Best First Cruiser Bikes

The Yamaha Virago 250 is one of the most popular beginner cruisers on the road. Many beginning riders head straight for the Virago, known for its great handling and manageable power. The Virago has a great classic cruiser look, often getting mistaken for a small Harley Davidson.

The 249cc, SOHC, engine is great for beginning riders, giving the perfect amount of power for crusing the streets. Top speed clocks in at about 85 miles per hour, just enough for the beginning rider. As with most smaller bikes, the Virago does tend to blow around at high speeds, but installing a simple windshield has helped some riders overcome this problem.

The Virago is definitely geared toward small riders. With a seat height of only 27 inches, this bike may not appeal or be comfortable for taller riders. The Virago is also one of the lightest bikes on the market, coming in at 302 lbs.

Another great benefit of the Virago, especially in today’s economy, is the stellar gas mileage. Most riders report getting about 70 miles per gallon, though some claim to get closer to 90 miles per gallon. Given that the Virago is one of the more expensive beginner bikes (about $3,500 for a 2007), good gas mileage is certainly a plus!

Specs:
Engine: 249cc, air-cooled, SOHC, 60 degree V-twin
Displacement: 249cc
Bore and Stroke: 49mm x 66mm
Ignition: Digital TCI
Transmission: 5-speed
Final Drive: Chain
Fuel System: 26mm Mikuni carburetor
Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
Seat Height: 27.0 in.
Wheelbase: 58.7 in
Weight: 302 lbs. dry
Suspension/Front: 33mm telescopic fork; 5.5" travel
Suspension/Rear: Twin shocks w/adjustable spring preload; 3.9" travel
Brakes/Front: 282mm disc
Brakes/Rear: 130mm drum
Tires/Front : 3.00-18
Tires/Rear : 130/90-15
Miles Per Gallon: 70+
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gal.

-Julie

Beginning riders looking for a relaxed, comfortable cruiser should check out the Honda Rebel.

This 234cc four-stroke twin engine has been around on Honda bikes for decades, making it a very reliable choice. The Rebel is a powerful and very responsive bike, and is great for commuting around town. For the average rider (120-200 lbs), the bike will go 0-60 in 5 seconds.

While the Rebel boasts a relaxed riding position, some larger riders might find this bike to be too small or very uncomfortable. In addition, larger riders might find the Rebel struggling a bit to reach top speeds, especially on highways.

Weighing in at 331 lbs, the Rebel is a very lightweight bike and easy to handle. Few riders report feeling blown around on this bike. Beginning riders with find this a great bike to learn on. The Rebel especially excels around turns, making a new rider feel like a pro in no time!

With outstanding gas mileage, and a great list price, the Honda Rebel is one of the most reliable and economical cruiser bikes for beginning riders.

Specs:
Engine Type: 234cc air-cooled parallel twin-cylinder
Bore And Stroke: 53.0mm x 53.0mm
Induction: Single 26mm diaphragm-type constant-velocity (CV) carburetor
Ignition: CD
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Valve Train: SOHC; two valves per cylinder
Transmission: Five-speed
Final Drive: O-ring sealed chain
Front Suspension: 33mm fork; 4.6-inch travel
Rear Suspension: Dual shocks with five-position spring-preload adjustability; 2.9-inch travel
Front Brake: Single-disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear Brake: Drum
Front Tire: 3.00-18
Rear Tire: 130/90-15
Wheelbase: 57.1 inches
Seat Height: 26.6 inches
Curb Weight: 331 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 2.6 gallons, including 0.7-gallon reserve

-Julie

The Suzuki GZ250 is a favorite among both men and women riders. This beginning bike is fun and easy to operate, and has the look and features of a larger cruiser.

With a seat height of 27.8 inches and a weight of 302 pounds, the GZ250 is easy to maneuver and very responsive around turns. Many beginning women riders find this bike very comfortable and perfect for their skill level.

The four-stroke, SOHC engine provides good power and acceleration without completely overpowering its rider. The 5-speed transmission offers strong performance in almost any situation. Riders will find that this bike handles well in a variety of different weather and road conditions. Most riders of the GZ250 find the bike excels on short rides and in heavy traffic.

One of the best parts about this cruiser is the classic styling. Though it’s a beginner bike, this one will make you look and feel like a pro! Priced around $3,300 new, the Suzuki GZ250 is definitely a ride worth having!

Specs:
Fuel Tank: 3.7 gallons
Front Tires: 110/90-16
Rear Tires: 130/90-15
Front Brakes: Disc
Rear Brakes: Drum
Engine: 4-stroke, air-cooled, OHC
Bore Stroke: 72.0 x 61.2mm
Compression Ratio: 9.0 : 1
Fuel System: MIKUNI BSR32
Lubrication: Wet sump
Ignition: Electronic ignition (Transistorized)
Final Drive: D.I.D 520V, 110 links
Overall Length: 2160 mm (85.0 in)
Overall Width: 815 mm (32.1 in)
Overall Height: 1090 mm (42.9 in)
Ground Clearance: 125 mm (4.9 in)
Wheelbase: 1450 mm (57.1 in)
Suspension Front: Telescopic, coil spring, oil damped
Suspension Rear: Swingarm type, coil spring, oil damped

-Julie

If you crave a versatile first bike, perfect for learning how to ride and extremely comfortable, the Kawasaki Eliminator Cruiser is certainly a good option.

The classic style and chrome frame make this a very attractive bike. The 125cc, air-cooled, SOHC engine, while powerful, will keep new riders safe and out of trouble. The engine, at about 12 horsepower, is designed to be powerful at lower speeds, making it a great bike for riding around town. The electric ignition does not require adjustments, and you can count on it being pretty reliable.

Another major benefit of this bike is its height. This bike is one of the shortest and lightest on the market, with a weight of approximately 291 pounds and a seat height of 26.8 inches. Though short riders will probably find this bike very comfortable and natural, taller riders may find that the Eliminator is just too small.

Most beginner riders want their first bike to be very affordable. The good news is that this one, approximately $3,000, certainly won’t break the bank! And even better, the Eliminator gets about 60-70 miles per gallon, very good news, especially if gas prices rise again.

Specs:
Transmission: 5-Speed
Front Tire Size: 90/90-17
Rear Tire Size: 130/90-15
Wheelbase: 57.9 in.
Front Brake: Hydraulic Disc
Rear Brake: Drum
Fuel Tank Capacity: 3.4 gal.

-Julie

A great new bike for rookie riders will be introduced in the US in 2009. The Suzuki TU250 has a cool retro style and is perfect for those who are just beginning to ride.

The tu250 is lightweight, about 328 lbs, great for those who don’t want to worry with having a heavy bike which can be hard to maneuver and keep balanced. The short seat height (30.3 inches) gives this bike a more natural riding position and makes it very comfortable for those who are just getting used to riding.

The fuel injected, 249cc, four-stroke, single cylinder engine gives the tu250 just enough power, but not too much to make new riders feel uncomfortable or overpowered. Top speed of the bike comes in at about 75 mph. The bike is reliable, and most maintenance can be done yourself or by a mechanic at a relatively inexpensive cost. The tu-250 also gets great gas mileage for a bike.

The best part of this bike has got to be the price. Listed at about $3,500, the Suzuki tu250 is certainly affordable for most beginner riders. While this bike has been selling in Japan for some time, it is scheduled to be released in the US in early 2009.

-Julie