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WTB - Starter cruiser

jpsoultanis

jpsoultanis

Member
Looking for an older Rebel, Shadow, Vulcan, etc. cruiser in the lower cc range (say sub-650cc) that I can use to improve my skills and build some confidence.

I have a Kawasaki Ninja and never felt quite comfortable with the sport bike riding position.

Not looking to spend more than 2.5k ideally, but I am open to more for the right bike. Feel free to post here for message me directly. Thanks!
 
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doc4216

doc4216

Coastie who high fives
If you don't like the sport bike, maybe try a more standard or upright seating position instead of going to a cruiser seating position right away. I find it way more comfortable to have my feet under me, than way behind or in front. Just my .02.

Not saying it wont work for you, just a thought. It doesn't have to be one or the other, plenty of great bikes that might meet your liking in between.
 
jpsoultanis

jpsoultanis

Member
Thanks motomania2007, I am looking on those other sites as well for the right bike. Hadn't heard of offer upp, will check it out.

Good point, doc4216. I learned on a cruiser in my MSF course and really liked it. I think the Ninja is already fairly upright, correct me if I'm wrong. Are there any examples of bikes you are thinking of that might be somewhere inbetween?
 
musiclucho

musiclucho

Well-known member
There is this website called cycle-ergo.com. You can input some info about your height and seam (I guess) and choose a motorcycle model and it will show you your ergonomics on that specific motorcycle model. My point is so you can enhance your motorcycle search to upright position bikes also and btw...there is a guy here in BARF selling a hawk 650 that I believe has an upright position (I may be wrong though). Check the website and see what else can work for you! Good luck
 
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berth

berth

Well-known member
jpsoultanis said:
I think that's a bit more horsepower than what I'm looking for as a newer rider, but thanks anyways
Click to expand...

It (the VX800) is about 60HP.

It's not nothing, to be sure, but at the same time cruisers aren't really known for twitchy, exploding power types of motors. They don't rev very fast, making them really forgiving, especially for new riders.

In contrast to inline 4s on sport bikes, they scary thing about them for new riders (especially the older ones) is that there is point in the power and where "the power hits", and hits hard. This can take many new riders unawares, especially if it happens in some kind of stressful situation where the rider is struggling to deal with everything else.

But V-twins, and cruisers, in general, just don't suffer this problem as much.

The bikes are long, heavy, the power has a much smoother and slower delivery.

I sit at stop lights and watch HDs that seem to make more noise than actual to the ground performance.

So, anyway, don't let the 60HP necessarily concern you, especially on a cruiser.
 
R

rcb78

Well-known member
I did quite a bit of my learning on my dads GZ250 and my wifes LS650 about 15 years ago. The GZ250 is like Suzuki's version of a Rebel and the LS650 is just a more powerful version of it, but still only about 30hp.
 
chipper6

chipper6

Active member
Have you considered or heard of a Buell Blast?

It is a common first bike. Harley used/uses? them for their version of the MSF beginners course. It is more sporty than a Rebel, but more upright and lower seat height than a Ninja. I also happen to have one that I was about to post up for sale :D

There is usually always one or two on CL around here, but here is ours:

-2002 Buell Blast 500cc
-It's Red/Orange depending on who you ask
-Just under 10k miles
-Pretty much stock except I put a much brighter LED head light that is 1000% better than stock
-Has better than stock Pirelli ST66 Tires in good shape
-Includes a low seat and a Normal seat (25" and 27" seat heights respectively, Low shown on black Blast in photo below, Normal installed)
-Have a Jardine exhaust that will be included. It is much louder than the stock exhaust that my wife prefered so the stock one went back on. Stock exhaust makes the throttle response a little muted torque-wise, so really easy to handle learning on, and if you want more power and noise, you can put the aftermarket one on.
-We have owned it for 11 years and bought it from the original owner with 500 miles on it. Mostly used for commute and a couple trips to Mount Hamilton.
-Small scuff on wind visor paint from the only time it tipped over, but only noticeable when you get close.

$2000 with aftermarket exhaust
$1800 without


Let me know what you think

uc

uc


Exhaust
uc
 
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A

antwon412

Armchair Biker
My first bike was a Honda shadow 600. Not my first choice and a bike but it was a gift for my dad so I could get the practice down. It was decent. The first week I was using it I was dragging pegs and exhaust.

I would second the recommendation to get something more in the vein of the UJM standard style.

Maybe look for a NightHawk 650 or something
 
haybaler

haybaler

Mechanical
Consider an EX500; similar to what you have, but more upright riding position. Kawasaki made them until 2009; a few nice low mileage ones currently available at reasonable prices. [mine's not for sale!]
 
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