Beginner Motorcycle - Question

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Josh Langel

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So... I want a motorcycle... actually... I've been wanting one forever...



With the job I can afford something small... nothing fancy... so I am looking at a 2008 Honda Rebel.



I know just a little about cycling... and I am a beginner for sure... so everything has been pointing me to the Honda...

<img src="http://www.bikeland.org/misc/news/Honda_2008_03.jpg">

Plus.. I love the look and size (I'm a small-ish guy)...



What do you all think will be a great beginner bike for me? Right now I want something reliable... looks great... and is reasonable. Nothing super fast or fancy.



All your suggestions will be helpful!!!



Thanks! :D



Josh
 
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I've had a MC Lic. since the 70's. Riding is very fun. My first bike was a Honda 450. It was very reliable. I don't know about the new ones, but I sure it will be fine. If you can hold it up well while stopped, you should have no problem. One thing to remember, every time you ride, watch out for the other guy. For a while when I was riding a lot, 2 or 3 times a week I would come close to being hit by a car. They just don't look or see you that well. Good luck and wear a helmet.



Gary D.
 
First you have to find out if you will like riding a motorcycle enough to continue. Then decide what type of bike you desire.



If you feel you are going to be a "cruiser" type person, then yeah, go for a Rebel. I would suggest you NOT go for the 250 though. Lots of fun and easy to ride but you'll outgrow it in no time. I'd start with at least a 500cc cruiser to begin with. It'll last you A LOT longer without wanting to upgrade.



If you feel a need for a street bike, don't get a 250 Ninja. Again, they are fun but you'll outgrow it real quick like and want something bigger. Go with a 500cc Buell or low CC Suzuiki. Something like the new GSX650F. It has plenty of power (scary for a new rider actually) and will last you for awhile.



My suggestion though, buy a USED bike and find out what suits your need and style first. After you have decided then go for a new whatever.



I've been riding for 35+ years now. I've settled on a Honda ST 1100 for road trips and a Suzuki Katana (GXSF) for a commuter. Both work for my needs and will last a long, long time.



Good luck on your endeavour...
 
And oh yeah...As Gary D states...when you are riding, assume EVERYONE is out to kill you. Can't explain it but once you've ridden for awhile, you'll understand the concept.



And again, yes, wear protective gear. When I was young and invincible, I rode for years without a helmet of jacket. These days, fullface helmet, armoured jacket, gloves and boots.



As they say...dress for the crash, NOT the ride!!!!
 
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I second buying used for a first bike.. You should be able to find a used metric cruiser for around $2500 and that will be in good condition.



Signup for a safety class (motorcycle safety foundation or equivilent) that will get you your license for the most part and a discount on insurance.
 
Great advise! I had a bike when I was stationed in Florida.

Me and a friend were racing one night, I was in a Ford Fiesta and he was on a yamaha

400. He laid it down going about 85MPH! ended up in the grassy median with

a broken ankle and road rash. Boy were we stupid! Never laid my bike down but I was very cautious. Enjoy the ride, I would also recommend maybe a used Rebel to start, depends

how far you will ride, this has fair power, but as you gain confidence, you'll want at least a

500cc bike. The rebel is easy to handle and low center of gravity, they used it for MC training and exams in many states. The military used to require orange vests for visibility,

not a bad ideal.

Good luck, and stay safe!

Bud
 
My first bike was a 750, basically because the price was right more so than I knew what I was doing. It was a Honda Night Hawk. As mentioned above, if you plan on using it as a street bike don't go to small of an engine. The larger engines work easier and really do not cost you any more fuel.



Also like the others mentioned, I suggest going out and buying a cheap used bike. You can buy them all day long for $500 or so dollars. Ride it for a season, (no matter the size), and see if you like it. Plus, if you let it fall over or something careless like that, you will not be as upset as if it was a 2008 model...
 
I rode for 10 years before taking my first riders course. I was shocked at how much I DIDN"T know. Take a riders course. There are quite a few very important aspects about motorcycles that differ from driving a car (other than the obvious). Don't rely on a buddy to teach you to ride unless they're a certified instructor. Remember, there's no such thing as "laying it down". That's called a wreck.
 
Take a course. The first six month is the most hazardous. Always ride like everyone on the road is trying to run over you. Have fun.
 
I too have wanted a motorcycle for a long time. Last summer, I took the motorcycle class, which I highly recommend. After completing the class, I want a bike even more now. In the class, I rode a Honda Rebel. Very comfortable and fun to ride.
 
I started on an off/on road honda 250xl. The reason I am glad I did that is that bike tought me alot on handling and manuvering. Being able to control that bike through sand, mud, wet roads etc and learning from my mistakes. My next bike was a 600 Honda CBR FX4. I am on my second one of those. It has enough power for me and the size is perfect.



If you have never ridden before, I suggest you find a friend that has a bike you can ride around the neighborhood or backyard to get the feel. A friend of mine owned a sus/kaw dealership and sold a bike to a new rider who drive right out the driveway in front of a car and got killed. These things are great but experience and training are keys to survival and safety.



The military required a motorcycle class to drive one on base and that was the best thing I ever did. Been riding since i was 19 and I am 43 now. Like the Sporttrac, its addictive and fun.



Be carefull, enjoy your new/used bike and have fun.



james
 
My first bike was a used Yamaha 650. It was a piece of crap when I bought it for $200 but I drove it into the ground for about 2 years then bought a used Honda 350 for about the same price. Then moved up to my first new bike, a Honda 750 with the 4 carbs. Cost me $2500. It was a bitch to keep tuned. It got stolen after about a year and I bought a used Harley Sportster. But it was AMF and a total piece of crap so I ended up selling it after a couple of years. I sure miss riding and with gas prices skyrocketing, I'm really getting tempted.
 
Get a bigger engine, especially if there is ANY freeway involved. Take the course. Assume everyone can not see you and ride accordingly. Get a used bike and ride it for a little bit -- you will know what you like and don't like in a matter of weeks. Oh wait, this has all been said above. :)



My first bike was a Suzuki gs 450L. I rode it from Orlando to Chicago. Fun, but stupid. Next bike was a Nighthawk 700 -- much more practical for my size at the time. Now, I am looking at something in the 1300cc and up range.
 
Keep in mind that we live in America and bigger is always better in "our" eyes.



A 250 motorcycle will maintain 70mph on all highways thoughtout the country with the exception of running through the steep mountain roads.



NO ONE NEEDS BIGGER - they just want bigger, and it is definatly nice. I am not saying people shouldn't buy bigger, just don't fall into the 250/500 will not be enough, it may not be in the long run, but that doesn't mean it isn't a great learning tool, and if you buy it used you will more than likely be able to sell it for the same amount as you bought it a year or two later.
 
I second JD. Your first bike is for LEARNING! I went 250, 500, and now am going to something larger... Just seems every time I have the deal of the century lined up to buy one that it falls thru and I have to keep searching.



Also, I have only owned and ridden HONDA's. Cheap to maintain. Cheap to Replace. Cheap to buy. Still look great!





oh and from personal experience... never operate a bike only wearing flip flops and shorts. ouch.
 
oh and from personal experience... never operate a bike only wearing flip flops and shorts. ouch.
Click to expand...



The one and only time I've gone down while riding on the street I was wearing shorts, flip-flops, a tanktop and no helmet...... thankfully I was only going about 5 mph. I hit some gravel while slowing and turning into a parking lot and my front wheel kicked to the side, down I went. Scraped up my palm, elbow, knee and the TOPS of my toes.:D I was young and dumb, what can I say...
 
Back to the question though, I would recommend a used 500-600cc bike to start with. There's very little difference in size and weight from a 250, and you'll be happier with that size longer than a 250. I've been riding dirt bikes since I was about 9, street bikes since I got my motorcycle permit at age 15, and haven't ever really been without a bike since, I'm about to turn 30. Here's how I've progressed with my bikes since I started street riding:



Age 15-17 - 1981 Yamaha 400 Special

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Age 17-20 - 1986 Kawasaki Ninja 600R

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Age 21-27 - 1996 MotoGuzzi 1100 Sport

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Age 27-current - 1998 BMW K1200RS

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I feel this has been a pretty good progression of power and size of bike, I've never felt the bike was too much to handle for me. I also just bought my wife her first bike, a 1991 Suzuki GS500E, I got it off Craigslist for $750. It's light enough for her to handle, and she can get a feel for riding and decide if she wants to continue. I can easily resell it if she doesn't like it and not lose a penny. I am making her take the motorcycle safety course before she starts riding though, its worth every penny!



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Note: these aren't my pics, just photos I found online of the same bikes I've had.
 

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