# Recommend a bike **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 24, 2005, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-bike/305276 "2005-05-24T16:49:04Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DrLoveGun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecb155/32.png) [@DrLoveGun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrLoveGun)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2005, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-bike/305276/1 "2005-05-24T16:49:04Z")
At some point in the future, once we figure out the finances and such, I would like to get a motorcycle for solo commuting. Better on gas, don’t need to carry a passenger, and I work kinda strange hours. That way my wife can have the car for her and the baby, and I don’t have to pedal my way to work. Which will be very nice when we move away from here and I no longer have a nice 3 mile ride every day, but something signifigantly longer and unbikeable. It would be something new or newish, I don’t care whether crotch rocket or cruiser, just want to know what people like for bikes, and what makes a decent little commuter. ---
**Author:** ![Spiny\_Norman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@Spiny\_Norman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiny_Norman)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2005, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-bike/305276/2 "2005-05-24T19:06:35Z")
Speaking as someone who rides his Honda on his 30-mile commute, I certainly think you have the right idea. Fast, economical and way fun. As for the bike, it very much depends on what (if anything) you’ve swung a leg over before. I was told (and has told countless others) to buy 2ndhand Japanese “standard” for the first bike. I have a soft spot for two nifty little Suzuki numbers, myself: I owned a Bandit 600 (no longer sold, so only available 2ndhand) for 3 years, and it was just fun, reliable as all out and didn’t do a thing wrong. Somewhat more updated is the [SV650](http://www.suzukicycles.com/Products/SV650K5/Default.aspx) - it’s a blast to ride and an absolute steal at the price. Do spend some money on good rider protection, and in particular, take the darn MSF course! Oh, and have fun.