| The next question new riders often ask is, "What | | | | Silverado styling; an awesome middleweight cruiser |
| kind of bike should I get?" This question has a zillion | | | | you may never outgrow. |
| possible correct answers, depending on your | | | | The Honda VLX or VLX Deluxe - Low to the ground, |
| comfort-level with riding at the time you're ready to | | | | four-speed 600. |
| shop, the type of bike you want to own (sport bike? | | | | The Honda 750's: Aero & Spirit - five-speed |
| cruiser?), your budget, your personal tastes, brand | | | | bikes with forward controls |
| appeal, etc. For simplicity's sake, though, I'll take a | | | | Harley Davidson Sportster 883, Standard or Low - If |
| stab and answer the question directly assuming you | | | | your heart's set on Harley, the 883 has the HD looks, |
| want a cruiser that's similar to what you used in your | | | | sound and agility. Of the majors, only the Honda |
| MSF course. | | | | Aero has a lower seat height. |
| The three major manufacturer bikes I would | | | | Kawasaki Vulcan - sizes range from 500 to the 900 |
| recommend for absolute beginners are: | | | | Classic. |
| The Yamaha Virago 250 - a great-looking, easy to | | | | Suzuki Boulevard C50 and S50 bikes - five speeds, |
| handle V-twin. | | | | forward controls, higher seat height |
| The Honda Rebel 250 - classic-styled, chain-driven 250 | | | | For a more thorough comparison of these and other |
| The Kawasaki 125 - single-cylinder five-speed, | | | | bikes, try the BikerChickNews Short Rider |
| air-cooled commuter bike | | | | Spreadsheet. Although it was intended to be a |
| If you're confident in your abilities but not ready for | | | | round-up of cruiser models for shorter riders, it also |
| the heavyweight cruisers, there are a few more | | | | serves well as a guide to mid-weight bikes from |
| choices. These are my favorites, in no particular | | | | various manufacturers. It's by no means complete, |
| order: | | | | but it might be a good place to start. |
| The Yamaha VStar 650 - Classic, custom, or | | | | |