[sil2765]

Hello everybody
I just got my temp, doing my course in September.
I want to learn how to operate a Motorcycle.( Beginner)
So what kind of bike would be rite for me?
I am 5’7 and 150 lbs.
Thank you for anyones help

[WeaponZero]

There are plenty of options. What TYPE of riding do you want to do? How important are looks? What kind of seating position would you feel most comfortable on?

[Jeff in Kentucky]

Here is a list of entry level street bikes, but I consider some an entry level for the street only if you have at least some dirt bike riding experience:

http://www.cycleworld.com/article.asp?section_id=33&article_id=1681

Unless you are racing, a lot of motorcycle choice is about style. The most safe and practical is a 250cc, 400cc, or 500cc Piaggio MP3 scooter with three wheels and an automatic transmission, but most beginners will not like the style of them.

[TrialsRider]

Rider size is only one factor, others things to consider are; type of road or off-road use you are likely to have access to or desire to ride, dealer support in your region and budget.
In general motorcycles with wider, handlebars and mid-way mounted foot pegs are best starter bikes as they offer the most comfortable and stable riding stance.

[sil2765]

Well mostly Street Riding and freeway,around Town.
Looks are somewhat important,seating could be straight sitting up?
Not sure. Thanks

[WeaponZero]

It sounds like your ideal type of bike (the urban commuters/standards) are supermoto bikes such as the Suzuki DR-Z400SM and Yamaha WR250X and Kawasaki KLX250SF, or standards such as the Kawasaki ER-6n, Suzuki SV650, and older Suzuki GS500s. If your riding involves a lot of going on the highway (where speeds exceed 65-70mph) then I would go for the standards more than the Supermotos. However if you do a lot more “around town” riding than going on the highway then I would recommend the supermotos. They all have very similar ergonomics with seating positions that are perfectly upright–not leaned back like on a cruiser but not leaned forward like on a sportbike either–but the supermotos sacrifice a bit of power for better handling at low speeds which is a VERY important element both to the beginning rider and to someone who spends most of their time chugging along on city streets.

[sil2765]

Have been looking at Kawasaki Ninja 250 R ?
Need to go to a Dealer to see what height I need.
Thanks for the tips really appriciate it.

[JackTrade]

…a lot of (deserved) love for that bike here. It’s probably the most common bike owned by the regulars here.

It’ll fit you quite well, and it’s a fine bike all around. But I’ll let the others who actually own them fill in the details about why you probably can’t go wrong with the Ninja.

[CBBaron]

The biggest factor with rider size is leg length. Riders with a short inseam will feel uncomfortable on tall bikes as a starter and long legged riders will be overly cramped on some of the smaller bikes.

At 5’7″ you likely would not have a problem with most of the bikes recommended as starter bikes. Only ones that may be too tall would be some of the dual sports and supermotos.

The Ninja 250r is an excellent starter bike and very popular for several reasons. It looks good, its light and fairly easy to ride and inexpensive. Plus it has more power than the other 250cc bikes allowing it to handle freeway riding with less stress. Downsides are expensive fairings that are easily damaged in the event of a drop and its not as easy to handle as some of the other bikes.

The dual sports and supermotos are very light, easy to handle and have a look much less common than the ninja. They also can be dropped with little or no damage and fit long legged riders better.

Bikes like the TU250, Rebel and GZ250 have more of a retro look and low seat heights. They don’t fit taller riders easily but can give those with short inseams more confidence. The TU250 is fuel injected which means no messing with the choke.

Lots of good choices. My recommendation is to find a good used bike that you like. It makes upgrades less painful and provides a lower entry price. Plus you will worry less about dropping it as you learn, since its not showroom new.

Craig

[Author]

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