Another beginner, Trying to figure out what type of bike...

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Eahuntley · #1 Unread post by **Eahuntley** » Mon May 21, 2007 9:01 am

I'll appologize ahead of time if this has been answered somewhere.. most of the threads I've read on most sites recommend a bike, and then I read somewhere that the bike is only suitable if you're under 5'10 and 170 lbs or something (ie ninja 250, rebel 250)

A couple of weeks ago I became vehicle-less.. I can't really afford to buy myself a new truck just yet, but I need a vehicle pretty quick and since I'm newly divorced (when I was married my wife wouldn't let me come anywhere near a bike) now's my chance!

I'm most interested in a Cruiser style of bike, but I'm sensible enough to know that I'm most likely going to atleast drop my first bike a time or two so I'm not looking to buy a gem.

My driving habits consist of probably about 25% state highways(55-65mph) and 75% in-city driving. I'm 6'1" and about 220lbs, I'm thinking a 250cc is probably a bit too small for me and wouldn't meet my needs? But then again I don't want some 1500cc power horse. I was thinking maybe something along the lines of 500-750cc's? Hopefully this would be enough power to get me around, enough weight to be safe on the freeway, but not too much power for a beginning rider. I'm not really particular about makes and models..

Any advice anyone can offer would be much appreciated..

Has anyone else noticed that there seems to be plenty of beginner bikes out there for people under 5'10" but I'm not finding a lot of reviews or articles pointing towards bikes that are appropriate for the taller beginner?

jonnythan · #2 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Mon May 21, 2007 9:09 am

All of the major manufacturers make mid-size cruisers with engines between 650cc and 900cc.

Start shopping to see what's comfortable. Don't be afraid to buy something new or close to new if you can afford it.. but I do suggest buying used first. So hang out on your local Craigslist.

You're signed up for MSF, right?

Mon May 21, 2007 9:46 am

Riding a motorcycle is one of the most counterintuitive things that you can do. Balancing on two wheels. Steering left to go left at speeds below 10 mph, steering left to go RIGHT at speeds above 15 mph. No braking in a turn, but at a minimum maintaining speed or accelerating through it.

There are many skills and habits that you need to pick up to not only pilot the bike effectively but to prevent cars from hitting you.

It's definately fun and a great lifestyle but I don't think you can go from never riding a bike one day to using it as a primary form of transportation the next.

I highly recommend signing up for an MSF BRC or instructional course and practice practice practice before hitting the streets.

In your case I might just suggest looking for a beater car to get around for awhile and buying a bike if you can still afford it.

DivideOverflow · Mon May 21, 2007 10:00 am

Step 1: Take the MSF or BRC to get your license.

Step 2: THEN look at bikes.

I'm 6'0 230ish lbs, so I can relate to your size. Look at the following:
Honda Aero or Shadow Spirit, 750 or 1100 (their 1100s aren't powerful at all... just a couple extra ft-lbs of torque).
Suzuki M50 or C50. The S50 is physically small, too cramped.
Kawasaki Vulcan 800 or 900.
I'd stay away from the Yamaha V-Star 650 or 1100, they are a pain in the butt, and the 650 is as slow as a 250.

My brother (who is somewhere between 6'1 and 6'2, and weighs around 190lbs) just got a Suzuki M50. It has been a great first bike for him. For a person your size, it will be easy to handle. Just take the MSF, learn the exercises to practice, then you can get the bike, practice in a parkinglot until you feel comfortable, and then hit the road! The M50 is a great middleweight cruiser, and I rode it for about 50 miles, and I loved it. The only complaint I have is that it could use an aftermarket seat (but most bikes could use one).

The C50 is the more traditional cruiser look (the M50 is more aggressive looking). But otherwise, they are pretty much the same.

The Hondas are still carburated, where the suzukis have fuel injection. For that reason, I've stopped recommending them as frequently. The new Kawasaki Vulcan 900 is fuel injected as well. Don't let that be the final deciding factor though. Carbed bikes are still just as capable, I just find FI a bonus.

So anything between 650 and 1100ccs would probably be fine. With most metric cruisers, it is more the weight you have to worry about, not the power. My dad's 1500cc Vulcan only makes 51 hp (but it does make 75 ft-lbs of torque). The only reason the 1500 is hard to handle is because it weighs damn near 800 lbs. Go sit on bikes and see what you like.

Eahuntley · #5 Unread post by **Eahuntley** » Mon May 21, 2007 2:15 pm

I think I left out some details..

Yes, I'm signed up for the basic MSF course to get my endorsement, and have reserved a spot two weeks after that course for the additional intermediate skills course.

I have every intention of using alternative transportation until I feel comfortable enough with my skills on the bike. I imagine I'll spend quite a few evenings and weekends driving around deserted local business parks after hours.

I have no intention on buying a bike until after I take the MSF course, I'm just trying to get a feel for what will suit my needs, since I know I'm going to be driving a 250 or maybe a 500 at the course, I figured I would come on here and start making a list of what kind of bikes I should be looking for. Before deciding to join some forums today I had only asked the advice of one other friend of mine, He drives a Fatboy but insisted that I needed to start out on something similar to a SV650 for some reason... That just doesn't seem like a good idea to me, and I'm not attracted to sportbikes, so I came here..

halouis · #6 Unread post by **halouis** » Mon May 21, 2007 2:48 pm

as a new rider myself, i was in the MSF last summer riding the 250s and while it was great to be riding, they were definitely too small for me. 6'2" 190lbs. so when it came to buy my bike i had similar questions to you.

yes there are lots of good bikes in the med size cruiser. Vstar 650, Kaw Vulcans. Honda Shadows?

Nalian · #7 Unread post by **Nalian** » Tue May 22, 2007 2:18 am

Going by HP rather than engine CC's will make things a bit easier for you. Try to find something that is well balanced and around or under 50 hp.

Learning to ride is different for everyone. I found it very easy to pick up and not counter-intuitive at all - I started commuting on my bike about 2 weeks after I got my license via MSF waiver. Everyone's experience is a bit different.

I think you're on the right track with waiting til after your MSF to buy your bike. It's quite possible that you'll find that what you want is totally different after some saddle time. I wouldn't rule out any type of bike until then - I started on a cruiser but quickly went to a standard/sportbike because it suits the way I want to ride better.

Make sure you don't skip out on, or skimp on gear. Helmet, jacket, boots, gloves are the minimum, but its a good idea to get some riding pants as well.

jstark47 · #8 Unread post by **jstark47** » Tue May 22, 2007 4:05 am

DivideOverflow wrote:Suzuki M50 or C50. The S50 is physically small, too cramped.

My brother (who is somewhere between 6'1 and 6'2, and weighs around 190lbs) just got a Suzuki M50. It has been a great first bike for him. For a person your size, it will be easy to handle.

The C50 is the more traditional cruiser look (the M50 is more aggressive looking). But otherwise, they are pretty much the same.

If you're going used, the Boulevard M50 has only been made a couple of years. Its predecessor in Suzuki's line was the Marauder 800, which was made for quite awhile, sold a lot, and can often be found used. Reasonable bike for your purposes. Carbureted, not fuel-injected, but so are most older bikes -- shouldn't be a problem.

ANDS! · #9 Unread post by **ANDS!** » Tue May 22, 2007 3:42 pm

Theres nothing that stops you from going out and looking at bikes now, and even sitting on them - or hell even purchasing them. Its RIDING them before youre ready that you should worry about.

I mean - are you really gonna let a sweetheart deal go by because you don't have a license to drive your ride?

PioneerUrban · Fri May 25, 2007 1:09 pm

After selling my 01 Kawasaki Eliminator 125, I'm looking at a 05 Yamaha Virago 250.

It's a gorgeous bike and I've always wanted a Virago 250. Since I still consider myself as a noob, I believe that I'll be happy with this bike. I'm a smaller rider, so I was looking for a bike with not too much power, not too big for me, I can flatfoot both feet (this was really important to me) and I love the V twin look.

Whatever your choice is, have fun and ride safe!