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I have had a big itch to get a bike recentally. I have never ridden a motorcycle (save a scooter when i was 15ish in the late 80's/early 90's). I am very comfortable on a bicycle for what its worth.
my question is, what would be a good recommendation for a newbie on a bike? I really like the Bonneville and Scrambler Triumph bikes, but I am tempted to get a Buddy scooter just to get my feet wet in the whole bike scene.
I really like the classic look...
What do you think? what is the best route for a newbie?
assuming you're a 'normal' size, the standard beginner bike list usually looks like the following:
1) Kawasaki Ninja 250
2) Kawasaki Ninja 500
3) Honda Rebel 250
4) Honda Nighthawk 250 or 750
5) Buell Blast
6) Any assortment of dual-sport bikes (street-legal dirtbikes)
7) Suzuki GS500
8) if you like 'classic bikes', a lot of the Japanese manufacturers had 400cc bikes from the early 80s that may be up your alley
the list can go on and on, but here are a few things to remember:
1) a good/popular beginner bike ALWAYS has a market. if the bike is in good shape when you buy it and still in good shape when you sell it, you will hardly lose any money on the whole deal. heck, even if you do down it, many will still buy it since the logic is they'll do the same thing.
2) stick with a lower HP bike, but don't fall victim to the notion that they're not as dangerous as their high-HP counterparts.
3) buy GOOD gear and take the Motorcycle Safety Course!
4) while you may like a bike with a certain 'look' the more important thing is how you feel on the bike, especially while learning. you want something that puts you in a comfortable, relaxed position. ideally, something with a nice upright riding position that does NOT put your feet out in front of you (a la cruiser-style) will inevitably instill the greatest feeling of control and confidence. you can always get that 'look' bike later on once you feel more comfortable. i honestly think the bike i ride now is kinda ugly (Honda VFR800), but it fits me like a glove and does what i want, so i love it.
Tortoise is absolutely correct. Take a course before you buy. You may find out the sport isn't for you. You may find a bike that is comfortable.
The vast majority of bike accidents involve riders who haven't taken a rider's course.
The Ninja 250 isn't a very good beginner bike, being too highly tuned. The Honda Rebel would be a good bike to learn the ropes on, but it will probably be outgrown fairly quickly if you want to ride on the highway. It's too bad that Honda doesn't still make the Rebel 450.
Try about a 125-250 bike. Start small and learn first before you move up to a bigger bike. Take a safely class and do your homework. If you like interesting bikes try a Vespa, lots of people into restoring the older ones. I had a Honda Elite, 150 and then two Honda Helix which are 250. They were great rides and a good place to start.
I have a new Silverwing-600 but even having ridden awhile I can see it is going to take some extra practice and getting used to the difference in weight and balance...
Suzuki has a new retro-looking 250 that I think looks really sweet:
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