Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I have been to the dealers and sat on them and they feel small but having never ridden before, I don't really know.

I take the Honda Rider Course at the end of this month. I have about 2,500 dollars that i'm going to use to buy a bike after I take the course. I have started looking at used 500 and 750s because everyone says I would outgrow the 250. Thoughts?

Everyone will tell you that size doesn't really matter when buying a bike. That being said engine size should always be part of your choice when buying one. Around here we tend to warn people away from 600cc sportbikes, however a 600 cc cruiser is usually a good start if you feel comfortable keeping it balanced... do you?

Your inseam is important also. If you have long legs you may feel a bit cramped on a 250.

I have sat on Honda Shadows, and some Suzuki Intruders. They don't feel too heavy. The opinion I keep getting from people is that the 250 cruiser is going to be too unstable for a guy of my weight and size. My inseam is 34".

I am 6'0 with a 32 inch inseam, I have to say YES in regards to the rebel, and the eliminator for sure. They are WAAAAY too small.

However, I feel VERY comfortable on my bike (Alphasport GV250). You can see a size comparison here: http://img213.imageshack.us/gal.php?c=7 ... jpg&cols=4

You would probably be OK with your inseam, but take the MSF and see if you feel comfortable on a bike first... Most 250cc bikes will be quite cramped for you.

You might also try the Kymco Venox, it is suited better for taller riders as well.

If you find a nice 500cc cruiser you like, I would probably get it. I happened to get my bike for $2500 NEW out of luck, and it being a 250cc doesnt bother me. Just know your limits, dont act stupid...
Shop around for sure! Go to a dealer and sit on everything... see what you like.

I recommend Kawasaki Vulcan 500 which you might be able to find year 1998-2000 at your budget. This is also beginner friendly and powerful enough to ride on HWY or a group ride.

The 250cc is very good for learning but not really for pleasure ride and HWY speed. You might have to buy a new bigger bike in a couple of months if you buy 250cc

You have about $2,500 for the bike? how about for gears, you'd better prepare at least another $500.

About comfortable, you should try sitting on every bike available at your dealer. You might find 250cc is more comfortable than bigger ones. I've heard a lot of ppl get cramp so easy after a long ride with bike that too small for them.

Hi Mister Glock,
You are wise to be waiting until after the MSF class to buy a bike. Are there any motorcycle dealers where you live? The best thing is to go and sit on a ton of bikes.
I myself, would like the Honda Nighthawk 250 if it had a front disk brake. I am sure the drum brake is fine for that bike, but that is my preferance.
I am 5'10" with a 32" inseam. I started on a Honda VLX 600cc.
It's a great all around bike. I also have a Suzuki V-Strom 650, and just got a Rebel. The Rebel is really fun on the city streets and boulevards. I have not ridden it on the freeway yet, waiting to get 600 miles on it first.
Also, check out cycletrader.com to get an idea of what you can buy for your money.

http://www.cycletrader.com/adsearch.html

Good luck to you, keep us informed on your progress. It's always fun to see someone starting out. Reminds me of what I went through just a few years ago.

Best Regards,
NuBiker

i thought i would post this here and not start a new thread as its the same. I am 6ft4 and a 32/34 seam. I am 19 and wanting to do my bike test, but if a honda shadow 125 is too small is there any other bikes like a crusier that i could use? I don't really want to wait until i am 21 to do the direct entry test and get a bigger bike then.

From your heigh and your age, I think you might as well consider Sport Bike style, Standard or Dual Sport.

Fish wrote:i thought i would post this here and not start a new thread as its the same. I am 6ft4 and a 32/34 seam. I am 19 and wanting to do my bike test, but if a honda shadow 125 is too small is there any other bikes like a crusier that i could use? I don't really want to wait until i am 21 to do the direct entry test and get a bigger bike then.

I'm guessing you're in the UK right??? if so, you could always do your part 1 test which allows you on any bike, but it must be restricted to a maximum of 33bhp. Most bikes (within reason) can be restricted at a garage, and then when your 2yr restriction expires, instead of buying another bike, you just get the restricter removed (Same handling, more power...Nice)