Help me decide on a 1st bike

First of all, thanks for taking a look at the thread. My wife and I are considering getting our first bike (we'll share at first) and we're honestly complete noobs when it comes to 2-wheeled thingamabobs. We autocross, but this will be our first foray into "the danger zone". (cue top gun) The bike will be used for commuting and cruising on the weekends.

Our priorities are: SAFETY, lightweight, nimble, and relatively inexpensive ($1500-$3500) I don't care about going super fast, as I'm sure that almost any bike is going to feel that way anyway. At the same time, it will need enough power to take on the highway.

She wants a dual sport like the Honda CR230L (must be street legal) and I'm leaning more towards a smallish sport bike because we're moving somewhere that requires highway miles to get to work. So, I have two concerns with our new commute:

• Will a dirtbike really be that stable or comfortable at 70-80mph? Do we need to look at the XR650 if that's the case?
• If we go the sportbike route, should I look for one with a front fairing? I prefer the naked bikes, but I don't want to punish myself on the highway either.

Here's what we're already considering and my noobish impressions. Feel free to correct me. Any other suggestions are welcome, but we're not interested in anything that isn't some form of sport bike or dirt bike. So no nighthawks or anything like that.

late 70's Honda CB750 - bigger engine than the rest, but I imagine it's age will slow it down back to our level. I LOVE the vintage hondas, but I'm concerned with it being harder to ride than a newer 250 (see below), mostly braking and turning. I guess you could say I'm worried it isn't as "safe" in an emergency situation as a newer bike. I know it will require more maintenance than the newer stuff, and I don't mind.

Honda CR230L - Pros: very light, agile, wife wants, great mileage. Cons: maybe not so good for the highway? Top of price range.

Ninja 250R - Seems like a good bargain, but still at top of price range (for the one I want, 08). How do these handle on the highway? I've heard they have fantastic performance for their size, but still seems small.

Suzuki SV650 - Probably more performance than I need, but seems like a good all-around package. GS500 also kinda fits into this category.

Honda Hawk - Right around what I'd like to get, but are rare and seem expensive for what they are.

THANKS!

I would get something used, ruuning and cheap. That way when you do the nood "forgot to put the kickstand down" thing, or it falls over on the lawn, you front brake too much turning into the driveway etc., it's a used Japanese motorcycle (UJM). After you get some miles under your belt, and hopefully some training, you will meet other enthusiasts and learn more about bikes. After a season or two you'll know more, make an intelligent decision and live happily ever after.

Or not.

Dan

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/reader-rides/421/

I'd suggest getting 2 cheap dirt bikes, forget about commuting and just have fun jumping over things. A dual sport might just be the best compromise. But if you two are going to start out on the road and highway commuting will be part of the picture, you have plenty of cheap newbie friendly choices, here are a few pretty ones from the 1990s: Kaw Zephyr 550(cheap, but maybe rare), KLR 650, EX 500, Yam Seca II 600, Radian 600, Suz GS 500 & Bandit 400, DRZ 350 or 400, Honda CB1 (almost in the Hawk GT boat as in overly priced and rare). The bigger cc bikes should all be able to handle 2-up.

SV 650. An early one.

I might have a conflict of interest but I really like my buell blast. Great brakes and handling bike. A couple of upgrades and the things can be pretty fun. The 500cc is perfect for tearing through a city and being a thumper all the power is right there not at 10k RPM. The bikes top out at around 90mph so it isn't too fast on the freeway.

The only issue is the build quality isn't great, but all the body is plastic and isn't easily broken, ask how I know. It is also very simple, automatic choke, uses belt instead of chain, and it is pretty light at around 350lbs. They do burn oil though, at least mine does but it is a 2000 so they might have worked out the bugs since then.

The best part of the equation is I've seen them on CL for 1500$ with low low miles. Mines got 24,000 on it and it still pissin the neighbors off.

The Buell blast is not a bad idea, nor is the 250 Ninja, but I think the SV is too big for a first bike. You said sportbike, or dirt bike. The late 70's Honda is neither. You won't be happy with a dualsport on the higway at 70-80 MPH, especially the CRF230.

IMO, if you're set on this type of bike, The Yamaha XT225 is probably a better, and more reasobaly priced alternative. If you're tall enough, a KLX250s is twice as much bike as either of those two, and similar in price.

Any single or twin 650cc and under should be a good, place to start. If you want cheap new bikes look at the chinese and korean bikes. I loved my hyosung gt250 full size bike with a little motor. that's the only gripe I had with the ninja 250 it was a small bike with a small engine, so if you're normal to big go it's something to think about.

We bought our Ninja 250 (2003) under the same circumstances. Both my girlfriend and I were going to learn to ride on it, both of us have autoXed and whatnot, but wanted to learn on something fun and safe on 2 wheels. There was a nice thread about my decision process on the Off Topic board that I started when I was still single, but bought the bike last January when she was part of the equation: http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/sprockets-starter-sport-bike/844/page1/

We picked it up in the dead of winter for cheap, it had been knocked down it the garage a few times, but looked fundamentally sound aside from needing a front tire, and with only 8k miles, it was a good deal at $1300.

She and I have both learned to ride on it, taken the MSF, and now we (mostly me) commute on it when the weather is nice. I have 1000 miles on it now to give perspective.

It meets all the needs you say you have: Slow enough to be safe, handles very well, lightweight (300#), inexpensive, and fine on the highway. My commute is all at 55+ and it has NO problem keeping up with traffic and accelerating. I hit 90+ today without even really trying. It gets great fuel economy, I've been averaging about 64 mpg. Parts are plentiful and cheap, huge knowledge base out there as they made this with basically no changes from the late 80's to 2007. The seating position is pretty upright, so comfortable for long rides, but not punishing at all on the highway.

We're ridden 2 up once, and the bike was fine, but I need to get used to balancing for 2. You have to rev it a little more with the extra weight, but as long as you aren't huge, it will be fine. We combined at ~325# and it didn't seem to have a problem with it.

I'm starting to get to the point where I am beginning to explore the performance, but feel like I am just scratching the surface.

When and if we decide we want something bigger/faster, I'm sure we can sell it for at least what we paid, as there is always a market for these

All great advice, but the most important bit I can give is, take the MSF course, it will help you learn a lot.

I ride a CRF230L to work every day (7 miles @ 55 one way). Even properly jetted with a good exhaust, it will barely do 70. Its just fine at 55-60 though, and very stable. I average ~ 65 on the road, 75+ when I head to the hills for the day. That said, I would like a DS with a bigger engine but the same seat height. (I'm 5'5")

+1million for the MSF course.

My first street bike was a first gen SV650 and I cannot possibly say enough good things about. It was comfortable on day trips, my wife didn't mind the 2nd seat (its actually fairly generous for a passenger seat), the v-twin was a great engine with good torque and good mid-range power, it handled great, was light weight, looks good, has good aftermarket support, totally reliable, great gas mileage, etc. As you can see I kinda liked it.

Share the CRF230L in order to make the wife happy, then get what you want later.

This shootout from motorcycle.com might help the Honda decision http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/2008-lightweight-dualpurpose-shootout-87657.html

Honda alone http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/honda/2008-honda-crf230l-76891.html

Also, a comparison between the KLX250SF and the WR250X to just about round out the small dual sport/motard market. http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/quarterliter-supermoto-shootout-87985.html

One issue you may or may not have with dual sports is the seat height. My Yamaha is right around 36", and the rest are in the neighborhood. Its never given me a problem though and I absolutely LOVE this bike.

Do both of you a HUGE favor and go down to any Harley Shop and ask about "Rider's Edge" It's a riding course that uses Buel Blast bikes if you pass the three day you get your Lic. Blast are great beginner bikes and the dealers that do the course have different seat on hand to fit the students!

I gave the course as a valentines gift to my wife three years ago. She loved it!

I would steer a noob rider to something used in the 250-450 range from the late 70s-mid 80s. Since you like the "classic" looks, a good example can be found for under $1k. I paid $400 for Mrs. Minis '77 KZ400 (with 8k miles)and after a good cleaning, looks like new. Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha, they all made good bikes in that range and there is still a huge aftermarket for all of them.Cheap buy-in, low insurance, good parts support, light enough to learn on, big enough to run at highway speeds, or ride two up. If you feel more comfortable getting something newer, the SV650 Suzuki is a good bet. That's what they used here for the Learn to Ride Program. While it's a little bit bigger, it's a very easy ride.

I would recommned getting a dirt bike first learn to ride, slide around and get comfortable generally on a moto.Then look at sv650 or the ninja 500 as a good first street bike. My wife started on a rt180 then a ninja 500 then she moved to a dr650 (she hated the ride on the highway) Now she is on a vtr 1000. She also is in her first year of teaching the motorcycle course for beginners.

get a duelie like a KTM(?)

Thanks for the responses! Especially the bike reviews and course suggestions (didn't know about the Buell/Harley one). We already planned on taking the MSF course, but we'll look into the Rider's Edge program as well. Might as well take a course that features a good candidate for purchase. I always liked the Buell's from an design standpoint, but had heard that they might not be a good beginner bike (maybe it wasn't the Blast?).

Sonic - you make the Ninja 250 sound about perfect. I'll use your post as ammo with the wifey.

Zipty - that is also what I suspected about the CRF230L. I'm sure it's an excellent bike, but I'm not so sure about putting Michelle on it where there's highway involved. The speed limit is 65 most of the way, so people drive FAST (80+). Maybe if we get some of the land behind our house cleared this one will come back into the forefront. BTW - Good to see another MR2OC board member over here! I'm thirdvector over on that board. I've been drooling over your DP build for awhile. The car is just awesome.

Skeird - awesome links. thank you very much. Probably not a bad idea to just go ahead and make the wife happy. As racerboy mentioned, it might not be a bad idea either to get comfortable on a really lightweight moto.

Also thanks to those I didn't mention. Pretty much everyone had something useful to say that helped me out.

I would also consider the EX500 (Ninja 500) especially if you are going to ride two up. It's a bigger version of the 250 basically. Very user friendly, been on the road basically unchanged since the late 80's, and in my opinion is much more tractable than the 250. If you are ever riding two up, you will not like the 250. My wife, who had never ridden at the time felt very comfortable learning on my old EX 500.

I guess I'll go out on a limb and throw in a vote for the old UJM (Honda CB750). I learned to ride on a Suzuki GS650L and GS550E, and now have an 81 CB750 Custom (the "faux cruiser" version). They're old, so they're built like tanks, and cheap. Parts are still pretty easy to find, especially if you're lucky like I am and have a UJM boneyard in the area. The UJMs are a bit on the tall side, so if you or your wife are on the shorter side you may have a little trouble sitting on one at a stop. (The "faux cruiser" versions like mine put you an inch or two lower, though, due to the cruiser-like seat.)

When I took my MSF class (and another +eleventy billion toward that recommendation), they told me the best size for a n00b was a 500-650, since you can outgrow a 250 in a few months. The one exception I'd make to that would be the Ninja 250, which is basically the Miata of motorcycles. A 750 is a bit above that range, but not too much bigger than a 650. There was also a CB650 that might suit your needs well.

I'd treat your first bike like a track car - don't get something you can't afford to ball up and walk away from. You probably will drop it. I've dropped mine. Fortunately, a $10 turn signal was all it needed afterward. :)

Appleseed wrote: SV 650. An early one.

+1

Or possibly a GS500

I ride a GS500F myself, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to most beginning riders unless I see some sort of huge danger sign. Since you prefer unfaired ones, look for the earlier GS500E. The Ninja 250 is also great - my brother has one, and he doesn't have a car at the moment (although his wife does - the Ninja isn't his only means of transportation available).

GS500 E/F, Ninja 500, or older, an SX 650.

all of these can be had for cheap(if there is any form of used bike market in your area). The SX650 is a bike that can grow with you, and you can turn it into a cruiser, bobber, Cafe racer, just about anything you want

White_and_Nerdy wrote: I guess I'll go out on a limb and throw in a vote for the old UJM (Honda CB750). I learned to ride on a Suzuki GS650L and GS550E, and now have an 81 CB750 Custom (the "faux cruiser" version). They're old, so they're built like tanks, and cheap. Parts are still pretty easy to find, especially if you're lucky like I am and have a UJM boneyard in the area. The UJMs are a bit on the tall side, so if you or your wife are on the shorter side you may have a little trouble sitting on one at a stop. (The "faux cruiser" versions like mine put you an inch or two lower, though, due to the cruiser-like seat.) When I took my MSF class (and another +eleventy billion toward that recommendation), they told me the best size for a n00b was a 500-650, since you can outgrow a 250 in a few months. The one exception I'd make to that would be the Ninja 250, which is basically the Miata of motorcycles. A 750 is a bit above that range, but not too much bigger than a 650. There was also a CB650 that might suit your needs well. I'd treat your first bike like a track car - don't get something you can't afford to ball up and walk away from. You probably will drop it. I've dropped mine. Fortunately, a $10 turn signal was all it needed afterward. :)

Wrong!!! SV650 is the miata of the motor cycle world. Lol.

suprf1y wrote: The Buell blast is not a bad idea, nor is the 250 Ninja, but I think the SV is too big for a first bike. You said sportbike, or dirt bike. The late 70's Honda is neither. You won't be happy with a dualsport on the higway at 70-80 MPH, especially the CRF230. IMO, if you're set on this type of bike, The Yamaha XT225 is probably a better, and more reasobaly priced alternative. If you're tall enough, a KLX250s is twice as much bike as either of those two, and similar in price.

My brother's girlfriend just learned to ride on one of these. Until then, she had never driven a vehicle with a manual transmission, or ridden a motorcycle. She dropped it twice while moving and only bent the brake handle and broke the turn signal. She is becoming more comfortable now and she is a much more capable rider. And this bike was perfect for her, especially considering its small stature, light weight, and purple paint.

The Rider's Edge course is the MSF course, just with a Harley logo (and in my state $200 more expensive).

About boring 250's and dual sports not liking highway riding... my WR is far from boring on and off road, and does just fine on the slab. Highways are boring though, much better to be on backroads. Used ones are popping up in the $3500-4500 range. They're tall bikes, 36" seat height unless you use the factory lowering link which drops it down an inch or two, but fuel injection is sweet, vibes are low for a thumper with a damn decent seat for a dual sport bike, cruises 70mph without a sweat, and so far they're proving to be just about bullet-proof.

With the new bars and new rubber I put on today

Another good option would be a DRZ400S or SM. The SM has street rubber and 17" wheels, so its a bit lower but still soft road friendly. Pretty simple bikes and good motor. They can be found pretty cheap too, and if you can deal with the seat height and get into dirt or dual sport riding you'll appreciate the ground clearance.