First motorcycle for short commute?

[on2wheels52]

First bike eh? DRz 400. Lots of them around and you can get some learning miles on dirt/gravel roads that will be low speed and with little traffic. Put 5k miles on it and then start looking at other bikes.
Jim

[javadog]

Whatever you pick, make sure you take a couple of the MSF rider courses. Get some good riding gear, and use it every time. Get some sort of hard or soft bags for the bike, so you can easily carry stuff.

Then, practice, practice, practice....

I've been riding since the mid-70's and never been down, unless you count the dirt bikes...

JR

[Teutonics]

Good first bikes that I have considered in the past:

SV650
GS500
Dual Sport
Monster 600...

[creaturecat]

Scooter would be my first choice, for the intended purpose.
The most functional. Yamaha's are great. 150mpg. fuel injected.
We have a C3, for local neighborhood errands. Most people admire it.
You gotta be comfortable about your manhood, or not give a f'k,
preferably the latter.

[cashflyer]

[edit: removed the harley since your original post said you do not like them]

How about a Magna?


Light enough and cheap enough to be "first bikes" IMO.

[TSNAPCRACKLEPOP]

try out a honda cm450c if you can find one.

yes bmws and magnas!

or any of the honda 750 dohc(just got one cb750F 1980, starts instantly, many cheap parts, can go on the road with it)

Main thing is to BEE SEEN!! After they hit you they say "i didn't see you", or "where did you come from?"

I wear orange hunting vests, seems to make a huge difference. they do not pull out in front of you as often. been hit 3 times when much younger, don't bounce so good anymore!

[Chocaholic]

Once you get a bike, you'll find that 15 minute ride to work just isn't enough. You will start finding long circuitous routes that will expand your commute to an hour+, especially when the weather is just right.

Good advice here, but overall...get something you're comfortable with. As your skills progress, so will your taste and desires. Your first bike won't be your last, so don't pursue it as such.

Laslty, ATGATT is very important. With full gear every single time you ride the bike, you'll be more confident, feel safer and less intimidated, and will become a better rider. Be visible, especially at/after dusk.

I've been riding for 30 years and have never been down. Perhaps that day will come, but common sense, a bit of experience and . . . did I say common sense?. . .will take you a long way down the road with nothing but a smile on your face and a few bugs squashed on your face-shield.

You'll never see a motorcycle in a psychiatrists parking lot. Get one and you'll know why.

[curlesw]

I'd vote for a BMW 650GS, great back, can be had for $5k, can go offroad (dirt/gravel road not the extreme stuff), good selection of bags, excellent mileage, easy to handle and easy DIY. I commute every day, 35 miles each way on a 2005 R1200RT, 70% highway, you don't need anything that big, stay 650 or below IMO.

Wayne C.

[legion]

I like my Honda cruiser. Big, comfortable, under-powered, and reliable.

[Dueller]

From your post I surmised you've never really ridden a bike. May I suggest you talke a motorcycle safety class first? Took my stepson to one. There was a guy in his class in his mid50's-early 60's that had always wanted to have a bike. Really nice guy.

Thru the 2 day course he progressed OK...on the last session/final check ride, he was going thru a maneuver that required going thru some cones and coming to a full stop using both brakes. He got a little confused and hit the throttle then in a paniced and grabbed a handfull of front brake. Front end washed out and bike spit him over the handle bars and did a nice face plant (his helmet was a high dollar with flip up face shield). Of course, he had the shield in the up position.

Broke his nose and knocked out three front teeth. I think he decided it wasn't for him that day. I offfer this not to scare you away. One of the advantages to the class was they had a variety of bikes to learn on...from Buell Blasts to Honda Rebel cruisers to dual purpose Kagasakis to Ninja 250's. Gave everybody a chance to try out different styles of bikes/riding.

[dd74]

Originally Posted by curlesw

I'd vote for a BMW 650GS, great back, can be had for $5k, can go offroad (dirt/gravel road not the extreme stuff), good selection of bags, excellent mileage, easy to handle and easy DIY. I commute every day, 35 miles each way on a 2005 R1200RT, 70% highway, you don't need anything that big, stay 650 or below IMO.

Wayne C.

Yes, this is one BMW I saw and liked. But can smaller guys who are about 5-6 fit on one? And, of all things, on occasion, I might need the motorcycle to be able to carry a bicycle.

[flatbutt]

I've been commuting on a '99 R1100S for the past 8 years. Luv the bike. But it is heavy and wide. This weekend I'm going to look at a Monster 696 for commuting purposes.

First bike recommendation from me would be a small Honda. Easy to ride, minimal maintenance.

[Rick Lee]

My MSF course was woefully inadequate. I got a perfect score on the road test and I was still terrified when I picked up my R1150R the next week and rode it to NJ and back to VA. The course is still important, but don't think it's gonna make you ready to ride.

[JavaBrewer]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

My MSF course was woefully inadequate. ...The course is still important, but don't think it's gonna make you ready to ride.

+1. The course gives a basic introduction of motorcycle controls and handling characteristics. There is a level 2 MSF course in SoCal that teaches more advanced concepts and requires your own motorcycle.

Definitely buy a used bike to start - big name Japanese single. You will be able to sell it for very little/no loss after a year or two.

My BIL recently picked up a bigger Honda cruiser bike. Zero experience with a motorcycle and grudgingly bought a helmet after my badgering...he said he's afraid to use the front brake and relies on the rear brake in all circumstances...he's a perfect candidate for the MSF course but considers himself too manly to go (or wear protective gear). Don't be like him.

[scottmandue]

Whatever you do don't forget the leather chaps!

I like the SV650 but they are hard to find used... I guess they are keepers.

[Tishabet]

I vote moped, but I have a soft spot for them... there are several classics that I want to own and which could work for back road commuting, starting with a Mobylette. Good for 35MPH+, 100+MPG, no insurance needed in MA, what's not to love?

[nostatic]

Originally Posted by Tishabet

what's not to love?

Umm, slow handling, lousy brakes, and not enough power to get out of a sticky situation?



If someone has never ridden motorcycles before, I hesitate to put them on the street. Instead, they should find a cheap dirt bike like a Honda XR and learn to ride off-road for months. A lot of months. When you're on the street you have to have certain things as second nature. That includes the controls, shifting, balance/dynamics, and situational awareness. Riding a bicycle gives you some of this (the last two), but there is no substitute for seat time. And in traffic is NOT where you want to be learning this for the first time.

[curlesw]

Originally Posted by dd74

Yes, this is one BMW I saw and liked. But can smaller guys who are about 5-6 fit on one? And, of all things, on occasion, I might need the motorcycle to be able to carry a bicycle.

I believe so, not 100% sure. I think they make a seat that would give extra clearance if needed.

Not sure about the bike think, I've seen other motorcycles configured to carry a bike...I suspect it can be configured. the F650 has an active internet following which helps for DIY and modification, it's called the Chain Gain, The Chain Gang.

Here's a link to a 2005 650GS, nice looking bike, $6k.

http://f650.com/phpbb3/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=228830


Wayne C.

[m21sniper]

I often think about picking myself up a bike too....but i'd freakin' kill myself. I drive way too fast.

[Tishabet]

Originally Posted by nostatic

Umm, slow handling, lousy brakes, and not enough power to get out of a sticky situation?

Sure, sure, but besides that....