[Ben]

I wouldn’t recommend the s50 for you, maybe the s40 though. The s50 is nearly 100lbs heavier than the s40 which is quite a lot when you are just learning how to ride, plus the added power can get a new rider into trouble quicker. Even the s40 is a pretty dang big bike compared to the vstar 250 or the rebel 250.

When it comes to sportbikes vs cruisers the seating position varies quite a bit. Almost all sportbikes are going to have you bent over more than a cruiser would, but some bikes (like the gs500 you mentioned) have a much more upright seating position. I personally started on a gs500 and it was a great bike. Haha, honestly it was probably too big for me to start out on, but I really loved it so I got it anyway.

I would look for used bikes off craigslist, and if you can try and find someone who knows something about motorcycles to go with you when you check it out. I met a guy off a forum who helped me pick up my first bike, and he even test rode it for me too! Where do you live at?

Have you checked out the vulcan 500? That is a great looking bike as well if you are swinging more towards the cruiser side of things. Hope that helped, let us know if you have some more questions.

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[Ben]

Unfortunately i’m not the best with mechanics either so I can’t really help you with that department. I know there is a ‘lemon law’ in california that helps protect consumers against this sort of thing. I think the requirements are the vehicles being in the shop a certain amount of weeks within the first 18 months of purchase.

http://ag.ca.gov/consumers/general/lemon.php

Your state might also have something like this. Maybe also try contacting a UM rep to see if they know what the problem could be. If it is under warrenty then I hope they will help you without too many problems.

It really sounds like an electrical problem to me. When you first brought it in did they only replace the starter, or did they replace the batery too?

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[Ben]

Haha well i’m glad you guys didn’t have too much damage to your motorcycles.

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[Ben]

Great post!

I’m going to throw this on the front page tonight. I think everyone should read this.

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[Ben]

Damn matt! That is a big answer!

I also find that everyone is asking the same questions. I think a FAQ would be helpful, but I also want to avoid the “CHECK THE FAQ!!!!” sort of nazi mentality. I’ll work on throwing one together over the next month or so.

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[Ben]

Man those things look like a blast. I’d love to get my hands on one, especially since I just learned how to swim last summer!

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[Ben]

Yes, a 500cc or even a 250cc could carry you around fine. The honda shadow and the sv650 also make good beginner bikes though.

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[Ben]

Thanks guys At least now I know i’m not crazy (well, no more than usual anyway).

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[Ben]

This is actually on the list to do within the next week or two, so expect it to be rolled out shortly.

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[Ben]

I know a lot of people who started on a Seca II as their first bike. I would recommend you tear off the front fairing and turn it into a street fighter though, stock it is just plain ugly

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[Ben]

I would always reccomend buying Used motorcycles instead of new, they are cheaper and you won’t feel as bad if you drop them. That being said, I think that the 08 ninja 250 is worth the extra dough It’s just freaking awesome!

(keep in mind I’ll still probably wait a year or two before I buy an 08, I only buy used motorcycles!)

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[Ben]

Oh yeah, +1 on the earplugs! I started riding with them a few months ago and I love em! It really makes the ride a lot less stressful and more enjoyable. I feel like I can actually hear BETTER with the earplugs in than without.

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[Ben]

Careful with the icon pants, I bought a pair about a year ago for my sub 30mph riding and they shrunk in the wash!

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[Ben]

Hmm.. I know what you are talking about, that does get annoying. I’ll try and impliment that on BBM v2 which should come out sometime this next year.

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[Ben]

sooon….

Ben
~Best Beginner Motorcycles Admin

[Author]

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