Motorcycle Safety & Driveability: New Bike, kawasaki eliminator 125, kawasaki ninja 250

Question
I am a new rider.  I have taken a beginner motorcycle course.  I am approximately 64" and 140 lbs.  I have my endorsement and am looking for a bike.  What do you recommend?

Answer
Hi Elizabeth,

Congrats! A whole new world is about to open up to you!

Bikes come in four general categories: a standard, dual sport, cruiser, or sport bike. For a first bike, limit the size to 650cc for a 2-cylinder, 500cc for a 4-cylinder. Here are some basic recommendations.

Standards:
BMW F650
Buell Blast 500
Honda Nighthawk 250, 450; CB125, 400, 450
Kawasaki W650
Royal Enfield Bullet 500
Suzuki GN 125; Suzuki GS 400, 425, 450, 500, 550; SV 650
Yamaha XS 400, 650; Maxim XJ 550

Dual-Sports:
Aprilia Pegaso 650
BMW F650
Honda FT500; XL 600; NX 650; XR 650
Kawasaki KE 100; KL 250; KLR 250, 650; KLX 450
Suzuki DR 200, 350, Z400, 650
Yamaha TW 200; XT 225, 350, 550, 600

Cruisers:
Honda Rebel 250, 450; Magna 250, 500, Shadow 500, 600, 700
Kawasaki Eliminator 125; Vulcan LTD 500
Suzuki GZ 250; Savage 650
Yamaha XS 250; Virago 250, 535 V-Star 650

Sport Bikes
Aprilia RS 50
Ducati Monster 600, 620
Honda Interceptor 250, 500; Hawk 650
Kawasaki Ninja 250, 500; EX 500; KZ 550

At 5'4", your options will be limited somewhat, so of the four categories I'd recommend the Buell Blast, Suzuki DR200, Yamaha Virago 250, or Kawasaki Ninja 250.

Buy your riding gear first. You're bound to make a few mistakes in your first couple years and you want all the protection you can get. Buy the best gear you can afford, THEN go bike shopping.

I also highly recommend you read my book, "How to Ride a Motorcycle; A Rider's Guide to Strategy, Safety, and Skill Development." Everything you're going to need to know to survive your first couple years riding is there.

Good luck and happy shopping!

Pat