A new biker in the US - need new biker models

[RhadamYgg]

Hey Everyone!

One of my friends at work is a programmer from India. He rode in India and is taking the MSF course next weekend. He asked me what bike he should get to start out on.

So, I listed the two usual suspects that I could think of:
Kawasaki Ninja 250
Honda Rebel

For the life of me I can't think of any others.

So, if anyone has any suggestions for bikes - say that are within the last 7 years of age, that would be suitable for a new biker (despite having experience in India).

He is in Yonkers NY, so if you are selling a starter bike in that area - this would be great!

[Wrider]

Suzuki GS500
Kawasaki Ninja 500
Kawasaki Vulcan 500
Yamaha TW200 (dual sport)
Suzuki DR200
Suzuki DR-Z400
Suzuki GZ250

GRAY AREA STARTING NOW
Suzuki SV650
Kawasaki Ninja 650
Kawasaki Versys
Kawasaki ER-6N
(Insert long list of mid-sized cruisers)
Yamaha WR450F (yes it's smaller than the others, but it's geared lower and is very torquey.)

JUST TO POKE PEOPLE WITH A STICK
Suzuki Hayabusa
Kawasaki ZX-14
Goldwing
Triumph Rocket III
^^All of the above need to be turbo/supercharged to get any kind of actual power out of them...

[Flesher]

I work with a guy that is from Pakistan (programmer/analyst), and he said he rode for 16 years there, but he would not ride here because (a)all the bikes are way too big, and (b)the drivers here are crazy and show no regard for motorcycles


If you're colleague is like mine, I think you will find that even 250's are big bikes as far as he is concerned. But I would add the Virago 250 and if he is interested in new & inexpensive the Suzuki TU250X to your list.

[RhadamYgg]

Suzuki GS500
Kawasaki Ninja 500
Kawasaki Vulcan 500
Yamaha TW200 (dual sport)
Suzuki DR200
Suzuki DR-Z400
Suzuki GZ250

GRAY AREA STARTING NOW
Suzuki SV650
Kawasaki Ninja 650
Kawasaki Versys
Kawasaki ER-6N
(Insert long list of mid-sized cruisers)
Yamaha WR450F (yes it's smaller than the others, but it's geared lower and is very torquey.)

JUST TO POKE PEOPLE WITH A STICK
Suzuki Hayabusa
Kawasaki ZX-14
Goldwing
Triumph Rocket III
^^All of the above need to be turbo/supercharged to get any kind of actual power out of them...

Great List!

Man, my destination bike is a Goldwing! I really should have started there (no not really, but I probably would have if I didn't come on here).
You are ok with the Ninja 500? I've never ridden one, my only concern would have been hp.

[RhadamYgg]

I work with a guy that is from Pakistan (programmer/analyst), and he said he rode for 16 years there, but he would not ride here because (a)all the bikes are way too big, and (b)the drivers here are crazy and show no regard for motorcycles


If you're colleague is like mine, I think you will find that even 250's are big bikes as far as he is concerned. But I would add the Virago 250 and if he is interested in new & inexpensive the Suzuki TU250X to your list.

He is exactly like your friend in that his experience is mostly 250cc class bikes. He also said they never rode fast in India. The other thing is price. One of my other friends that is a programmer/developer - I told him how much I spent on bikes and he thought I was crazy.

We'll see what happens.

[Johnj]

Hyosung GT250 or GV250

[RhadamYgg]

Thanks JohnJ - I'll send them over to my friend as well.

[Flipper]

The Suzuki TU 250 is a sweet looking standard.



Also, have him look at the V Star 250

[RhadamYgg]

The Suzuki TU 250 is a sweet looking standard.
Also, have him look at the V Star 250

Both those bikes have a nice look to them. I remember looking in to the V Star 250 - many were Viragos then, I think or just changing to the V Star 250.