[acecycleins]

Do you have a large used bike shop by you?

Just north of Atl there is a bike shop called WOW. It's a 50,000 sq ft used bike shop. If you have something like that in your area it may be just the ticket. Keep the first bike under the $3500 range. That way when he drops it (it will happen more than once) he won't feel nearly as bad as dropping a $8000 or more bike. Suggestions:Kawasaki Ninja 250, Ninja 500, Ninja 650 (the twin),Suzuki SV 650 (it not really a beginner bike but it will last him a life time), GSF 650 (it's the Katana/Bandit replacement- also not exactly a beginner, but very durable- you'll only find them new, however), Honda 599, Buell M2 Cyclone, ANY Dual Purpose bike Honda XL, Kawasaki KLR, Suzuki DRZ bike would be great. Prices are coming down on the Suzuki DRZ400SM models. Sticky street tires and good off-road suspension. Well, that's all I have. Good luck. Happy Birthday to the guy.

 

[acecycleins]

Thanks so much for all of the help. I know I want him to pick out his own bike, I just want to know more about them and know where I should start looking so I can have an idea about what to expect and what type of gear he will need. Also, I was going to sign him up for the safety courses, so if anyone knows a good place for those in the Orlando area, that would help. Thanks for all of the recommendations!

KEN!- tell the lovely lady where to find a MSF course in FL. I suggest the state funded MSF courses- they are probably cheaper.

There are bunches of bike shops in your area. Pop the phone book open- look for used sales under the Motorcycle heading and call them. Ask how any used bikes they have on the floor. Go to the one with the largest selection. Get a website address if possible- that way you can see what they advertise on line. Good Luck ;-)