I am getting my motorcycle licence soon. I am wondering what is the best bike for mainly cruising on country roads and to and from work (in the city). I wouldn't be opposed to the occasional long road trip. I really like the looks of the Honda Shadow, but am open to any bike ideas.
The best bike is whatever is the best bike for you and your riding style.
As far as make goes, they are all about the same in quality.
Most young people prefer the crotch rockets. I used to like them myself when I was younger but out grew them years ago.
I now prefer the cruisers. I currently own a Suzuki Intruder that I am quite happy with. It isn't the fastest bike on the road, but speed isn't everything. It is still fast enough to put a smile on my face though.
My suggestion is go with what YOU like. Buy something that is within your means. Don't go too big or too small.
Maybe get something used in about the 500 – 750 CC range. After you get more experienced, sell it and get something bigger.
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Everyone is different, its hard for someone to tell you what the best one is. I suggest once you get your license go test ride bikes, go to different deals that have deal styles and brands. Set on them and ride them, this way you can see what style and size you are the most comfortable one.
Or even start off with a used bike to get the feel for it.
No matter what you do take the MSF course.
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That would be nice choice for your 1st bike. Definitely not a crotch rocket. Have fun!
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Check out the Yamaha Star series also. I had a Road Star, but that might be a bit big for your first bike.
If you want something that hadles well in town, look at the BMW 650 GS. It's a dual sport bike, so you would be up a bit higher than on a cruiser, but it has a shorter wheelbase so it would be easier to ride in tight quarters like the city.
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Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD is a great starter bike. It is a cruiser with a parallel twin engine. Light weight and pretty quick. If you want the best value for your money you cant go wrong with the Suzuki SV650. Light, nimble, plenty of power and aftermarket parts avaliable. The upright seating is pretty confortable for long trips.
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I suggest something like the 650 Dragstar Yamaha. Just the right size for a first bike after you have passed your test, and if you wanted to go bigger the 1100 Dragstar – same size bike just a bigger engine.
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most people for their first bike have been looking at the ninja 250r,great handling,great fuel mileage,exellent resale when your ready to upgrade.
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Yamaha. Choose what you want in a bike and they have it. Fewest recalls and quality is good. The bikes last. I have three bikes, all Yamaha, all run. The newest bike is 17 years old and will do zero to sixty in 1.9 seconds. That's a stock bike with no modifications. My other two bikes are 27 years old and run good. That is quality.
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The best bike is whatever is the best bike for you and your riding style.
As far as make goes, they are all about the same in quality.
Most young people prefer the crotch rockets. I used to like them myself when I was younger but out grew them years ago.
I now prefer the cruisers. I currently own a Suzuki Intruder that I am quite happy with. It isn't the fastest bike on the road, but speed isn't everything. It is still fast enough to put a smile on my face though.
My suggestion is go with what YOU like. Buy something that is within your means. Don't go too big or too small.
Maybe get something used in about the 500 – 750 CC range. After you get more experienced, sell it and get something bigger.
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Depends on you. City like newyork the 250cc bikes are populor. My first bike was and r6 and i currents ride an r1. I waited untill i was older to get a bike because if i had one at 19 or 20 i would have killed myself. whatever you get you'll love it.
ride safe
jeff
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Harley Davidson by far! We love ours for the back roads… if you are going long distance, don't get a Low Rider or Sportster. Not comfy enough.
Have fun!
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i'm in the same position with you,about half a year now.i'd say ducati monster 620 or 695.the 695 has 50% less maintenance cost and parts,so if you can afford the 7990 euros that it costs,don't look anywhere else.no problems in this bike,sold more than 170.000 bikes worldwide.only problem is that is air-cooled,so if you live in Africa you may have a problem.anywhere else you won't.now,don't listen to any other crap the may say,i'm about to buy one myself!drive safe and have fun!
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My first bike is and was an 800cc ducati monster. Works for me. It will depend on your favored riding position. I do not like cruisers with my legs cast out in fron of me, but my brother-in-law is the opposite. The monster does not have the extreme forward lean of a crotch rocket, but you are not sitting back, handles great and there are many used 620s and 695s around for inexpensive. Weight should be relatively light around 400 lbs. so if you start to drop you have a chance to recover it.Most people I spoke with warned me off crotch rockets and bigger bikes
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Since you're looking for cruisers, I have just two rules here. One, it should be so light that if it fell over you could pick it up without any help. Aside from the obvious usefulness, picking a light first bike makes it less likely you will have it fall over on you.
Two, it needs to fit you correctly. You should be able to get both feet flat on the ground when sitting in the saddle, and you should feel comfortable with your hands on the bars and your feet on the pegs or floorboards.
Have fun. There's several beginner friendly Honda Shadow models out there.
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Good choice. Honda has never left my by the road.
VStars are a little underpowered and need the valves adjusted fairly frequently, so maintenancee cost becomes a factor, but other than that, you can't go wrong with any of the mid-size (600- 750cc) bikes from the Jap Big Four
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