Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I've been trying to decide on what kind of bike to get as my first bike. I've been mostly considering the Kawasaki Ninja but before that I was really thinking about getting a cruiser. Now I'm having some doubts as to what type to get. I plan on taking a MSF so I should get some experience on a bike there, but I just wanted to know why you chose your style of bike so that I can get a better idea of what I should be looking for.

I feel alot more layed back on a cruiser then i ever did on a sport bike, but that's the style of riding I want to do now. When I was younger the sports bike was it. I also use to love to ride off road and the more it rained and the muddier i got the more i liked it (there is something to be said for coming home all one color). So a dual purpose may not be out of the question. you have to ask yourself how you really plan to use the bike. Although almost all bikes are capable of doing everything all the others do (within practical limits) Some are better at certain things then others. Make a list of what is important to you and go from there. Good luck.

I was in the same boat as you about 2 months ago... I catually had my heart set on a Ninja 250 until I went to the dealerships and sat on all the bikes. The ninja series tends to be more comfortable that alot of other sport bikes out there, but I still couldn't get into the 'hunched over' type of seating.

I sat on some cruisers, and immediately, I knew that I wanted one.
See, I want to be able to take longer trips for a few hours here and there, and the cruisers are perfect for that IMO. Now that I've had the bike for a little bit, I think maybe next year I will try to get a 'Standard style' bike such as the suzuki SV650 or the Yamaha FZ6... either way, I don't think the sport bikes are very comfortable for me personally, but you may be different. Alot of people take long, touring rides on their CBR's and GSX's and have no problem. And of course, if you're just zipping around town, they can be alot of fun.

Just go to the showrooms and sit on all different bikes and take your time... you can find out alot, you may evn be surprised at what you like...

You gotta remember that sitting on a motorcycle in the showroom (even if you do put both feet on the pegs) is way different from RIDING anywhere for an hour or more.

Yup. Laid back is sure comfy when you're relaxing, but can be hard on your spine with the vibration of the road. If you add in foot forward controls, then your abs get a workout too.

A slight forward lean (like working at a desk) is easier for longer periods.

P

I bought a cruiser mainly because that is the style of riding I like to do now. When I was younger I was into speed but now.....I'm in no hurry to get anywhere....

I really feel for you guys, I often hear that you can not get to demo ride the bikes. I would never ever buy a bike I had not ridden or the same demo model. Have a look at BMW every dealership I know of has a set of demo bikes and if you are looking at pre owned they probably have a range of decent stock. If nothing else comes out of that you may at least know what type of bike you are looking for. It is heartbreaking to buy something you think you like only to find out it is not.

If you add "Subject to test ride" to your offer, most places will bend over backwards to get a bike for you to ride...