First timer needs opinions

Message

johnp619 · #1 Unread post by **johnp619** » Tue May 20, 2008 4:06 am

I've never ridden anything beyond a moped on vacation before and while that was interesting I know it doesn't compare. I got my permit already and am taking the BRC in a few weeks. Beyond that I'm not sure what's next though. Getting a bike certainly but I don't know what would make a good first bike and living in the city it makes it tough to really go around and do some practice riding. Any advice you have is much appreciated. Size wise for the bike I'm 6'2 and about 220. I don't want something too small but of course don't want anything too big for my lack of experience.

Thanks everyone

ninja_nate · Tue May 20, 2008 8:02 am

Hey, I'm in the same situation as you (minus the permit thing-don't have that yet). I tried to copy the link to the thread that I began just a few days ago, hopefully it works. I asked a lot of the same questions, and am still getting a lot of good responses. Maybe there's some info in there that is helpful to you. It's a learning experience for sure.

viewtopic.php?t=28090

iflybricks · Tue May 20, 2008 8:27 am

Just my opinion, your mileage may vary. Can't go wrong with a 1980's Honda Nighthawk, or Yamaha Maxim. The Maxim is a 550, the Nighthawks run from 250 on up. Relatively cheap too.

A good way to see what's out there is to go to eBay Motors and using their new search function just whittle away to your specs and see what's left. For example you can pick a year range, engine size range, style (off road, touring, street or sport), price range. Whatever is left is a good idea what you should be looking for.

johnp619 · #4 Unread post by **johnp619** » Wed May 21, 2008 4:08 am

Thanks, I'm mainly looking at a cruiser bike as opposed to a sport bike. eBay is a great place to start

darksoul · #5 Unread post by **darksoul** » Wed May 21, 2008 12:59 pm

A honda reble is a great place to start too. Only a 250CC engine, but where your going to be in the city I don't think you would have to worry much about the engine size. Great on gas, cheap on insurance and a blast to drive. If you feel more comfortable with a bigger big, my fav crusier is a honda shadow. They range from 500-1100 CC and are pretty easy to handle.

johnp619 · #6 Unread post by **johnp619** » Fri May 23, 2008 3:15 am

Thanks.

One thing I've heard from people about engine size is that sometimes a bigger bike is easier to control with wind, etc. With my size (about 6'2" and 220) would something around a 500-750 be better than a 250? Eventually as I gain experience I'd move up anyway but while I'm gaining that experience I don't want to be blown over if I'm on open road or do venture on the highway.

jonnythan · #7 Unread post by **jonnythan** » Fri May 23, 2008 5:14 am

johnp619 wrote:Thanks.

One thing I've heard from people about engine size is that sometimes a bigger bike is easier to control with wind, etc. With my size (about 6'2" and 220) would something around a 500-750 be better than a 250? Eventually as I gain experience I'd move up anyway but while I'm gaining that experience I don't want to be blown over if I'm on open road or do venture on the highway.

You really, really don't want a 250cc cruiser.

Go find a cruiser in the 500-800cc range that fits you physically.

#8 Unread post by **NWTrtle** » Fri May 23, 2008 5:36 am

I have to disagree with your statement jonnythan. I am 6' and 210 lbs, and the 250 cruiser I started on was great (Hyosung GV250). I am not sure I would have liked the Rebel as much as its 250 is really a 230ish and has significantly less power than the bike I picked up. But a 250 class cruiser for a beginner in a city is fine. Sure he may want to upgrade in a year, but most 250's can be picked up cheap and sold again for almost what you paid for it a year later.

Having said that, a cruiser in the 500-650cc range is still good for beginners. If I were the op, I would look at all cruisers in the 250-650cc range. After taking the BRC, and passing, go and sit on as many of the bikes in the engine size range you can find and see what fits you the best. Rock them side to side (not too far!) and see if the weight feels ok. Take some test rides if you can find a dealer that will let you. Once you narrow down your search, go and sit on each bike in your final list and stay in the seat for awhile. Make sure it still feels good after 5 -10 minutes. Hopefully, this helps some in your search.

Flting Duck · Sat May 24, 2008 11:25 am

I tried getting my brother started out on a K75. It would be OK for some but was too heavy for him.

So I started looking around at all of the "good beginner bikes" and decided that the Rebel would be a bad choice. Mostly because you're not going to be able to ride it at on the freeway for long distances.

Then I started watching Craig's list for a 400 Nighthawk. I used to have a 650 Nighthawk many moons ago and it was a very easy bike to ride.

So I think the suggestion of an old Nighthawk would be great - and you can find them in decent shape for around $1500.

Just make sure the bike has been ridden recently. If they sit around the carbs get junked up and need to be cleaned. Not the endo fthe world but not great.

Yesterday, I got a line on a 250 Ninja in mint condtion for $2300 so we're going to go pick that up tonight.

pjstevens77 · Fri May 30, 2008 3:24 am

If you don't want to have to spend time and money next year selling your 250 to buy an upgrade, just suck it up and get something in the 600-800 range and you'll be ale to stick with it for years.

My story is a bit different but my first bike was a "00 Ninja 750, rolled it right out of the showroom and I was on a 900 not even a year later. Now I am a bit of a power hungry rider, but a year on a 250 and that bike will beging to feel like one of those mopeds you rented.

Not everyone will agree, but my advice is to go with something a bit bigger than a 250 or 500. Goood luck