Hello.  I'm looking to get into riding but its not something I want to jump into blindly.  I wanted to get some ideas on good beginner bikes.  This would be used primarily as a recreational ride, not as an every-day commuter.

Looking for any sites that may have user reviews, industry ratings, etc.  Also interested in hearing other readers opinions.

Thanks!  

bump  

Hi
This may be a bit late, but my wife and I completed the Motorcycle Safety course back in May, and I bought her a Honda Rebel for her first bike. Its only 250cc, but she loves it cause its not heavy and its very easy to ride. If this sounds too small, maybe jumpimg into the 750cc - 900cc range would be a good start.
Good Luck  

Bikeaholic,
Last year my wife finally joined the biking community (as a driver).  At 54 she was a little concerned that she might not like moving to the front seat.  She also took the Motorcycle Safety course in which she was assigned a 250cc Nighthawk.  The bike was to small and underpowered for her.  i took the chance an purchased a new 750cc Honda Shadow Areo.  I scored a major hit.  The bike size is perfect both in height and weight.  The bike has more than enough power attached so that I'll not have to buy something bigger a year down the road.  The bike was very reasonable in price though I've spent half that again in accessories (more bells and whistles), but to watch the way she beams ear to ear at every stop sign makes every dime worth while.  

I'm also looking to get into riding, though many people keep telling me the financial investement isn't worth it...mainly having insurance for both a motorcycle AND a car.  Opinions?  Oh yeah, and I think it would be too much for me as a beginner, but my dream bike right now is a Suzuki Boulevard m109r. Who knows...  

Last year I bought my first bike ever, and I had no previous riding experience, I bought the Suzuki S50 and here are the reasons:
1. was cheaper than a honda or yamaha
2. was lighter 100lbs than any of the same catagory
3.low center of gravity = easy to handle
4. 800cc has enough steam to accelarte on the freeway above the 70 mile/hr mark  

I just got the m109r.  It's my first bike and I LOVE it.  I'm 5'10" 165 lbs and it the bike gives me no problems.  It is amazing how easy the bike is to control.  And it's fast.  Get it.  Get it.  Get it.  

If you want to get into motorcycling, I highly recommend taking the Motorcycle Foundation basic rider course.  It's free and if you pass the course, you get your endorsement. It also gives a new biker a wealth of knowledge about riding and safety that is a must have.

As far as a bike goes, get something bigger than 600 cc.  My first bike was 650cc and I'm glad I got it - it was just the right size for me to handle while I was learning.  Now I'm drooling over bigger bikes, but I know that I probably would have dumped a bigger ride on a slow turn if I had gotten that first.  

Most folks that buy 250cc as a starter bike outgrow them in a matter of a few months.  Unless you can get a used 250cc really cheap, a better bet is the 600-800 cc class, such as  the VStar 650, Shadow VLX, Boulevard S50.  These all have low seats and decent power you won't outgrow quickly. Also TAKE THE MSF CLASS. Very inexpensive and can keep you from making deadly mistakes in your riding.  

I guess my first question would be, how hard do you think you will want to open your brand new bike up on the road?  If you are the type of person who will run and gun their new bike, start small.  If you are the type of person who can handle a bigger engine by using a little common sense to not run and gun it, slowly learn how to ride and know your limitations on it, I would suggest 800-1200.  But you have to be honest with yourself when answering that question.  As far as the MSF course.  Any safety course you can take for riding is a good course.  Take the beginer's course, ride a couple of months to use what you learned and then take an advanced riders course.  Start learning good habits right away rather than trying to brake them when you first start taking a riding course.  

I am 32 years old and married with 4 children...meaning I'm pretty responsible.  I have been riding ATVs for years but am looking to get into riding but have never rode a street bike before.  I'm 6'1 @ 225 lbs and was wondering everyone's thought on the Suzuki Boulevard C50T as a first bike.  Would it be too much since I'm just starting out?  Thanks.  

Hi nightrage

I faced the same dilema in June as you now face. Taking the safety course was not an option for me as the city where I live only offers it twice back to back in late May and I wanted to start riding right away. I purchased the Vulcan 900 which is the Kawasaki equivilant of the C50T. I had ridden a cruiser (750 cc Yamaha) thirty years ago on the highway for a grand total of about 120 miles so I was basically a beginner. The dealer delivered the bike to my house. For my first ride I rode out to a local college about three blocks from my house and just practiced and practiced starting and stopping and turning. And then when I felt more comfortable I rode on seldom used roads, then on suburbs with very light traffic and industrial areas where I would be unlikely to get pulled over as I did not have my motorcycle licence at the time. I am now quite comfortable with the bike. You also have an additional advantage over me in that you are quite a bit bigger physically than me. I am 5'11" 155 lbs. If you can start off slowly like I did I don't think you will have any trouble. But if your first ride on this bike was through any amount of traffic I think you could get yourself into serious trouble real quick. Until you get used to it you will find it pretty big and heavy but It doesn't take very long at all to get used to it. Hope this helps you out

John  

Nightrage,

The C50T is an excellent bike. It has plenty of power for a rider and passenger at highway speeds. It's also mild enough to be a good beginner bike for your size.  Sit on one at the dealership to make sure it has enough legroom for your 6'1" frame.  Also TAKE THE MSF CLASS as soon as you can get a slot. You'll never regret it. It may save your life.  - Jeff -  

Thanks guys for the replies.  I'm in the military so the MSF class is a must and there's no doubt that I will be taking it slow.  

I sat on the bike yesterday and it seemed a little smallish on the leg room but it wasn't uncomfortable by no means.  I sat on the 900 Kawi and there was a bit more room but I'm still leaning toward the Suzuki.  I was thinking of getting an engine bar with foot rests anyway to stretch out the legs on long trips...

Thanks for all your inputs.

Rage  

Give Triumph a look. I've got a 2003 Bonneville and love it! They are over engineered to get over the reliability issues of the 60's bikes. Plus they're different and  relatively inexpensive.

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