I'm looking to buy my first motorcycle. Any suggestions?

I've never owned a motorcycle before, but always wanted one. I just don't know what exactly I'm looking for.

What kind of bike? I want a crotch rocket, but I think I should start with a cruiser.

What size motor? I've heard everything from 100cc-500cc, or 550cc-700cc.

What should I look at when going to buy one? Anything obvious that someone who doesn't know what there looking for would miss?

You know, typical newbie stuff.

Thanks a bunch.

Thanks a bunch. I had planned on attending a riding corse. And had no intention of buying a new bike. But all the other information is great. Thanks you.

i started with a 250cc kawasaki sportsbike
and it was great

i was very happen with it.

if you really want a sportsbike i don't think that you should start with a cruiser. if you did and then switched over to a sportsbike you would probably find the seating position a little uncomfortable.

check for the same things you check with a car.

check for leaks.

check the edge of the handlebars and brake levers for scratches because this will tell you if the bikd has been dropped.

go to see a bike in the morning without much notice so that you get to start the bike while it's cold, some sneaky people might warm up the engine before hand if they know you are comming to see it.

check for fairing damage.

when you open the throttle check that it springs back right away

goodluck :)
stay safe!

Well, you want something that will fit you easily. If your a short female, a 250CC cruiser type bike would be ideal. If your tall (like closer to 6ft) then get a 250CC trail bike. As your riding skills improve, you can then safely move up to the bigger leagues.

First off there are good deals in San Diego just to let you know.


People dont reaklize it but there used ones work just as well as new ones because they dont get much milage. So maybe you should start with that.

Tip number 2 is to get one that is good for your size. Dont get one that is too big or too small.

Tip number 3 is that you WILL have to spend some bucks on safety equipment, so buy good quality equipment. It will be worht it later on.

I hope these tips helped. These are just common sence basics to buying a motorcycle.

My first bike was a Harley Sportster, 1200 cc and it was a perfect first bike for me. The 250s are small and not hard to handle, but you can't really get out there and ride one that slow! I was terrified of the 1200cc thing when I first got mine, but as a buddy said "you don't have to use all 1200 ccs at once!" I was really happy with that bike and I wasn't looking to replace it with a bigger bike in the first month like all my friends were!

If you've never been one a motorcycle before I STRONGLY suggest a class that includes both classroom and on-bike training. I did it and I don't think I could have ridden without it!

I always recommend starting on something old because you are going to drop it a few times before you figure out how to handle it. The older sportbikes do not have the take off power that the new ones do, so you would be fine with a 600 and won't get bored with it too fast. If you want to ride sport bikes, there is no need to start on a cruiser. You would have to practically relearn everything when you switch. Especially cornering.

If its your first one start with a 250cc cruiser, then you can work your way up.

Definitely go with a cruiser to start our. They are easier to ride. Sport bikes are awesome but you definitely don't want to start out on one!! I would suggest a 250 to learn on. Try looking at Honda Rebels or Suzuki's. I have a Honda Rebel and I love cruisin around on it. It's a nice little bike and it is comfortable to ride. I also have a Yamaha FZR 600 sport bike and I love it but it hurts my back after about an hour. I would also suggest taking some classes so you can practice cones and stopping and all that good stuff. The best advice I can give you is to sit on a lot of bikes before you pick the one you want. You can always sell it if you want something else. Bikes don't depriciate in value very much so a year from now, the bike will be worth about the same as you bought it for. Good luck and be safe this season!

Start with a used Kawasaki Ninja 250.

If you really must start with a cruiser style, then a used Kawasaki Vulcan 500.

go to a couple of dealers and sit on a few of the bikes. see what feels best for you, then look for something similar used.

Consider the R2, it's UBER cheap, light, and will get you where you need to go as fast as you need to get there...

If you drop it, No big deal, light and easy to pick up, and you didn't spend alot to get it...

you can get one brand new for 2k

You should get something around 750cc. That is a good all round size that you won't get bored with too quickly. I would stay away from the sport bikes until you get some experience and make sure you get a USED bike because you will be dropping it a couple of times (I don't necissarily mean crashing, I mean you will just drop it on the ground because the kickstand wasn't out all the way or you just plain forgot to put it out).

Other than that, just sit on a few and see which one fits you best.

Good luck and remember to wear the safety gear all the time.

Definately take the motorcycle safety course. The courses here provide 250cc cruisers to ride during the course. That should give you a good idea what you may be comfortable riding later on. Buy the recommended safety gear. Helmet, gloves, glasses, boots, jacket and maybe even pants. If you really want a crotch rocket then start shopping for them and don't worry so much about buying a bike to sell later. You should be good on anything less than a 500cc, just to get the feel & experience while you are learning to ride. Buy the bike that fits you best, regardless of brand & get in the wind every chance you can.