Recommended bike style for newbie

 

Hi there --

I haven't owned a motorcycle in about 25 years and I'm thinking of buying
one, as I enjoyed having a bike back then (a Honda 360).

Just wondered if any particular style of bike is easier to ride and handle.
I note that on some bikes you sit in an upright position, while others have
you laying almost prone.

I'm also curious if anyone has a recommendation on the amount of power a
bike should have for a newbie. I would be using this bike for pleasure
rides and sometimes for commuting on the freeway about 15 miles to and from
work. I am attracted to bikes in the 600-1000 range, but I don't know if
that size bike would be too much for me to handle in terms of weight &
maneuverability.

Thanks for any suggestions you might have.

FA


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wrote:


"Standard" bikes, which let you sit more or less upright with the footpegs under
you, are easier to control in slow maneuvers than either sportbikes or cruisers.

How big the bike should be depends on the freeway traffic in your area. Where I
live, speeds of 75 mph are common, and a little 250cc bike would not be happy
for long. You probably have the wisdom and self-control that will inhibit you
from trying a bigger bike's full power, so something like a BMW F650 or K75
would not be out of the question. Suzuki SV650 is a good one, and so is the
GS550e. I'm sure  others will add to the list.

--
Timberwoof <me at timberwoof dot com>
faq:  http://www.timberwoof.com/motorcycle/faq.shtml

 



handle.

Honda XR650L is not too bad either.

 



A little "How long's a piecce of string" typ question, but a good one
nevertheless.

Most born agains have the distinct inpression that because they rode bikes
years ago, they can buy just about any bike today and ride it like a pro,
but thankfully, that doesn't seem to be the case with you.

In your position, I (and remember, this is just an opinion) would be looking
for a "sit-up" bike, rather than a "lay-down" if only because you have
slightly better visibility when you're sat upright and there's less muscle
power needed to remain comfortable. "Lay-down" bikes (or sportsbikes such as
the Suzi GSXR series, the Yam FZ series, Honda CBR's etc) tend to make your
wrists hurt, your forearms hurt and your lower back ache (wrong technique
does that, but a LOT of people have this wrong technique) whereas a "sit-up"
bike (sports tourer/naked muscle biikes) are REALLY comfortable for even the
longest journeys.

For commuting and leisure riding, maybe a naked "muscle" bike such as the
Kawasaki Z750/Z1000, Suzuki SV 650/1000, KTM SuperDuke or Triumph Speed
Triple (GORGEOUS) etc would suit you, but there's no weather protection on
those, even though they're huge fun.

For all year round fun AND transportation, something with a little more
comfort would be a choice too. A full faired sports tourer (I won't say BMW
coz it sticks in my throat:-), but BMW have a huge range, as do Honda,
Suzuki Yam and Kwaka.

I wouldn't even LOOK at a sit-up naked bike with less than 750cc,
particularly if you're going to use the freeways at all, but I would if it
was a faired sports tourer like the Honda VFR 800vtec.

The questions you need to ask are:-

Do I want to travel long distances
............................ very quickly
.............................very comfortably
.............................very often
Do I want to carry a pillion
............................ cargo of any sort.

Do I want to impress my pals
Do I want to learn to stunt:-)))

Most of those questions can be answered in two stly of bike. Sports tourers
and "nakeds".

Cruisers (feet forwards all your weight in your bum) are Ok (I have one
myself) but they CAN get tiresome when it comes to cornering with the guys
(they don't do it as well).

Beav

 



I had only dropped out for about 20 years.  Had a DT175 for a dozen
years and a GS450E for a few months.


As others have posted, either standard or cruiser position is easier
on the body.


If you are looking for a lightweight cruiser with sufficient power
check out the Suzuki Savage / S40 -- 352 pounds  with a 652cc single.
Only about 50 pounds heavier than a comparable 250cc bike.  Stoplight
to stoplight will run with the best.  Will do 80 easily but due to
it's light weight gets a little squirrelly over 75.  Any passengers
will soon hate you and/or the bike.