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Standard Bikes
Naked bikes/Standard/Street bikes: Naked bikes have a riding
position midway between the forward position of a sports bike and
the reclined position of a cruiser. Unlike touring bikes, naked
bikes often have little or no fairing (hence the title). Luggage
capabilities are often an optional extra. Naked bikes are popular
for commuting and other city riding as the upright riding position
gives greater visibility in heavy traffic (both for the rider and to
other road users) and are more comfortable than the hunched over
sport bikes. Note that naked bike and standard are not fully
interchangeable terms. Naked refers to the lack of bodywork and
standard refers to the upright riding position.
Suzuki GS500E
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Price:
Prices range from $700-$3,000. You can get a really nice
one for $1,500.
Years:
1989-2002, very minor body
change in 2001.
Specs: 51.3 hp. 50+ mpg.
Description: This is what I ride- to me the ideal first motorcycle. It is
cheap, reliable, fun, and practical.
Pros: This
bike is cheap, easy to maintain, and perfect for
beginners. Perfect for
Cons: Not
quite fast enough, especially on the highway.
Check
http://gstwin.com for the
biggest gs500 web community.
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Yamaha FZ6
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Price:
$6,849
Years:
2004-present.
Specs: 90.5 hp. 40 mpg.
Description: This bike is a popular choice for its half-fairing, upright
seating position, and underseat exhaust. It comes with a somewhat
soft suspension that makes it easy on beginners and very well suited
for sport-touring, commuting, or just having fun on curvy mountain
roads.
Pros: This bike
is cheap, easy to maintain, and perfect for beginners.
Perfect for
Cons: Probably
too fast for a beginner. If you really want a 600cc
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Honda 599
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Price: MSRP $7,399
Years: only sold in the US as 2004 and 2006 models.
Specs: 86.7 horse power, 42 mpg.
Description: I personally
think it looks great.
Pros: Really solid
standard motorcycle.
Cons: A bit expensive.
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Suzuki SV650/S
Price: New $5,999, used $3,000 for a 2002.
Years: 1999-present. Change in 2003- body style is more angular and the
engine is water cooled, not air cooled.
Specs:
72 horse power, 0-60 in 3.65 seconds
The S version is essentially the same, with lower handlebars and
a partial fairing on the front.
Description: Maybe a little too fast for a first bike, but you should be ok.
When I was looking at the start of my original motorcycle search,
the sv650 seemed way out of my league. After riding an sv650 I can
assure you that it's completely controllable and confidence
inspiring. The light weight, rigid chassis, strong handling, and the
V-twin's strong mid-range torque appeal to beginner and experienced
riders alike. This a beginner bike you won't soon outgrow.
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Ducati Monster
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Price: 620 ie. dark A used 2003 will run you about $4,200.
Years: Has been built since 1993.
Description: Comes in a wide variety of engine sizes, you should probably get
one of the smaller ones. All these bikes look great- if this is your
style. Remember, a Ducati is an expensive bike to maintain and have
a premium built into their price in the first place. If you can
afford it, this may be a really cool way to start riding.
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Buell Blast
Price: MSRP 4,395.
Years: 2000-present
Specs:
70 mpg. 34 horse power.
Description: Low seat, good for short guys and gals.
Doesn't have a tachometer. Probably too slow for
anything more than a quick stint on the highway.
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