First bike, advice sought

[mattb]

Hey folks, I'm looking into buying my first motorcycle some time in the upcoming months. I currently live a bit north of Atlanta, GA but am moving to Greensboro, NC for awhile. The traffic patterns up there are a lot less terrifying than here, so I decided it would be a good time to start learning to ride. I'll be taking the MSF course soon and be buying a bike around June or July.

I'd like to get a small used cruiser. In my research so far I've really liked the Rebel 250 (good size, price, reliability, and I like how it looks), but from what I've read I'm worried I'll be too cramped on it. I'm about 6'2" tall, 150 lb, roughly 31" inseam (this is me wearing a ridiculous-looking clean room suit). I can deal with being a little bit confined; my current vehicle is a small Honda civic which I'm quite comfortable in, though some of my similar-height friends can't stand it. I'm more worried that my knees will sit ridiculously high and possibly interfere with safe riding. Any suggestions on bikes that are similar in style and (more importantly) cost to a used Rebel 250, but may accommodate my height?

I'd also like to know what sort of things I should check when I'm looking for used bikes. I'm pretty mechanically apt with purchasing used cars, and do most of the minor maintenance on my vehicles. I just don't have any reference point with motorcycles because none of my family or friends ride one! I'd like to keep the cost of the bike as low as possible, but I don't want to buy something on its last leg of life which will require constant repair. What sort of mileage is considered a reasonable lifetime for a small, well-maintained cruiser? What kinds of things might I expect to repair/replace on an older bike?

Any other advice you want to offer for a new rider is much appreciated. I fully intend to invest in and always wear all the safety gear as I have no interest in screwed up skin or bones or death for that matter. Suggestions on saving money on gear is appreciated, too, since my budget is tight but I still want to take every precaution.

Thanks a lot for your help!

[storysunfolding]

Go to a dealer and sit on the rebel, or better yet just wait till you take the MSF- there will be plenty. If you're comfy, then you're comfy. If not consider something like a v-star 650 or a vulcan 500. Plenty of small cruisers out there!

As for checking them out. The best thing would be to find someone who knows m/c's to go with you or have a shop check out one that you're otherwise 100% certain that you want to buy (costs like $50 but worth it).

If that doesn't work start finding articles like these and take a copy with you
http://www.amadirectlink.com/roadride/R ... cklist.asp
http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

I've owned motorcycles that were well maintained with over 100,000 miles and still going strong with no major repairs. I've also seen bikes crap out that were abused and had less than 10,000 miles.

As far as rebels go. We have a 1984 honda rebel that has only been used for the MSF with over 20,000 miles and it still runs like a champ!

[Skier]

As far as rebels go. We have a 1984 honda rebel that has only been used for the MSF with over 20,000 miles and it still runs like a champ!

What's it like having students that don't leave the choke on all the time?

[storysunfolding]

As far as rebels go. We have a 1984 honda rebel that has only been used for the MSF with over 20,000 miles and it still runs like a champ!

What's it like having students that don't leave the choke on all the time?

Feels like I actually pay attention to them... think that'll "pee" anyone off? Hopefully they'll complain in another thread or by pm so we stop thread jacking...

[mattb]

Thanks for the advice. I went to a dealer and sat on a CMX250, and it was indeed far too small for me (my knees almost touch the handlebars!). The Nighthawk 250 (same engine as the Rebel) fits me pretty nicely, though, so I think I may go that route. Any experiences or advice on the Nighthawk?

[mgdavis]

A Nighthawk 250 should make an ok beginners bike, although I'd look long and hard at the Ninja 250 first. New or used, the Ninja has better brakes, and I think makes more power. The drum/drum setup on the Nighthawk is not ideal in my mind. MSRP on the Ninja is lower as well, although I don't know what OTD price is on either.

[flynrider]

I agree with mgdavis. The Nighthawk might be the perfect ride for you, but it would be worth checking out the little Ninja as well (unless you're allergic to plastic ). It's got better power, brakes and suspension for about the same price.

Oh, and if you're still set on a low end cruiser, check out :

Kaw Vulcan 500
Hon VTX 600
Yam V-Star 650
Suz S40

All of those are very suitable starter bikes.

[JC Viper]

How about a KLR 650 or 250? Those are perfect bikes for tall people. Suzuki also has a dual sport bike that are good for beginners .

[JC Viper]

damn double post.

Anyhow The only bad thing about the Nighthawk 250 is that both brakes are drum and so they're not as strong as having a disc brake in the front.

[mattb]

I just don't care too much for the look of sports bikes, so I think I'll shy away from a Ninja. I do really like the Shadow 600 and the Vulcan 500, both of which I've sat on and seem to fit me fine, but for a first bike I want to pick up something more lightweight and on the cheap so I'll shed fewer tears if I manage to bang it up. Both of those are running at least twice the cost of a Nighthawk 250 in my area (used). Right now I tend to think that something like a Shadow 600 might be my second bike after I get some experience under my belt.

Thanks!