2001 Jackal: Good first bike?

[agray88]

Hi. A friend of mine is looking to get into motorcycling and I've been helping her look at used bikes. Keep in mind she is 5'8 and very athletic. Other so called "beginners bikes" are similar in size and displacement. Do you think a Jackal would be a good first bike for a woman? This question comes about because I came across a 2011 Jackal that looks to be in nice shape with 21xxx miles on it. I think it's way overpriced at $4500, but I would consider offering around $3000, depending on the condition. Thoughts?

[Steve Scott]

 A Jackal is an OK first bike... but it's almost 600 Lbs. and 70 HP. For a truly 'first-time' rider there are a bunch of balance skills that are better learned on a more forgiving mount like a small enduro or 250 cruiser. Things like pushing the bike around in the garage, putting it on the mainstand, or finishing a mid-corner panic stop upright are a lot easier on a 350 Lb bike and 25 HP is less likely to induce sensory overload and unintended acceleration.

 Unfortunately, the 'but I don't want to outgrow it too quickly' argument has ended a lot of riding careers before they started. Whatever happened to the 350cc streetbikes? They were perfect!

[Turin]

Something lighter would be better. A used Breva 750 or a Nevada would be okay and are cheap when they pop up.

[Steph]

Would I give my California to my son or daughter as a first bike? -No

What's the hurry? I started on a Yamaha RD350A and that was plenty of motorcycle for me

[Luxexterior]

How about a V7?

[Triple Jim]

The new 250-400 class bikes are looking pretty attractive for first bikes and for experienced riders.  A friend just got a KTM 390 for under $5,000 and loves it.  He's been riding for decades.

[trippah]

Suzuki Savage S-40 single cylinder lotsa torque; shift when you get around to it, not too heavy and essentially simple 20 yr old design that is almost rock solid.  will go on hwy (not its strong point however), great for the 1 hr jaunt to the store.  100 mile range so you get to stop and rest often.

[agray88]

Thanks guys for your imput. I suspected as such. I think I just liked the idea of my friend getting such a cool first bike, I got carried away! 

After doing a little research, I think a great first bike for my friend is something like a used Ninja 250. It's more or less a standard bike, not too fast, reliable (usually), and inexpensive. I looked at local Craigslist listings and many can be had for less than $2k. Maybe if she loves riding, I can talk her into a V7! Thanks again!
Adam

[Triple Jim]

After doing a little research, I think a great first bike for my friend is something like a used Ninja 250.

Consider the newer Ninja 300.  They're getting pretty reasonable on the used market already.  She'll probably enjoy it longer because of better torque, power, and less buzziness.  An experienced rider and friend of mine didn't keep his 250 long before he got tired of having it revving 6,000 - 7,000 rpm all the time.

[arveno]

first bike for a girl should be something very very light, the lighter the better.
She should do some time riding a moped then a 125 motorcycle and then 250/ 350 and so on.
A moped ? hell yeah... because she needs to learn to drive in traffic, get used to cars without worrying too much of clutch and gear ...
that how we learned.
just my 02.

A v7 is too much for a first timer  imho.

[Hymes Inc.]

Come on guys, don't you see all those xs1100 and gs1100 on craigslist that the sellers state is a great starter bike? 

[Kai]

Have a look at Suzuki's SV 650 / Gladius. Easy to handle, has a great V2 engine which works from 2 - 10.000 rpm, nice sound, especially with an aftermarket muffler, is very reliable and fun to drive. The prices are very moderate ( at least in Europe) A beginner will have fun with it, you don't need 8000 rpm to move forward like on a 300 cc Ninja or similar. Often beginners are too reluctant to squezze the engine out when they could pass a car or truck. This is additional stress, a bit more torque is helpful here.


 

[Doppelgaenger]

Have a look at Suzuki's SV 650 / Gladius. Easy to handle, has a great V2 engine which works from 2 - 10.000 rpm, nice sound, especially with an aftermarket muffler, is very reliable and fun to drive. The prices are very moderate ( at least in Europe) A beginner will have fun with it, you don't need 8000 rpm to move forward like on a 300 cc Ninja or similar. Often beginners are too reluctant to squezze the engine out when they could pass a car or truck. This is additional stress, a bit more torque is helpful here.

I started on an SV650. I bought it without knowing a damn thing about riding a motorcycle. The first time I came to a stop, I dropped the bike. Whatever she learns on, it pretty much has to be something that she won't mind breaking things on because she is going to drop it. No if, and or buts about it. Stay away from Guzzis so she doesn't drop the poor thing on its engine.

I don't think an SV is a bad beginner bike at all, but it's tall in the seat and relatively top heavy. I've seen other beginners with SVs drop them too. And while I utterly loathe and despise it as a gutless noise machine, the Yamaha FZ6R is a good beginner's bike too in the 600cc segment.

I'd say get the cheapest thing you can find that is reliable. She can move up from it when she gets comfortable.

And because she seems to like the cruiser style... whatever you do... don't let her get a rebel 250! I met a girl who just started riding 2 weeks ago and bought one as her first bike, and she's already over it. Talk about gutless!

Virago 500?

[Hymes Inc.]

My first bike was a 1978 Suzuki GN400. I thought it was perfect bike to start on. Would run highway speeds without to much strain, got great MPG, and could be tossed around easily. Took my first long road trip on that bike, followed my uncle and brother to northern Wisconsin and it handled it fine.

[Turin]

If I was to start riding now, I'd probably look for a Suzuki DRZ400. It's light, not to powerful but still capable in traffic, and as a bonus you can practice in a dirt field without having to worry about traffic! Also I feel that dirtbike ergonomics are easier to deal with than a cruiser or a sportbike for a newbie. My 2 cents anyway.

[Gliderjohn]

Quote from Hymes Inc.:

My first bike was a 1978 Suzuki GN400. I thought it was perfect bike to start on. Would run highway speeds without to much strain, got great MPG, and could be tossed around easily. Took my first long road trip on that bike, followed my uncle and brother to northern Wisconsin and it handled it fine.

 :1: My first bike and first road trip bike was a 77 GS400. From Wichita I did several Ozark trips and a trip to Houston, many other overnighters and day rides. After owning it a few years I did some engine and suspension upgrades and it was an absolute blast in the Ozarks.
GliderJohn

[wymple]

My first bike was a 1978 Suzuki GN400. I thought it was perfect bike to start on. Would run highway speeds without to much strain, got great MPG, and could be tossed around easily. Took my first long road trip on that bike, followed my uncle and brother to northern Wisconsin and it handled it fine.

It also got hellacious fuel mileage, in the high 70 mpg, as I recall.