The Ultimate Learner Bike List

[ExpertoCrede]

Yamaha Scorpio (225) is a very forgiving bike for a learner. Great for commuting too, doesn't cost much to purchase (used) or to maintain.

[Hortz]

Have to go for the 2007 hyosung GV 250 . Brought mine new (yes, caught out by the sale pitch). But what a machine, never missed a beat, smooth with the bigger cruiser feel. Kept it even after I brought my first Harley. Just traded it when I bought my next hog fxdxt. Still miss the 250

[steelphoenix]

If you want something reliable, fun, relatively cheap, economical, and easy to ride, go with a Yamaha Scorpio 225. At first, I thought it was rather 'meh', but after two rides, I discovered that it was a really neat little bike, lots of fun and so easy to ride.

If you want something EPIC that you can lose your license on, go with a Honda CBR250RR (preferably the MC22). They're harder to get hold of these days, but they have power to spare (45HP), and will make you grin like a lunatic. Beware speed cameras!

[Grantman_]

for sport - hands down the Honda CBR250RR MC22. From the golden age of the 250cc sportbike before power Jap domestic power restrictions. 45hp, looks fantastic, leans hard and offers plenty of room for growing your skills. I've had mine since January and only have good things to say about this bike. My first bike - from beginning to ride to knee scuffing, I've done it on this bike, and still it offers plenty of development room thanks to decent power output and good lean angle. I'd have outgrown more sedate bikes long ago, but this bike still gets my heart pumping no problems at all.

Excellent bike.

[ducatilover]

for sport - hands down the Honda CBR250RR MC22. From the golden age of the 250cc sportbike before power Jap domestic power restrictions. 45hp, looks fantastic, leans hard and offers plenty of room for growing your skills. I've had mine since January and only have good things to say about this bike. My first bike - from beginning to ride to knee scuffing, I've done it on this bike, and still it offers plenty of development room thanks to decent power output and good lean angle. I'd have outgrown more sedate bikes long ago, but this bike still gets my heart pumping no problems at all.

Excellent bike.

All four of the top 4cyl 250s are great little bikes and not too much between them.

[shanks]

Hey guys,

Considering between a Hornet 250 or a Bandit 250. They both look mean! Im just wondering for the long run, which one is cheaper to run? As in costs of parts and repair wise?
Hornets are slightly more expensive than Bandits buts is that same for parts and repair?
Any suggestions is much appreciated!

[ducatilover]

Both are reliable.

The Honda will eventually win out on engine servicing because they are bomb proof. The Bandit is a very strong little unit though.

I'd go with a Bandit, it's cheaper, goes just as well and has normal size rubber. The Hornets cost more to throw new tyres on.

At the end of the day, ride both and choose the one that tickles your fancy better.

[TIBLE_90]

I learned on a 250cc ninja, so I recommend getting one of those. They handle well, go pretty well too and I never had any problems with mine.

Kawasaki forever!!!

jk, honda cbr 250 looks good too

[Snug]

The Honda will eventually win out on engine servicing because they are bomb proof.

Agreed, but fyi an 'official' service cost me around $300 for a full overhaul (incl all fluids etc.)

Both are reliable.

I'd go with a Bandit, it's cheaper, goes just as well and has normal size rubber. The Hornets cost more to throw new tyres on.

Definately something worth considering beforehand (I didn't!). A set of Bridgestones just cost me $700 (ie, 7c/K) and it takes a little while before you start using all of the back 180 tyre.

[ducatilover]

Agreed, but fyi an 'official' service cost me around $300 for a full overhaul (incl all fluids etc.)

I wouldn't say that's too bad, but, incentive to do it yourself

[jackboy]

Scorpio as others have said, I had one as a commuter (sold it last month, needed the money) and I cannot say enough good things about the little machine, light, nimble, oily rag running costs, never went wrong and being a single its cheap to service, pretty quick for such a small bike, comfy (round town anyway), a jack of all trades really, never took it off road though!!! I really think Yamaha have hit a little gold mine with it.

I'm a newbie biker - had my learners just under a month. I bought a new 2009 Scorpio X (225cc) and just want to say that it's been a great bike for learning on so far (not that I have anything to compare by - it's just been good).

Users have said the Scorpio is forgiving - do you care to elaborate? What exactly is "forgiving" about it?

[ducatilover]

I'm a newbie biker - had my learners just under a month. I bought a new 2009 Scorpio X (225cc) and just want to say that it's been a great bike for learning on so far (not that I have anything to compare by - it's just been good).

Users have said the Scorpio is forgiving - do you care to elaborate? What exactly is "forgiving" about it?

Easy to ride, easy neutral steering/handling that won't surprise you, progressive and not overwhelming brakes or power. In general just an easy bike to learn on, be smooth and grasp the basics. Good little machines.

[baptist]

I'm a newbie biker - had my learners just under a month. I bought a new 2009 Scorpio X (225cc) and just want to say that it's been a great bike for learning on so far (not that I have anything to compare by - it's just been good).

Users have said the Scorpio is forgiving - do you care to elaborate? What exactly is "forgiving" about it?

Easy to ride, easy neutral steering/handling that won't surprise you, progressive and not overwhelming brakes or power. In general just an easy bike to learn on, be smooth and grasp the basics. Good little machines.

What he said!!!!! I found it so easy to get through traffic, very nimble, great gear box (no false neutrals and things like that) light on the steering, and as Ducati says the steering and brakes will not give you any nasty surprises and try to chuck you off if you get it wrong... I guess when you make a stuff up it helps you out by being so predictable and neutral. Enjoy it, ride it heaps and you'll soon pick up what we mean.

[jackboy]

Cheers, did have a bit of a chat with the old man today about the inner workings of bikes and different types. It's a blessing because he was a motorcycle enthusiast when he was younger, and he's also a damn good mechanical engineer so he really knows his stuff. Looking forward to learning as much as I can about these machines.

[dblancer]

Ill put a vote in for Ninja GPX 250 87-2007

Parallel twin engine and Kawasaki reliability, pretty good looking for something born out of the 80's, well braked and quite forgiving for a learner, but a good power hit at 10,000rpm as you grow your experience.

They are pricing pretty well these days, especially the older ones. Mine was $2,000, rode for two years and sold for $1600 with very few concerns.
Sure they aren't the new Ninja, but remember its for learning! I'd cry if i dropped a 7K learner bike

I was looking at Scorpios and GN250s but was glad I went for something a bit more exciting. ( I truly believe them to be great learners, I rode a GN125 and loved it)