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At 6’2″ you could be perfect on a used Bandit 1200, usually can be found under $3000

Upright riding position, rock solid engine, easy maintenance, plenty of hp, nice lowend torque.

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I tested a ER6N before I bought my Gladius, it seems to have less usable torque at low/mid rev range, when the torque do come on at higher rpm, the parallel twin has a different vibration than the v-twin that I prefer.
But riding position wise is comfortable, nimble.. I also had a hard time with the looks of it’s headlight.

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I have test ridden a Mana a few months back, I can see how an automatic motorcycle would be usful for al levels of riding, there is not lack of engine brake when you need it.

Last week, I rode a friend’s Burgman 650 exe scooter, two up, in city streets and highways around Philly. For a 650cc engine it’s got plenty of get up and go, even with two full adults, each under 200 lb., 85 mph on highways is rock solid, parking lot low speed is very stable since the weight of the scoot is down very low. Push button shifting is fun if you really want to rev up the engine before shifting, shifting is very smooth even at high rpm. Electric windshield & mirrors that are adjustable on the fly, backrests for rider & passenger, along with plenty of underseat storage. I’m thinking of trading in my two-up ride for a Burgman 650.

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Same response as in the other thread:

Depending on the rider’s stature, environment & traffic pattern of the beginner rider’s location, more importantly, what does the rider want?

If you are 5’0″ or over 240 lb., I wouldn’t think any of your choices are the “best”, cough up some basic info.

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Used to have 2000+ acres of forrest/farm land with powerlines to ride freely without hassle, now developers have changed 2/3 of it to office complex and Holiday Inn Express… still enough room to ride the dirt bike and get a decent workout.

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I started riding on a 99 BMW F650 and many other BMW motos, currently I have a Gladius and a 2002 SV650S among others.

I used to own a 2003 Aprlia Tuono, the lack of dealer support and parts availability were the main reasons that I won’t have another Aprilia until another dealer is within (1 hr. ride) 50 miles of me.

BMW made decent motos, until recently with all the electronics and BMW specific tool required to work on thir motos. All BMW parts seem to carry a premium pricing, even small nuts & bolts, oil/filters.. I wouldn’t get a BMW if this is going to be our first moto and you might want to upgrade in a year or so, but if you want to keep it for 4-5 years, they keep their value pretty well.

IMO, Gladius and SV haveone of the best engine on modern motorcycles. Gladius have nice fuel injection that has been sorted out from the second generation SVs, very neutral riding position, excelent tires and handling.. only drawback I can think of is the seat comfort.. but that varies from rider to rider. My Gladius is available for sale, PM me if you might be interested.

I like the old tech, 2002 SV650S has carbs, something I can work on with my own hands to fix. Right now my SV650s is very well tuned, gets very great fuel mileage, very entertaining on spirited rides, cheap to maintain & insure..

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IMO, if you’re over 6’4″ or 230 lb., Ninja 250 would probably be too small for you.

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Depending on the rider’s stature; environment & traffic pattern of the beginner rider’s location, more importantly, what does the rider want?

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Next Tag: your moto on a abandoned or metal grate bridge:

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Ventured out with my “limited edition” hard luggage system, limite edition because it’s blue.

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Riding motorcycles on highways like BQE you should consider something around 650cc, I drive/ride in NYC about 5-6 times a year, always riding a machine that has some weight that is stable at highway speed. Though a 250 Rebel is lightweight and maneuverable at low speed, it might become unstable or even dangerous maneuvering through traffic that include large heavy trucks at highway speed.
Smaller displacement engined motos would require more shifting action to keep up with traffic, clutched or clutch less, it will tire out the hands rather quickly in bumper to bumper traffic of NYC.

Personally, I would pick something with upright riding position, at least 650cc, flatfooting both sides is going to be difficult at 5’4″, you should practice sitting on one thigh as you approach stops and just keep yourself stable with one flatfoot on ground when stopping.

IMO, cruisers are not very maneuverable, scooters are better options than cruisers, but that’s just my opinion.

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Modular helmets are likely to be heavier than most full face helmet.. cause neck fatigue, general fatigue.. i like my helmet as lightweight as possible.

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I think the scooter experience will help you lots.

The most obvious would be the fact that you are used to operating a two wheel vehice in traffic, you’re used to how a two wheel vehicle maneuver, less to worry about falling over in most emergency situation.

Shifting is over-rated, most motorcycles at 650cc can break the speed limit without hiting the rev-limiter at second gear anyway.

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