/r/SuggestAMotorcycle

Photograph via //r/SuggestAMotorcycle

A place for prospective motorcycle buyers to get suggestions from people with more experience.

This is not a place for special deals on bikes, or a marketplace to sell your motorcycle. Gear and repair posts should be directed per the sidebar links.

Additional associated subreddits & links:

In your post, please:

  • Post your budget
  • Post your level of experience
  • Post the style(s) and model year(s) of bike you're considering
  • Post the type(s) of riding you plan to do
  • Post your general location
  • If you are asking about a specific model, post links!
  • For riders in the UK and EU, a list of A2 bikes: http://a2bikes.co.uk/
  • When you go to look at a bike, print off this checklist: http://www.clarity.net/adam/buying-bike.html

/r/SuggestAMotorcycle

83,224 Subscribers

1

Should I go with used 2015 KTM rc 390 or wait for something else?

I,ve been looking to buy my first bike and I’m looking for advice. I’ve been riding on a z125 for a bit and looking to buy my own personal bike. Through some browsing on marketplace I’ve seen a rc 390 listed with it only needing to be put back together. I have a general idea of what I’m in for but I’m looking for a second opinion and see if I’m getting ahead of myself.

The KTM is disassembled as it was mid 2nd head gasket replacement after reusing the original before being listed, and it was driven 2k miles with the reused gasket. I’ve heard 390s before 2017 have known head gasket flaws.

Is the $800 project worth it or should I pass on it and wait?

2 Comments
2024/12/01
10:19 UTC

2

New to ADV … not new to riding

44 yo, 195lbs, 30” inseam…I’ve ridden dirt/trail bikes most of my life. I’ve had an Rm250, YZ250F and XR400 with plenty of track/trail hours. Had a Yamaha SR 400 for about a year once for on road riding but that was overseas. In the states now (Nor Cal) and want a “do it all” adventure bike to ride and camp…any immediate suggestions? I like the Transalp or T7 vibes…RE Himalayan 450? … Norden 901 probably too big…the GS’s are probably too big and top heavy. Maybe a DRZ but not sure it would survive the freeway ride to a good trail. What do you think?

1 Comment
2024/12/01
08:28 UTC

1

The kids need a dirt bike!

My 3.5yo daughter has shown an interest in bikes. She has a balance bike, old school tricycle, and loves straddling the tank with me around the yard (screaming FASTER the whole time.) FWIW she will prolly be around 4 by the time I get whatever, it's cold anyhow.

My first thought was the PW50, but I'm wondering if there may be a more suitable stepping stone with some of the E-bikes available now, i dont know much about them or which ones are worth the money. Preferably one that'll last because there's a 1.5 year old little brother who would leave on my 1290 if he could reach the pegs.

3 Comments
2024/11/30
23:38 UTC

5

What's a good 600 sport bike to get?

Title says it all, what's the best one today?

Expereience:

200 hours of on track (road course) experience, did the Jason Pridmore school.... but things have changed, it's been about 6 years.

Things have changed, just wondering opines and maybe what people are migrating to or avoiding for new. Thanks all!

23 Comments
2024/11/30
19:13 UTC

3

Please help me choose my first bike (Corsica)

Hi !

New rider, based in Corsica (island in Mediterranean). Looking for a bike, compatible with A2 license (max 47.5 hp) ~700cc. In terms of use it will mainly be:

  • summer / spring drives
  • mountain and beach roads
  • have a passenger
  • occasional road trip (boats to Italy are cheap)
  • not much highways

I initially eyed a small bike like

  • Suzuki Van Van 200
  • Yamaha TW200
  • Yamaha XSR 125

After researching, I’m thinking it might not have enough power for going up the bigger mountain roads with a passenger.

Now I’m also looking at

  • Triumph T100 (motor can be downsized to fit A2 license)
  • Yamaha XSR 700
  • Ducati Scrambler sixty 2 (400)
  • Yamaha SR 400
  • Kawasaki W800
  • Kawasaki Z650 rs
  • Honda Transalp 750

Aesthetically, I prefer either trail bikes or neo retro style. Would love to hear insights / thoughts on these models, as well as whether 125/200 is enough in terms of power for my needs.

Thanks !

5 Comments
2024/11/30
17:32 UTC

0

BMW F900R VS Honda CB750 Hornet

That is my problem. Any idea between BMW and Honda? All, opinion about passenger, travels...

0 Comments
2024/11/30
09:18 UTC

1

Looking to buy a bike in India. Height 5'3 been riding for a long time, I live in India suggest some big bikes I can be comfortable on

0 Comments
2024/11/30
07:38 UTC

6

Suzuki V-Strom 1050, Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, or Triumph Tiger 900 GT for My Next Bike?

I'm in the market for my next motorcycle and I'm torn between the Suzuki V-Strom 1050, Yamaha Tracer 9 GT, and Triumph Tiger 900 GT.

A comfortable passenger seat is crucial since my wife often rides with me, and we mainly stick to highways. Also, I’m planning to buy used to stay within budget.

Any insights on these models, especially in terms of passenger comfort and highway performance, would be greatly appreciated!

11 Comments
2024/11/30
01:45 UTC

6

Stuck between buying Zx6r or Gxsr 750

I’m gonna upgrade from my z400 in about a month or two and I am torn on which bike to get. I have sat on both and can say that I am much more of a fan of the seating of the 750. I’m not really sure if I should value the tech of the zx6r such as abs and traction control more than the comfort and extra power of 750 and I’m mostly torn on that. I also don’t really know which bike handles better as I live in an area where there lots of twisty roads. Also I am torn over that the Gxsr comes with a steering damper already while the zx6r does not and I’m not sure if I would really need it as I have never had one before and I wouldn’t want to pay extra for one if I were to get the zx6r. I am currently leaning towards the Gxsr 750 but if anyone has rode either and can provide some input that would be much appreciated

32 Comments
2024/11/30
01:30 UTC

7

Best motorbike for a beginner?

Not including ninja, something in the 300-450cc range

31 Comments
2024/11/29
05:37 UTC

3

MT-07 or 2016-20 MT-09?

I've only had two bikes. I started on a CBR600RR and then went to the MT-07. I originally searched for an MT-09 but then came across my 07 for a great deal and grabbed it. I was worried that the 07 was going to be a downgrade to the CBR, but I found it to be much more fun and practical pretty much every time I road it. I fell in love with the nimbleness and punchiness if the bike. It was incredibly fun to ride. I live in a smaller town though and the county road riding was not a very fun experience. When it was windy, I felt as if I was being blown all over the road. I never felt fully planted either and the suspension always felt a little chancy, even after adding thicker fork oil. I also did miss the power at times. The 07 isn't a show bike by any means, but sometimes it just didn't have enough juice when I really wanted it. I do feel like I've gotten to a point in my life however, that I appreciated the ability to just chill and relax on a bike that isn't challenging me to ride it fast all of the time. Yet, I can still easily rip a wheelie or ring it out without exceeding what should be done on public roads. Most reviews of what I see for the 09 are from people who like to ride fast all of the time. Unfortunately, the bike fell over while parked and cracked the crankcase and my insurance totaled it out. So now that I'm back to looking at bikes, do I replace my MT-07, it jump up to the MT-09? Also, due to budget constraints I'm likely restricted to a gen1 or gen2 09. I can try to hold out for a gen 3 but they seem to be pretty expensive still.

TLDR: I'm torn between buying another MT-07 or getting a gen 2 MT-09 because I loved everything about my previous 07 for squirrelly and chill fun besides the shit suspension, windy riding, and occasional need for speed. Will the 09 address my complaints without removing the charm of what the 07 brings?

6 Comments
2024/11/29
04:06 UTC

1

Looking at a beginner bike for under 1k

So I'm looking at a couple of different bikes. One is a 1986 honda goldwing thag does run but just got started today after sitting a while and the other is a 2004 buell blast that also runs and just had maintance done to it. I don't really wanna do a bunch of maintained to run around my parking lot and learn but I am pretty sure I will out grow the blast pretty fast. Both run and seem like they are ok bikes. I am leaning towards the blast but idk yet. I'm 6' 230lbs so let me know what yall think

14 Comments
2024/11/29
01:01 UTC

3

DRZ400 as beginner bike

2021 with 400 miles for $6500 a good deal?

4 Comments
2024/11/29
00:11 UTC

5

Ninja 400, GSX-R125, or YZF-R3 as a starter?

Hey! So I'm currently 14 (so still have plenty of time to research and learn before getting a motorcycle) and have been super interested in motorcycles for a while, and I'm set on getting one once I'm old enough to get my license. I was wondering out of the three if a Ninja 400, GSX-R125, or YZF-R3 would be the best choice for a beginner, as well as the main differences between the bikes- thanks!

3 Comments
2024/11/28
22:20 UTC

11

Best beginner bike under $5000 for highway?

5k USD. Used is cool.

Half my commute is on street, the other half are 70mph highways.

Wants:

  • Reliable with low/cheap maintenance and easy to wrench on.
  • ABS
  • Preload adjustable suspensions or better
  • Decent & affordable aftermarket
  • Upright seating position.

Please be specific about year, generation, models, etc.

57 Comments
2024/11/28
21:39 UTC

3

Mt03, duke 390, BMW 310, cb300

Rank them please, im in search of my firstish motorcycle. I do city commuting in Heavy traffic, and carry my gf some times for short distances. I dont like to brea too much on speed bumos 😅 so suspensión is a need. Also abs is really needed. Tks

7 Comments
2024/11/28
18:54 UTC

2

Insurance cost difference between Classic 350 and Classic 650?

Does anyone in the states have an idea how much more it would cost to insure the 650 version of the RE Classic than the 350? I'm a 36 yo professional driver with a completely clean record if that helps.

4 Comments
2024/11/28
16:57 UTC

3

A2 tourer in London - NX500, Benelli TRK 502, Versys 650 or Tracer 7?

Hi everyone.

I'm looking for an A2 compliant tourer. (I'm in my 30s and haven't got round to upgrading the license — but I'm fine with A2 levels of power anyway.)

I live in N London and I'd like to do weekend rides, go see family in Kent/Oxford, make occasional longer trips, and run around the city when I'm feeling too lazy to cycle.

I've owned bikes like a RE Conti GT 650 and a Vitpilen in the past. All a lot of fun but having them in the city didn't work out because anywhere nice to ride was 30-60 minutes of misery on the motorway.

So this time round I want something sensible with great wind protection, heated grips, boxes, decent fuel capacity, etc.

Unfortunately I only have on street parking. I live in a very safe area but from an insurance perspective, it's going to push up the premium for theft a lot unless I accept big excess. So I'd like something that has a lower chance of being nicked, which as far as I can tell means avoiding BMWs, KTMs and Triumphs.

I'd also like something decently hardwearing that I can keep outside under a rain cover without too much worry.

So that brought me to:

  • NX500. Looks like a brilliant bike. But higher price tag and (I think?) higher theft risk
  • TRK 502. A bit cheaper, less likely to be stolen. But maybe less hardwearing?
  • Versys 650 (restricted)
  • Tracer 7 (restricted)

There's the old RE Himalayan too, which would score great on theft/price/being hardwearing but when I test rode it it just felt underpowered.

Open to other suggestions too! Thanks so much for the input.

6 Comments
2024/11/28
16:30 UTC

2

Ideal commuter/weekend tourer

Hi everyone, I’m UK based. Looking for a year round commuter/weekend tourer. Commute is around 30-40miles depending on route will be mainly motorway into Central London. Looking used, to spend between 5-7k. For context I’ve been looking at the Tiger 800-900, Tracer 900GT, Superduke GT, BMW R1200RS. Just wondering if I’m missing something obvious over the above choices!

Edit: Sorry I should add, not a beginner or first bike. Previous bike was a Suzuki GXS650F.

4 Comments
2024/11/28
09:48 UTC

3

Looking for bike below 200CC

Hi Guys,

I am looking to get a retro looking motorbike that is below 200cc since my license class only allows me to ride a bike below 200cc.

I have looked at Yamaha XSR155 and Honda CB190SS.

Any opinions or better suggestions??

5 Comments
2024/11/28
06:04 UTC

4

Can someone PLEASE recommend me a bike based on my preferences?

Hi everyone! I’m looking for recommendations on a good beginner motorcycle. Here are my details and criteria:

  • About me: I’m 5’7”, 150 lbs, and I’m looking for something beginner-friendly.
  • Budget: $1,500–$3,000.
  • Performance: I’d like a bike that can reach 30–50 MPH. Speed isn’t my top priority, but it should handle city commutes and occasional longer trips across larger urban areas (not necessarily cross-state).
  • Optional preferences:
    • Passenger-friendly: It’d be great if the bike can accommodate an additional rider of reasonable weight.
    • Style: I’d prefer a true motorcycle rather than a scooter or moped. Something low in CC that’s safe and comfortable to cruise on, with just enough power to enjoy an occasional burst of speed.

Currently, I’m considering a Honda Grom or a similar clone like the Venom MS X18, but I’m unsure if they meet all my needs. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

22 Comments
2024/11/28
05:07 UTC

2

What are some good bikes for people that have balance issues. I like old bikes which ones would work with a trike kit. I don’t want a Can-Am. Which enduros, dual sports, adventures or whatever they’re called would work good as a trike?

5 Comments
2024/11/28
05:06 UTC

6

beginner motorcycle

hey i just got my motorcycle license and am looking for a good beginner motorcycle. not wanting a sports bike in the long run but a cruiser to enjoy. is a vulcan or something close to that a good beginner bike? i am going to practice around my neighborhood for a little bit until i get comfy enough for highway. maybe a 600-800cc cruiser?

12 Comments
2024/11/27
21:27 UTC

1

First Dirtbike Suggestion/Ideas

I'm (F20) 5'6" and 145 lb located in the US. Thinking about getting a 2-stroke between 100-150cc to learn to ride on. Ive already got a project bike I impulsively bought few months back thats an '83 V45 Sabre VF750 which I love to work on and would not mind putting work into a cheaper, used bike. I really appreciate a more 'classic' look. Seat height is a big concern to me because my inseam is ~30 in. Would like to purchase something under 3k. Thanks!

0 Comments
2024/11/27
18:16 UTC

1

New bike

Hey I’m a female in a 1.50m tall and weight 45 kg I would like to buy my first bike in Europe a 300. What would you suggest as a beginner bike for me thanks

2 Comments
2024/11/27
17:01 UTC

0

Front bounce

Good evening I don't know if it's the right forum but I'll try anyway. I recently bought a z650 2019 with 15 thousand km service and revision made by 2 thousand km the bike gives me a problem in braking when I'm about to stop the front seems to bounce up and down up and down something that doesn't happen at high speeds only in the final phase to stop the bike does anyone have any suggestions?

3 Comments
2024/11/27
16:53 UTC

5

2024 ZX-6R vs 2024 CBR600RR

Hi, im looking for a replacement for my ninja 400. I do mostly weekend short (<3 hours/200km) fun rides, no commuting whatsoever, and wont carry any passenger.

Im 189cm height and weigh around 85 kg, anyone of these will suit me better? Im afraid they will feel cramped. Important to highlight i cant sit or try on any of the bikes before buying as they do order only.

I will be buying new.

Can see any major differences between both except that the honda is around 1000€ cheaper.

Let me know your opinions, thanks!

10 Comments
2024/11/27
16:04 UTC

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