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Hi guys, I've been trying to figure out the best bike for me as a beginner. I'm female, 21 years old and 5'4". I really like the old cruiser style of Suzukis and Yamahas, so I think those would be best for me. But I also need something that hopefully can handle highways, because it's hard to get around where I live without using a highway.

Thanks,
Emily

try sitting on them.

have somebody hold the bike straight too while you sit on w/ feet on the pegs.

also, 250cc bikes can handle highway speeds but you have to push them a lot more and it will take longer to get to highway speeds.

The suzuki Boulivard 50s are well respected.. as is the Yamaha 650... the Yamaha Virago 250 is said to be the best of the really small cruisers... but the Honda Rebel is perhaps a good choice if it fits you.

Personally, I like the Vulcan 500 from Kawasaki...

murasaki wrote:Hi guys, I've been trying to figure out the best bike for me as a beginner. I'm female, 21 years old and 5'4". I really like the old cruiser style of Suzukis and Yamahas, so I think those would be best for me. But I also need something that hopefully can handle highways, because it's hard to get around where I live without using a highway.

Thanks,
Emily

Well, Emily, I wrote a whole webpage that could be very helpful for someone like yourself. Look here:
www.CaliforniaBikeNights.com/learn

It lists good beginner bikes along with all the steps involved in learning to ride. There are a lot of very cool cruiser-style bikes out there that would suit you well. Start on my webpage and take it from there. Check out photos of what you think looks cool and start visiting dealerships and sitting on bikes you like and can afford. But don't buy one until you go through all the other steps.

Just read my page and you'll see what I mean.

Check out the Honda Rebel, I do alot of interstate travel with mine. I think the S50 may be alittle big for you. (I have one of those also). My 32" inseam flat foots it pretty well. Not sure if I'd want one if my legs were shorter.

Hi Emily,

I'm a bit taller than you (5'6"), but I ride a Yamaha Virago 750 and really love it. It's a standard, not a cruiser, but it is very comfortable and about as low to the ground as you're going to find.

I rode a Rebel in my MSF class and would never have bought one (sorry, I know I'm going against a lot of what has been written in these forums before). I have only been riding about 2 months, but like you, have to get on the highway often. I feel comfortable with my ability to manuever safely on the highway, navigate around big trucks and goofballs in the slow lane that don't know how to merge with motorcycles coming onto the freeway. The 250 cruisers just don't have the oomph I'd like to feel safe on the highway.

I hope this helps a little. If you're going to get a cruiser/standard, think about 500cc and up...

~Janet

S40 or S50 might suit nice, they are smaller bikes but very nice for sure(one of my roomates is trusting after an S50) but I think the best advice is to go to the dealerships and sit on a bunch of bikes, and see what fits you the best.

Best of luck!

Kellan

First of all.....


Second, Have you checked out the Beginner's Guide and the stickies?

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, If you decide you want more input on an S50, let me know as that's what I bought. A couple of my female friends have sat on it and can flat foot fine (5'2" and 5'4") but, they didn't like the weight. The S50 has more of a standard sitting position than the other Boulevards and even the other brand cruisers that I sat on and have seen.

Sixth, Good Luck, Have Fun and Stay Safe Out There! I hope you enjoy this site! Be sure to...

Just wanted to say welcome to the forum. You've already gotten gome good info, I highly recommend the MSF course if you haven't already taken it. I had a better idea of what I would be able to handle after I took the course.

Suzuki Burgman scooters! they are fast, easy to ride, automatic, please don't buy any Suzuki S, M, or C50's they are as heavy as any big Harley and they handle like a 18 wheeler with 10 flat tires, how do I know? I own a M50