First bike choice

[GrimReaper]

I want to get my first bike, I want a cruiser style. I want it to be lightweight, get good gas mileage, Doesn't need to be to fancy, or have to much power, 250cc would probably be fine. As long has it can do 55 pretty easy.
I'm 120lbs 5 foot 8. I'm not the biggest guy, So I don't want a big heavy bike.
What would be a good option that I could get for about 1000$?
Yamaha Virago 250
Honda rebel 250
Which is better out of those, whats the differences? What are some other good options? I would prefer it to be a honda or a yamaha, But a kawasaki or whatever I guess would be ok. Is the yamaha v star the same thing as the virago?
And When i'm looking at motorcycles on craigslist, I saw a "yamaha virago 1100" What does the 1100 mean? Are there different versions of it? Because i'm looking for the 250cc version.
thanks

[Dodsfall]

Yamaha Virago 1100 has an 1100 cc engine.

Besides styling differences and engine design (one is a parallel twin and the other a v-twin) the Virago and the Rebel are pretty similar.

Either will do 55 mph easily.

[Massey]

The 1100 is the size of the egine in Cubic Centimeters or CCs. a 250 is a 250cc sized engine and so on. I dont know much about the Yamaha model but the Rebel has been around for a while and is known to be a good and reliable bike. Around my area most rebels are selling for about $1500 to $2000 for good condition and good running. A Rebel has an air cooled 2 cylinder 250cc engine that can make 55 without breaking a sweat. If that is the style of bike you are looking for then give a good look at the Suzuki GZ250.

Massey

[sanford]

The newer Yamaha 250 are called "Star" (same as the old name Virago)
I bought one with low milliage and it really is a nice bike..but I honestly hate the transmission on it..it's possible and likely mine may need adjustments but it
is a bit clunky unless I baby step it.

I would from going through the learning process probably suggest a little bigger bike? to start..you will likely outgrow a 250 the first month..but then it is a more forgiving bike with nooby mistakes...good luck.

ps it will do 80 km per hour easily and very very nimble in traffic, the brakes are
very good also..

[aaronrkelly]

Both are good bikes.....and both will do the job. It comes down to personal preference really.

First....Id set on them. You might find one fits you better.....and if so then its simple - get THAT one, its more important then what it says on the tank.

All things equal.....and this is just MY personal preference.....Honda always gets the nod from me - they make great stuff and have a great track record.

In fact....I knew when I bought my Victory Vision (and spent $17K) that I was buying a inferior product when compared to the Honda Goldwing......but the Victory fit me.....and the Honda didnt.

[LWRider]

I actually think the S40 (650cc) Suzuki (formerly named Savage) would make a great beginners bike and not be something you would grow out of immediately. It is definitely cruiser-style and is pretty nimble and light. Very easy to handle power-wise and decent at highway speeds. If you like foot-forward cruiser-style bikes you might want to check one out.

Cheers,

Mike

[markk53]

Originally Posted by aaronrkelly

Both are good bikes.....and both will do the job. It comes down to personal preference really.

First....Id set on them. You might find one fits you better.....and if so then its simple - get THAT one, its more important then what it says on the tank.

All things equal.....and this is just MY personal preference.....Honda always gets the nod from me - they make great stuff and have a great track record.

In fact....I knew when I bought my Victory Vision (and spent $17K) that I was buying a inferior product when compared to the Honda Goldwing......but the Victory fit me.....and the Honda didnt.

I wouldn't say inferior. You find it superior. Maybe not as well equipped, or something like that, but the word inferior indicates defective poor quality. Besides it makes you feel good about your choice. You got what works for you and that's a good thing.

[jordanwalker1531]

Anyone have thoughts on a Honda CB750K for first bike?

[bossbear]

I have a 80cc yg1 that hits 50 and I weigh 240

[sanford]

Originally Posted by bossbear

I have a 80cc yg1 that hits 50 and I weigh 240

That is a fun bike...it was my first bike. My brother gave it to me, had tons of fun with it...though was always last to get somewhere with it.. one summer a group of friends were riding up the steep mountain trails.

They knew I couldn't keep up to their speed ..so they played a prank on me.
After a minute riding ahead of me they all dropped their bike's all over the trail, I put putted up the trail trying to keep up and saw everyone scattered all over the ground, scared the darn heck out of me.

[LWRider]

Originally Posted by jordanwalker1531

Anyone have thoughts on a Honda CB750K for first bike?

The CB750 is a nice old bike, but probably a bit much for a raw beginner. It is heavy compared to most 250cc bikes (usually recommended for the beginning rider) out there and, although the power is manageable for the size of the motor, it is still a lot of bike and could get you into trouble quickly.

Also, it will be an old bike and unless in top shape might keep you out in the garage instead of out riding, unless you have good mechanical skills. Many old bikes have sat for long spells and usually mean a lot of basic maintenance and troubleshooting to get them in dependable running shape again. Once that is done, a bike like the CB750 can be a reliable mount, though.

Cheers,

Mike