Look
up "user-friendly" in the dictionary and you might
find a photo of Kawasaki's Super Sherpa. One of the easiest
bikes to learn on, the Sherpa is especially a blast to ride
on dirt roads and trails. Its competitors, Suzuki's
DR200SE
and Yamaha's
XT225,
are both excellent bikes, but the Super Sherpa offers surprising
touches like aluminum rims and digital speedometer, odometer
and clock. Seat height: 32.7 inches.
Sometimes
you can look at a particular motorcycle spec sheet and just
can't help but notice that all the cool names have already
been taken. Or perhaps they just couldn't come up with one
in time for release. Despite the funny name, a 250cc dual
sport is an ideal learning tool, moreso than a 100cc bike
simply because it can do the street thing better without
winding the motor too high. And let's not forget about the
trail riding either. I've stripped down my designated 250
Rebel partsbike and taken it into the desert on several
occasions, and even though it weighs about 50 pounds more
it is still lacking in offroad capability. More suspension
travel is ideal for offroad use, and a DS bike does it well
enough while still retaining decent street handling characteristics.
Have fun on it, I'll give it an A rating.
Recommendations
made by Beginner Bikes Magazine, it's staff, team members
or riding club officers, are based on the skills of a novice
rider, of average stature and do not necessarily represent
the ideal for every rider. While Beginner Bikes encourages
safe, smart riding, we do not assume responsibility for
each individual. Please ride with care at your own risk.
Beginner
Bikes Buyer's Guide
