I am looking to buy a cheap light used motorcycle, which of these would be a good bet?

I have never rode before, but after I am done with my riding class I want something light, cheap and not too powerful for the first year, as I will still be learning.

I am thinking of getting a Honda Rebel or a Kawasaki Ninja, but of these bikes I have listed which sounds best?

How many miles is too many on a used bike?

Kawasaki Ninja 250cc 2120 miles $1800
2006 Kawasaki Ninja 250R 250cc 4400 miles $2000
2000 Suzuki 250cc Cruiser 11450 miles $1400
2001 Honda Rebel 250cc 2800 miles $1800
2005 Honda CMX250 Rebel 250cc 9800 miles $2000

Thanks in advance

BTW The first Ninja I listed is a 2004..


And wow, thanks for the answers so far guys!

Both are very good for new riders. Both are pretty easy to unload if and when you want to up in size... which most folks will want to do at some point.

Quality of both machines are comparable, but the Ninja has one rather large factor in its favor... it is fast enough to operate on the highways ( the Rebel is as well if you are not heavy and the wind is not in your face), but the Ninja will do the speeds regardless of those factors, and have a bit to spare if you need it. The benefit is that the Ninja can be kept longer and serve as a highway ride as long as you need it to. The Rebel will have to be replaced if highways are to be a frequent riding environment for you.

Good luck in you decision!

Either of the Ninja's would be my choice. They'll have a higher top speed than the Rebel (good for highway), and better handling and brakes. The Rebel will have a lower seat height, lower center of gravity, and better slow-speed handling.

Both these bikes should go 50,000 miles before any real issues start to show up, if maintained regularly.

I would reccomend the honda rebel. After you learn how to safely ride around, then get a bigger or sports bike. Rebel will last a long time if maintained.

Depends on you. I would choose the 06 ninja out of this lot.

ninja.... rebel suck and are hard to sell

all these bikes have very low miles for there yr and would make a great first bike, the Ninjas will sell faster and for about what you pay for it when your ready to move up to a bigger bike if you are looking at sport bikes go with the Ninja if you are more comfortable in a upright sitting position get the Honda Rebel it might take a little longer to resell but you'll still get about what you paid for it in the end , Honda's have always been a very reliable bike and so has the Kawasaki's so you would be getting a good bike no matter which one you went with if you are short you would be better off with the Rebel as it has the lower seat height then the Ninja