Anyone have any experience with these bikes....?

[RabbitStomp]

Hi, All. After years of ratting around on a dirtbike, I finally got my M and am new to street riding. All I ask myself is WHY I did not do this long before? I sold my db and am currently riding a 250cc scoot, but also want a starter cruiser. Until I get my legs, I think anything above 250 is probably out of my league. I have been looking at the Rebel and Suzuki GZ250- both feel good and I can flat foot them no problem. Everyone I talk to says they are reliable and easy to maintain. A co-worker recommended I look at the Lifan LF250 and the Kymco Venox. Both have good styling, IMHO, but I can find little information reagrding reliability and personal experiences of owners- beyond the usual reviews, etc. Price ranges are all similar, so at this point, I am looking for anyone out there who has experience with these brands and/or knows anything about them. Any info would be most appreciated!

[bikernana]

Welcome to the forum. I, too, am a new rider. I don't know about those bikes you asked about (sorry). I have seen the suzuki 250, seems to me pretty small, but then I'm pretty new to this riding world. I have a suzuki blvd c40 which is perfect for me. I'm short, 5'4" and my inseam is about 29". I can sit on my bike with my feet flat. The bike is light enough (350 lbs), to ride on the streets or highway. It handles great. I hope this helps, and again sorry I wasn't able to answer your questions.

[Iamjustifyd]

I have a friend who has a Honda Rebel and she really likes it. I've heard different people talk about the Virago 250 and Hyosung puts out a 250. I have a dealership who sells and works on the Hyosungs so I would not mind looking at them. I started with a ninja250. I think a lot depends on which bike feels more comfortable to you. If you have a chance go and sit on them and see which you like the feel of better. I sat on a suzuki 500 but did not like as much as the ninja 500 I have now just cause the handle bars are positioned a little different. It was prolly something I would have gotten used to but went with the ninja.

Sherry

[blues2cruise]

The Virago 250 would probably be a good choice.

[MZ33]

I sat on:
Honda Rebel, Shadow
Yamaha Virago, Vstar 650
Suzuki 250, s40, s50, M50, C50
Kawasaki Vulcan 500, 900
Hyosung 250, 650 (cruisers)
Harley 883L Sportster

Then I narrowed it down to what fit me best, then what types of drives and cylinders each had, and what I could find used. Fortunately, my first choice, the 650 Vstar, was also available used and at a good price. If I were going to stick to 250cc, I would have gone with either the Virago or the Hyosung, as they are both V twins. I liked the Suzuki too, though. Probably would have depended on what I could get and for what price.
Welcome to TMW!!