Good bike to learn on?
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 805
From: Washington
Good bike to learn on?
My 19 year old grandson may visit this summer and was talking about going riding with me for a few days. He's a sturdy guy - 6', probably 180 pounds, plays rugby. Before he comes he would get an MC endorsement and a 2 day MSF class. He's ridden with me, on my bike but hasn't handled a motorcycle himself. He wanted to ride one of my bikes - a 132hp Triumph or 900lb Harley. I said "no", I'll get you a used bike that's appropriate to learn on, and we will ride out in the country. I've seen a few used bikes for sale locally, good prices (at least to me). I'm considering a Kawasaki 300 Versys, a Honda CBX 500, a Suzuki 650 Vee Strom, Kawasaki KLR 650, or a Harley 1200 Sportster. All are less than $5000 depending on year and miles. All are known to be bullet-proof. Do you think a Sportster is too big a learner bike? I don't know what I'll do with the bike after he leaves. I don't really have room for it and he us going to an urban college with no where to keep it. Your thoughts?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 390
From: NJ
Well thats kind of a loaded question. What type of bike is he really into? There are plenty of good starter bikes out there. Two of my favorites are the rebel 500 and the Suzuki SV 650. The rebel is good for someone who wants a cruiser but I really like the balance and handling the Suzuki SV 650 for anyone who wants to graduate to a full-fledged sport bike or naked.
also, since both of those bikes are fairly common for first bikes it would be very easy to resell when youre done with it
also, since both of those bikes are fairly common for first bikes it would be very easy to resell when youre done with it
Last edited by Jersey Drew; Jul 12, 2025 at 09:20 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 11,261
From: San Diego, CA
My 19 year old grandson may visit this summer and was talking about going riding with me for a few days. He's a sturdy guy - 6', probably 180 pounds, plays rugby. Before he comes he would get an MC endorsement and a 2 day MSF class. He's ridden with me, on my bike but hasn't handled a motorcycle himself. He wanted to ride one of my bikes - a 132hp Triumph or 900lb Harley. I said "no", I'll get you a used bike that's appropriate to learn on, and we will ride out in the country. I've seen a few used bikes for sale locally, good prices (at least to me). I'm considering a Kawasaki 300 Versys, a Honda CBX 500, a Suzuki 650 Vee Strom, Kawasaki KLR 650, or a Harley 1200 Sportster. All are less than $5000 depending on year and miles. All are known to be bullet-proof. Do you think a Sportster is too big a learner bike? I don't know what I'll do with the bike after he leaves. I don't really have room for it and he us going to an urban college with no where to keep it. Your thoughts?
Back in the 70s, I learned on a Harley 1200 Super Glide when I was 20. I was 5'8" and 155lbs....
I had a bunch of trail riding experience on small dirt bikes, but I learned (on my own, no classes back then) and only rode Harley Big Twins on the street back then, and since then up to today....
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 45
Likes: 25
From: York County, SC
I don't think a sporster is too big (I assume 883), but smaller is probably better. Since you don't want to keep the bike, find something that has good resale value and will sell quickly - facebook marketplace might give you some ideas.
The bike that got me addicted was a Honda Rebal 250 (I can't remember the year but this was around '93). What a fun bike for a beginner. Heck, any bike is fun when you are just learning because it's all so new.
The bike that got me addicted was a Honda Rebal 250 (I can't remember the year but this was around '93). What a fun bike for a beginner. Heck, any bike is fun when you are just learning because it's all so new.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 390
From: NJ
Trending Topics
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 2,917
From: Mostly Florida, some Michigan
That's never happened here, has it? 
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 4,126
Likes: 2,117
From: W. MI.
Good deal on classes! He's a fair size boy, put the 1200 under him. Before you get to the road, take him to a parking lot for a bit and ride it there. See how he does. No matter the bike, if he can't handle it let him drop it there. Like what you see, go for it. Good luck!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,540
Likes: 30,870
From: Pennsylvania
Sportster, maybe; however depending on what you get they can be a little cramped for a good sized fella. Additionally, the clutch may be a little grabby or difficult to use if not adjusted correctly.
I will second A Suzuki SV 650 Vee Strom as they are pretty much bulletproof and very forgiving with the clutch. Also they have enough power at the higher RPM range to ride on an Interstate with its 6 speed gear box. You would be able to sell it quicker at close to the price you paid. Sportsters sometimes do not sell and you may take a bigger loss.
I will second A Suzuki SV 650 Vee Strom as they are pretty much bulletproof and very forgiving with the clutch. Also they have enough power at the higher RPM range to ride on an Interstate with its 6 speed gear box. You would be able to sell it quicker at close to the price you paid. Sportsters sometimes do not sell and you may take a bigger loss.