Posted: 3/22/2005 4:40:47 PM EDT
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The thought just crossed my mind to give motorcycling a try. I was looking at the Honda Rebel cause it is cheap and I figure if I get into it I can upgrade. I am wondering what taxes, tags, titles, and insurance run for owning one of thses things. Any recommendations for someone looking to get into riding a motorcycle besides taking a first timer course. I also don't know anyone who rides so I'd be going it alone. Thanks |
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You might find that a 250cc bike will get old real quick. They are very forgiving and great to learn on cause they have low power. A 250cc would be pretty cheap on insurance though. If you are new to motorcycling, get a cheap used bike because you will most likely scratch it up while learning to ride it. Depending on how much you have to spend, you can get a really nice used bike on the cheap. It sounds to me like you want a cruiser type bike and those are normally less on insurance than the sportbike/crotchrocket kind. Really try to find someone to teach you how to ride, and what to look out for. It really helps. |
| If you want a bike that is step above the entry level 250s, the Kawasaki 500 Ninja has a lot of bang for the buck, and you won't grow out of it soon. In fact, many get rid of their liter bikes and go back to the 500 because "slower" bikes can be more fun. You can get much closer to the limit on them, something that is very hard to do on a 600+ on the roads... |
i traded my vulcan 500 in this year. same engine but more of a cruiser style than the ninja. plenty of power for it's size and fun to ride. |
| I second the start with at least a 500. Make sure you take a MSF class, most dealers can send you in the right direction. Welcome to another addiction. Much like anything else you try, you will either love it and want to upgrade to a bigger bike or you will hate the freedom that come with a motorcycle. |
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Take the MSF. 500cc minimum if your first bike is a sportbike. I went with 600cc instead because the bike I wanted was a 600. I turned out fine. 750cc minimum if your first bike is a cruiser. EDIT: A friend of mine bought a Rebel 250. Sold it 4 months later at a loss. Waste of money. |
| One thing I'll add, if you think you want a Harley, a used 1986-2003 883 Sportster makes a good first bike. Ride the heck out of it, and if you want a little more oomph, you can make it a 1200 very easily, and basically from there you can do what your check book allows. |
That won't be the case if Aprilia makes the 450cc twin replacement for the RS250 they keep talking about. Also, it is a shame IMHO we don't get the 400cc sportbikes that Europe and Japan enjoy. I know they bombed here, but on a small scale I think they would have a market... |
| Most people who buy a rebal are trying to find out what they like about bikes. They buy one then in a few months the get a sports bike or a 750 shadow or another AR if they dont like it. I work at a Honda Kawasaki shop (8 Years, sales) If you have any questions let me know. IM me for shop info. |
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As previously stated... first off, get to a MSF class! They are great for riders of all experience levels. I don't know "how big a boy y'are", but I'd be likely to concur a 250cc is NOT gonna cut it. There are a whole slew of bikes under 750cc that can be good beginners bikes, once you have learned the fundamentals. But remember, a 600cc sport bike does not equal a 600cc standard  I ride a dual sport, because I enjoy the off road capability of my bike, and have been able to take advantage of it. Read lots, buying a bike is like anything else, the more informed you are, the happier you will be with your purchase. Don't be afraid to buy used. New is nice, but if you have ANY mechanical ability, you will be able to handle most maintenance tasks no problem. Good luck! |
I was going more from the bikes you actually see at dealerships around here. The Ninja 500 is just about the only lower CC bike you can get at a decent price around here. Personally, I recommend a used Honda CBR F4 (or F4i) with not too many miles. The CBRs are forgiving but offer plenty of learning room. I would LOVE to get my hands on a Yamaha FZR400 even though I've been riding 600s for years. Just not too available. |
Well, like I said above a Honda CBR F4 or F4i with less than 10k miles on it if you like sportbikes. ETA: Maybe a Yamaha YZF600R (NOT the R6s, the earlier model bike) if you can find one in good shape. Honda Shadow 750 if you like cruisers. |
*nods* Thinking some more about it, if one isn't that short (especially of inseam) the new Suzuki Supermoto (SM) would be a great bike. It is based off the DRZ400S, basically the same but I think slightly lower and with sport bike rubber. I'm not sure if it is at the dealers yet, but it is supposed to be a 2005 model so barring problems it will be a good alternative. I'm into "weird" bikes and a great one is the little Aprilia RS50. It is basically the only street legal two stroke left (unfortunately), and you can do great things such as a big bore kit and engine swaps. I believe ppl. have even squeezed 450cc thumpers into them. Derbi also makes a line of 50cc bikes, but they are not as available as the Aprilias. |