Thinking to buy a motorcycle...?

Given the gas prices nowadays, I'm thinking about buying a motorcycle.

Is there a good beginner's bike (yet with a "Bad @$$" factor) that you guys can recommend? I'm looking more at a cruiser-type bike, something that'll take me back and forth from school/work/home.

As far as prices...I'm willing to spend about 8,000$

Are there any good helmets?

Suzuki C50 or C50T. the "50" means 50 cubic inches or 805cc's. They are excellent bikes for women, they handle nicely and sit fairly low. They are powerful, but not scary fast like a sportbike. They also are very well built and designed. The C50 and C50T are pretty much the same bike, the "T" comes with a touring package. Either one can be bought new for less than $8000. A year old one goes for $6-7,000.

Ventos are not American-made, either. They are South American bikes, they have an assembly plant in Texas, but that's as close as they come to being American made.

Kawasaki Vulcan 500, about $5000 or go bigger with a Vulcan 900, about $7000 and up.

Harley Davidson 883s are famous, for a beginner cruiser. That is what I started off with. It was a fine cruiser to learn on but considering the higher price and owning one and realized that the American name doesn't make the bike any better, I no longer recommend them, and rather go to a Japanese brand. I ride a Kawasaki now, but ride a ZX6 sportbike rather than a cruiser.

Honda Rebels are cheap and inexepensive and a great bike to use through a rider training course, but way too small for everyday riding and not good for the highway and not much "cool" factor in them. Maybe decent for around town riding if you want a bike that small.

I would recommend you to buy a Suzuki cruiser (Intruder) or a good Harley Davidson. Maybe a 125cc or 500cc.
To be honest, it is your personal preference as you are going to be riding the bike and not us. Go into a few bike shops and try the bikes out, even ask if you would be able to test ride the bike or just have a sit on the bike so you can feel the weight of the bike as some cruisers can be quite heavy.
Im from the UK so I wouldn't know what you can get for 8,000$ and can't help you on that one unfortunately.

if you don't have any experience, I would think about taking a motorcycle course, and buying a cheaper bike for a starter. There are a lot of nice bikes out there that just sit in garages, because people buy them with great intentions, then realize that the bike, or motorcycles in general are not for them. Get some experience on a cheaper bike, then you should be a little more confident when it's time to step up to a nice bike.

I recommend Vento motorcycles. Vento is an American made motorcycle and is very affordable. They have two cruiser models, the Colt and V Thunder. Both sell for less then $3,900 new. The Vento's get around 75 miles per gallon which is important now. Check them out at www.vento.com or at www.ventocustoms.com. There is also a V Thunder yahoo forum which you can get more info. from other V Thunder owners. Good luck.

buy a 500 cc bike such as a kawasaki. or honda.
start with a used one from a reputable dealer.
i was told dont buy a bike you cant pick up if you drop it
a 250 is ok for just running around. i bought a gz250 suzuki just for that purpose, even though i ride a 1200 sportster

take the course 1st then look for a bike. There are a lot of smaller metric cruisers that are good for beginners. Honda shadow, suz c40 or 50, kawi{not my top choice}, and even the 883 Harley.

Get a helmet that is DOT approved and MAKE SURE IT IS A GOOD FIT !!!

I would say Suzuki GN125, Yamaha SR125 and i dont know what HOnda do.
Have a look on the web at the motorcycle manufactures for ideas
www.Honda.com
www.Kawasaki.com
www.suzuki.com
www.Yamaha.com

try a harley davidson 883 hugger. its small and can cost less than 8000 if bought at the right dealer.you will be happy with the harley.as far as helmets go the best are ARAI and SHOEI.but those brands cost alot of money

a rebel is a good beginner's cruiser...

whatever helmet you get, make sure it is "snell" approved

V star 650 or 1100 great bike ! there are tons of great helmets just like shoes try them on go to a local bike shop.

Ride a legend... 883 or 1200 Harley

I'm buying a horse and buggy. you don't need a helmet for that.