What kind of motorcycle should I get? - portal.gcgx.com

15 March 2010 [Monday] @ March 15, 2010 edit

So I've never had a motorcycle before but I'd really love learn how to ride and own one day.. and was hoping a connoisseur could help me to find the one that's right for me. I don't want something to heavy, I'd like it to go fast.. but not like over 100mph fast.. I'm not looking to show off or anything.. something kinda comfortable and easy to ride.. reliable.. but preferably cheap ;) but I would like to see some expensive ones too so I can hope and dream of it... hehe

I'd really like something that looks like this

http://www.cbxmanmotorcycles.com/Cruiser...

or this..

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/co...

that's beautiful :D

thanks in advance!

Get a Honda Rebel it is a very nice bike and really easy to handle for beginners. They said that I would want to trade it in for a bigger one after 500 miles but im up to 3000 now and I'm enjoying every second of it.

Look for something with some storage capacity. Saddlebags are almost an essential these days.Once you have them, you will never want to be without them.

You don't say how big you are. Your height and leg length should fit the bike. Also, take a Basic Riders Course!!!!!!!!

Look at something in the 35-500 range. Nothing bigger than a 600 and not before you take a riders course. Please.

Good luck
My bike:

http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/C50...

Mine has a windshield, saddle bags, backrests for both myself and my wife. We totally enjoy it.

I would take an MSF course before even considering buying a bike. I'm still learning, only been riding for like 10 months. Get what you want, do research online go to a dealership and see it in person, I kept going back and forth with a honda or yamaha, i'd say don't go over 600cc. From 250cc in the course to a 600cc, you'll eventually get used to it, just got put some time on the road. Keep practicing and always be alert. Be safe and have fun.

Well, both of the bikes you've "chosen" to show are nice but they are as different as night and day. The first one is a cruiser style and they are generally much more forgiving for newbies. The second one is a sport bike and yes, they go fast so there is little margin for error.....personally, I started small on a Honda Rebel 250 for one year, moved on up to a VLX 600 for 2 years and then on to a 750. which I've been riding for 3 years now (all 3 are cruisers). I also have a BMW 650 GS sport bike.

However, I would suggest you take a course first and then you'll have the ability to go to dealers and test ride a variety of bikes. You may think you like one type of bike but you may find that something different is the right one. Start small and cheap - don't listen to people who say "Oh, buy a 1500cc bike because you'll outgrow a smaller bike" - just like you wouldn't get you driver's licence and buy a semi-trailer truck ....

Honda makes a wonderful 125cc sport bike or the 250 Rebel cruiser. You should be able to buy a Rebel quite cheaply because, it's generally a learning bike and people sell them once they feel confident....

Anyway, good luck, take a course, wear all gear and stay safe....it's fun.

If you want to go fast and want something light.. you should opt for a streetbike rather then the two you have for examples... a gxsr 600 is the perfect first bike and its light for females too..

http://liveimages.bikesales.com.au/bikes...

http://liveimages.bikesales.com.au/bikes...

http://liveimages.bikesales.com.au/bikes...

http://liveimages.bikesales.com.au/bikes...

http://liveimages.bikesales.com.au/bikes...

http://liveimages.bikesales.com.au/bikes...

http://liveimages.bikesales.com.au/bikes...

http://liveimages.bikesales.com.au/bikes...

Buy something used and inexpensive for a starter bike.

Look for something old but not too old. You don't want something so old that it is a junker, but not something so new that you'll feel bad if you lay it down.

Look for something in the 500 - 800 CC engine size. This will be powerful enough so you don't get bored too soon, but not so fast that you will be afraid of it.

Look for a standard or cruiser bike for your first bike. They are more forgiving. Stay away from the sport bikes for your first bike as they require more skill. Also used sport bikes tend to be more abused.

Avoid buying over the Internet. I would never buy a motorcycle site unseen. You could very easily end up paying too much for junk. Always do a visual inspection and test ride before buying a motorcycle. When you go to look at the bike, bring a helmet. If you do not have your motorcycle license yet, bring a friend with a motorcycle license and 2 helmets.

Watch the classified section of your local news paper. Some locations have shopper magazines with used motorcycles in your area. Reasonably priced used bikes are out there. Be patient. Don't buy too quickly, but if you find one you like, buy it right away. Unfortunately, with the price of gas, the price of used bikes has also risen. If you find a good starter bike, don't hesitate as they can sell quickly.

Don't get hung up on any particular brand. They are all about the same. Pay more attention to the bike's condition. If any one brand were really superior to all other brands, this would be the only brand bike on the road. In addition, if any brand bike was really inferior to the other brands, nobody would buy them and the company would be out of business.

Learn on this bike. Make your mistakes on it. You will make mistakes. Nearly all new riders will lay their bike on its side at least once. Would you rather make your mistakes on an older bike or your nice shiny expensive new bike?

The most important thing you should do when getting your first bike is to take a motorcycle safety course.

After you have been riding a while and gain some experience, you can sell your starter bike and get the one you want. If maintained properly and not abused, you won't lose too much money on your starter bike. Put the money from the sale towards the bike you really want. By this time, you will have figured out what style bike best suits your riding style and needs.

If you settle on a sport bike for your next bike, avoid the used ones. Young riders think they are racers on racing bikes and tend to beat the crap out of them so they are likely to be more abused. So if considering a sport bike, consider something new.

I know I used this answer before. However, I feel this is good advice.

Use your head while riding. Remember, Stupid Hurts.

Have fun - Ride safe

Take the safe riders course and they will normally provide you with a Honda rebel 250 for the course.This way you get training and if you pass you automatically get your motorcycle license.The Honda rebel is a light bike well suited for girls and beginners.Keep in mind its not the cc's that make a bike dangerous it's the riders level of ability and most important their level of responsibility.If you ride all crazy a Kawasaki ninja 250 will kill you just as fast as a CBR 100rr.Good luck we need more female riders out there .I think the Suzuki is a way cooler bike for a chick,it's all about what style your into Sport bike crowd or the cruiser kind of crowd.If you want to come over and I'll show you how to ride my CBR 929rr, if you wreck it will be fine oit has a full cage.Jk But if you do go the sport bike route do yourself a favor and get a full cage and protect your investment.They cost around $250 but will save you twice that the first time you drop it and you will drop it everyone has and will even if its because the kickstand wasnt put down all the way.No one I know of makes a cage for cruisers.Dont listen to the folks that say all you need are frame sliders as they will not protect your mirrors or plastics.If you dont know what I'm speaking of go to the sickinnovations website.They are made for stunting but are a good idea for everyone who doesnt want to pay for expensive repairs.

You want something that easy to learn on, but not underpowered, get a Ducati Monster 620. It's not a cruiser (blaahh), yet it doesn't have all the angles of a sport bike. Check it out..

http://www.ducati.com/bikes/my2006/ducat...

As Ducati says, "The 620 is the perfect entry to the Monster family. Affordable to own and maintain, it is the lightest and easiest handling Ducati. The motorcycle of choice for the official Ducati riding courses, the 620 offers a low seat height and a comfortable, upright riding position".

Believe me, these Honda Rebels and 500cc motorcycles seem safer, but they're really not because they're too unpowered if you plan on doing any above 60MPH riding. And really, for the money, style, and rideability, you can't beat a duck.

Start small and cheap then if you do fall off it, you would not be spending loads of dosh repairing it. Before you buy get some insurance quotes for bikes you fancy, as this could be a big shock to your pocket.
100 mph is not realistic on any road, even when you get up to big bikes.
If you get caught at these speeds you will loose your licence and then your insurance will go sky high for several years.
Any good 125cc will do to learn on so learn to walk / ride before you try to run/ speed.

Hi baby g,
Your motivations are in the right place but your program is a little accelerated. Please learn to ride, 6 months to a year on little bike then move up. AND make that little bike a used cruiser. It isn't what you want but it will save you a bundle of money. You are bound shore' nuff to drop the bike a couple times and you will probably slide in gravel a couple times and yes this is all part of the learning curve.Later you can go to the dealer and pick out that new bike of your dreams.

For now, I recommend a Honda 250 rebel or a Yamaha 250 virago. Either of these is a good reliable platform to learn off of and if you buy used, 3 - 4 year, old, clean with < 15000 miles you should be able to ride awhile and trade or sell out of it with out getting cleaned out $. Do not buy any salvage title no matter what sob story you are presented with.

Do buy a mid range helmet, HJC works, jacket, gloves and over ankle no lace footwear. Have a ball. enjoy!

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