[Hawkshot99]

I know this isnt a cruiser question, but I'm sure it's not a sport bike question.

My dad is interested in getting back into biking, after several years back. He rode for over 30 years with his last bike being a Honda CB 900 Custom. Its not very practical to get the bike goin cause it will cost the value of the bike.
So we were at the local dealer and he was looking at the Honda Rebel and Suzuki(cant remember the name) Bothe of teh bikes are 250's. He has no need to be able to cruise down teh highway at speeds, but just wants a around town bike.
Would one of these bikes be ok for that purpose for a 220lb. guy? And if he did need to run down a freeway would the engine be able to handle it?

Thanx

 

[PickYourPockets]

I rode a 250 during my motorcycle class and it was pretty small for me at 170 lbs. Besides, I think he'll find it's way too underpowered even for town riding once he gets his bike-legs back to form. I'd shoot for at least the 500-750 cc range. Fyi, there's a ton of used V-Star 650s out there cuz people usually trade up for the 1100. You should be able to find a screamin deal. I know people who are happy with theirs. Good luck.

 

[Spok]

I've looked at both bikes as a good starter for my kids. They look ample enough for roun-town riding but I'd not be too ready to put it on the highway, especially with a 200 plus pound man.

 

[Ken]

I would also suggest he check out 500's and 750's. A 250 is going to lug with 220 pounds of driver. It's safer to have some extra power for when you need to drive defensively.

 

[ipscshooter]

I agree that the 250 would be on the small side. It would probably do ok if he was the only person on the road.

My biggest concern is safety. I don't know about where you live but agressive drivers are everywhere. A lot of people drive like they are in digital mode. Full throttle then slam on the brakes.

If he is too slow pulling away from stops, some morons will certainly have a fit. :roll:

I agree that 500 to 800 would be a better choice.

 

[bikeaholic]

re

i agree - a 250 crusier for that size rider is a small

he'd be much happier in the 750-800 range imo

sport bikes however are a different matter 250ninja is a screamer :lol:

 

[QKENUF4U]

Re: re

250ninja is a screamer :lol:

your a funny funny guy :lol:

the 250 rebel is a bit small but i bet it would do just fine everywhere. it would do highway speeds without a problem, might take a bit longer to get there though. :roll:

 

[siasmaster]

My advice is get the 250 if you want to be replacing fork seals every month! I think that's a bit small for his size. I weigh the same and I can't ride one of those without the bars in my knees. My recommendation is a 600-800cc bike. Most likley an 800 because once he gets back in the saddle he'll want that extra power.

 

[Aikata]

I would say it depends on how tall he is... the 250 Rebel was physically too small for me to sit on and ride (6'[email protected]). I experienced this at the MSF class. Of course everyone has their own opinions on what size bike everyone should start on.

An economical choice that works for some people is an EX250, but it all depends...

 

[bud8fan]

i agree with everyone..he wont be happy on a small bike but about 1 day and he will want to upgrade :wink:

 

[wireless]

I bought a 750 and upgraded two weeks later because I thought the bike was too small, and I only weigh 200.

 

[Stuart]

well, somebody has too much money on their hands...

 

[Spok]

I had been out of riding for more than 20 years and considered a V-800 but went with the 1500 instead at the suggestion of friends and family. They all said that after a few days/weeks, I'd have my wheels beneath me and I'd get bored with the smaller bike.

They were right! A 250cc Cruiser is a good bike for beginners & young/small newbies.

 

[ipscshooter]

I had been out of riding for more than 20 years and considered a V-800 but went .....

V-Twin......V-800......the mind reels at the thought. :lol: :lol:

Just joking, Spok. :wink:

 

[Spok]

no worries, maybe i should've typed vn800 eh?.. :lol: :lol:

 

[rwrighter]

I hadn't even sat on a bike for well over 15 years. A few months ago I got the "BUG" to ride again. I got a good buy on a 2003 Vulcan 800 with only 600 miles on it, already had been serviced, carb jetted and a nice set of Vance & Hines pipes. I'm 6'1" and about 220....I wouldn't want a smaller bike! The 800 has good power and easy to handle. My wife has finally decided to ride with me since i put a backrest on, Don't notice any difference with her on it.

 

[PickYourPockets]

You don't notice a difference with someone on the back of your 800? Mine doesn't exactly lug but it doesn't exactly get up with my 125# girl on the back. Of course, it's still stock w/o air cleaner, jets, or pipes. It also handles much differently with less weight on the front tire.