, it is a musclebike of the old school and should be riden with respect and pride. Although it is the smallest of the Harley family, I would never automatically throw it into the class of “Bikes for Newbies”. Save the Sportster for your “second bike”.
I bought a GSX-R 600 as my first bike and was completely satisfied with its handling, speed, and maneuvering. I am aware that many people would not recommend an in-line 4 for a novice. However, I treated the throttle kindly and didn’t get into stupid situations. Due to the relatively poor gas mileage, uncomfortable seating for the passenger, expensive insurance, and unversatile machine for commuting I am now looking for a mid-weight cruiser. I always enjoy reading articles about “Beginner Bikes”. I quickly realized how much more maintenance a bike requires over an automobile. I find myself taking much better care of the bike over my car.
Drive smart everyone!
I basically AM a new rider. I’m in my mid 40’s now, but haven’t ridden a bike in about 30 years. I also started out on minibikes and graduated up to bigger dirt bikes. I had a street bike for only a short time.
I think the “rules” that my dad gave me growing up, are just as applicable today for EVERYBODY, as they were for me growing up in his home. He said I could have any bike I wanted, as long as the following rules were observed.
1) Both your feet should be able to touch the ground when you sit on it.
2) You can pick the bike up when it is laying on it’s side; both from a standing position, and being able to lift it off yourself as you lie under it.
And those were the only rules I had to follow. I think it is still relevant today, and should be followed by all bikers, old and young, experienced and inexperienced.
I also think a new rider should have a second hand bike, so WHEN he lays it over, it’s not such a big deal. A small bike is easier to handle and will teach you skills for the bigger bikes. I’m not to fussed about cc rating. If you’re dumb enough to open her up before your ready, and you crash, then you learn REAL QUICK not to do that again. Bikes are great if you take the right approach to them. If you don’t, you won’t be riding long.
I recently bought “my first bike” and I am having an absolute BLAST. It’s a secondhand, but nearly mint, little Suzuki 650 Savage, belt drive. I’m 6 foot, so it’s just a wee bit small for me, but not much. They are deceptively accommodating for the longer legged folks. It’s a cruiser, so you CAN”T go around corners fast. It only does about 90 mph. It does have just enough ummph to haul me and my girlfriend up a good incline and still accelerate up the hill if you decide to pass somebody. The center of gravity is low, so you can ride it through some pretty nasty winds without ending up in the ditch or under a truck. It’s a single pot, so it’s got great sound, and I get compliments on it wherever I go.
I’ve already had a lesson from a good teacher on how to fix dents and repaint my tank properly. He knew more about painting than I thought, and the tank looks really good again.
I can’t say enough good things about the little Savage. It’s a little bike in size, so is very easy to ride and toss around. It’s moves in amongst the traffic and bad weather very easily and takes up very little room when parked, yet provides enough grunt for 2 people and enough speed. It is the perfect first bike. I’ve already decided that when, or if, I get a bigger bike, the little Savage will not be sold off. I challenge anybody to come up with a better first bike than the Suzuki 650 Savage. And of course I’d be very interested in a detailed reason as to why your bike would be better than the Savage. 🙂
Cheers from New Zealand
It’s got to be a Suzuki SV650 naked from new. You need a new bike to have real confidence on two wheels. It’s cheap to buy and insure, light and easy to manouvre. Once you learn to ride properly and gain a bit of experience it will be as fast as you need and will be on the tails of litre sports bike! Great for pulling wheelies to. I put a renegade exhaust on mine. Good memories of a great bike.
Having started out in the late 60’s on minibikes and 100cc’s, my first owned bike was a Honda 305 scrambler. I have actually been asked this question by someone that wanted to get started. The small bikes we started on aren’t as readily available and definitely are not cool enough these days. I was recommending the 400cc range and NO MORE than 650 but I can certainly agree with your 250 recommendation.
I’m 68 and started out on a Honda CB Dream 305cc’s in 1964. Got involved in hill climbing with it, then traded up to a 350cc’s,Honda Scrambler that couldn’t take the hills solo, while the Dream could take em with my 1st wife onboard.
Feeling disgrunteled, I sold it and got a Honda 450, then traded that up to a Honda 550 Super Sport. Finally sold that and bought a Harley Sporster 1200CC’s and loved that machine. Put thousands of SAFE miles on it, too.
I bought my new wife in the Philippines a new Honda 100 cc bike, like 95% of all the others over here. I feel very uncomfortable on that TOY, what with the too loose steering and the backwords gears. I always rode that as a passenger!
Soon I hope to buy me a Honda 750 Harley look a like. LOL
Cheers and stay safe y’all!
John
When I was 1st at a traffic light in my car, I mite find 15-25 MCs that have moved directly in front of me. Just a way of life over here, sadly.