Looking for my first bike. . . totally lost!

[DaveInPA]

Hi everyone. New forum member here in dire need of advice! I'll give you guys some background info and what I plan on using my bike for. . and hopefully you guys can point me in the right direction!!

Background
I rode dirtbikes when I was a kid, but haven't been on a motorcycle of any kind in nearly 10 years. I have never ridden any street motorcycle whatsoever. So, for all intents and purposes, I'm a beginner.

What I Plan On Using the Bike For
I have a 30 mile round trip daily to work and another 35 mile round trip daily to class at night. I will ride the bike for both of those, weather permitting. The ride is about 50/50 highway/two lane road. I will also take the bike out for joy rides from time to time. I'd like to stay under $5,000.

Bike's I'm Looking At
1. 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R - I really like what they've done with the 250. The new styling is great, and I've heard a lot that they have really improved the power band. My concerns with this bike are the fact that I'm 5'10" 240lbs, and I'm concerned I may be a little too heavy for the bike. I'm also concerned about this bike on the highway as far as power and stability. By stability I'm referring to getting blown around when big trucks go by me, etc. Also I would have to wait 2-3 months to even get one of these bikes, since they're all on backorder!

2. 2007 Suzuki DR650SE - Seems like it might be a good choice since I'm familiar with the dirtbike platform. I don't have anywhere around here to ride dirt though, so it would strictly be used on the road. My concern with this bike is how tall the dualsport bikes are. I would not be able to get both feet on the ground, and I'm worried that the high center of gravity while riding this bike would make it unstable in crosswinds/when being passed by trucks.

3. Used 2003 Kawsaki Ninja 500R - This bike is $3295 at a shop near me. Very good condition, upgraded exhaust. Would the 500R be a better choice over the 250R for any reasons? Is buying a used motorcycle a safe investment?

4. Used 2004 Suzuki GSXR-750 This bike is for sale by an individual near me for $2500. Very, very good condition with 11,271 miles on it. Would this bike be too powerful for a beginner?

5. Used 1990 Yamaha FZR600 - Also for sale by an individual near me, this one is going for $2,200. Great condition with 17,000 miles on it. Is it a wise decision to buy a bike this old? Also, too powerful for a beginner?

Thanks in advance for any advice you guys can give me. I am registered to take my MSF course next month. What bike above do you feel would be the better choice for me, and why? Also, if there's anything I should consider that I haven't listed, feel free to let me know.

Thanks,
Dave

[Schneiderman]

The GSXR-750 is too much for a beginner. The FZR600 isn't so bad, but might be unreliable. The 500 would be a great choice, but is that the sticker price or OTD price? It should be the OTD price, don't pay any more than $3500 for it. The 250 would be great if you could get one, the DR650 would be good but you didn't say how tall you are. Have you also seen the KLR650? That'd be a better dualsport since you don't plan on riding off-road, but it's also very tall.

I think the 500 is looking like the best choice on your list, it's great for what you plan to do with it. I ride a 500 on the expressway all the time and I never get blown around.

[DaveInPA]

The GSXR-750 is too much for a beginner. The FZR600 isn't so bad, but might be unreliable. The 500 would be a great choice, but is that the sticker price or OTD price? It should be the OTD price, don't pay any more than $3500 for it. The 250 would be great if you could get one, the DR650 would be good but you didn't say how tall you are. Have you also seen the KLR650? That'd be a better dualsport since you don't plan on riding off-road, but it's also very tall.

I think the 500 is looking like the best choice on your list, it's great for what you plan to do with it. I ride a 500 on the expressway all the time and I never get blown around.

Thanks for the advice. I'm 5'10" with a 30" inseam. I'm going to check out that 500 this weekend. If I'm not into it, I'll go check out that guy's GSXR. If neither of those work out, I'll just put money down on a 250R and wait impatiently.

[Nitelord]

Best advice I have is take the MSF course.

It will give you the basics and get you on a street bike in a controlled environment.

Hopefully the Ninja 500 works out for you...:)

[Bob]

If you're looking for more of a bike for commuting and for under 5K I'd look into the base V-Star 650's.

[DaveInPA]

The guy at the dealer with the used 500R that I've been emailing says he thinks I might be too heavy for the 500R. I'm 240#. Is he full of it, or does he have a point?

[Schneiderman]

You're not too heavy for it. I'm 150 and I've ridden two-up with my 200lb friend before...

Just tell him to adjust the shock for you!

[iamgumby]

Background
I rode dirtbikes when I was a kid, but haven't been on a motorcycle of any kind in nearly 10 years. I have never ridden any street motorcycle whatsoever. So, for all intents and purposes, I'm a beginner.


The Suzi DR650. I think you will rapidly be at home on it. It will lack some things that you will appreciate after a few weeks - like a windshield. Consider a 650 V-strom?