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I'm pretty short for a guy; 5'7" and around 150lbs give or take 10lbs (I haven't weighed myself in a while).

I was wondering if anyone had some good reccommendations for good starter bikes that are cheaper. I'm new so I know I will probably dump the bike a couple of times while I'm learning so I want something I won't be concerned to much about. Also I want something that won't give me heart attack insurance rates.

I'm glad I did some research and found this forum. Initially I was gonna go out and buy a Yamaha R6 or Ducati 749. Cause I wanted a bike I'd ride for a while. But after reading the forums; I realized that my interests in bikes may change as I get better and also the fact that if I'm paying $9K to $13K for a motorcycle the last thing I wanna do is dump it.

Welcome aboard.

I'm responding to your post because the R6 deal related to the bike I wanted as my first bike.

Re. bike of choice ideal for beginning - depends on a couple of factors.

1. Your available funds

2. How old you are.

If money isn't an object, I'd recommend going out and buying a brand new 250cc - 500cc bike that fits. Since a lot of us don't have unlimited funds, I'd recommend a used Honda Rebel or Suzuki Virago. They're very friendly bikes to learn on. If you're into dual sport bikes that you can ride on both road and dirt, I'd recommend a Suzuki DR200. All of these bikes are very solid and can take a lot of dumping. I rode the DR200 during my MSF course and it fits me great. I'm 5'9" 180lbs, but could easily flat foot the bike while seated. Your size and weight will be a perfect fit. And if you want to go off roading a bit, this bike will allow you to do that while still give you the flexibility of legally commute on public streets. Don't let the 200cc fool you either. This bike has plenty of get up and go. You won't have trouble hitting 60mph and cruising at that speed. Also, all the bikes listed above is easy to re-sell. There's new motorcyclists every year and a vast majority of them need bikes to learn on.

Concerning your age - if you're not 16, the only way to learn is by riding strictly off-road. Again, the Suzuki DR200 will allow you to learn off-road and then once licensed, you can take it out to the roads.

Yeah - DR200. I recommend that.

Thanks for your quick response.

I'm 23 years old, turning 24 this summer. Right now I don't really have a budget, but I wanna stay as cheap as possible and would prefer a new bike. Simply because I've had bad experiences with used stuff in the past and spending the extra money is worth the peace of mind. I have about $3K saved up for the bike and safety gear, I'm fine with financing a bike but yeah cheaper is better. I want a bike I'm not worried about messing up, learning on, and something I can have alot of fun with. Oh yeah and it would be strictly a street bike.

Bubble Gum Jr. wrote:I'm pretty short for a guy; 5'7" and around 150lbs give or take 10lbs (I haven't weighed myself in a while).

I was wondering if anyone had some good reccommendations for good starter bikes that are cheaper. I'm new so I know I will probably dump the bike a couple of times while I'm learning so I want something I won't be concerned to much about. Also I want something that won't give me heart attack insurance rates.

I'm glad I did some research and found this forum. Initially I was gonna go out and buy a Yamaha R6 or Ducati 749. Cause I wanted a bike I'd ride for a while. But after reading the forums; I realized that my interests in bikes may change as I get better and also the fact that if I'm paying $9K to $13K for a motorcycle the last thing I wanna do is dump it.

My first recommendation is always to direct people to this page of mine:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn

I'm close to your build and I can fit on just about any bike except the higher sportbikes (which I don't like anyway) and dual-sports.

My first bike was the trusty old Ninja 250. You might consider that one too. Nice seating position. Looks cool. Inexpensive - about $3000 brand new.

Definitely steer clear of the R6 or the Ducati 749 as your first bike. That's like learning to fly airplanes in an F14 Tomcat.

Get a relatively new used ninja 250 or 500, either of those would work well.

First of all.....



Second, Have you checked out the Beginner's Guide? There are also stickies and the Learn To Ride A Motorcycle page which is now downloadable in PDF format (Created and maintained by Dragonhawk).

Third, I also recommend an MSF course and reviewing your state’s (province’s/territory’s) DMV or DOT website for licensing information, guidelines and FAQ.

Fourth, Go to a variety of dealers and sit on all kinds of different motorcycles. Even if you don’t think you’d like the ride when you look at it. I was dead set on one riding style when I started and ended up buying a different type. You may surprise yourself as well.

Fifth, Good Luck and Have Fun! I hope you enjoy this site! Be sure to...


Some of that was already covered but, it's all good info.

i think im about to buy a ninja250 because it is a sweet little bike, and its cheap! $3000MSRP for an 06 model! im 6'2" and i fit fine on this bike. i did not fit on the ninja 500 very well (my knees hit the tank ridges, and the $2000 difference was enouhg to make me appreciat the 250)

also- if you buy the bike outright, and carry minimum insurance, we are talkign about maybe $120 a year! (yea, year, not month) for full insurance, the best quote i have gotten was about $740 a year but thats because im financing it. (still only like $60 a month) im only 21 though so yours may be a little cheaper?

i also HIGHLY recomend the MSF course!

good luck, and ride safe

I too am just starting out, but am a bit bigger than you.

For $425 I bought a beautiful 1980 Honda CB750F SuperSport. Two weeks later I bought an even nicer 1978 Honda CB400T Hawk for $450.

Two great bikes for less than $1000.

And that is up here in the Northwoods of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where used bikes are hard to find. I just got lucky.

Not sure where you are, but you can probably find similar deals in your area. Heck, maybe even better deals.

And when you dump a 425 bike, I can guarantee you it won't feel nearly as crappy as when you dump a new $X,000 one!

As for insurance...don't base yours on what the above poster said. Insurance rates differ depending on where you live. I pay $434/year for both my bikes. If I lived downstate, the rate (same coverage) would be about 200 bucks more per year.