First timer needs opinions

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gsJack · #11 Unread post by **gsJack** » Fri May 30, 2008 4:10 am

Try a 500-800 cc if your looking for a cruiser, I never suggest a 250cc except for very small persons, the Ninja 250R being a possible exception.

I started on a CB400T 24 years ago at age 52 and traded it on a CB750K six months later.

Had only smaller bikes since then including a Nighthawk 650 like mentioned above. There was no nighthawk 400, it was a 450 and would be an excellent choice as would be the GS500 and EX500 if you were looking for that type.

Think I was about 6' 2" and 230# when I bought that 1st CB400 and am about 6' 0" and 240# or so now and riding a GS500.

Biker Chic <3 08 · Fri May 30, 2008 5:31 am

Dont buy a 250cc, you will regret it. You will be useto it in no time, and will have a hard time selling it... if anything try for like a Buell - 500cc, or even a sportster 883.. they are both easy to ride, and you will be comfortable on both. I have owned a Buell and now a 1200cc sportster.. awesome bikes and both are inexpensive.. One suggestion... if you are just starting off.. DONT BUY NEW! and esp. if you are going for one w/ a smaller motor- you'll regret it. I regretted the 500 after one summer on it- but it was a really good bike to get useto the roads on

#13 Unread post by **Skier** » Fri May 30, 2008 5:43 am

Biker Chic <3 08 wrote:Dont buy a 250cc, you will regret it. You will be useto it in no time, and will have a hard time selling it... if anything try for like a Buell - 500cc, or even a sportster 883.. they are both easy to ride, and you will be comfortable on both. I have owned a Buell and now a 1200cc sportster.. awesome bikes and both are inexpensive.. One suggestion... if you are just starting off.. DONT BUY NEW! and esp. if you are going for one w/ a smaller motor- you'll regret it. I regretted the 500 after one summer on it- but it was a really good bike to get useto the roads on

Being used to a bike is a good thing.

I will agree a 250cc cruiser is something you could outgrow within a full season, but anything else you won't. Yes, you may want more power and handling but that doesn't mean you have outgrown the bike.

Having a hard time selling a small bike is news to me: most 250cc bikes I see last less than 24 hours on craigslist before they're gone.

I will poke fun at the "inexpensive" part: 1200 Sportsters ain't cheap in my book!

pjstevens77 · Fri May 30, 2008 5:47 am

I will poke fun at the "inexpensive" part: 1200 Sportsters ain't cheap in my book!

They are compared to the rest of the HD's!

NorthernPete · Fri May 30, 2008 7:19 am

Kawasaki Vulcan 500. I got this as my second bike, and couldnt be happier. easy and light enough not to be intimidating and whips along at a good clip on the highway (easily up to 110 in 4th, and still have 2 to go. so dont worry about out growing it. same engine as the 500 ninja) easily sellable after you want a larger or different bike as well, I know from my local kawi dealer that there are no more 08's available in the province. Also it big enough to carry someone comfortably. Im 5'11" 200 lbs and am not cramped up at all.

disadvantages - lack of aftermarket parts is the big one for me, Id like abit comfier seat and occationally have the urge for a bit louder exhaust (which are available, just not alot)