I know this is an ATV forum. But, to be honest, I've been riding ATVs for 6 years now and with less land, high prices, less areas to ride, and thus, general boredom with my 300ex [sigh], I need a new challenge in my life.

Therefore, I'm looking to get started slowly but surely with motorcycles. I am just starting out - completely (no dirtbikes nothing before) - and a friend of mine and I have agreed to basically split the cost and buy an intro level Motorcycle so we can learn, get our licenses, and keep at his parents home for a couple years until we graduate college. (I need a friend in this because my parents will not know that I am riding a motorcycle until I have my license and learned it myself).

Anyways, long story short, what's the best intro Motorcycle to get? I'm looking at:
Honda Rebel: 234cc $3000
Honda Nighthawk: 234cc $3400
Yamaha Virago 250: 250cc $3400
Suzuki GZ250: 250cc $3000

but if there others please name them.

I'm favoring the Honda because I've always been a Honda guy on ATVs and ASSUME the same may hold for bikes {at least in this situation}.

Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated as I look to get this bike, hopefully this summer.

 

The Honda rebel and nighthawk 250s are extremly reliable. That engine design was first used in the old TwinStar 200s back in the early '80s.

The NightHawk250 and rebel250 use identical engines. Only the chassis and body styling are different. Both run about 80-85mph for top speed. Close to 90mph after you've strung it out a bit...LOL

The Yamaha Virago250 is reliable as well buit has a weaker engine than the Honda's despite it being a V-Twin design. The styling is almost the same as the Rebel250.

I'm not sure about the reliability and speed of the Suzuki GZ250 because it has only been around for a shortwhile, however, it has the wider cruiser look to it and looks bigger than a 250 in some aspects.

If you prefer good styling a big factor, and can take the fact that the engine reliabiltiy hasn't been proven yet, I say go for the Suzuki.

 

I just threw a baja designs street legal kit on my XR250R to find it a blast to roam pavement and pick out nitch spots to explore.... it really opens up a whole differnt world.

 

I would suggest a dual sport bike. This way you can learn in the dirt & if you crash you will not be hurt. Also, they are street legal. Plus, after you get used to riding in traffic with a license, you can get a street bike you will not outgrow. Small bikes like you are looking at are, in my opinion, a waste of money. After a month of owning it you will want more power. With a dual sport, you will have a cool way to go see your buddies in the woods or even take girlfriend out, if you know what I mean! LOL!

 

Ninja 250r

 

I'm strongly leaning to the Kawasaki 250r. Thanks for your help.