Looking for a 250-500cc bike for mom/dad to learn on as they just passed the MSF in October together....Cash in hand, looking at about a 200 mile radious from Federick, MD. which would be a bike loacted in VA, MD, PA and S. Jersey, and maybe further)

If you want to sell before spring contact me,

Jrthomas0@frostburg.edu

Have you tried eBay? Look for something local so you can check it out. Or look on CycleTrader Online, we've found a few good bikes that way. Even cheaper stuff would be on craigslist. Look at some online reviews via google- just try reviews for 250cc motorcyclaes, you'll find links like this one:
http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/reviews/beginner-motorcycles
Have the folks read them, compare seat heights and specs, and decide what they like, then go look for it online via above procedures.

I'd definitely rec a 250, and used and older to start. Probably mom would end up with the smaller bike and dad would go get something bigger in a few months, it's that Y chromosome thing. Then they can ride together, always so much more fun!
Good luck!   

PS: I personally wouldn't start a new rider on the street with a GS, but that's me. I'd also stay away from a Buell Blast, except to accessorize a GS..

http://www.bestbeginnermotorcycles.com/suzuki-gs500-review   

* Engine Type: four-stroke, air-cooled In-Line Parallel Twin Cylinder, DOHC, two valves per cylinder
    * Displacement: 487 cc
    * Engine Redline: 11,000 rpm
    * Horsepower: 51.3 hp @ 9500 rpm
    * Torque: 30.4 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm
    * Fuel Economy: 50-60 mpg
    * Length: 81.9"
    * Weight: 396.8 lb. (dry)
    * Fuel Capacity: 5.3 gals.
    * MPG: 58 MPG

Where can I get my hands on that GS...


Sorry to hijack, +1 to Teek for the parents 1st bike, but I started on a GS and I'm happy because I quickly "grew" into it and its served me pretty well. I'm 23 if that matters.

Hey Forever,

THX, and touche', and of course a GS for YOU, you're a young guy with great refexes and probably some size, compared to somebody's PARENTS!  (Especially a mom!)  If they didn't have to share it....

BUT a gs they can use and not outgrow too quickly. whereas a 250 of any kind really they would more than likely outgrow. parents or not. a buell blast is not a bad bike, BUT it is a thumper. as is the suz savage, some dont liek teh thumpers.  the savage is not a bad beginner bike either. ( the 650) the blast isnt a bad beginner bike either lol. i guess it depends on what kind of riding they might want to do , but ( a shameless plug here, id recommend a gs   , can be ridden slow, and if they want to get into "spirited" riding teh gs fills that bill nicely as well

My vote goes to others.
Virago 535, 700/750, savage 650, maxim 700 etc etc make better beginer bikes.
Of sport-like bikes GS comes first with several others comming in close behind.
Cool.
Srinath.

Of alll bikes, the EX500 is top on my list.  GS is second only because the EX has a true 8 valve motor, more power, and a little simpler to work on.    that and the 500 just looks nicer to me(minus full fairings).

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=38972.0

I'd agree on the Virago 535, I've been looking for one since 1998. I let one that was perfect get by me a few years ago due to insufficient funds. I still have the photos on my hard drive and every now and then come across them and think "Dang!".

Oh, and the Blast, go check it out on eOpinions, they apparently suck mechanically and have no support from Harley dealers for repairs, IF you can even get the parts, that's why I started looking for a GS. I originally wanted a Blast. Also I read the archived review that placed the GS first and the Blast last out of a ten bike shoot out.

teek youd be surprised at what support they DO have ( the blast)

I would be GLAD for all those people who decided to buy American and then were treated like crap by the company and the dealers! I think there's a reason they call them "Be- Lasts". 

ive never heard of customer service issues. save for some anti harley ppl. ( not sayin youre that btw), granted teh blast is teh budget bike, as is the gs500  or ( insert entry level bike name here), BUT back on topic, it as is teh savage, gz250 etc etc etc, are thumpers. imho your folks would prolly enjoy the gs500 teh longest. imho it has teh biggest bang for teh buck

  I would say what bike really depends on size and rider attitude.

  We have both a GS-500e and an S-40(savage). The GS is my primary bike and the S-40 belongs to my GF. I can ride either one any time I like she CAN ride the GS in a pinch but only it is an emergency and has no desire to ride it otherwise.

I started riding off-road and the GS was my first street bike.I prefer the straight up feet under me riding style of the MX and the GS over the laid back cruiser style of the S-40, but because of the power delivery of both bikes I often take the S-40 on short runs and much prefer it for slow speed cruising.I like the GS much better in the twisty's or on the open road.

The S-40 has a lower seat height, About the same weight and less overall power than the GS, but it stops making power right about where the GS starts making useable power.This makes for a much better cruiser than GS.If the parents are laid bike and want an easy bike to ride the S-40(savage) would be my pick.If they are a little more aggressive and want a starter sportbike the GS or EX would be a good starting point. The GS and Savage have been around a long time so both have tons of support and parts available.

It all comes down to what THEY want to do on the bike.Can I criuse on the GS? Of course but it takes a lot more fiddling with the clutch and throttle ,and better balance on the bike.The S-40 is gas and go most in town driving can be done in 2nd or 3rd gear without shifting at all.

Let them sit on a couple bikes see what they are comfortable sitting on if they aren't able to relax sitting on it with the motor off they will never be comfortable enough to relax and learn to ride it right.Bike shows or Mega dealers are great for this.Just go when the showrooms are busy so you don't have a salesman trying to push a certain model or what ever someone else thinks they should have.Big  multibrand dealers  may have  all the entry level stuff on the floor that you can try the fit on for size.

I loved the look and the specs of the Kaw 650R but after last years CW show in Cleveland I decided that my next bike would more than likely be an SV650 not the KAW I just did not like the way the bike felt when I was on it.I did not like the SV650S either but the regular SV just felt like a bigger GS and with more power.The GF went looking for a 250 and came out with the S-40 (650cc).

Let your parents decide.Stay away from the rules....Like engine size..Depends on the bike...I'd personally would neve have put my GF on a 650 sport bike but the 650 S-40 is actually just about perfect for her,and she never rode anything before.

later,
      Greg

I have a 2004 Suzuki GS500F (the yellow model) for sale with less than 1000 miles. It has some light rash from a 10mph lay down by the original owner. I purchased this bike for my wife back in 2005 with only 34 miles and it has been the perfect starter bike. I'm looking to get $3000 for the bike. I also have matching jacket and helmets for another $200. Delivery is negotiable.

Thanks,
Jake
Cincinnati, OH
jake.baliva@gmail.com