Beginner Bike Suggestions (Cheap!)

I think I want a motorcycle, but I know next to nothing about them.

I want something simple, easy to work on, but won't need anything, and easy to ride. I want an upright seating position, and comfort. I think I want something like an old cafe style bike. Maybe a late 70's Honda CB?

How much motor do I need? Probably something smallish, 250ish?

Most importantly, what can I find that is less than 1000 dollars in good reliable running condition?

Yes

Honda CB350 from the 70s. Plentiful, parts availability is excellent and they are in your price range frequently. Smaller than that and you'll quickly grow weary of it in normal road use. If at all possible, buy one that's been used recently vs some barn find that will need tires, battery and gobs of fuel system work.

I would not take anything that's been turned into a "cafe racer". As neat at they are to look at, they are usually very uncomfortable for anything but short jaunts. A "standard" motorcycle from the 70s or 80s provides the upright seating you seek.

Cool. Looks like I am closer to my marks than I had thought.

ddavidv wrote: Honda CB350 from the 70s. Plentiful, parts availability is excellent and they are in your price range frequently. Smaller than that and you'll quickly grow weary of it in normal road use. If at all possible, buy one that's been used recently vs some barn find that will need tires, battery and gobs of fuel system work. I would not take anything that's been turned into a "cafe racer". As neat at they are to look at, they are usually very uncomfortable for anything but short jaunts. A "standard" motorcycle from the 70s or 80s provides the upright seating you seek.

^ This.

I found a '76 KZ400 minus carbs and got it for 100 bucks. After some patient ebay shopping, I got the thing running. I rode it for awhile and got my motorcycle license on it, so it has served its purpose. Only 2500 miles on it now. Unfortunately, Kawasaki no longer offers any parts for it. There are sources for some items, but parts are generally scarce or impossible. I understand that old Hondas are easier to get parts for. That being said, the old KZ's do hold up well and are enjoyable to ride.

Don't go any smaller than 400cc (or 350). You'll soon be wishing for something that's got more power.

1988redT2 said: Don't go any smaller than 400cc (or 350). You'll soon be wishing for something that's got more power.

For some reason, I doubt it. I am not the speedy type. I just want something that I can cruise around on for a while. My commute to work is 3 miles, and my commute to school is less than 12. Every once in a while, I may take it into the mountains for fun, but even then, I am not looking for a canyon carver either...

You might be able to find a Dual Sport for that sort of money, but you've got to be a little careful when buying so you don't end up buying a bent one (but that's an issue with pretty much any bike anyway).

I recently bought a '95 Suzuki DR650 with 10.5k on it for $1050. It still needs a little work - I'm currently waiting for a helicoil kit so I can fix a damaged exhaust stud thread - but it's running OK and it got me through the test within a couple of weeks of buying it.

I'd highly recommend the MSF course instead of just taking the test - I've just done the one of experienced riders (which can also get you the license waiver out here in NV) and it helped recognise and work on several bad habits I picked up in 12 years of road riding.

Problem with dual sports is that in order to get one with enough power to keep on the highway, you'll either need more money, or more weight. The 550 and 650cc dual sports are not light, especially compared to a CB350/360 or so.

Pick any 197X CB350/360/400/450/500/550 or so. The Fours will be better on the highway, the twins will be cheaper.

How about 2-strokes? The Suzuki GT250/380/550s are very fun to ride, cheap, and simple.

That short of a ride, why not a scooter?

Appleseed wrote: That short of a ride, why not a scooter?

It's metro ATL, man. Everything is highway. Also, scooters are no fun in the hills of north GA.

Appleseed wrote: That short of a ride, why not a scooter?

C'mon! Man's got his dignity!

Ninja 250 is always a great choice, and the 08up models are actually pretty slick looking. Besides that an SV650 would be good, or just about any older 600(CBR600f2 or f3, FZR600, YZF600R, etc). My first bike was an FZR600 and it was plenty of bike for me! They are a little funky looking, but I did an R1 body conversion and it made it look much more modern:

http://www.airtech-streamlining.com/yamaz/fzrr1conversion.htm

I just bought my g/f a 2009 ninja 250 and she loves it! Its her first bike. I taught her to ride on my CBR954RR, with a pre-warning not to go WOT......... EVER! haha

I would get an early 80's Kawasaki KZ550. Good handling, comfortable, lightweight, plentiful, and pretty quick for an oldie (high 12 sec 1/4mi)

Honda 400 or 500 from 1978 - 1985. Pick one, doesn't matter, they all run forever and are cheap to operate. I had a $1000 CX500 that had plenty of power and always started and took me everywhere for 10 years, then I sold it for $1200.

CX500

CB500

Nighthawk 450

Hondamatic 400 (automatic transmission)

CB350 for reference. (Something about that picture makes me want to go ride. It's like she's saying, come one! Let's go!)