What are some good starter motorcycles that are very cheap?  All I really know about are the Ninja 250/500 and the SV650.  What else is there?  A friend of mine wants to know but her budget is very tight.

Any late 1970s or newer Japanese standard.  I'd say Honda or Kawawi but there are some older yamahas out there too.  Most of them in decent running order are <1K and are perfect for first bikes.  

Hayabusa seriously I really don't know, because I'm in the process of buying my first bike which I think is going to be either an 883 sportster, or a Suzuki Boulevard M50.

The standard answer is the SV650 for me, You have to come up with a reason NOT to get one.

I'm sure if ya head down to the cars&bikes section of this forums you'll get answers. If you've never ridden before I would think it be best to take the motorcycle safety course before ya buy anything....My suggestion is don't get too much bike until your experience/skill improves.

first of all


Has she taken a MSF course???
Have a Motorcycle endorsment on the license??

Appropiate crash gear......




Ninja or a rebel

Yes, as above.  Take course, get a good helmet and gear, THEN look at a bike.  I like the late 70s and early 80s Japanese bikes.  Mine was a KZ750.

Quoted: Yes, as above.  Take course, get a good helmet and gear, THEN look at a bike.  I like the late 70s and early 80s Japanese bikes.  Mine was a KZ750.

Me too, but I don't think a FJ1200 is a good starter bike for a girl.

My sis-in-law learned on a 250 Rebel. Good first scoot.

Quoted: The standard answer is the SV650 for me, You have to come up with a reason NOT to get one.

I would tend to agree though I could see the Ninja 250 being a good, fun starter bike. I'd be leery about taking one out on the interstate in heavy traffic though...

edit: yea i know about the course.  She going to sign up for it either this fall or next year in spring.  She just wants to look and see what is out there for what price as she is on a pretty tight budget.

I've gotta vote for the SV650.  It's a popular first bike for  good reason.  The Ducati Monster is another choice if you just must have choices.  It's their entry bike, and Ducati claims that 60% of it's Monster customers are first time motorcycle buyers.  If you want dirt road type versatility you could also consider a KLR650.

Have her shop in the winter or fall. For us in cold climates the prices go down with the  temps.  A 250 or 650 might be a good starter, just be sure she is ready for the weight and size of the bike she picks.

In before Kirk tells you to buy a SV650 because you're not po'fessional enough for a Busa

I started off on a Sportster 1100.

Awaiting KirkP to chime in.....

A person of small stature will have an easier time on a smaller bike.  I'm a big guy and I started on a early 80's CB750F and it was a handfull.  Then I went straight for the CBR1000F and VFR750R.

Older and cheap for a first bike would be my suggestion. That way if you decide riding isn't for you or if you drop it or bang it up then it's not a big loss.  Make sure the bike is a good fit.  Feet should be flat on the ground when seated and Legs need to be bent slightly at the knees.  It's tough to keep balance at a stop when you can barley touch ground.

Seriously though, the smaller bikes are a lot of fun to ride.  We used Nighthawk 250's in our MSF beginner rider courses and they moved my 6'1" 260lbs around easily.  My friend and fellow instructor has a Hawk GT.  The SV650 looks like a good choice and gets great reviews in the cycle mags.

Depends on her desired riding position, her size, and how much she'll practice.

Riders don't need to be able to put both feet down at a stop, but if they can't it requires additional practice and confidence.

For sportbikes/nakeds/standards basically anything 500cc and under is a good starter bike. Ninja 250/500, Hyosung 250, Rebel, Buell Blast and any others.

For Cruisers, it's not too much of a problem to go higher cc such as 650 as they don't bolt like sport bikes. But weight still matters, as it's good to learn on a smaller bike.

Have her sit on various bikes to find a riding position she likes.

There's a forum for beginner bikers you can check out. Here

Take heed of recommendations and answers from that site.

ETA: Since you mention she's on a tight budget, don't forget about Insurance and Protective Gear. Insurance is pretty low on smaller CC bikes so not too much of a problem. Helmet, gloves, boots, jacket and pants can be another story. Check out ADVrider.com's Equipment section on good advice on gear. If you can't afford the best, something is still better than nothing.

In before kirkp

Quoted: In before kirkp

Quoted: What are some good starter motorcycles that are very cheap?  All I really know about are the Ninja 250/500 and the SV650.  What else is there?  A friend of mine wants to know but her budget is very tight.

1980s jap bikes...

Best deal out there (check E-bay) and you can screw them up without losing any money...

450-650cc is a good size for a 'starter'....

Look at the Suzuki GS series....

450, 550, 650 or maybe 750 at most...

All priced low, no plastic to fuck up, and they are 'crash-survivable' (for both the rider and the bike - I know *that* from personal experience)...