Thinking about a Motorcycle

[Threehz]

I've always wanted to ride a motorcycle, and it seems like a great idea in every sense aside from the obvious dangers of riding a motorcycle (of course only my girlfriend, family, and friends care about that).

I know we have a lot of bikers here on R3v so I'm looking for some input on what type of bike would be the best.

The bike would be mainly for commuting (I drive 30+ miles six days a week and the 80+ mpg that bikes get sounds real good). I'm not into sportbikes, I'm really only interested in cruisers. The Honda Rebel is the type of bike I'm thinking is right, but I don't know shit about bikes. Just a reliable, good gas mileage cruiser that doesn't have too much power (or I'll kill myself and enjoy it).

Any suggestions as to what types of bikes would be a good idea (reliability is a big factor too)?

Also, should I buy new or used? 3500$ for a brand new Rebel seems like a score.

Thanks R3v.

[InuFaye]

No.

Its not yourself you have to be worried about, its other stupid shits.

[Threehz]

No doubt about that.

[Holland]

If it's a 250, then pass. You will grow out of it in a week.

[trackjunkie21]

If it's a 250, then pass. You will grow out of it in a week.

Yes and no. but a 450cc or 500cc would be ideal.

[carfantiti]

just my 2 censt.
I love motorcycles .I have my motorcycle license and did a school on riding.I had a Harley for couple years.I drove it to work sometimes.I thought it be fun to have.
I got tired of every time I drove it some one almost killed me.The complex I lived 2 guys got killed just leaving the place .My buddy road his bike for years than had a nasty crash totaled bike and was hurt for a while.Another good friend professional rider went down on the freeway.My ex co worker bought a bike last I herd he totaled bike was in news went to hospital for months.He lost his job and is slow from the crash.
Chances are owning a bike you will go down at some point.When it rains your wet when its hot your dying in sweat.Just my 2 cents I would think again .
If you buy it as a toy for a occasional cruse thats one thing.Why don't you get the license first than rent one see how it goes?

[Ryan Stewart]

Start on a SV650, if you can get one naked they don't look dated but you can get an old one for pennies right now, throw frame sliders on it to protect it, then sell it in the spring after you've had an opportunity to fall over and get what you really want.

[LJ851]

^This is good advice.

[M-power1989]

just get one
good reliable bikes are
yamaha xj750
nighthawk
honda shadow
sabre these are all old bikes so keep that in mind

[future rs]

I have ridden ducati for a while and I have to say they are amazing bikes.

I would recommend a nice monster for a commute.

[ethirtydavid]

just my 2 censt.
I love motorcycles .I have my motorcycle license and did a school on riding.I had a Harley for couple years.I drove it to work sometimes.I thought it be fun to have.
I got tired of every time I drove it some one almost killed me.The complex I lived 2 guys got killed just leaving the place .My buddy road his bike for years than had a nasty crash totaled bike and was hurt for a while.Another good friend professional rider went down on the freeway.My ex co worker bought a bike last I herd he totaled bike was in news went to hospital for months.He lost his job and is slow from the crash.
Chances are owning a bike you will go down at some point.When it rains your wet when its hot your dying in sweat.Just my 2 cents I would think again .
If you buy it as a toy for a occasional cruse thats one thing.Why don't you get the license first than rent one see how it goes?

neg alert^
Several of the bikes these guys listed so far are great ideas for a starter. 250 ninja is good, but likely you will be eager for more power sooner than later. sv 650 or 90's CBR/ FZR are ideal if your leaning to the sport bike side of riding. No matter what, remember it's just your first bike, it's purpose is to get you comfortable with the motions of riding and getting yourself to practice being more conscious and aware while your on the bike. Don't jump the gun and get anything newer than year 2000, no need to spend more because you'll likely drop it so +1 for frame sliders. Cool idea someone mentioned also buy it now and ride the hell out of it and you may be ready for something new by next spring.
Think about what you're interested in with a bike: speed. comfort. tours. on/off road etc. < this is for your bike#2

Get used to people bringing up shitty stories about 'my coworkerr crashed' 'i knew a guy that wrecked' 'people die' 'die' because you'll hear it a lot. Be aware of your environment. Wear full gear, always. Join a forum and go on group rides so other riders can give you tips on how to get better faster.

[Holland]

I love how OP states he doesn't want a sport bike and everyone suggests a sports bike...

[euroshark]

SV650. More of a standard than a sport bike imo, not a ton of power but very usable thanks to it being a twin. Wear all the gear you can, be careful and hope for the best. Ride like you are invisible... because you are to most idiots.

[carfantiti]

neg alert^
Several of the bikes these guys listed so far are great ideas for a starter. 250 ninja is good, but likely you will be eager for more power sooner than later. sv 650 or 90's CBR/ FZR are ideal if your leaning to the sport bike side of riding. No matter what, remember it's just your first bike, it's purpose is to get you comfortable with the motions of riding and getting yourself to practice being more conscious and aware while your on the bike. Don't jump the gun and get anything newer than year 2000, no need to spend more because you'll likely drop it so +1 for frame sliders. Cool idea someone mentioned also buy it now and ride the hell out of it and you may be ready for something new by next spring.
Think about what you're interested in with a bike: speed. comfort. tours. on/off road etc. < this is for your bike#2

Get used to people bringing up shitty stories about 'my coworkerr crashed' 'i knew a guy that wrecked' 'people die' 'die' because you'll hear it a lot. Be aware of your environment. Wear full gear, always. Join a forum and go on group rides so other riders can give you tips on how to get better faster.

just telling him the truth and my experiences.Maybe you live in a dream world but reality is you will go down on it at some point.If you no any one who works at a emergency room have a talk to them. I Love motorcycles I would ride again I'm not 16 and think I'm invulnerable .You ride at own risk people don't see you and when they do they don't care.I see you live in Oregon so maybe thats why you naive.Try coming down to Los angelas drive the 405,5 and side streets.All the stories I said were true not fiction.If you don't mind some one almost killing you every time you get on a motorcycle by all means drive one for a daily driver. My buddy scott is professional motorcycle rider.He owns 6 bikes and tracks 3 them in the highest level race days.He went down on freeway.bill whent down riding 25 years on a electra glide he was messed up really bad.21 year old got killed right at the complex entrance and another guy in 30's.My friend manny never the same from his crash and lost his job.
Thats life as long as you dont mind the risks or no their is much more risk when driving a motorcycle than go for it.To think I'm negative and my stories are bullshit than you are just in denial about reality of riding motorcycles on the street with idiots who don't give a shit .I sold my Harley when I had a son he comes first.You better of on the race track than on a motorcycle on the street.

[randomsv650]

Have you ridden anything at all before? Dirtbikes? Mopeds? Etc? Those rebel 250's are almost dangerous because they're so slow/small IMO. If you are sold on a cruiser I would look at the honda shadow 600's or Vulcan 600s etc. Ive ridden them plenty.They're cheap (buy used, dont buy new, because you will drop it) and dead reliable. I personally cant stand cruisers, but its all personal preference.

What about dual sports? i think those are where its at. great commuter bikes, amazing fuel mpg, and you can ride them anywhere. and on these, you can get a 400cc bike and have plenty of power/fun! Like a DRZ400, KLX, etc.