With fuel prices being incredibly high, I am contemplating buying a motorcycle to ride on nice days in the spring/summer/fall so I can let the truck sit. The only riding experience I have is riding my buddy's 06 CBR 600F4i in a parking lot before he wrecked it, so pretty much I don't have any. I am not really a speed freak or stunt guy, so I am going more for a cruiser, maybe an older Harley or something like that. Don't really need a full dresser but I think I am too big for a Sportster. Keep in mind that I am 6"4, 245lbs, so I am no small guy. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Buy used, and smaller isn't necessarily bad. An 883 Harley will get you around (not quickly, but it will do it), get good mileage, and aren't bad to buy if you shop around in the used market. The Japanese bikes are just as nice. If you look in the 650cc+ range you'll be fine. If I was shopping for an inexpensive, fun to ride, reliable bike, I'd look at 650/750 GS Suzuki from the '80s. The 750s will just about rip your arms out of the sockets at full boogie, but start well as long as it's above 40 degrees and are cheap to operate.

 

Have a look at a Suzuki SV650......they are great entry level bikes

 

For really good mileage get a NightHawk 250. It ain't fast but you'll get massive fuel mileage. Something in the 400-600 CC range will give you good mileage as well with a little more zip. I personally wouldn't buy a Harley unless I just wanted a bike to pick up girls. Besides you'll end up carrying tools everywhere you go to keep it from falling apart.

 

OHHHH NOOOO I see Flames in your future !

 

As it should be. Recomend a 250cc bike for somebody who goes 245 and then makes fun of Harleys.

 

Yea I know.
I recommended a 250 for mileage purposes only.
Wasn't making fun of Harley's just stating the facts about the machine.
It is a highly revered bike but is at the bottom when it comes to performance or quality.
They have lots of flashy chrome but if someone was to give me one I wouldn't ride it any further than I had to to get it home. I would then sell it to the highest bidder. I would then either invest that cash into something profitable or I would buy a bike built to run as opposed to just looking good. Something in the line of a Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda or Suzuki.
All of the above out performs the Harley in ever aspect from speed to comfort.

 

I would look at something like a Honda Shadow. You can get them with a variety of engine sizes from (I think) about 500cc - 1100cc depending on year. I am 6'2" and heavier than you and thought the Shadows sat alright. A 250cc bike will be way too small for your size. I have a friend with a newer model Shadow with the larger engine and has had no problems. My dad had an older (78-79?) Goldwing and it was a good bike as well.
Above all, be safe and watch out for the other people.

 

It's too bad you haven't been able to form an opinion yet.

Seriously, a 250 is an excellent choice for someone to learn to ride in their neighborhood. Get the feel of things. But then if he wants to ride on the highway he'll have to move up to at least a 650. I don't think it's necessarily a good idea for someone with no experience to buy a bike and immediately start riding it to work, and especially a Harley with all it's weight. Get a light bike and learn to ride it. A DRZ 400 Suzuki would be way fun and great to learn on. The best place to learn to ride is off road on a dirt bike. Then if he wants to go faster on the highway, get a bigger street bike.

John

 

This is going to get ugly!!

 

I don't think I would go on ANYTHING smaller than a 400 if I were you .... even in the learning stage. Big guys on little bikes have to contort their body into unnatural positions to ride the silly things and end up putting themselves at risk because they can't hit the brakes or gearshifts when they need to. Heck, practice on a dirtbike ... won't matter if you crack it up a few times until you get the hang of it.

Just my opinion ... your mileage may vary

PISTOL

 

That's what I'm saying. Some toy size kid bike isn't going to work for somebody his size, and it's not going to fit him. And he's going to be tired of it in about a month.

 

i would go USED for sure.

if you start asking around, to guys who ride, there is usually a "beginners bike" that they all buy for $500, learn on, then sell for $500

we had a 84 Honda CM450 E.

don't buy a harley unless you want the other guys to be jealous
i did 12 hour days on my harley last year.

they are fine, within the confines of what they are designed for, just like a CTD is not as plush as a GMC.

my wife is on here, it's a great beginners forum:
http://www.motorcycleforum.com/

 

Yea I know...
There ya go!!
A DRZ isn't exactly light in dirt bike standards but for the street it's superlite with lots of power for it's size.
The dirt is the best place to learn.
A DRZ would Allow him to ride both street and dirt. If the ride to work is close to home the DRZ or even a Nighthawk 250 would be just fine.
I ride my Daughters TTR125 into town from time to time if for no other reason than to enjoy the look of folks watching me throw that little bike around on the street. I put a dual sport kit on it and licensed it as well so it's insured and legal. Never actually checked the mileage but it'll run for ever on a tank of gas. My daughter could ride to school and back for 2 weeks at a time without having to fill up.

 

I have been riding for 9 years. I would say go to a dealership and see what they reccomend to you. Maybe a dualsport?!?! they are nice and can get you places with good mileage. You can also usually test ride the bikes at dealerships, just make sure you get something that is going to fit you. ALWAYS REMEMBER to WEAR A HELMET and BE SAFE!

JAke H.