What would be your first bike if you hated mopeds, scramblers and sport-bikes?

Hiya :O)

Firstly, stuff all the jibes-welcome to the global community that unites all types of rider, motorcycles! It's really tough trying to advise on this question without knowing a few details. Your age, height, leg length and the use you want to put the bike to.

If you already have a full licence age matters less apart from the insurance aspect, if not, you need to look into the current regulations as to what size of engine you are allowed, etc.

I've been a mechanic all my working life, worked for many bike companys, raced for 9 years and ridden over 500,000 miles. Wwhat I ride depends on what I want from the bike.

I own a GPZ900R which is great for stable winter touring and a decent turn of speed with 55mpg at legalish speeds. I ride my GPZ1170 ( seriously modified and really a road legal drag race bike) when I need to either show off a bit or just want an adrenaline rush, but stuff all the bar talk, my favourite ride is a little GSX400SSN Katana ! I've owned most things and it comes down to what you fancy. If you want upto 125cc, but hate the modern sports styling, look at the Kawasaki KH125 from around 1987. Very well built in their day, classic sort of commuter styling, cheap to insure and good parts availability. Or in the 4 stroke class, try a CB125TDC. Very durable if looked after, big bike for a 125 with electric start and 2 cylinders so quite heavy which means stable when it's windy!

If you need a bigger machine, look at the Honda CB500 and the Kawasaki ER5. Both kind of simple in an almost retro way, both reliably good for high mileages and spare parts very plentiful.

As I say, it's down to firstly what class your licence allows, followed by the budget you have to spend, then whether you can fit comfortably on the machine in confidence. Some folk need a low seat height, others need a tall bike for longer legs etc.

I'd be happy to discuss pros and cons of any machine with you but need these things clarified first to be honest.

Best wishes, keep looking at Google images to see what takes your fancy and come back if you need more help.

Mark ;O)

New, Honda 250 Rebel

http://powersports.honda.com/2012/rebel.aspx

Used, Honda CB250

http://www.bikepics.com/pictures/495792/

I don't get why you want any motorcycle. I love motorcycles. There is a bike in every class of bike that I would absolutly love to have. If you hate so many classes of bike then I find it hard to believe that you love motorcycles enough to risk your life riding one.

Heck, in general I hate vtwin crusiers and harleys especially....but I would give my eye teeth for a 1930 knucklehead.

Ducati Monster

Either a commuter or a cruiser or a scooter or a trails bike or a retro.

I would go for a supermoto...

I have been riding for 25 years and I just got one. It's the most entertaining motorcycle I can remember owning.

Street legal dirt bike.

Regardless of what one "hates", any used 250 in good condition makes a good first bike.

honda shadow 750

Your out of luck then. I wouldn't mind any motorcycle. As long as it ran.