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Sport bike or cruiser?

7.9K views 27 replies 20 participants last post by  markk53  
#1 ·
I'm gonna be old enough to drive in like 6 months and wanna get a motorcycle. I'm so excited to drive:tongue: I wanna be able to do wheelies and stuff after I get the hang of the bike. So which type of bike should I get, a cruiser or a sport bike. Please tell me some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

If I do get a cruiser I want a sleek one like Honda Rebel or Nighthawk, they look so sick:thumbsup:
 
#4 ·
Your jokes aren't funny. Maybe it's just I'm WAY younger than you?

Thanks for the reply Dodsfall. I'm not going to be doing wheelies that much, but when I do I will be sure to do it in an empty parking lot or something. What fast bikes do you think I could get used for around 2K?

Just so you know the prices around where I live, a 1983 Yamaha Virago is selling for $1500 on kijiji. 2001 ninja 250 for $2000 and Honda Shadows go from 4k up with a few at $2500 to $3500.
 
#3 ·
A duel sport or dirt bike would hold up to wheelies better than a street bike. The forks are usually stronger and won't break as easy on landing. It's also best not to stunt in traffic, since it can get you or others hurt or in trouble with the law easier. Find a nice off-road place to do stunting.
 
#6 ·
So because I'm not afraid to express my need for speed when asking for the type of motorcycle that would best suit my needs, one of which IS speed, I am immature?

The reason most people get motorcycles is for that feeling of adrenaline. Do I really have to act like a humble prince to be allowed to drive a motorcycle? Driving a motorcycle isn't really that humble, and doesn't require me to be a 60 years old and wise. So as long as I respect the road I think I'll be fine, and I don't appreciate you calling me immature just because I'm excited. GENIUS
 
#9 ·
First off, welcome to the forum. The forum members here take motorcycling seriously and because we do, safety is always first and foremost in our minds especially towards and for newbies. You state on your FIRST post that you want to do wheelies. Then on your SECOND post you want to get a fast bike and you shoot some smart ass remark at a forum member. Yes, we all understand your excitement and enthusiasm about riding because we are equally enthusiastic about it too. But stop and think about what sort of impression you just gave. If you truly want some useful advice, first read the stickies. Then learn to temper your remarks. To answer your question, there is a difference between a cruiser and a sportbike. Cruisers have a more relaxed upright or laid back seating position with generally manageable horsepower, torque and handling characteristics. Sportbikes have a more aggressive seating position with peakier horsepower and torque curves. They can also be twitchier handling wise. Either way, the smart thing to do is to start small (displacement wise). It would also be highly advisable for you to take the MSF BASIC RIDER COURSE before you get a motorcycle. I also strongly suggest that you lose the poor attitude. You'll get more help and useful advice. :thumbsup:
 
#11 ·
I have had both , IMHO, i would get both, but being an older man, right now i have a cruiser easy on the back, and knees, good luck as to what you decide, but be careful out their
very nice, indeed
 
#12 ·
"Just so you know the prices around where I live, a 1983 Yamaha Virago is selling for $1500 on kijiji. 2001 ninja 250 for $2000 and Honda Shadows go from 4k up with a few at $2500 to $3500."

NONE OF THESE

A Virago won't wheelie. My pristine 750 wouldn't even come close. MAYBE a heavily modified 1100 would, but if you do manage to get the front wheel off the ground, I pity you and the bike when it comes back down. NOT designed for one-wheel riding. Same goes for a Shadow.

A Ninja 250 will stunt, but from the videos I've seen, you have to really abuse the clutch to make it happen. Don't expect much life out of the clutch before it's done.

You need to find an old, cheap & beat up Ninja 600. You might as well buy a ragged out bike, because if you plan to use it to learn how to stunt, you're going to trash it anyway. No point in screwing up a nice bike. If it's running right, it'll wheelie without using the clutch.
 
#13 ·
I am with alot of these guys. You do sound immature. But the only way to temper immaturity is with experience and with that in mind, save your money for the moment and get something small that you can still have fun on and learn with. This will also allow you room for unexpected maintenance, insurance and the fee for your MSF class.

Before you say: "I don't need that." I'm 25 and just finished mine on Sunday. It was beyond avoiding the skills test for my endorsement, it was great experience in a safe, controlled environment with a bike that isn't yours.

Good luck. And remember to always drive defensively.
 
#15 ·
No I've never ridden a bike before, but I do plan on taking the course. I like the idea of starting of small and going up, but bikes cost money so unless I can buy a small bike really cheap I think it would be a waste to ride it only a few months.

My friend bought a small bike and after a few months he was already bored of it and sold it.
 
#17 ·
I like the idea of starting of small and going up, but bikes cost money so unless I can buy a small bike really cheap I think it would be a waste to ride it only a few months.

My friend bought a small bike and after a few months he was already bored of it and sold it.
That was your friend not you.

You need more time then 3 months to REALLY get it down. I've been driving a 2005 Honda Rebel 250 and I'm still learning some thing new every day I ride.

I would at least keep your first bike for at least a year and roll with it. Start small and work your way up like you want.

I wouldn't even bother with looking for a bike right now and just focus on getting into a motorcycle safety class and passing that. Then get things squared away with dmv and THEN find a bike.

I say learn the proper way to ride a motorcycle BEFORE you get out there and not just ride for the heck of it. Other wise you learn bad habits and that's not any good.

Just be safe about it. :)
 
#20 ·
Speaking as a parent...there is no way I'm gonna let a 16 year old on the road with anything more than a 250. And not even that until they prove they can drive (and I don't mean to the drivers ed teacher I mean to me) Also, why do you think you have a NEED FOR SPEED? You don't even know what speed is, let alone what it can do.
 
#24 ·
Speaking as a parent...there is no way I'm gonna let a 16 year old on the road with anything more than a 250. And not even that until they prove they can drive (and I don't mean to the drivers ed teacher I mean to me) Also, why do you think you have a NEED FOR SPEED? You don't even know what speed is, let alone what it can do. B.
Yep. I have a feeling once he is actually on a bike or in a car things will look a lot different... at least I hope so.

One thing the OP stated in response to one of my posts "Maybe it's just I'm WAY younger than you?" Yep; you are but even at 16 I wasn't reckless.

I knew a guy that "had a need for speed" He was a younger 20 something mechanic at a BMW dealership I worked at years ago. He cut himself in half (Literally) when he lost control of his bike and hit a sign post (like a stop sign). I wasn't there but the guys he was with said nothing could have prepared them for what that looks like in person. The guy was actually cut in half.

Seriously; I'm not trying to be a jerk. Riding and driving is a really serious activity. Since it's so common we tend to get a bit complacent and we shouldn't; we should respect the huge responsibility that we undertake when we mount our bikes or slip behind the wheel.
 
#21 ·
You should step back and actually listen to what your saying...

I wanna be able to do wheelies and stuff after I get the hang of the bike.
So because I'm not afraid to express my need for speed when asking for the type of motorcycle that would best suit my needs, one of which IS speed,
The reason most people get motorcycles is for that feeling of adrenaline.
So as long as I respect the road I think I'll be fine,
I am all for supporting new riders when they show that they are mature enough to know what they can handle. I don't do it very often cause I'm new to riding myself. But I can understand why you received some of the comments you did. Trust me its not about being unafraid to express your total disregard to riding safely. I do wish you well. You just might need well wishes!
 
#22 ·
i'm gonna be old enough to drive in like 6 months and wanna get a motorcycle. I'm so excited to drive:tongue: I wanna be able to do wheelies and stuff after i get the hang of the bike. So which type of bike should i get, a cruiser or a sport bike. Please tell me some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

If i do get a cruiser i want a sleek one like honda rebel or nighthawk, they look so sick:thumbsup:
r.i.p.
 
#23 ·
bigk said:
You need more time then 3 months to REALLY get it down. I've been driving a 2005 Honda Rebel 250 and I'm still learning some thing new every day I ride.

I would at least keep your first bike for at least a year and roll with it. Start small and work your way up like you want.

I wouldn't even bother with looking for a bike right now and just focus on getting into a motorcycle safety class and passing that. Then get things squared away with dmv and THEN find a bike.

I say learn the proper way to ride a motorcycle BEFORE you get out there and not just ride for the heck of it. Other wise you learn bad habits and that's not any good.

Just be safe about it. :)
Very true.
I'm still riding my first bike and still learning new thing every day.

Start small and low and work your way up. Better be safe than sorry.
 
#25 ·
I'd wager a lot of us have some kind of close-to-home experience with some "need for speed" young'n checking out of life early.

In 1997 I lost a really good friend because of his lust for speed and stupid antics while driving. The guy thought going 90+mph everywhere, and getting a vehicle up on 2 wheels in a curve (he did that in a Porsche engined VW bus...), and passing over double yellows on curves was fun.

The first time I rode in a vehicle with him, I was scared speechless the entire time. When we got to where we were going, I told him that if he ever drove like that with me in the vehicle again- I'd kick the living @$%@ out of him. He heeded my warning.

In the long run, it didn't matter. He bought a Ford Festiva, and not a week later he was dead. Went head on with a Jeep Grand Cherokee at around 85mph. Was passing a line of cars, at night, on a blind curve. The occupants in the Jeep suffered no injuries, except to the psyche.
 
#28 ·
Go buy a 250-400 dual sport. You can do some hop ups to get some more performance if you wish. The key thing is you can go off road and do your wheelies in a safer area. I still do wheelies on my KLX650 dual sport, but not in traffic and around people. It is also a lot of fun to ride roads and paths you would never consider riding on a road bike

The dual sport gives you a great middle of the road seating position too. You aren't in the "racer crouch" nor the "la-z-boy" lounge position the sport and cruiser bikes will put you in, respectively. The dual sport also handles a lot better than one might believe. I've ridden with sport and supermoto riders with my 650 and not had any problem keeping up in the corners. From there you can decide if your next ride will be a cruiser or a sportbike.

The dual sport will also have lower insurance costs and minimal damage if you tip over or, hopefully not, should crash. Which you will if you play around too much on the road. Off roading you will fall, but it won't hurt much. That is where I personally started. Lots of off roading. I flipped a few times doing wheelies and also highsided when screwing up on hard cornering, not to mention a number of get offs when going too fast on the trails. It led me to trials riding, flat track racing, and harescrambling. When I actually hit the road more or less permanently I was far more ready than I would have just jumping on the road immediately. I also knew if I bailed on a road going wheelie it would be quite painful and expensive - asphalt and concrete don't have much give. (That thought came in loud and clear to me one time doing an 80 mph wheelie down a short track straight on a Suzuki TM400 short tracker. It registered with me just how painful it might be if I went over... last high speed wheelie I ever did.)

For general hooliganism with maximum learning and safety I definitely recommend one of the 250-400 dual sport bikes. Just keep the hooliganism in the dirt for the most part and away from the general public on the whole. Give yourself a chance to live and learn. You still may appreciate good handling and the occasional wheelie at 57 years old as I still do.