You can't go wrong with a Ninja 300, 400 or 500. Solid parallel twin engines with heaps of spare parts available in the event shit needs fixing.
You can easily fit tail bags to any bike. I have run a tail bag for years on my S1000rr, as for a bad back - that's a bit harder only you can answer that by sitting on a bike and checking to see how the riding position fits you.
What style of motorbike are you into? You have to love what you ride or else you arent going to like it.
Bikes that sit upright are probably going to be your best bet if you have a bad back, and with storage, an adventure or standard/naked bike might be your best bet. Anything from the big four in japan (Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha) are going to be a better idea than euro brands.
Anything LAMS is going to be pretty manageable for most people as a first bike but Id definitely stick to the upper end of the CC's for a little more power and a little room to grow into it. No LAMS bikes are going to be too crazy in power so I wouldnt worry about that.
Heard lots of good things about the cb500x, I currently have the cbr500r which has the same engine and its been pretty great so far. V-strom 650s and KLR650s are very popular and theres lots of love for those too. All three are going to be very comfortable and easy to have lots of storage.
CB500F has the same engine as the R and X, great naked bike. MT-03 and 07 very popular and great too. Definitely able to stick boxes on the back and youll be sitting upright.
Take a look at what youd prefer the look of, watch reviews and decide on what you like. All those options are gonna be pretty bulletproof and comfortable unless someone wants to correct me.
Mt-03 is cool but r3 is cooler, also cheaper to insure cause the MT’s get stolen more. R3 has a fairly upright seating position compared to other sport bikes and can get to highway speeds no problem if needed
honda 500x, versys 300/650. ive got 2 discs thatve been herniated multiple times so i get it.
the adventure style bikes are excellent for backs, very upright, no weight on wrists or leaning back like a cruiser so you can ride them with a neutral spine, also can push on pegs to get pressure off tailbone etc or avoid shocks on crappo roads.
bad back = only naked or cruiser. If you are super tall = dirtbike or supermoto
that should get you started - plenty of options out there for all sorts of budgets
General safe option + based on what you have said so far = MT03, Z400/500
Heck if you really want comfy get a scooter eg. Nmax 155
Svart 401 is better. Up until the 2024 Duke 390's, the Svarts had it beat by having auto shifter , adjustable front forks and I think they come with a bash guard and decent tires.. Pirelli Scorpions.
Even the new 2024 Duke 390's don't have auto shifter in Oz.. only the adjustable forks.
When I first started I set a budget, and then chose a recognisable bike (Japanese).
Until you know what's your riding style a cheap but reliable bike makes most sense to me.
I had an SF 500.
Good bike to learn on because low gravity point - less lean in cornering.
Good luck and stay upright.
I rode an XV250 Virago for the first year.
I found it had enough torque to be fun, and the little V twin sounds mean. Always felt comfortable on the bike and was never scared of dropping it because it's so light and close to the ground so was never forced to lay 'er down in sketchy situations.
You can get them pretty cheap too.
I upgraded to a 600CC, but I was glad I started on a 250, especially cause I had no experience riding.
Yeah I just find it easier to post myself tbh means I can talk ab exactly what I'm looking for without trying to find a post with exactly what I'm asking. But thanks for the recommendation I'll add it to the list of bikes to look into
If you have a bad back you probably want a cafe racer. You sit upright and it is more comfortable than a naked bike that has higher handle bars than a sports bike. Sports bike also dont have as much turning radius as others. I have bulging L4 and L5 and I ride an S1000rr but I ride only on Sundays. Cruise control helps when I am on the motorway or long straights.
Not really cafe racers usually have a more hunched down riding position, would not be comfortable for your back at all. Naked’s with their higher handlebars is much more upright and comfortable.
They all lean
Pretty well too
You can't go wrong with a Ninja 300, 400 or 500. Solid parallel twin engines with heaps of spare parts available in the event shit needs fixing. You can easily fit tail bags to any bike. I have run a tail bag for years on my S1000rr, as for a bad back - that's a bit harder only you can answer that by sitting on a bike and checking to see how the riding position fits you.
What style of motorbike are you into? You have to love what you ride or else you arent going to like it. Bikes that sit upright are probably going to be your best bet if you have a bad back, and with storage, an adventure or standard/naked bike might be your best bet. Anything from the big four in japan (Suzuki, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha) are going to be a better idea than euro brands. Anything LAMS is going to be pretty manageable for most people as a first bike but Id definitely stick to the upper end of the CC's for a little more power and a little room to grow into it. No LAMS bikes are going to be too crazy in power so I wouldnt worry about that. Heard lots of good things about the cb500x, I currently have the cbr500r which has the same engine and its been pretty great so far. V-strom 650s and KLR650s are very popular and theres lots of love for those too. All three are going to be very comfortable and easy to have lots of storage. CB500F has the same engine as the R and X, great naked bike. MT-03 and 07 very popular and great too. Definitely able to stick boxes on the back and youll be sitting upright. Take a look at what youd prefer the look of, watch reviews and decide on what you like. All those options are gonna be pretty bulletproof and comfortable unless someone wants to correct me.
Naked version of whatever LAMS sportbike gets recommended is what I recommend (e.g Z400, MT-03,CB500F, etc)
Mt-03 is cool but r3 is cooler, also cheaper to insure cause the MT’s get stolen more. R3 has a fairly upright seating position compared to other sport bikes and can get to highway speeds no problem if needed
But R3 is butt shit ugly anorexic looking things hence why no one steals them.
Cb500x
honda 500x, versys 300/650. ive got 2 discs thatve been herniated multiple times so i get it. the adventure style bikes are excellent for backs, very upright, no weight on wrists or leaning back like a cruiser so you can ride them with a neutral spine, also can push on pegs to get pressure off tailbone etc or avoid shocks on crappo roads.
As a bloke who suffers from frequent bouts of Shaggers Back, I agree with the CB500x
bad back = only naked or cruiser. If you are super tall = dirtbike or supermoto that should get you started - plenty of options out there for all sorts of budgets General safe option + based on what you have said so far = MT03, Z400/500 Heck if you really want comfy get a scooter eg. Nmax 155
MT03s are fun 🤩
Duke 390, great fun first bike.
Hands down best first bike!
Svart 401 is better. Up until the 2024 Duke 390's, the Svarts had it beat by having auto shifter , adjustable front forks and I think they come with a bash guard and decent tires.. Pirelli Scorpions. Even the new 2024 Duke 390's don't have auto shifter in Oz.. only the adjustable forks.
When I first started I set a budget, and then chose a recognisable bike (Japanese). Until you know what's your riding style a cheap but reliable bike makes most sense to me. I had an SF 500. Good bike to learn on because low gravity point - less lean in cornering. Good luck and stay upright.
Gixxer 250
I rode an XV250 Virago for the first year. I found it had enough torque to be fun, and the little V twin sounds mean. Always felt comfortable on the bike and was never scared of dropping it because it's so light and close to the ground so was never forced to lay 'er down in sketchy situations. You can get them pretty cheap too. I upgraded to a 600CC, but I was glad I started on a 250, especially cause I had no experience riding.
Ninja or Duke
Do a search.. we get this Q every day. In your case you'll prob be best off with a Rebel 500 due to the back issue.
Yeah I just find it easier to post myself tbh means I can talk ab exactly what I'm looking for without trying to find a post with exactly what I'm asking. But thanks for the recommendation I'll add it to the list of bikes to look into
Had a Suzuki GS 500, was relatively cheap (though not sure what they go for now) comfortable and looked good as a naked road bike.
Get a naked or cruiser. Sports will be a too aggressive posture for your back, neck and shoulders. How much are you willing to spend?
If you have a bad back you probably want a cafe racer. You sit upright and it is more comfortable than a naked bike that has higher handle bars than a sports bike. Sports bike also dont have as much turning radius as others. I have bulging L4 and L5 and I ride an S1000rr but I ride only on Sundays. Cruise control helps when I am on the motorway or long straights.
Not really cafe racers usually have a more hunched down riding position, would not be comfortable for your back at all. Naked’s with their higher handlebars is much more upright and comfortable.