New Riders, Here Are Your Bikes

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MadPoet said:
How about cruisers for a beginner?
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You're not going to get a ton of info on cruisers 'round these parts. Here's another forum I frequent that has a pretty good sticky on beginner bikes of all types: http://www.beginnerbikers.org/showthread.php?26387-The-Beginner-Bike-List

Keep in mind those folks are probably more conservative in their recommendations than you'll find here.

With cruisers it's not really so much about engine displacement as it is about the physical size and weight of the bike. Cruisers generally tend to be on the hefty side, and that combined with forward controls can make slow-speed handling somewhat tricky for n00bs. So, rider size also comes into the equation. For example, being a petite chick myself, I felt comfortable starting out on the wee GZ250:

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But someone who is 6' tall 200lbs will probably be knocking their knees with the handlebars while trying to turn. Someone physically larger may feel more comfortable on a 500cc+ cruiser, such as a

Honda Shadow 600 or 750
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Yamaha V-Star 650
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Suzuki S40/Savage
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Someone else already mentioned the Kawi Vulcan 500, which is definitely a fan favourite (has same engine as Ninja 500)
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These are your basic middle-weight cruisers, and I'm sure I'm forgetting some. Some beginners venture out and get Sportsters 883s or Kawi Vulcan 900s, but now we're venturing into heavier territory.
 
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fergie.g said:
I'd recommend the FZ6, way better balanced than the other sports tourers mentioned on here except the busa! The FZ6R is just a plain waste of time and money.
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Mmmm I might give the FZ6 a go. Probably slap on some fairing as I do a lot of highway riding and that'll probably help cut through the wind better. Too bad thay don't make them anymore and not a lot of people selling it either.
 
I'm 6' and 130 lbs (i.e.: Skinny) - I started (And still have) the stalwart Suzuki GS500E. Owing to my lankiness it was a little uncomfortable on long rides. However I am able to totally flat-foot it which gave me a lot of confidence. Mechanically I haven't had any problems except for the occasional hanging high idle. I've never felt it to be underpowered or overpowered from city streets to 400 series highways, although I've only been on a 400-series once.

It's also light enough that with a minor struggle I can pick it up myself when it's dropped.

If I had to do it again I'd probably consider the Ninja 250 or CBR 250, only because they're lighter, but they weren't available when I got the GS500.

I looked at the CBR125 but they felt really cramped when I rode them during my M2 course; the "standard" UJM style bikes were more comfortable which led me to GS500.
 
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New rider here and I have started with a GS500F did a lot of reseach and found this was a good fit for me .

Plus it was only 3999 brand new that was a selling point to.
 
I ended up getting a Kawi ZZR250, but was originally trying to find a GS500 without the fairing. Almost impossible to find a recent one in good condition. The picture in the OP of it makes me sad.
 
I was debating between a brand new cbr250 or the ninja 250 but eventually chose used gs500f for my first bike this season. Took it out a couple of times already and had a blast. Its non fuel injected but I've never had problems getting it started. Sounds great and the acceleration is awesome, (for me anyway) For about 2 gran less than the other bikes and my experience with it so far, Im very pleased with my choice.
 
i rode a yamaha 250 for a weekend (M1exit) got bored by the 2nd day. then started riding my 08 R6 full yoshi exhaust + power commander
 
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What are some good started Dual Purpose bikes? I see some mentioned, just don't know if any are missing. I noticed the Honda CRF230M is discounted, not sure if it's a good bike though.
 
Didn't Honda make a new 400cc bike as well?
 
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