Best Beginner's cruiser?

Question

I'm looking into taking MSF classes and (hopefully) a bike in the near futue.
I hate the look of rice rockets, so I'm looking specifically at cruisers.
I've looked at the Kaw Vulcan 500, Honda Rebel, Honda Nighthawk, and Yamaha V Star 250.
I'm about 6'1'', and 210 lbs, and I've heard that consequently, some of these would be a tight fit.
I know I'm going to have to actually sit on them before I make the decision, but doe anyone have any advice regarding these? Or offer any similar bikes for a newbie like myself?
I know 250's are too small to stay with, and I'm planning on upgrading to something bigger once I learn (If I decide to stay with it)
Also, can anyone recommend decent brands? I know most big companies, and I have an affinity for Triumph bikes (especially Scramblers and Bonnevilles), so any other brands, or something similar would be welcome.
Thanks :D

Answer 1

Hold off on looking for a bike till you have a license to drive a bike.

Once you can legally test drive bikes, you can get a feel for what fits you. Your tall so that is not going to be a problem. Weights OK.

You just need to see what fits you.

The only other caution is don't get more bike that you can handle.



I'm short 5'4" but weight quit a bit. We will not discuss how much.

We rode the Buell Blast in training class, about 500 cc. It has plenty of power to haul me around & keep up with the big boys of my HOG chapter. I really ride hard to keep up with the Road Kings & Electro Glides. But Ebony, (my bike) can catch them.

They do have a more comfortable ride.



See what you like, I was looking for a Vulcan 500 or a Honda Rebel. I really liked the Blast, bought one. Never had planned to get into the Harley family, but they sucked me in. Next bike may be a 883L.



Bottom line, get licensed, test drive & buy what fits you.



As long as you ride.

Answer 2

I can personally recommend the Suzuki Boulevard C50. It's the bike I started on and still ride.

In Honda, you can't go too wrong with a Shadow or an Aero Shadow for a starting bike, either the 500 or 750. I believe the Nighthawk and the VStar 250 will just frustrate you and be too little for you very quick.



Do not bother buying a bike, though, until you complete the course. A lot of people take the course and find that riding is not what they want to do, and if they do want to ride after the course, they have learned the basics they need to go shopping for something, since they now have a slight clue as to how the controls should be positioned and feel for their comfort. So, wait on the purchase until after the course. It's too easy to get the bike, take the course and realize the bike you chose doesn't work for you, or you just don't want one anyway and then you have to find a way to sell it.

Answer 3

I'm a beginner rider myself and have looked & tried on a few used bikes. One that stands out in my mind most is a yellow 07 HD Sportster 1200 that was fitted with an EFM autoclutch.

Now I'm not one of those Harley-Or-Die types, but HD just happens to be the brand that has an auto-clutch redilly available, in the aftermarket. EFM makes a centrifugal type clutch, that grabs 1st gear (or any gear for that matter) automaticly, and makes clutching the rest of the gears, 1-finger easy.

So my choice? A 2007 or newer, HD Sportster-1200, with EFI & an autoclutch, would make the perfect learner bike, that's easily upgradable, and servicable anywhere that sells motorcycles.

Answer 4

What about a 883 sportster. You can get one on craigslist for around 3000. Not much power but you can bore it out to a 1200 for around 1500. I started out on Jap bikes and they are known for dependability but once I got a Harley I wondered what the hell have I been doing. An 883 really doesn't feel much different than a 250 Honda Rebel. Get a Sportster.

Answer 5

My first Bike is a Honda Shadow Aero 750. Nice ride, handles well. I took the basic Motorcycle Safety course with it and still was able to complete the course set up for the smaller bikes. I am 5'9" and 208lbs. i feel the bike is perfect for my size. Don't buy something you are just going to sell in 3 months. stay 600cc and up.

Answer 6

This is tricky, as you don't want to get "too much" bike for a beginner, but you don't want to become unhappy with your choice in six months.



I'm 5'9", 215 lbs. I'm on my second Suzuki Intruder Volusia (now called a Boulevard C50). The bike is very reliable; I ride about 45-48 weeks out of the year, both for recreation and commuting to work. Love the bike! Rides like my ol' H-D Electra-Glide. 805cc, shaft-driven, water-cooled, very forgiving bike. My wife is a similar size to me, and it hauls us both around very comfortably and we don't have any trouble keeping up with just about anyone.

Answer 7

All of the previously mentioned bikes are good choices. I would only add that a Ridley is an extremely easy machine to ride, balance and maneuver partly due to the automatic transmission. A plus is that it's completely American made.... in Oklahoma City, if that matters to you.