250cc Cruisers/Learner bikes: GV250, Rebel, Vstar, TU250....

[Rincewind]

My wife has sort-of surprised me by passing her written exam (100%!) and obtaining a learner's permit.  

Though I am suggesting a number of standard-style bikes, such as the Buell Blast, or something semi-sporty like the Ninja 250, her tastes lean toward cruisers and retro-styled bikes.  These are such as the UM Cruise (Hyosung GV250), Vstar 250, Honda Rebel, and the Suzuki TU250.  The Suzuki TU250 is the one I like the best, because of it's standard ergos.  There is also a nice UM Cruise (Hysosung GV250) used at a dealer for a good price.  The Hysosung has some nice big-bike ergos instead being anorexic like the Rebel.  My wife is 5'10" and thinks she wants her feet out forward so her knees are at more than 90-degrees (she get sore knees on the back of bikes).  I tell her she may end up with more of a sore bum on that style bike, but that's her taste in bikes for now.

I have not ridden any 250cc bikes anytime recently.  Can I get some real-world feedback specifically on the 250 cruisers and the TU250?  Comfort, top-speed, suitability for highway-use?  There are seeds planted for a 2000+ mile tour this summer if she takes well to riding -- I question the suitability of one of these bikes for such an extended tour.  She can be a tough cookie, but I think 2000+ miles on a 250cc cruiser could drive one insane.  

Thanks for the feeback.  

[Cablebandit]

Of the bikes listed I'd say the TU250.  It's fuel injected, and handles so well it's insane.  The TU is also good for taller people so she wouldn't feel as cramped as the other 250's out there.

However, if she wants her feet forward that pretty much rules out the TU.  I think a lot of people think they want there feet forward until they see how much more comfortable the feet under you position is in the real world.

[Rincewind]

Yeah the TU250 sounds like a winner to me.  However, it's not that plentiful in the used market - only imported in 2009 and 2011, I think.  So the prices are high and availability is low compared to the plethora of other learner's bikes.  Smoker says to avoid the Nighthawk 250's, but that is one with good ergos and it's readily available.  Personally I'd just as well get a Buell Blast, which she is not completely opposed to considering, though I'm not sure about the reliability.

[GerryPetrecca]

Yeah the TU250 sounds like a winner to me.  However, it's not that plentiful in the used market - only imported in 2009 and 2011, I think.  So the prices are high and availability is low compared to the plethora of other learner's bikes.  Smoker says to avoid the Nighthawk 250's, but that is one with good ergos and it's readily available.  Personally I'd just as well get a Buell Blast, which she is not completely opposed to considering, though I'm not sure about the reliability.

I started out on a Nighthawk 250.  loved that little bike.  If I had had room for two bikes it would still be with me.

Gerry

[Mr.Black]

The Suzuki GZ250 isn't FI but it is a bit less expensive.

[JReazor]

Alex,

I'm going to uphold the long standing internet tradition of answering a question you didn't ask.

I'd look for a Suzuki Savage. It's not a 250 but it's not intimidating by any stretch of the imagination. It's dead simple, rock solid and once the wife moves on you can do something cool with it.

[nevinfs327]

Alex,

I'm going to uphold the long standing internet tradition of answering a question you didn't ask.

I'd look for a Suzuki Savage. It's not a 250 but it's not intimidating by any stretch of the imagination. It's dead simple, rock solid and once the wife moves on you can do something cool with it.

This is a pretty good recommendation - very simple bikes with better ergos for a taller person than most 250s.  I almost bought one back in '98 despite not being a cruiser fan just because of the simplicity.  

The TU250 is a really nice bike.  The guy who parks beside me in my parking deck got one to learn on and despite having added a 2nd bike still rides the TU fairly often.  It is very reliable and simple.  Impressive quality for an entry-level 250.  The size could be an issue though as it is a physically small bike.  Sitting on one would be important.  I only rode it a few blocks and at 5'9" found it comfortable.  Very standard position.  It was nice around town.  Not sure how it would fare on the highway.

[Bryan217]

I ran into a former co-worker of mine a couple of weeks ago who has since gotten back into riding. He bought his wife a Johnny Pag. I'll have to admit I never heard of them before, but it might be up your alley, 300CC cruisers.

http://www.johnnypag.com/motorcycles/

[GerryPetrecca]

I ran into a former co-worker of mine a couple of weeks ago who has since gotten back into riding. He bought his wife a Johnny Pag. I'll have to admit I never heard of them before, but it might be up your alley, 300CC cruisers.

http://www.johnnypag.com/motorcycles/

rince,

Raptor-X in red..she'll luv ya for it.

Gerry

[Rincewind]

Thanks, Bryan - I'm not familiar with that brand.  But I'm a bit hesitant to go for a Chinese bike at this point.  

Lots of ideas to chew on here, thanks.  JReazor - that is a great looking project bike!  I started out on a 600cc cruiser, so that's another angle to consider.  

[cbsnbiker]

I also am going to answer questions that you didn't ask.    

(This message is also a near-repost from another thread on the board.)

Has she taken a riding course, e.g. the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic RiderCourse or equivalent?

My recommendation: don't buy a bike for her until she has taken and completed the MSF (or equivalent) course.

By all means you two should do some shopping. She can sit on bikes, learn about different styles, different features, etc. But don't buy yet.

That way, she'll have a better idea of what sort of bike will be best for her post-course: the right size, the right style, etc.

I can't tell you how many students of mine come into class already having purchased a bike before knowing how to ride, or having had a bike purchased for her (or him). Then, by the end of the class, he or she often comes to the realization that the bike is completely unsuitable: too big, too heavy, too powerful, wrong style, it doesn't fit the individual body, etc. (Virtually never is the bike too small.)

If she decides she really likes riding, she can always upgrade to a larger bike. Starting off on something too big could very easily intimidate her and inhibit her riding.

Best wishes!

BTW, I am not a fan of the feet-forward seating position, but it may be just right for her. Who am I to say?

[Rincewind]

Thanks, cbsnbiker.  She is already signed up for an April BRC class.  You're right that her opinion on bikes is likely to be shaped significantly through the training.  I was sort of hoping to show her some of the ropes before then with her own bike, but maybe we can find an alternative way to do that.

[DosEquis00]

You just buy the lovely Mrs. Rincewind whatever bike she wants.

[spd2918]

TU250!  They are fuel injected and smooth as buttah.  I was thinking of getting one to sport tour on since my bike is so gosh darn heavy.

http://miami.craigslist.org/brw/mcy/2226901336.html

http://flagstaff.craigslist.org/mcy/2217538676.html

http://nashville.craigslist.org/mcy/2229912165.html

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/mcy/2240001511.html

[elader]

Boy that TU250X is cute as a button. If gas goes to $5 a gallon I would commute on that - 50 miles a day back roads.

[Rincewind]

Yes that TU250X is quite the charmer!  I spent some time visiting various dealerships and gathering info.  I found a 2009 leftover TU at the Suzi dealer.  It sits pretty nice - kinda small, but not bad.  It actually seemed a lot closer to the Honda Rebel seating then I would have expected.  The pricing on the TU does not include the current $1k incentive that is on many Suzi's, so the pricing is high for our budget.  I later read a beginner bike review that said the TU250 is pretty awful on the highway at higher speeds - it was "like pulling teeth" they said.  

Meanwhile the Rebel reviews I have been reading indicate it's not too bad for cruising in the 70-80mph range.  I have added the Suzuki S40 and Vulcan 500LTD to the cruisers in consideration.  As well I am still looking into the Buell Blasts.

In our test-sits, she has so far liked the Yamaha XT250 the best.  So I am also trying to zero in on any Dual-Sports that would handle the highway ok and have low-enough seats to be newb-friendly.

[JReazor]

You're probably aware of this but just in case you're not, the Suzuki S40 is just a rebadged Savage.

[Rincewind]

You're probably aware of this but just in case you're not, the Suzuki S40 is just a rebadged Savage.

I'm not very familiar with the Savages, but I have read that history.  The S40 being a "lightweight" beginner cruiser at 381lbs curb weight.  It has the largest single-cylinder in this class at 650cc, which gives it torque but also makes it less suitable for extended higher speed use.  Common issue: cam-chain/guide becoming loose - sometimes leading to engine failure. Pricing is pretty reasonable, but the 100lb heavier Vulcan 500 (using the Ninja 500 engine) does better at highway use.

[Rincewind]

Result: we bought a 1995 Savage 650 thumper.  It has low miles, and I like the belt-drive.  It will just about do 80mph on the highway with minimal vibes, but it loses a lot of power at higher speeds.  I find it pretty charming.

My wife found it by herself, too.

[Smoker]