Motorcycling is an all-encompassing sport in which families can participate. However, it’s entirely too easy for inexperienced motorcyclists to purchase new and used motorcycles that are beyond their ability level. This usually isn’t a problem for young children learning on small dirt bikes, but it can be problematic for adults who may feel that their size requires them to purchase a new motorcycle that has a larger frame and engine displacement. Unfortunately, the range of new motorcycles now available in this weight class (250cc-650cc) has ratcheted down, making way for 800cc and larger middleweight motorcycles.
Studies indicate that most motorcyclists who are involved in accidents have had less than one year of riding experience, and typically did not obtain prior instruction through an Motorcycle Safety Foundation-sponsored motorcycle safety course. These classes introduce riders to the sport of motorcycling on small, easily-maneuverable used motorcycles that are typically 250cc in displacement or smaller. The lighter weight of these motorcycles make them ideal motorcycles for riders with little or no experience, but that’s exactly what they are for, training. When you purchase your first new or used motorcycle, you may want to purchase a slightly larger bike, while still remaining on the small side of the displacement spectrum. This means looking at new and used motorcycles built between the 250cc-650cc engine displacement range. These bikes remain lightweight, but have plenty of power for daily riding, and they won’t struggle with maintaining highway speeds.
New Motorcycles
2012 Suzuki Boulevard S40
The 2012 Suzuki Boulevard S40 is one of the last 650cc cruiser motorcycles being offered in the United States. Other manufacturers have discontinued their small middleweights to concentrate on larger middleweight motorcycles that have displacements above 750cc. The Boulevard S40 features good power, though, combined with impressive fuel economy and excellent rideability. Its low seat height contributes to a low center of gravity that significantly improves the bike’s handling. The Boulevard S40 is also an affordable motorcycle, with a starting price of just $5,399.
2012 Hyosung Avitar
Hyosung is a relatively new entry into the American motorcycle scene. Based in Korea, Hyosung produces a wide range of middle-weight motorcycles from scooters to sportbikes. The 650cc Avitar, also called the GV650, is an affordable, powerful motorcycle that belies its small size with impressive power and an attractive price tag. Starting at $6,899, the Avitar features fuel injection, triple disc brakes, and adjustable foot rests.
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650
Cruiser riders aren’t the only motorcyclists for whom middleweight motorcycles are produced. Sport motorcycle riders who have taken safety courses may want to consider the 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650 as their first mount. It’s aggressive, uncompromising styling combines with proven capability on the track and on the street to deliver a ride that has made the Ninja nameplate one of the most popular in the sport riding world. The fuel-injected, six-speed Ninja 650 may be smaller than the other Kawasaki sport bikes, but like any good bike, you’ll find that this ride stretches the usefulness of the bike beyond the typical learning curve. Chances are good, in fact, that many riders will spend more time on a Ninja 650 than they would on a comparably-sized cruiser.
Used Motorcycles
Honda Shadow VLX (and deluxe)
The Honda Shadow VLX was produced for a number of years, and in several different displacements. Before they were discontinued, the VLX and VLX deluxe were powered by a 600cc twin cylinder engine that had excellent power characteristics. Unlike some smaller motorcycles, the VLX had the feel of quality and heft that you might find in a motorcycle of larger capacity. New, the VLX was priced at about $5,400. Today, when you can find them, you can generally count on paying between $2,500 and $3,500 for a lightly-used example, and as little as $1,500 for a bike with more than 20,000 miles.
Yamaha V Star Custom (and Classic)
The Yamaha V Star Custom and Classic are also motorcycles that fell prey to larger-displacement siblings. Powered by 650cc twin-cylinder engines, the V-star 650 had the imposing look of a motorcycle with a much higher displacement, while at the same time offering good handling and a low center of gravity that made these bikes ideal for beginning riders. Like many other 650 motorcycles, the V Star 650 had enough power that many riders felt no need to upgrade to a larger displacement motorcycle, particularly given the 650’s good power production and excellent ergonomics. New, the V Star 650 sold in a number of variants, with a starting price of around $7,000. Today, a lightly-used example can be purchased for around $4,000, with well-loved high mileage examples selling for around $2,000.
Beginning riders should never take for granted their own abilities. While Harley Davidson motorcycles and heavyweight cruisers are extremely desirable, and can be good new and used motorcycles in the hands of an experienced rider, even the 883 Sportster can be a handful if you’ve never swung a leg over a new or used motorcycle in your life. If you’re set on a large-displacement American motorcycle, do yourself a favor and enroll in a training course offered by your local Harley-Davidson dealership before you make a purchase. The tips and hints you receive could save your life.
Sources:
Hyosung: 2012 Hyosung Avitar: www.hyosungmotorsusa.com
Suzuki: 2012 Suzuki S40: www.suzukicycles.com
Kawasaki: 2012 Kawasaki Ninja 650: www.kawasaki.com
Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine: 2010 Buyer’s Guide: Source Interlink Media Publications