First bike for a friend - suggestions and input welcomed

A good friend of mine is in the market for her first motorcycle. She completed her motorcycle training course and acquired her license about two weeks ago and I think we could use some input on a good starter bike.

She is tall, right at 6' and likes the size of my 650. She is afraid of the larger bikes because of their significant weight and power. We looked at a 750 Nighthawk but it was a bit larger and more powerful than she feels comfortable with.

She really likes the Honda Nighthawks but we are having a hell of a time finding any in the area (North NJ, NYC, Eastern PA, South NJ) within her price range AND of a desirable size.

Due to the lack of availability of the Nighthawks in 550-650cc in our area and price range, she is also considering some of the Maxims (she is checking out a 550 tomorrow).


So here are the basic qualities she is looking for:
-Manageable/easy to learn on engine size: thinking 500-650cc
-Light to medium weight: preferably around or under 500lbs
-Low cost: Budget should not exceed $2000
-Comfortable cruiser - nothing turbo charged, force induction, super sport, 'crotch rockets' or 'choppers'
-Shaft drive if possible but not a dealbreaker
-Reliable and in good shape - she wants to RIDE it, and I live about an hour from her so I can do regular scheduled maintenance and guide her through that, but surprise maintenance is not desirable.

So what did my fellow XJers start on? What did you like and not like about your first bike? What was the easiest to handle and control? Any input would be greatly appreciated.


edit: she corrected my assessment of her height

 

older radian 650 maybe,,,,

 

there's seems to be a lot of 400 size bikes around, that's not a bad size for a first bike

 

I took the course (250cc bikes) and jumped right into a 750 Maxim.

I'm 6' and the fit is decent (but never rode anything more comfortable yet - the 250s felt small/cramped during class).

If you've been a member long enough, you know everyone will recommend:
Check compression before buying
Check/fix rear brake delamination
Replace original brake lines
Check/replace valve shims
Rebuild carbs as needed or ASAP
Replace older rubber tires
Replace original fuse panel

If you are cool with doing all that with/for her go for an XJ.

Granted a well maintained XJ might not need all of that right away to ride safely

 

My first bike was a 550 Maxim and I think it was a good starter bike. It wasn't shaft drive but it was a good starter. You should be able to find something in that price range that will suit/ Good Luck.

 

Try looking for a Honda Shadow 500. Sounds like that is exactly what she's looking for.

 

Also look for the Kawasaki LTD/CSR. CC range from 305 to 1000.

 

Her height could be a problem with smaller bikes. She might have to suck it up and start with something a little bigger and heavier.

 

Yup. Hit the nail on the head.

As to height, it depends also on body shape. SOme people have long trunks, some have long legs, everyone's gotta check the sit and fit of any bike they're interested in.

 

My son started out on a Nighthawk 450 it was a good starter bike. He is 6' tall and fit just fine on it. My wife started out on a Suzuki GN125 (she’s 5' 9") Not a lot of power but it is extremely light weight she was able to pick it up if it went down (they do have a GN250 model).

If she likes the nighthawk try looking for a 700 cc it’s about the same size as the 650 or even the XJ700. My wife now rides an XJ750 (and soon an XJ1100) once she got used to the weight (which was very quickly) she has had no problem.

 

Kawasaki vulcan came as 500 fo a while. Suzuki gs500 mebbe but thats more standard... but anything under $2000 is gonna need tlc.

 

Had a buddy in college that rode a 500 Shadow. He's 6'7"


Nighthawk would be a good choice but he said "no sporty bikes"

 

So she is looking at an XJ550 Max right now. VERY clean, beautiful shape minus the mufflers and tank badges.

I MAY have hooked her on the XJ's, from getting off the phone with her she likes it a lot.. waiting to see if she is buying it.

 

*DING*DING*DING*DING*

"Bob, tell the man what he's won!"

Anything more than 6 years old is gonna need TLC, plus about $600~$800 more to make it safe and reliable. Honda, Yamaha, Kaw; it matters not-- an old bike is an old bike.

A 6-footer would be cramped on a 550 Maxim; I'd recommend the XS400R Seca (twin, "half an XJ" motor) IF you can find one.

Or a Honda VT500 Ascot; the "cruiser" versions of any of that size range will cramp up an 6' tall rider.

In XJs, you'd be better off with a 550 Seca than a 550 Maxim. I'm 6'5" and I'm fine on the 550 Secas; on a 550 Max my knees would hit my ears.

 

If she buys it, I can help you with tank badges.

But only if you promise to properly resurrect the bike; clean has nothing to do with maintenance.

 

The seca's seats are less contoured allowing the rider to scoot back to accomadate for more leg room.

The first bike I ever rode (for mor than once around a block) was my 750 max, getting used to the weight and power can be done pretty quickly.

 

I know I'm late to the discussion, but here's my two cents anyway.

The advice I recall hearing was this (late seventies/early eighties timeframe): first bike, 250cc or so. Maybe 400ish if one is planning on riding it any significant distance.

My first bike was a 450 Hondamatic, and yes, I rode the bejeezus out of that thing. (Didn't have a car at the time.) From there I jumped to a 750 Kawasaki twin, and then to the 750 Max.

 

Honda Magna V30. It is a 500cc V4 engine and nice and smooth. As I recall, it is also a shaft drive. I know that is the case of the V45 - 750cc and the V65 (1100cc ?). Back in the day, there was an ad for the V65 as being the fastest stock bike from a dead stop. It is a cruiser style and has a lower center of gravity than the XJ's making it much easier to learn on. You could probably, just about take the DMV/BMV test on it, it handles that well. Then, when she wants more power/weight, go for an XJ.

As I recall it had a lot in common with the Honda Interceptor of the day as well.

An alternative would be something really small like a Honda Rebel which can get up to highway speeds and is very easy to manuever.

FYI: I have a V30 and I think it is definitely a much superior bike on which to learn than an XJ650 or larger (I haven't ridden a 550).

 

There is an 85 Nighthawk 700 not too far from me here in Ohio that sounds nice. Garage kept, 17,000 miles. Says has had season maintainence (oil change, spark plugs, etc. Wants $1.1K for it which would leave you ample in your $2K budget for any updates it needs.