[Jules]

Hi,

I’m a complete newbie from New Zealand. Always wanted a motorcycle, but never had the guts (at least that’s half the story, the other was figuring out how to explain my desire for a motorcycle to my wife!).

At 42 (yep, part midlife crisis issues too!) I’m finally biting the bullet because I need commuter transport without the cost of a car. I plan to start of small and sensible with a 250. I’ve boiled my choice down to two Yamahas, the new Scorpio Z 250 (a standard/sports hybrid) vs the new Virago 250 (a cruiser).

Having never had my own motorcycle before, I’d love to hear any opinions people out there have on the question of “sportsbike vs cruiser for a beginner”: which is best?

Looking forward to your replies!

Jules

[Munch]

In the realm of the sensible options you are taking the simple answer is :

Which ever your butt and legs tells you is best. Riding either is about comfort above all and style after wards. Cost comes into there somewhere along with availability.
Make sure you take what ever safety course you can (if it’s an option there) and get a feel for a bike before you buy one. Not everyone is made for motorcycling and a safety course is a cost effective way to find out if it is right for you. Not to mention you learn how to ride safer and smarter with the skills they try to impress on you.

[eon]

When I was first looking I had no idea what type of bike I wanted. It came down the the Vulcan 500 (cruiser) and Ninja 250 (sportbike) but somehow I ended up with a 3 wheel scooter. And now I want a Dual Sport. Short answer is don’t sweat it. You will find out in time what type is for you. Either bike will be a fine first bike. As Much said, take a training class, go sit on a few and gradually you will know.

[IBA270]

Well, the cool thing about where you live is the bike choices there! You have many more options that we do here in the US across the displacement range. You’ll also notice a lot of high displacement sportbikes sitting on dealer’s floors because (as you know) a speeding ticket is just this side of murder and just the other side of arson!

A small displacement motard might be the fit for you and the road choices you have there. Not sure what they’re called, but I’m pretty sure you can get KTM’s, Kawasaki’s (my favorite 250 motard style), Honda’s…Suzuki’s…

You’ll know more after you get some training. Most people’s riding style’s change, so dream a little now, get some training, and then take a leap on what you “envision” yourself on the most!

Good luck!

[Jules]

Thanks for the advice guys. I’ll definitely be taking the necessary (plus a little extra) bike handling skills courses before buying. I’m more interested in comfort than speed, the bike will mainly be used for short commutes, getting round town. I’m about 5ft 8 and a bit short in the legs, so I’m keenest on the Virago. I just wanted to get some opinions on whether starting with a cruiser was a bad idea. Seems it isn’t so it looks like the Virago for me. Will keep you posted.

Jules

[Author]

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