Need help for a friend.

[07R6JC]

My co-worker has finally talked his wife into letting him get a motorcycle of some sort. His budget is small, we are talking around $4500, and his first bike. He like's the look of cruisers and dual sports more than sportbike's but is interested in researching anything in his budget. He found the 2013 CRF250L in a magazine and loves it... I read the article and told him it is the same engine that is in the CBR 250, and also let him know it's a few hundred cheaper. Then I went on to say the ninja 250 is the same price as the CRF250L but would get him highway capabilities... I don't have experience on these types of bikes but figured the collective could come up with a solution for him. So the question: Between any bike, used, new whatever... For a first timer on the street, what should he get and why. IMO I think something he could ride on the highway would be ideal.

Thanks for the help.

[bryan j]

Well I think that's a good fun lil bike it'll have a hard time on the interstate. It can do it but you'll be in top gear wide ass open.

[yuengling910]

250 will do highway speeds but it will be buzzy and you won't have much power available to accelerate past cruising speed.

Consider a 500 or a 650 as well. Will be plenty of power for highway and still pretty beginner friendly.

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[bryan j]

Does he have any 2 wheeled experience at all?

[07R6JC]

He's got dirt riding experience. He has enough that I told him he would be fine on a SS but he wants to play it safe... Nothing wrong with that.

[07R6JC]

Given the price and gas mileage and such he said he is pretty determined on the CBR. All I know is if I were him I'd be getting a damn ninja 300. But hey, at least he will be able to go canyon riding with me now. My other co-worker totalled his vulcan 900 last thursday and he was my riding bud lol. My wife wont let me go without back up.