Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey guys, I'm new to motorcycles and was looking into buying one. I'm looking for a reliable, cheap bike (probably used) to cruise around on the streets (little to no off roading). I'm looking for a smaller engine, probably 250cc. I would prefer to spend as little as possible without buying a complete piece of junk, but from briefly scouring craigs list I see that a reasonable price range would be $1000-$2000.

After searching the major companies I know of I came up with the following bikes I might be interested in. In no particular order:

Honda Rebel
Honda Nighthawk
Suzuki TU250X
Suzuki GZ250
Yamaha V Star 250

Any thoughts on those bikes or suggestions of similar bikes that fit that description would be much appreciated. Thanks : )

Kawasaki Ninja 250

Welcome, it's good to see someone who doesn't want to start out on a Ultra Classic or a Hayabusa. Have you ever ridden before and do they offer MSF courses where you live?

I'd go with the TU250X.
It's the only Fuel Injected one in that group, and i HATE carbs on my personal bikes

I've ridden a few dirtbikes but very briefly and I would still consider myself a complete beginner, especially for street bikes.

They do offer MSF classes near me, and I was planning on taking one of them before I take my license test. I'm actually not even sure what the order or process of all that is. Do you have to get a permit first or can you go straight to getting a license? I live in California btw, because I'm sure it varies from state to state

My vote would be for the Nighthawk.
I bought my first bike (83 nighthawk 550SC) for $1500 CDN and love it. Light, quick and forgiving it's the perfect bike to start on
(and it's already been pre-scratched so I didn't cry when I added my first one.)

Just remember that this may be your first bike but it won't be your last, I'm already saving my pennies for the next one.

As for the MSF, Best move you will ever make.

Waylander

I don't know exactly how it works in CA, but here in AZ when we finished the course we were actually given the completed DMV form for a motorcycle license. I'm sure they'll cover it in class, as most BRCs cover the requirements for a license, but if they don't I'm sure your RiderCoach will know.

This page gives all the information on the CA MSF courses, and from what I read it sounds like the Premier Course completion certificate is sufficient to waive the riding test at the DMV, but there was no mention of that in the Basic Course. The curriculum descriptions sounded very similar, so even if you're taking the Basic Course, I got the impression that you'd be fully prepared for a DMV test. Again, though, I'm sure your RiderCoach would know for sure.

What's your inseam? I love my Rebel, but if you have long legs it can be a bit cramped without modifications.

Wrider wrote:I'd go with the TU250X.
It's the only Fuel Injected one in that group, and i HATE carbs on my personal bikes

+1 - I don't know about the bike itself, but I hate carbs, too.

Oh, and definitely take the MSF course or equivalent as everyone else is saying.