what bike for a new biker

drewdabomb · L Plate Warrior Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Karma :

hey, im taking my direct access including CBT soon, i was just going to get my 125 licence but im turning 21 soon so would rather get a bigger bike.
im looking for a 500cc cruiser.
im a student so haven't got much money so it needs to be cheap to keep and run.
what bikes would you recommend?
this would be a big help thanks

That_Hornet · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Apr 2009 Karma :

Can I ask.

Why a cruiser?

Confused

drewdabomb · L Plate Warrior Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Karma :

i prefer cruisers to all other bikes, usually they're bigger and louder so are seen a lot easier on the road than other bikes, too my knowledge.
i prefer the look of them to other bikes aswell.
i just dont know what cruiser to get that i could afford to keep.
i was looking at a 125cc suzuki marauder but i'd rather have something bigger

That_Hornet · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Apr 2009 Karma :

Imo most Smaller cc cruisers are tremendously aweful. Unless your going for a harley (the mac daddy of crusiers). Tippical crusiers are heavy and hard to move about. Not the best for a new biker. IMHO.

My 2p.

But if you were to look for one I would stick to trimuph or the big 4 japs. No Chinese copy crap.

Currently trying to get the goddaughter to sleep. Will have a mooch round later.

Thumbs Up

drewdabomb · L Plate Warrior Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Karma :

i dunno, i've heard a lot of good reviews about the marauder, i been on about getting 1 for about 2 years now but its like 1 thing after another gets in the way so now im almost 21 i'll be old enough to get something bigger anyway so thats what i want now.
i love harleys but no way i'd ever be able to afford 1, i been looking at the kawasaki vulcan 500 now but i haven't seen many reviews or heard from many people about it so im just wondering what people consider would be the best bike for me now

That_Hornet · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Apr 2009 Karma :

Was looking at the vulcan.

eating my own words now Embarassed

Dosen't seem too bad.

https://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/kawasaki_vulcan_500_ltd_2009.php

https://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/kawasaki-vulcan-500-ltd-review

drewdabomb · L Plate Warrior Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Karma :

the bike looks pretty good, im just tryin to find some reviews from people who have actually owned the bike now but all im finding is professional reviews so far

amrath · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 21 Jan 2010 Karma :

Id have to agree with ThatHornet on the 125 cruisers they tend to be a bit cruddy however i have heard some good comments about the Suzuki marauder but at the end of the day its still a 125.

id say the 125 option would be the best in terms of cost and cheap to run however if your nearly 21 might be worth going for a bigger bike but then on the other side this is more money now, unless you start looking at the right bikes.

have you taken a look at any of the naked styled bikes like the Bandit? I know they are not cruisers but they are very good beefy looking bikes and very reliable and good to run as far as i have heard on feedback, you can pick them up for good prices nowadays.
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Current Bike: Honda Varadero XL125 V5

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

As I say to most people, look around this forum, there are tonnes of 'what bike next threads', write down the list of bikes you have seen listed, go onto google images, look at all the bikes. Cross off your list the ones you don't like.

Then go out to a few bike shops and look at the ones you do like, and if possible go for a test ride, (if able) if not, at least sit on the bike and get a feel for it - distance from seat to footpeg, how long the reach to handle bar is, that sort of thing...

Then make an informed decision based on what suits YOU. Mr. Green

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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

bacon · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Jan 2009 Karma :

if your 21 dont do your 125 test, which i assume you mean your A2?

Just do DAS Thumbs Up

Ingah · World Chat Champion Joined: 10 Apr 2009 Karma :

Just thought i could suggest a Virago 535 (535cc admittedly), as being a cheap possibly suitable cruiser (i've been tempted by one recently as i don't get on with my commuter bikes any more). It's not all that heavy either (about 20kg lighter than my CB500!)

If you're a new rider though, i'd be looking at something that crashes well (as this is near-certain for a new rider) and isn't too shiny/fancy in the first place so you're not too upset and/or out of pocket if it becomes a little bit battle-scarred!
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-- Ingah