Greetings From Wisconsin. Excited about bikes.

[Drunner611]

Hey everyone, did a google search and found that this was the place to be for everything cycle. This place looks like a good home for my questions

Currently, I'm 19, 6'3", 165 lbs and live In Wisconsin. I'm attending college and am really looking to getting a bike of my own. I've had my FULL motorcycle "M" license since I was 16 (actually 1 month after I got my "D" license, lol). I grew up on dirt bikes of all shapes and sizes up to 250cc. I've ridden a few small road bikes (under 500cc). Mostly cruisers and a few sport. Only problem is I don't own one myself .

Currently I am looking at a wide variety of bikes. Price ranges is definitely $2k or under. The better deal/cheaper the better. I need something that can take me 3.5 hours home on any given weekend and get me around in general. I would definitely ride every day the weather would allow. I think sport bikes are cool, but I'm a conservative rider so I think anything over 500cc for a start is too much.

Couple models currently on my mind are Ninja 250r, Vulcan 500, Rebel, Nighthawk, GZ250, and Virago 250, but I am definitely open to any suggestions. I just want an enjoyable bike that I can use daily that feels good to sit on for my height. I'm sure you'll see me around here asking plenty of questions

[blues2cruise]

Ask away. There's lots of info here. Take a look through the beginner bikers section. Read the stickies. You will find lots of good stuff.

Your list of bikes sounds good, but you may want to go sit on them to find the one that has the right fit.

Enjoy the forums.

[Scoutmedic]

I suggest going to some dealerships and sitting on the bikes. You'll have to find the style and model that fits you best. Hopefully, you'll be able to find a few dealerships that allow test drives. Most of the dealerships around me allow test drives. If not on a regular basis, they do it during factory test drive days a couple times each year.

[Drunner611]

I suggest going to some dealerships and sitting on the bikes. You'll have to find the style and model that fits you best. Hopefully, you'll be able to find a few dealerships that allow test drives. Most of the dealerships around me allow test drives. If not on a regular basis, they do it during factory test drive days a couple times each year.

Sounds like a good thing to do. Luckily there are 3 large Yamaha/Suzuki/Kawasaki dealers within 60 miles of me. 1 question though, after I find a bike/bikes that I like, where is the best place to buy one? I'm guessing dealers will be more expensive but have more of a guarantee of a quality cycle vs. finding one online for less $$? Any tips to look for bikes. So far I've found cycletrader.

[-regr3t-]

Definately check out craigslist for your area, its real good. But be sure not to immediately want the first cheap bike you see.... I almost did, but im glad I waited

[flw]

I that ride home is 3 hours plus, on any sport bike your butt/back will be screaming before you get half way. There only made for speed and twisties, not driver comfort.

Your getting a used bike so try to limit your search to ones that already have some storage for your rides home. Its too expensive to add on storage with your funds. So your looking for a bike with side bags.

As I understand, if the winds are up on 500cc bike, the ride is hell raising on the Interstates.

[Apollofrost]

Welcome to the forums

[jonnythan]

When looking at cruisers, a larger engine is OK. The Virago 535 and 750, V-Star 750, Honda Shadow, etc, are all very good beginner bikes that you may be able to find in your price range

[Scoutmedic]

Don't forget Intruders and Volusias. (Had to get my Intruder in the list... )