New to bikes

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mellis95 · #1 Unread post by **mellis95** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 8:07 am

I have wanted a motorcycle for most of my life, but my Mom wouldn't let me have one growing up, and when I moved out I didn't have the money. Now, I am 24 and I am ready to get my first bike. I am planning to get something in late spring or early summer. I have a lot to learn before then!

I will be looking at cruisers on the cheap side. (I know I will probably drop it as I am learning to ride.) I have only been looking seriously at bikes for a couple of days now, but so far, I have found the Honda Rebel 250. I know it is a little small, but everything I have read so far says to start small. I also like the price factor. I could afford a brand new Rebel, so I am sure I could get a used one even cheaper. Any opinions on this bike? Is that too small? I am about 5'10" and 250 lbs.

Thanks,

CNF2002 · #2 Unread post by **CNF2002** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 8:21 am

I've heard its not good at 60+ freeway speeds, but for around town commuting and learning to ride, its a great little bike that requires little maintenance and is pretty bulletproof.

ZooTech · #3 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 8:55 am

Check out the Virago 250. It's in the same size category and the same price range but the reviews I have read show that it has a bit more power than the Rebel and the NightHawk 250. If you could afford a Savage 650 (Suzuki S40) that wouldn't be a bad way to go, either.

Wed Nov 30, 2005 10:02 am

Hello & welcome!

Here's an article with some 250 comparisons http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/peewees/

and another couple:
http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mccompare/250shootout.html

http://motorcycles.about.com/od/roadtes ... ews_sm.htm

These are older articles but the data should still be somewhat applicable.

#5 Unread post by **cb360** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 10:11 am

My wife has a Rebel and loves it. Anything bigger and she just isn't confident enough to handle the weight. It's a great around town bike - plenty quick from stop light to stop light and gets 65 or so mpg. It feels windblown to me on the interstate, but Scott58 took his on a multiple day road trip and had a blast - YMMV.

Personally I'd recommend a used one. The bike has had very few changes since 85 or so - it's almost impossible to tell a new one from an old one. We found my wife's '01 with 8000 miles for about $1600. It still looks brand new. Should be plenty simple to save over $1000 especially in the wintertime. That's also an easy bike to sell for what you put into it if you decide to move up in size.

Good luck!

Pongo · #6 Unread post by **Pongo** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 10:39 am

Welcome to the forum.

A used 250 would be a good choice.

Now it's time for me to eat crow. I have stated, on these forums, that I don't recommend 650's, to beginners who I don't know.

Having said that and taking into consideration you are larger than average and are looking for a cruiser style, the Savage suggested by ZooTech might be worth a look.

Wizzard · #7 Unread post by **Wizzard** » Wed Nov 30, 2005 3:41 pm

Welcome to TMW Matt and a hearty welcome to the wonderful world of two wheels .
Regards, Wizzard

Wed Nov 30, 2005 4:59 pm

Welcome! Don't forget about the Suzuki GZ250. But, with your size, I think you'll feel cramped. I'm 5'8" 225# and, the gz was comfortable for me during my MSF course. A touch on the small side but, it's hard to pass up the cost of purchase and insurance as well as the high MPG of these little bikes if it's going to be used for a 'secondary highway' or 'city' commuter.

Be sure to visit the dealers in your area and sit on as many brands and styles as you can. I also recommend the MSF course in your area. It was very informative and, really got me hooked when I wasn't sure if I really wanted to get into riding or not.

Now I just need to pay off enough bills to afford a new bill in the Spring.

mellis95 · #9 Unread post by **mellis95** » Thu Dec 01, 2005 3:00 am

Thanks for all of the advice everyone. I plan on taking an MSF course within the next month or so. I am in the middle of moving this week, so I need to get settled in first. I checked out all of the bikes suggested so far (via the internet) and read the articles. Too bad I like them all! So far, just from specs and pictures, I am now leaning toward the Suzuki S40. (This may change again before I actually get something....) I will be visiting bike shops for a few months after I finish my MSF course so I can sit on them all. I can't wait to start riding.

Thanks again,

traveller2 · Thu Dec 01, 2005 6:31 am

There are a lot of 400cc bikes out there that are both good to learn on and still cruise the highways. In Sask. you can register a 450cc or small for $160 a year. Bigger than 500 goes up real fast. My 17 year old daughter rides my xs400 (these bikes vibrate a lot, but run cheap). She can keep up and even out run me on my 750 if I'm riding double. Check with your insurance to see if size makes a difference where you live. Have fun, ride safe and don't be scared to ask for help. Most fellow bikers are willing to help anyone new learn to ride.