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Thinking about buying a motorcycle

Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:24 pm
Posted by TigersHuskers
Nebraska
Member since Oct 2014
14400 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:24 pm
Ive ridden before but never owned one. Id consider myself to be a beginner.

Anyone on the OT have recommendations? Ive seen some used non crotch rocket kawasakis and Hondas in FB marketplace but my knowledge is limited
Posted by KemoSabe65
70605
Member since Mar 2018
6185 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:25 pm to
Life Insurance and plenty of it.
Posted by Saint Alfonzo
Member since Jan 2019
27700 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:28 pm to
I have also been kicking around the idea of buying one. Been looking at getting a Honda Rebel 500 ABS.
Posted by DustyDinkleman
Here
Member since Feb 2012
19051 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:29 pm to
quote:

Anyone on the OT have recommendations?




You’ll live longer
Posted by Trevaylin
south texas
Member since Feb 2019
9448 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:30 pm to
buy it used, most of them just sit in a garage . 25-35%. below asking price is about right, its a buyers got the power issue. There are city cruisers, crotch rockets and highway bikes. Figure out your use first. I have had a number of bikes, a Harley is my last one currently up for sale.
Posted by The Torch
DFW The Dub
Member since Aug 2014
27003 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:30 pm to
We went through this recently.

In Texas you have to have a motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license to be legal.

They have classes where you practice in a parking lot, kind of like drivers Ed.

Stay away from Facebook Marketplace, apparently since Covid people are posting bikes way over priced.

Most dealers have trade ins or slightly used with low miles.

We ended up getting a “new” Ninja 500 for $5,700.00
Posted by juice4lsu
Member since Dec 2007
3739 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:31 pm to
I have a Yamaha Vstar I'm looking to sell. Great bike, but I just don't ride any more.

Definitely add Yamaha to your list. They make solid, reliable motorcycles.
This post was edited on 8/10/25 at 4:33 pm
Posted by JerryTheKingBawler
South of Memphis
Member since Jan 2023
7190 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:34 pm to
I once got a great deal on a Honda Shadow that treated me well. Buy used, shop around, don’t overspend.
Posted by UtahCajun
Member since Jul 2021
2720 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:38 pm to
Someone here said the Honda Rebel 500. While this is a really good bike, I would go for the Rebel 1100. Rebels have rider modes that limit power to the wheel. Keep the 1100 in Rain mode for the first few months. You will not outgrow an 1100, but will outgrow the 500 quickly.
Posted by hedgehog
Prairieville
Member since Oct 2006
2475 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:39 pm to
Do it. I got a Honda Navi in 2022 to get in the motorcycle game for cheap to see if I liked it.
After 2 years I sold it to a young guy that was getting into motorcycles but didn’t want to invest too much money.
I then bought a slightly used Honda NC750 with the DCT transmission. They’re fun but nerve-racking because of other drivers on the road. Drive defensive is my best advice.
Posted by Yewkindewit
Near Birmingham, Alabama
Member since Apr 2012
21548 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:42 pm to
If you get a Harley, get one that is manageable to handle and not intimidating like one of those huge rod hogs. Maybe a Fat boy would be a good size to get started.
Posted by Sofaking2
Member since Apr 2023
18328 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:42 pm to

Maybe a beginner bike like this one? lol
Posted by shutterspeed
MS Gulf Coast
Member since May 2007
70155 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:44 pm to
You just watched Top Gun, didn't you.
Posted by RocknRollAZ
Arizona
Member since Apr 2025
151 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:45 pm to
Take a training class. It helps with insurance and you won't have to take a driving test at the DMV.

Get a cruiser. Something over 750.
Posted by UtahCajun
Member since Jul 2021
2720 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:45 pm to
quote:

Maybe a Fat boy would be a good size to get started


No. Just no.

In no way, shape or form is a 114 ci motorcycle that weighs over 600lbs considered a beginner bike. If so, I have a 2021 Fat Bob he could have. I wouldn't sell it to someone learning though.
This post was edited on 8/10/25 at 4:49 pm
Posted by BR92
Member since Apr 2021
1029 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:53 pm to
I’d look at the Royal Enfield line. The 650 Interceptor 650 is a great bike for a beginner as is the Himalayan just depends on what fits you best and wether you want a street cruiser or an adventure bike. Check it out YouTube

ETA - As stated by others take a motorcycle safety course before you buy a motorcycle, you won't be sorry.
This post was edited on 8/10/25 at 4:57 pm
Posted by m2pro
Member since Nov 2008
29614 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:54 pm to
quote:

I have also been kicking around the idea of buying one. Been looking at getting a Honda Rebel 500 ABS.



i am also eyeballing this. my old 250r "ninja" is carbureted and i am 100% over that bullshite.
Posted by Tigahs24Seven
Charlie Kirk's America
Member since Nov 2007
14268 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:55 pm to
Make sure your ID is on your person and findable by Emergency personnel
Posted by Don Quixote
Member since May 2023
3935 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:56 pm to
I've been riding for 50 years

before you even start shopping, go take the MSF course then shop used bikes way below what you currently think your target bike might be - get something you can gain some experience on and flip for about what you paid for it

Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses near you

I tell everyone I've known who took up riding later to start with a sub-400lb street legal dirt bike, max of 650cc

when you're on the road, ride like EVERYONE out there is trying to kill you

Don't skimp on protective gear and remember ATGATT: All The Gear All The Time
This post was edited on 8/10/25 at 5:07 pm
Posted by go ta hell ole miss
Member since Jan 2007
14429 posts
Posted on 8/10/25 at 4:58 pm to
Two types of motorcycle riders in this world. Those that have wrecked, and those that are going to wreck.

Most people learn from personal experience rather than the experiences of others, so go ahead and scratch that itch. I feel like everyone needs to own a boat, motorcycle and a jeep at least once in their lifetime.
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