New rider: what's a better bike to learn on?

**Zak** · 15th April 2016, 08:25

Hi All

I have a question, im 44 new to riding, I like the cruiser look/feel but am torn between a 2014 Suzuki LS650 Boulevard $6995 4434 k's & a 2012 Suzuki Intruder $4995 16200k's.
I will be doing mostly open road commuting to & from work with some city riding. Im about 170cm tall & 85kg
in your opinion what would be a better bike to "cut" my teeth on.

thanx in advance

**Akzle** · 15th April 2016, 08:45

Tl1000rr .

**Ulsterkiwi** · 15th April 2016, 08:54

my wife started on a Boulevard, it was stable and easy to handle and was a great way to get into riding. When she began to go on longer rides the vibey single was not to her liking, some people do like the feel of a thumper, some do not. The intruder is a 250 yes? will be a VTwin and while not as powerful will be smoother, you need to go on a decent ride (translation: time, 20 minutes is not enough) on both to figure out what your priority is.
Remember your first bike is just that, your first! Its main purpose may be to teach you what it is you are looking for in a bike especially if you have no frame of reference to begin with.

**Maha** · 15th April 2016, 09:02

The S40 has a bit of style about it over it's contemporary's in this category Yamaha/Hyosung/Kawasaki etc though the new Kawasaki Vulcan has a bit of attitude going on, not so much the older one.

**MichaelG** · 15th April 2016, 14:29

I'm in a similar position, 40 just started riding (again, rode on a leaners in UK years ago), 183 tall, 85kgs. Commuting mainly (motorway then city) with a bit of weekend riding. I got one of these:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1050275516.htm

And it is nigh on perfect for what I want, torque, smooth with v-twin and good getting up to and at speed. S40 might be a little on the slower side on the open road and the ride won't be smooth. The Intruder is a 250 so probably no good for the highway. The VRX400 might not be a good option as they are pretty rare so parts etc an issue but my advice would be look for a V-Twin, will help with confidence having a smooth ride. If you can't find one then I think the extra top end speed on the S40 is what you want for the open road.

Originally Posted by Zak

Hi All

I have a question, im 44 new to riding, I like the cruiser look/feel but am torn between a 2014 Suzuki LS650 Boulevard $6995 4434 k's & a 2012 Suzuki Intruder $4995 16200k's.
I will be doing mostly open road commuting to & from work with some city riding. Im about 170cm tall & 85kg
in your opinion what would be a better bike to "cut" my teeth on.

thanx in advance

**Zak** · 15th April 2016, 16:00

Originally Posted by MichaelG

I'm in a similar position, 40 just started riding (again, rode on a leaners in UK years ago), 183 tall, 85kgs. Commuting mainly (motorway then city) with a bit of weekend riding. I got one of these:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/moto...1050275516.htm

And it is nigh on perfect for what I want, torque, smooth with v-twin and good getting up to and at speed. S40 might be a little on the slower side on the open road and the ride won't be smooth. The Intruder is a 250 so probably no good for the highway. The VRX400 might not be a good option as they are pretty rare so parts etc an issue but my advice would be look for a V-Twin, will help with confidence having a smooth ride. If you can't find one then I think the extra top end speed on the S40 is what you want for the open road.

Thanx

Gives me food for thought,
looks like I might need to fine time & go do some test riding

**Burnie** · 22nd April 2016, 11:55

Very similar situation to you - 42yo and have just got a L licence so am looking for a bike to start/learn on. i also was considering a 2nd hand Suzuki VL, however for the same price ($4995) you can buy a brand new Suzuki gw250. I think I will test ride both and see what riding position I like.

**Maha** · 22nd April 2016, 12:22

The gw250 has about as much street appeal as a tossed banana skin. The GSX 250 (though no longer made) is where to look in this cc bracket, even a Hyosung should be considered.

**Oakie** · 23rd April 2016, 10:34

Originally Posted by Ulsterkiwi

When she began to go on longer rides the vibey single was not to her liking,

Funny that. On my CB400 Super 4 there was a vibey spot just above 5000rpm that gave Mrs Oakie great pleasure on the pillion seat. True story!

**Burnie** · 23rd April 2016, 18:25

Originally Posted by Maha

The gw250 has about as much street appeal as a tossed banana skin. The GSX 250 (though no longer made) is where to look in this cc bracket, even a Hyosung should be considered.

For a new rider ( and I am definitely in this category ), I don't think that street appeal is as important as other factors e.g. comfort , ease of use , and rideability.

**ellipsis** · 23rd April 2016, 18:50

..there's so many bikes out there and so little time...try hitting trees with a road reg bike...maybe your expectations of freedom will be able to be explored..try this ? in the off road, adv section and in your head too... that's freedom on a sickle...

**Maha** · 23rd April 2016, 18:52

Originally Posted by Burnie

For a new rider ( and I am definitely in this category ), I don't think that street appeal is as important as other factors e.g. comfort , ease of use , and rideability.

.... the traits of a VTR 250.