blkinkpen
Florida
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Joined: 05/26/2008
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I’m in the market to purchase my first motorcycle and
would like some suggestions on what to buy.
Some of my search criteria:
- Cost no more than $4,000 to $5,000 out the door
- Big enough to carry my 6’4” 250 lbs frame around
- Primary use is to commute to work and occasional
long weekend rides
- Not interested in touring or sport bikes
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Vstar-Guy
USA
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Joined: 01/15/2005
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I suggest you look at the Yamaha(STAR Motorcycles)cruisers. You might want to start at the 650CC models both Classic and Custom. From there you may want to look at the rest of their cruiser line. I'm partial to these bikes, not because I own one, but I believe they offer a lot of "Bike" for the money. Good Luck and Ride Safely!
In order to Ride Safely you must Expect the Unexpected!
The RIDE is the Destination!
Always Remember: Stupid Hurts!
VStarGuy
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Ride_Slow2004
Northwest
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Joined: 02/02/2005
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Guy I work with is very happy with his 07 Honda VTX 1300C.
Head down to the library, and thumb thru the back issues of the different magazines, will be some good info there. If you have craigslist, keep checking that, just to see what is out there, and what it is going for. Don't buy used unless you are mechanically inclined, or have a friend that can check it out. Motorcyclist magazine has a Best Bets feature, that looks back at bikes that have turned out to be decent over the years.
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"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles."
-Doug Larson
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THEBurninator
Washburn, MO
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Joined: 08/11/2003
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For a first motorcycle, and a cruiser type, I say don't go larger than a 750. It'll be big enough to get you around but won't have too much power to get you in trouble while learning.
Better yet, take the safety course. You get to ride one of their tiny little 250's or 500's. That'll give you an idea how well you can control one of those bikes and might stop you from making a mistake and buying the biggest baddest bike you can find.
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Ride_Slow2004
Northwest
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Joined: 02/02/2005
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another source for info:
http://www.amadirectlink.com/riding/index.asp
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iron pony
houston
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Joined: 05/30/2008
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Take the safety course first, then you have an idea of the type of bike that suits your need.
There is a lot you can learn from the course & it helps out on your insurance rates.
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4-Bike Dave
Michigan
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Joined: 07/03/2007
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The unfortunate reality is that bikes to fit frames like ours do not come (new) in the price range you mention. Except maybe Hyosung.
But if you would consider a relatively new used machine, the doors of opportunity swing wide open.
Having owned and ridden cruisers and UJMs (Universal Japanese Motorcycle - the "sit up straight" style), I have found the UJMs to handle better, which inspires more confidence (especially in the new rider).
Size does matter. As V-StarGuy points out, you may want to start small. Small equals light, and light equals fewer drops when you oops with the clutch or step into a pot hole. I see a lot of 250's and even 500's for sale with less than 1000 miles on them because the owner outgrew the bike so quickly. Stay away from sub-600's.
My choices:
Suzuki V-Strom 650: I am 6'2", 240 pounds and it fits me fine. All my other bikes are larger in dispacement, and I ride this one the most.
Yamaha FZ6: Built with an upright seating position and more power than you can use and stay out of jail. Just looked at a sweet 2005 with 3000 miles for $4200.
Suzuki SV-650: Not the SV-650S (race position seating, clip on handle bars), just the SV-650. Same motor as the V-Strom, good ergonomics. Looks less like a dual purpose bike than the 'Strom.
Honda 919: Haven't ridden one, but they have a good riding position and legendary Honda reliability. May be pricey.
Take a safety course. MSF offers one for $25 that you can do in a weekend. You will have the opportunity to ride the little Honda Rebels and other bikes that won't fit you, but there may be a dual sport in the line up that you can turn without bumping your knees on the handle bars.
Good luck with your search. Ask more questions. V-StarGuy and Ride_Slow have been around the block a few times and offer good advice. Find a bike you are comfortable on (ergonomics or style), and ride it.
Be safe. Be responsible. Wear the gear.
4BD
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