Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I just joined this site and gave it a quick read but i still have a queston. Let me explain (please?). I work the grave yard shift at a local walmart and bought a scooter about 8 months ago. Due to killing my trucks engine and not having the money ot fix it. Parts for the scooter cost an arm and leg because the milage I put on it. The scooter did not cost much and it gave me some basics on riding, and now I plan to upgrade to a bike for the simple reason of wear (it will last longer). A friend at work suggested that I buy something in the 450 range. Is this a good size for a first bike that I will drive daily (rain or shine) and possibly on long trips?

Personally, I wouldn't take a bike smaller than a 650 on a long trip, but that's just me. For some though..., size doesn't matter

I think there are a few other concerns you may want to take into consideration before buying a bigger bike. The first and formost is to take the MSF course and learn how to stay alive on a bike...

After taking that course is the time to be thinking about what size or model of bike you may want.

Doug

Take into consideration 2 things Distance and hwy or non hwy. If you are going long distance and mostly hwy you want something up to the task. If its a 20-30 minute commute with a little hwy 450 up sound reasonable. Remember on the hwy you have to be able to sustain 65mph + safely.

Thanks for the advice and I am planning to take the saftey course at the local college.

badinfluence63 wrote:Take into consideration 2 things Distance and hwy or non hwy. If you are going long distance and mostly hwy you want something up to the task. If its a 20-30 minute commute with a little hwy 450 up sound reasonable. Remember on the hwy you have to be able to sustain 65mph + safely.

Anything over 125cc and 14.6bhp ought to manage that

Kal wrote:

badinfluence63 wrote:Take into consideration 2 things Distance and hwy or non hwy. If you are going long distance and mostly hwy you want something up to the task. If its a 20-30 minute commute with a little hwy 450 up sound reasonable. Remember on the hwy you have to be able to sustain 65mph + safely.

Anything over 125cc and 14.6bhp ought to manage that

Some of those not-in-the-usa 125cc bikes - produce more hp than my Ninja 250....

I use a Ninja 250 for a 32 mile each way commute. It maintains highway speeds for extended periods of time. No problems except the ever-present wind. Some riders say the wind is a problem no matter what the bikes size.

My weights is 175, so if you weigh more or less than me - it might affect how fast the bike goes.

RhadamYgg

I don't run a 125 anymore, I have a 24bhp 1984 Honda 250 as my beast.

Of course it is light enough for me to lift the whole thing clear of the ground.

I'm around the 180 pounds.