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Your first motorcycle: What to consider
by Genevieve Schmitt
Note: These are only general suggestions of motocycles to try out in each category. Some bikes may not be right for everybody. Use this list as merely a starting point for exploring a manufacturer’s particular line of motorcycles.
| Scenario #1
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You passed the MSF class, but just barely. You’re still reeeaaallly nervous and skittish. You’re on the smaller side, too , 5 feet 3 inches and under, and most all motorcycles feel really big to you. Here are some suggestions (2001 models listed, MSRP, dry weight, seat height):
• Buell Blast 500cc, $4,395, 360 lbs., 27.5 inches
• Honda Nighthawk 250cc, $3,399, 287 lbs., 29.3 inches
• Honda Rebel 250cc, $2,999, 306 lbs., 26.6 inches
• Kawasaki Eliminator 125cc, $2,499, 282 lbs., 26.8 inches
• Kawasaki Vulcan 500, $4,699, 439 lbs., 28.1 inches
• Suzuki GZ250, $2,999, 302 lbs., 28.0 inches
• Yamaha Virag• 250, $3,399, 301 lbs., 27.0 inches
Advice: Many people who start on a lightweight, smaller motorcycle find they outgrow it within six months. A smaller motorcycle is still the way to go until you feel comfortable to move to a bigger bike. Many people will buy a used motorcycle knowing they will eventually trade up. Insurance is less expensive on a used bike, plus if you drop it, you won’t care too much about dinging it. |
| Scenario #2
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You breezed through the MSF class. Riding a motorcycle came easier to you than you thought. You know you can handle a "bigger" bike, but everyone’s telling you to start small. Here are some suggestions (2001 models listed, MSRP, dry weight, seat height):
• Harley-Davidson Sportster 883, $5,595, 489 lbs., 28.0 inches
• Honda Shadow VLX 600cc, $4,999, 445 lbs., 25.6 inches
• Honda Shadow Spirit 750, $5,999, 496 lbs., 26.6 inches
• Honda Magna 750cc, $7,499, 505 lbs., 28.0 inches
• Kawasaki Vulcan 750, $6,099, 483 lbs., 28.9 inches
• Suzuki 650 Savage, $4,299, 350 lbs., 27.6 inches
• Suzuki Marauder 800cc, $5,999, 456 lbs., 27.6 inches
• Suzuki 800 Intruder, $6,399, 443 lbs., 27.6 inches
• Yamaha V Star Custom 650cc, $5,599, 460 lbs., 25.6 inches
Advice: A 600cc and higher motorcycle is considered an aggressive entry-level motorcycle, or a step-up motorcycle for those once-skittish beginners. Many riders will find this motorcycle to be their end-all bike. All the manufacturers offer a host of accessories that enable the rider to customize the bike. Other riders may find they grow out of this size within a year or two. It’s all a matter of personal taste. For the money, though, you generally get a lot of motorcycle in this category. |
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Scenario #3
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You breezed through the MSF class and found you’re not really into cruiser style motorcycles, plus they just seem so low to the ground for you. You’d rather start on a standard, street-style motorcycle. Here are some suggestions (2001 models listed, MSRP, dry weight, seat height):
• BMW R 1150 R (2002 model), $9,999, 525 lbs., 30.3 inches
• Buell Cyclone M2 Low 1200cc, $8,995, 435 lbs., 27.5 inches
• Ducati Monster 600, $5,995, 392 lbs., 29.1 inches
• Honda Nighthawk 750, $5,799, 463 lbs., 30.9 inches
• Kawasaki W650, $6,599, 434 lbs., 31.5 inches
• Kawasaki ZR-7S, $5,999, 445 lbs., 31.5 inches
• Suzuki GS500, $4,399, 381 lbs., 31.1 inches
• Suzuki SV650, $5,799, 363 lbs., 31.7 inches
• Triumph Legend 900cc, $7,799, 473 lbs., 28.5 inches
• Yamaha FZ1 1000cc, $8,499, 455 lbs., 32.3 inches
Advice: Standard, street-style motorcycles tend to have higher seat heights to allow for more ground clearance. Plus, they come in a variety of displacements. A shorter-inseamed person should be a confident rider before hopping on one of these motorcycles. |
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Scenario #4
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Motorcycles have been in your life a long time. Perhaps your dad and brother rode, and maybe you rode dirt bikes as a kid, but you’ve only recently taken the MSF class to ride on the street. You feel confident you can ride just about anything and height isn’t an issue for you. Here are some suggestions (2001 models listed, MSRP, dry weight, seat height):
• BMW R 1200 C, $14,500, 565 lbs.(wet weight), 29.1 inches
• Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide 1450cc, $11,470, 612 lbs., 26.5 inches
• Harley-Davidson Dyna Low Rider 1450cc, $14,595, 614 lbs., 25.2 inches
• Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200, $7,895, 491 lbs., 28.9 inches
• Honda Shadow Spirit 1100cc, $7,999, 553 lbs., 28.7 inches
• Honda Sabre 1100cc, $8,199, 573 lbs., 27.2 inches
• Kawasaki Vulcan 800, $6,299, 496 lbs., 28.0 inches
• Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Drifter, $7,499, 547 lbs., 29.9 inches
• Suzuki Intruder Volusia 800cc, $6,599, 526 lbs., 27.6 inches
• Yamaha V Star 1100 Custom, $7,899, 571 lbs., 27.0 inches
Advice: Cruisers that are 800cc and above are for new riders who possess the three M’s muscle, mental confidence, and miles under them — perhaps from riding on a dirt bike. There are a variety of motorcycles with varying seat heights in this category. Ironically, the more powerful and bigger the bike, the lower the seat height (big touring bikes excluded). If you think you can handle a bigger bike right out of the gate, you’re less likely to trade it in as you gain in experience. |
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Scenario #5
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You took the MSF class and realize you aren’t into cruisers. Sportbikes are what gets you going. Here are some suggestions (2001 models list,MSRP, dry weight, seat height):
-Kawasaki Ninja 250R, $3,299, 304 lbs., 29.3 inches
-Kawasaki Ninja 500R, $5,099, 388 lbs., 30.5 inches
Advice: There aren’t too many "beginner" sportbikes — beginner being defined as low seat height and/or small displacement. Kawasaki is the only manufacturer currently producing a 250cc sportbike, a true entry-level machine in this category. From there, you’re stuck with 500cc and 600cc machines. |
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