Cruiser VS Sport bike for a newbie?

[JohnnieRocco]

Well I was looking at Ninja 250's and 500's but the cruisers are nice too. I have always liked sport bikes, I know they are NOT beginner bikes though. On the other hand I have always like nice cruisers. So which should I start with?

Is a larger engine cruiser good to learn on? They are more comfortable to me.

Thanks for any help. Nice forums here too!

[Wizzard]

Welcome to the forums JR . Personally I am partial to cruisers . Keep in mind that a 650 cruiser is far more forgiving than a 650 sportsbike .
Regards, Wizzard

[sapaul]

Welcome Johnnie, tell us a lttle about yourself that will help us to offer our comments. Most guys would not advise a sport for a new rider, but there are always exceptions to the rule. Besides Wizz builds choppers, so he is baised.

[JohnnieRocco]

I have only ridden a dirtbike a couple of times. I rode some scooters, and I rode an old Katana 600 once. Other than that nothing. No riding. I have always wanted a bike though. I just want to do it right. I like sportbikes but know Im not ready for that. I just turned 27 so there is no rush to get there.

I like the Ninja 500 and 250 bikes. But the cruisers are so much more comfortable to ME. I cant speak for everyone.

Either I would be happy with any bike. My buddy who has been riding for years, says a regular Japanese street bike is perfect to learn on. Cheap and easy to ride. If something DOES happen I wont be to broken up about it.

Nothing is set in stone yet though. Thanks for the replies and the help so far.

[DivideOverflow]

If a cruiser is more comfortable to you, then get one. Decide what you like. Most people suggest a cruiser up to around 800ccs for a beginner. I would check out Suzuki C50, M50, etc. Or Yamaha Vstar 650's. I personally dont like the smaller displacement kawasaki cruisers, but to each their own.


japanese UJMs are really cheap, but most of them are more top-heavy than you would expect. I have a 79 KZ650, and it is a lot harder to ride than most cruisers Ive been on just due to the high seat-height and top-heavy weight distribution. However, it isnt too bad, just have to get used to it.

[kabob983]

A Ninja 250 or 500 is a fine bike to learn on. There's a big difference between a GS500F/Ninja 500 and say a GSX-R600/ZX-6R. The later group is built for speed, lots of HP and lots of torque. The first two are much more forgiving, better balanced, and easier to learn on. Go with what you prefer. If one is much more comfortable than the other than the other than go with that, or if (like me) you just really want a sportbike but don't want to kill yourself to start out, get a Ninja 250/500.

It's your ride, be happy with what you have!

[bikeguy joe]

My buddy who has been riding for years, says a regular Japanese street bike is perfect to learn on. Cheap and easy to ride. If something DOES happen I wont be to broken up about it.

Wise man your buddy is....

[ronboskz650sr]

Other than up to the minute styling/performance, it's pretty hard to beat a UJM from the late 70's or early 80's. Cheap, rugged, usually pretty quiet, and smooth. If you have any, or know anyone with, mechanical ability...get a UJM! Check ebay, and any other used sources. They make great project bikes, too.

[JohnnieRocco]

Yeah I talked to my buddy. Im going to get one of these Japanese street bikes. He says like japanese cars they run forever and arent bad to ride at all. Im going for one of these to learn on.
Thanks for the help everyone.

My long term goal is to build a chopper. Someday. For now Im happy just to learn to ride.

Thanks again.

[bikeguy joe]

You are welcome......

Stop in often.