Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Ok first off, im 18, 6'2", 225lbs, and looking for a new bike, i really like the cruiser/chopper/hog type bikes because of the laid back riding style, i was just wondering because i read they were no good for learners, so i guess my question is could a new rider learn on one, is the insurance more expensive, and would the traditional motorcycle be a better choice?

also which brand of motorcycle would be best and what would be a good ride height to start looking at

A regular ol cruiser from any of the manufacturers would be fine.

Check out the Yamaha V-Star line, Honda Shadows, Suzuki Boulevards, etc.

Any of the smaller-CC bikes in this range (< 800CC) are good beginner bikes.

If you're over 6' tall a cruiser-style 250cc is going to seem pretty cramped, especially with the low seating position. You'd probably need a 500cc at least to feel comfortable. I'm 6' and started on a cruiser-style 250 and it was really too small for me. If you don't like sportbikes, you might want to think about a dual-use dirt bike (as in one that's street legal also.)

Well, first off, whoever told you that cruisers weren't good starter bikes lied to ya! It just depends on the size of the bike, the size of the motor, etc. I'm a little bigger than you, same height, about 60 lbs more, and I started off on a Suzuki Volusia, which is the 01-04 version of the Suzuki Boulevard C50. It's a good starting bike for guys our size, plenty of power and not too heavy. (I assume you're decently strong)
I would also recommend the Yamaha V-Star 750, the Kawasaki Vulcan 750, and the Honda Shadow 750. All good starter bikes!
Anyway, choppers/customs are NOT good beginner bikes, and most people will agree that they're not even fun to ride when you're experienced. (They don't turn for crap, hardtails are H3LL on your back)

Well, feel free to ask anymore questions!
Wrider

ok well im very interested in the boulevard c50 limited, it says 50 cubic inch so im not real sure cause im a moto newbie, but is that around 800 cc?? and would anyone recommend this as a starter bike?

dbarnes8923 wrote:ok well im very interested in the boulevard c50 limited, it says 50 cubic inch so im not real sure cause im a moto newbie, but is that around 800 cc?? and would anyone recommend this as a starter bike?

Conversion...

If I was you, i'd try the Yamaha V-STAR 650 (Custom/Classic whatever you prefer)
Or
The Kawasaki VULCAN 500

And btw, 50cubic inch is 750cc

SBK15 wrote:And btw, 50cubic inch is 750cc

No, it's not.

It's 819cc, as the post directly above yours points out.

With regard to insurance, a lot of factors figure into what bikes will cost more. Often sportbikes are more expensive to insure than some standards and cruisers. Also, in general insurance prices go up significantly on bikes with a displacement of more than 650cc.

As to what bike to get, I'll give the same advice I always do. Take the MSF course and then do your bike shopping. You will have a better idea of what will fit you after a couple days of riding.

I was actually looking for 250cc to 500cc bikes prior to taking the course. However, my instructor actually recommended that if I get a cruiser I look at bigger bikes. For a sportbike she said to stick with 250-500cc though. I looked at the C50, and took a few test rides, also the Sportster 883 and 1200, and 1100cc Honda Shadows and Yamaha V-stars. In the end I went with a used V-star 650 because the initial cost and insurance costs were so low. With a bigger budget I would have started on a slightly larger bike.