Suggestions for first motorcycle

[jmit]

I'm thinking of buying a motorcycle for both mild trail riding and street riding, mainly around town. I'm looking for something used and inexpensive, but with plenty of new and used parts available. This would be my first motorcycle. What are your suggestions?

[just ben]

xt 350. made for a long time and didnt change much. or a tw 200. 20 years with no major changes and very fun on and off road

[jmit]

What brand is the xt 350?

[just ben]

both are yamahas

[Dirtcloud]

The CRF230L is a pretty good first bike, reliable and easy to maintain. But if your a big guy forget about it because there a little small.

[gomer202]

Wr250f but they can be a touch expensive

[oldskool83]

you want a dualsport, there are xt225 out there, 31" seat height. not sure on the power. id personaly buy a dr400z dual sportbike if you can afford it, they are nice have some power been the same for 10+ years. id recopment a xr650l but they are way to heavy and way to tall if your not at least 6ft.

i owned a xr200r i was thinking of plating until i decided to ride it on the road with a fake plate, just didnt have nuff stuff to move like i would of liked it.

if you can find an older suzuki DR250se or 350se id go with them, i see um for 1200-1600 alot in nice shape.

[zzmegad]

Honda XL250 or maybe now there called XR250L, the L is for dual sport (metal tank, signals, brake light, street title, etc) I think you'd be happy with any of the smaller Dual Sports from the the big 4. IMO it's better to get the offroad model and convert it to be street legal, but that can be a pain to get all the legal work done.

[Chazz of Blades]

I have a 78 XL250, it makes a decent dual sport, really easy bike to ride, first gear is a TANK! And old Suzi 200 makes a good bike as well, the DR200's.

[tri again]

I'd prob pick one with really high production numbers, for parts etc.
Not hard to find cheap too.
Like a honda 250. Just enough to get down the road to the next set of trails.

Do you want really want to ride with trucks and cars on a highway?
Heavier is better for that so I guess a look at your typical routes is a good idea.

I try to rent something different when on vacation for variation.

Wonder how dealers feel about you test riding bikes?

Trying them out is best.
As we can all relate, identical bikes, trikes and guitars can be Vastly different performance
and feel wise.

You gotta be comfortable to be safe.