You’re an average rider looking for a new motorcycle that doesn’t break the bank or require a tremendous amount of skill to ride. It can be a daunting challenge. This article is based on the idea that a person who wants a new motorcycle will come up against specific difficulties, like cost, size, skillset required to ride, coolness factor, to name a few. I am looking at this current list of bikes, considering the same questions for myself. In ascending order, these are my picks for five rides to check out.
Honda Rebel 500
The newly designed Rebel has caught my attention not just because it’s new, but because it is a good bike for someone who wants to commute to and from work with the occasional cruise around the back roads. The Rebel Honda 500 is the cheapest on the list at $6,300. It also has very approachable numbers like forty horsepower. Not a lot, but plenty to get you where you need to go. Enough to take you on a weekend trip should you desire. But it is small; you might find it has a lack of power and room for long rides when riding two-up.
Suzuki Boulevard c90t
The Suzuki Boulevard c90t made it on the list, although with some misgivings. It is the most expensive at $13,000 and has the second-lowest horsepower ratings. That being said, power isn’t everything. It is a comfortable bike made for long rides in the saddle. The c90t is possibly the best cruiser in the category. Although it is a big bulky ride, it is meant to keep riding beyond the sunset. It’s a niche bike for a specific type of riding that may not necessarily fit for you. You might also find this motorcycle has a lack of add-on options in the future to change or adapt your bike.
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Yamaha Bolt R-Spec
Smack dab in the middle of our list is the Yamaha Bolt R-spec, a stripped-down bobber with a moderate-sized v-twin. It is pushing hard against the Rebel with 65hp and reasonable pricing around $8,500. The Yamaha Bolt is ideal for the average rider who wants just a tough-looking but respectable machine to ride. Like some others on this list, Yamaha has a world-renowned ability to construct long-lasting bikes; you will not worry about riding all day on this motorcycle. The Bolt is the most reasonable bike on the list, you won’t turn any heads with this motorcycle. You will blend in. Maybe that’s what you want. Who am I to judge, but I want to stand out just a little bit.
Indian Scout
The Indian Scout, with its redesign in 2015, added new tech with fuel injection and liquid cooling with 100hp. It promises plenty of power to cruise the country. Indian offers a multitude of options for the Scout. Whether you want it to be a cruiser or bagger, there are plenty of choices for the right price. I am a large man at 6'2" 280, and this bike feels small to me. The Scout has the most options, and you might want to spring for some right off the bat like forward controls because if you’re like me, you will feel cramped.
Honda Rebel 1100
Everything you need and more. The Rebel 1100 offers roughly 80hp with the aggressive low-slung styling of a futuristic bike, using the engine from the African twin and coming from the legendary name, Honda. With the stress-tested Honda manufacturing, you will have no concerns about riding all day, every day. Having cruise control, anti-lock brakes, different drive modes, and the optional DCT, the Rebel is easily the most loaded bike on the list. With options galore, from seating to bags, this bike will be around for a long time. The only main con I can see is because of how our world is right now, you will have to preorder anything and everything you want with this bike. That includes the cycle! Forget about finding one used. With all the options on it already you have to wait for the world to catch up.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this is just one average rider’s shopping list. There are hundreds of motorcycles that could fit your riding style. These are just for the cost weary, every day average rider with perhaps the desire to get out and get lost on a back road during the weekends, maybe with the option of adding to the bike for passengers and luggage. I want to commute in comfort while having the possibility of loading up the bike with my wife and bags to go camping for the weekend. If you want the same for yourself, you have got to put these on your list.
