Best first Motorcycle?

[khabibissell]

Don't think with your balls, think with your brain. Though a smaller bike might be considered a "girls" bike, it is the right place to start. If anybody tells you that an 883cc machine is underpowered, completely disregard anything else they tell you. My current bike is an '06 YZF600R and it is ridiculously fast. It can get you in trouble very quickly. It has more than enough zip to provide thrills on the street (unless you consider hitting 60mph in first gear slow) and handles great. It is also very comfortable for a sportbike. I regularly make an hour + commute to a client site and have no problems what so ever. Good riding position and very acceptable wind buffeting, even at speeds over 80mph. Under 80, it is almost non existent.

Personally, I don't like cruisers at all. A friend has a Yamaha VStar and I didn't feel safe on that thing at all. The brakes weren't adequate IMO, and riding it felt like piloting a rolling couch. I just felt too dissonnected from the bike. I'd hate to have an emergency situation on one.

I don't want to take too much away from cuisers as I know that are perfect for others. Just wanted to give a different perspective.

Buying a bike is a big decision IMO... Think about it carefully, and start small.

[Thrust]

In truth, you'll be a better rider if you start out on something small. However--I hate to say--but the 883 Sportster is, IMHO, a small bike more suitable for beginning women. I'd recommend the aforementioned Suzuki SV650 or perhaps the Monster 620 you mentioned. Also, the cruiser/sportbike thing is all personal preference. I started out (at least on the street) on an '85 Vulcan 700 (only year for the 700s), moved to a Hayabusa, then a Roadstar Warrior, and now have a CBR1000RR.

Sportbikes are fun and they do have their place, however, if it's the two-up riding you're after I'd caution to stay away from the "hardcore" sportbikes (e.g., RR, R6/R1, GSXR, etc) and also the hardcore cruisers (e.g., Roadstar Warrior, VTX, Meanstreak).

The most enjoyable thing about riding is--riding. You'll be happier in the long run if you find a bike that is both comfortable and performs admirably.

Also, in my personal opinion, and I don't want to snub anyone's bike, but Harley's are WAY overpriced, have questionable build quality, and generally lack optimum performance--when compared to the other manufacturers. That being said, a harley is still a harley if you're after that sorta thing . . .

[SEEGERMANY]

[SEEGERMANY]

Paint "BIG RED" on the side and you'll be one badassed dude!

[jgcable]

Paint "BIG RED" on the side and you'll be one badassed dude!

I dig those ape hangars!!

[jgcable]

What do you think of the Ninja 250R as a first bike? I don't intend on taking my wife along until at least a full season of riding and I will probably get a bigger bike once I get good at riding.
Many articles online state that the 250R is the ultimate first bike.
I just want to get something to ride and learn on. I can get a practically new 250R for around 2K tops.

[khabibissell]

Now you're talking! That is an excellent choice. I've never ridden one, but have read the same things as you have... great starter, and a ton of fun to ride. I would love to check one out some time.

Actually you could even go up to say a Ninja 500, Suzuki GS500 or SV650. The Ninjas and the Suzuki GS have been basically unchanged for many years. You could pick up a used one, take a season to learn, then sell it what you paid for it and put that money into something you really want.

It is better to be safe that sorry. Riding a bike in traffic is a totally new experience, even to someone that has been driving for 20+ years. You really want to get something that is docile... then again, any "starter" bike can rip if you wring it out, even the 250R.

There was a thread on HC about a guy who bought a big, heavy, high horsepower cruiser for their first bike. They dumped it within a week. Can you imagine spending 15k on a bike and wrecking it within a week? Ouch...

[jgcable]

Now you're talking! That is an excellent choice. I've never ridden one, but have read the same things as you have... great starter, and a ton of fun to ride. I would love to check one out some time.

Actually you could even go up to say a Ninja 500, Suzuki GS500 or SV650. The Ninjas and the Suzuki GS have been basically unchanged for many years. You could pick up a used one, take a season to learn, then sell it what you paid for it and put that money into something you really want.

It is better to be safe that sorry. Riding a bike in traffic is a totally new experience, even to someone that has been driving for 20+ years. You really want to get something that is docile... then again, any "starter" bike can rip if you wring it out, even the 250R.

There was a thread on HC about a guy who bought a big, heavy, high horsepower cruiser for their first bike. They dumped it within a week. Can you imagine spending 15k on a bike and wrecking it within a week? Ouch...

That is what I am afraid of. I am an avid mountain and road biker so I am very used to being able to control the bike.. not have the bike control me. I just don't think its logical to learn how to ride on a bike that weighs 600lbs+. And again.. .I like sport bikes better.. even if my Harley friends won't ride with me.
I sat on a Buell Firebolt XB9R at the dealership last night too. It was a beautiful bike. Unfortunately.. I couldn't even put the tips of my toes on the ground. If I had that bike and I came to a stop I would have to lean it over to one side to put my foot down.
I am hoping the Ninja 250R has a lower seat height.

[Hotrod]

For some people, it's all about cheap, not about the feel or ride- or pride in ownership. I'd expect you guys to understand a little more about that here, being fans of great guitars, not just ok guitars. I prefer nicer toys personally.

And as is with everything else in life (guitars included), price does not equal quality.

[zeegler]

And as is with everything else in life (guitars included), price does not equal quality.

Exactly. With Harleys, they are catching up, but there were times when the Jap bikes were far more reliable, efficient, and they didn't spend half their life in pieces on your living room floor.

I actually like the newer Harleys, and I'm probably going to be getting a Softail Duece very soon. However, that's not because my Intruder isn't good enough. It's a better handling bike than any Harley I've ever ridden, it's super comfy, and has plenty of power. My only issue with it, is the physical size. It's a bit on the small size for me.

Harleys are like Gibsons, they are more expensive, because a fair chunk of your purchase price is for the brand name. That, and because labour costs more in the U.S.

Pride in ownership? That's a pretty lame argument. You're proud because you pay more for a name brand? Please explain why you should be proud?

I pick out bikes first off, on how they look. After that, they've gotta be comfy. I've seen plenty of ugly Harleys, and ridden a few dogs too.

[clifffclaven]

In truth, you'll be a better rider if you start out on something small. However--I hate to say--but the 883 Sportster is, IMHO, a small bike more suitable for beginning women. I'd recommend the aforementioned Suzuki SV650 or perhaps the Monster 620 you mentioned. Also, the cruiser/sportbike thing is all personal preference. I started out (at least on the street) on an '85 Vulcan 700 (only year for the 700s), moved to a Hayabusa, then a Roadstar Warrior, and now have a CBR1000RR.

Sportbikes are fun and they do have their place, however, if it's the two-up riding you're after I'd caution to stay away from the "hardcore" sportbikes (e.g., RR, R6/R1, GSXR, etc) and also the hardcore cruisers (e.g., Roadstar Warrior, VTX, Meanstreak).

The most enjoyable thing about riding is--riding. You'll be happier in the long run if you find a bike that is both comfortable and performs admirably.

Also, in my personal opinion, and I don't want to snub anyone's bike, but Harley's are WAY overpriced, have questionable build quality, and generally lack optimum performance--when compared to the other manufacturers. That being said, a harley is still a harley if you're after that sorta thing . . .

pretty much said it all here.

[clifffclaven]

I don't have any problems with people taking me seriously, so get over yourselves. I'm just stating my own opinions just like everyone else here. Don't be ignorant- and there's certainly no need to get insulting. I doubt anyone else here can even claim half the saddle time I've had in the last 25+ years. My current FXR had 15k miles on it when I bought it 7 years old- and I more than doubled that the first year and have put nearly the same mileage on it every year since. This is something I know about!

I never buy new bikes- I buy a good used one, and then change things to suit my needs. A beginner should definitely buy used IMO, since the main money loss has already happened, and if you decide it's not for you, then you don't waste as much money. You can get a decent used FXR for around the price of a new Sportster. And usually you won't lose as much of your money on a Harley. Or you can get something else- it doesn't really matter to me- whatever works for you.
For some people, it's all about cheap, not about the feel or ride- or pride in ownership. I'd expect you guys to understand a little more about that here, being fans of great guitars, not just ok guitars. I prefer nicer toys personally.
Just relax and don't be an idiot and you'll usually get along just fine with the Harley types- most of them are just posers anyway. But if you get stupid around the hardcore 1%ers you'll run into trouble- but anywhere you act like an ass you're likely to find someone who'll take offense to it, right?

youre the only one insulting anyone. and its laughable at best. haha.

[dk1ben]

Honda Nighthawk. Not the most flashy bike but VERY easy to ride. Standard riding position and very cheap. I have suggested this bike to two people who were new and they loved it and of coarse have moved on to much bigger better bikes after they got a feel for how they want there riding style, image, and performance.

Of coarse you could just go with a Harley. But then you would have to stop shaving and be angry all the time.
Or go for the sports bike and have to race at EVERY light with every other young punk who heals quick. God forbid anyone have a faster bike.

My personal advise is to stay away from the image and just enjoy riding. You will spend about 1% of your time looking good on your bike and the rest actually riding or cleaning it. My entire family rides bikes including my wifes side. Harley vs Jap bikes is always a topic.

But above all. BE SAFE and let your skills develope so no one in my line of work has to tell your family the S curve whooped your ass.

[442w30]

They are making these again: ~$5000 MSRP Royal Enfield Bullet 500cc

[442w30]

Suzuki DR400SM ~$5000 MSRP
Dual sports hold value ok too