Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I know this has been asked many times, I'm sure...but I'd like to think this is a little different. Then again, you guys on this forum have seen so much, so it's probably all routine.

Anyway...

I took and somehow passed the MSF; I have a jacket and with the funds from this next month's work I will get gloves, boots, and hopefully a helmet. (The helmet might have to wait another month.) After I've gotten all of the safety gear, only then will I get my bike. It's been hard, but due to funding, it's the only logical choice. Plus, I know that if I get the bike first, I'll probably want to ride with or without safety gear; I'm trying to minimize the chances of doing that. (Hate it when friends are all "You've got the gear, but you don't have the bike? That's kinda weird..." Yeah.)

I've been looking around at bikes and I want a cruiser; however, the smaller cruisers lke the Hondal Rebel seem to be too small for me. I'm not sure if I'd be able to handle a larger cruiser; while I'm sure I wouldn't do too badly, I don't want to take the risk. The MSF was quite humbling, and I wouldn't want to drop a larger bike. Larger bikes also cost more than I'd like to pay for my first bike.

I've been looking at the EX250s, and they seem like a pretty good choice - although they are small, they have good acceleration, apparently handle well, and in the event I ever need some speed, it will give me more than I need. I'm not a speed freak or anything, but it's a nice option to have if you need it. These bikes are also cheap, and you can find them used very easily. I don't know that much about the sizing, but if it fits, it fits. If not, perhaps I could trade up to the EX500. (Plus, I can probably easily find one that matches my red and black jacket.)

I'd almost resigned myself to the idea - they aren't bad bikes at all - until this morning, when I was walking past a restaurant parking lot. Saw this beautiful crimson cruiser...and there was the spark. That could be me, man...I love cruisers.

Should I start with a cruiser, and if so, how much should I expect to spend for something bigger than a 250? I think the Vulcan 5 runs for about $6000. Should I spend that much on my first bike, since it's probably gonna get dropped once or twice (not to mention the transmission issues after I'm done with it)? Or should I just go for an EX250, which is small, reliable, has a lot going for it, and save a cruiser until later? I'm thinking I should go with the second choice, due to financial constraints...and I know it's probably a better idea overall...but I really really want a cruiser.

Discuss. Also, any opinions about switching from a sportbike to a cruiser are welcome. Whew! I'm done..

lunchmeat, first of all, "Hello"!
I started riding on a 05 Honda VLX600 that I purchased new in May of 06. I added all the essentials for commuting to work (bags, windshield, etc.) It is a perfect bike to learn to ride on (not too heavy or large) , great for the city and backroads, but the commutes on the highway were wearing on me so I moved up to a C50C Suzuki Blvd. I was wise not to start with the bigger, heavier C50 bike at first. I was simply not ready for it. Sit on more than a few bikes and see what is most comfortable for you. I sat on several Suzuki cruisers before going with the C50 because, if I couldn't move the bike backwards or forwards without a full tank of gas..How was I to do it full??Lol I still have the Honda with 2300 miles on it in pristine condition that I will be selling reluctantly this spring. It was a great teacher though!!

Sorry! I forgot to tell you I paid around 5,000.00 for the 05 VLX new, altho the newer models (06) were coming out then. More $$! That price did not include windshield, bags, engine guards or any extras. The extras ran around 900.00 installed by a local cycle shop. Good luck!

Get a cruiser.

The Ninja 250 is a fantastic beginner bike. I started on one and put over 16,000 miles on it.

But if your heart is really set on a cruiser, get one. You don't seem to really want the Ninja. So, why buy it?

Get what you want.

I've been reading up on the Ninja, and I can't really say I don't want it - I want a cruiser, and yes, I will get one. I'm just not sure if I should get one -now-. Right now, I want a bike that is reliable, easy to ride, and easy to learn on. I'd also like it to be a good commuter bike. I think the EX250 is all of these things, and I think that if I did purchase it I'd be very happy with my purchase.

Honestly, I just want to ride. It's not a case of me not wanting the Ninja - it's just a case of me being drawn to a certain style of bike.

I think I've answered my own question...I think I'm gonna look for an EX250. Great starter bike, great price, it's probably exactly what I need. My second bike will be a cruiser. (This may change once I actually go sit on the thing. I hope not..)

Edited for typos. I blame the keyboard at work.

It's going to be what you're comfortable with in "every" way; Fit, Style, Price, Weight, Power. Take a look at Dragonhawk's Learn To Ride A Motorcycle Page for torque/hp recommendations.

Personally, I bought a new 800cc bike. You can see the info in my blog. I've been happy with my decision. But, like I said, it's what you are comfortable with.

If you decide on a newer bike, don't forget about the "new" kids on the block like; Hyosung, Kymco, Vento and others.

Sit on a bunch of different models and styles before making a decision.

Good Luck, Have Fun and Stay Safe!

Whats your budget?

I wouldnt buy a brand new bike in case you have a mishap, and also if you need to take out a loan that means you'll probably need full coverage insurance. If you are under 21, full coverage insurance might be expensive depending on the bike.

Keep checking craigslist and ebay, its common to see lightly used ninja 250's for around $2k, give or take.

If you want a cruiser, get a cruiser. Cruisers can be had down to 125cc, so engine size really isn't a question, but more of an issue as to how much are you willing to pay and how much can you handle (which seems to be your real question). After many years off motorcycles, I chose to start back with a 200cc dual purpose bike. I just sold a V8-powered crusier and a 750cc roadracer with lights, because neither would do what I want to do these days. I love the ride and performance of an FZ6, but some of the cruisers are so pretty, and some sound so good. I understand the decision you are trying to make.

My advice: shop around for a good used bike, something on the smallish side. Since you have many interests, does it really matter what kind of bike you ride? I didn't really know what I wanted, but when I found a creampuff TW200 well below Blue Book, I jumped on it. Had it been an EX250 or EX500 at a similar value, I would have jumped on one of those, too.

Since I paid cash for a relatively inexpensive bike, I am able to save money instead of making payments. If I run across a clean UJM, I'll jump on it. In the past couple months, I've bought a Honda XT500 that I also enjoy riding, but I don't very often because parts are hard to find. I ran across a XL350 for sale and jumped on it, too. It is going to be a motard when it's done. I've also found a XL500 with a bent rear wheel and swingarm that I'm going to weld up a custom frame and make a chopper out if it. I could not have afforded any of these other bikes had I been making payments and carrying full coverage insurance on a new bike.

I think it all comes down to sitting on at least 2 bikes to decide. When I took the MSF I imagined I would want to be a cruiser girl, when I sat on a cruiser and then the sprtbikes at the local dealer...it was sportbikes all the way! I went ahead and purchased a used 2001 Ninja 500 with 1600 miles on it at it has been a great bike for me. Now I'm leaning toward more standard bikes for a second ride (trading up)..I have my eye on the wee-strom. Good luck and get what is comfortable for you, you will look cool either way

Dude, buy the helmet first. Then buy the bike.

Ride like all get-out, with your brain safe. Let me add my advice to the prevailing opinion on this site -- hundreds of people who know from experience -- get a low-cc bike to start, learn your chops, and move up. You won't be sorry.

dsj