new to biking, looking for a good beginner cruiser

[alke]

Hi, i'm new to motorcycling, and I'm wondering what a good cruiser style bike would be for a begginer, i'm 16, and won't be getting it until the end of summer at the earliest. Also if there are any other things you need to know before you recommend a good bike, feel free to ask.

[BigChickenStrips]

check the stickys at the top of the page then go sit on some bikes at the dealership.

[Scott58]

Honda Rebel.

[VermilionX]

for cruisers... you can go as high as 800cc or 50cubic inches for engine size.

and yeah, sit on different bikes and see what bike feels comfortable w/ your body weight, height, etc.

[DivideOverflow]

At 16, I would start on a rebel, or a nighthawk 250.
Beginner cruisers: Honda Rebel, Yamaha Virago, Suzuki Eliminator (125cc), Kawasaki Vulcan 500cc.

The nighthawk is more of a standard, but it is really easy to handle. The ninja 250 is more sporty, and is a very good beginner bike.

It would help if we knew your height/weight.

[Lion_Lady]

How long have you been driving???

Unless you live in a VERY quiet area, for your own safety, get at least a year or more of roadway experience in a CAR before venturing out on a motorcycle.

Folks do idiot stuff on the roads. Until you get a good sense of how other drivers behave, from inside the safety of a car, you are a VERY great risk of getting killed by someone not paying attention.

Get yourself a dirtbike to zoom around on in the meantime.

P

[bok]

i know the motorcycle safety courses are pretty packed in alberta in the summer time, but, if you haven't taken one yet, do yourself a favor and take one. that will give you the opportunity to gain some skills, as well as try different styles of bikes.

[KarateChick]

i know the motorcycle safety courses are pretty packed in alberta in the summer time, but, if you haven't taken one yet, do yourself a favor and take one. that will give you the opportunity to gain some skills, as well as try different styles of bikes.

+1!! Definitely good advice!

It also wouldn't hurt to get more driving experience on the roads.....stupid Edmonton drivers.....

[Dragonhawk]

Check this out:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn

I built that page. Gives some good advice on starting out including a list of sensible bikes for beginners.

[totalmotorcycle]

Definately read the Total Motorcycle Guide:

Beginners Guide to Motorcycling
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/school.htm

As you finish your MSF course you will better know what type of motorcycle you like best. More than just looks each style has a different feel and riding position.

Cruisers are laid back, feet forward, wider handlebars

Sportbikes are the opposite, face forward, feet back, short bars

Standards are sit up right, feel below you, "normal bicycle" width handlebars

It's really fun looking for your first bike. Remember you should by used as you are likely to drop it (sad but true to us all). And old as it's easy to fix, cheaper parts, cheaper to buy and insure.

You also need to understand Horsepower vs. Torque as well when looking. Torque is acceleration, Horsepower is top speed. You'll need practice with your throttle hand with torque.

Generally, sportbikes (Inline 4) in the same engine size as cruisers usually have more horsepower and less torque. Cruisers (V-Twin) have more torque but less horsepower. That's not to say all Inline 4's or V-Twins are equal or all sportbikes are Inline-4's or Cruisers V-twins... haha

Also you need to get over the "beginner, intermediate and advance" labels on a motorcycle. It's really all what you enjoy and some riders stay a dozen years on a beginner bike, not because they haven't learned in 12 years, but because they enjoy the aspect of a smaller motorcycle. Each size, configuration and style of engine will give a rider a different feeling.

Lots to learn so read the guide: http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/school.htm and most importantly, have fun!

Mike.