Can you recommend a good bike for me?

Can someone recommend a good starter bike for a man?

• Answer:

  We get the first-bike question here a lot. A lot of people here think you should start on a 250cc bike, like a Kawasaki Ninja 250 or Honda CBR 250. A 250 is small and light and easy to manage, and I think the ones sold in North America are designed specifically as trainers. The only problem is that a 250 is not big enough to cruise at highway speeds. It's all you need around town, up to about 80 km/h. And it will top out at 115 km/h, but they're really not designed to cruise at those speeds, they're not safe or comfortable. So if you see yourself riding long distances at high speed, you need at least 500cc and 650 would be better. This is bigger/heavier than a 250 but not that much. A full-grown man should have no problem. So long as you can sit on the bike with both feet on the ground. My advice is that you should learn on a used bike for at least one season. Maybe even buy one with already some scrapes and bruises, because you are likely to add more. After a year you can sell this 'old beater' and by then you'll have a better idea of what you really want. All the Japanese companies are very good--well made, economical, reliable, long-lived, the best for the money. I'm a Honda man myself so I'm prejudiced but they're all pretty good. I would say to stay away from single-purpose sportbikes like Honda CBR, Suzuki GSX-R, Kawasaki Ninja ZX, Yamaha R6 or R1. Those are great machines but not for beginners, not forgiving, they take some skill to ride. You want a 'standard'--Honda 599, Suzuki GS 500 or SV 650, Kawasaki Ninja 500 or 650, actually there are many models in this category. Or a cruiser--Honda Shadow, Yamaha Star, Kawasaki Vulcan, etc. Cruisers have certain advantages--like lower center of gravity--so you could start bigger, maybe 750cc. There are a number of websites with tips for what to look for--google 'Buying a used motorcycle' and see. Save room in the budget for a helmet, jacket and gloves as a minimum. Thing -abrasion resistance-. When you fall off a bike (somewhat likely) you instinctively put your hands out to stop your fall. That's what the gloves are for. Also there's a course you can take. In the US it's MSF, I'm not sure what it is in Canada. It's just a weekend or several evenings. They don't teach you to ride--you learn that yourself. They teach you some very important safety habits. Probably a good idea. Good luck! If you ever get down to California look me up and I'll show you some of the greatest roads on the continent. 8^)