My first potential bike...need some input

[GhettoPeanut]

So after doing some major research, questing different forums, I've decided that my first bike will in fact be under 650 CC.

So here's the thing, I know jack shit about how motorcycles keep up over the years, whats considered allot of mileage, etc. and I wish I had thought of asking that earlier.
I found this one. I kinda like it, and I believe it'll be a good starter (based upon numerous reviews and suggestions from others that say they thought it was a great starter...and its cheap).
http://burlington.craigslist.org/mcy/1933420580.html

One other question. I'm guessing handling of a crotch rocket and a cruiser are fairly different (just an assumption) does the general rule of "keep your first bike under 650" apply to cruisers? or can i go higher? I'm not sure if crotch rockets are built lighter with larger engines, so maybe to get the same effect as a 600cc, you need a 700cc on a cruiser.

thanks from a newbie rider

 

[roguerower]

1. Mileage depends on how roughly the bike was ridden. A sportbike with 10k track miles on it is going to be a worn out bike. The reliability depends on the bike itself.

2. Yes, cruisers and sportbikes are different and no that rule doesn't apply, and it needs to be modified for sportbikes. Buying a 600cc supersport is not advisable, but a 650cc standard bike (sv650, etc) is still probably a bit big, but definitely a better choice. For a first sportbike, most recommend either a Ninja 250, Suzuki GS500, or Ninja 500. I have a GS500 as a first bike and it is a ton of fun.

For cruisers, someone else is going to have to help you out. Different type of machine.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

I think that's a pretty good bike to start on. Everyone needs to get past the idea that the bike you start on is the one you'll keep forever and ever.

Bikes are unlike cars in that they're crazy easy to trade out. You lose a little money but nowhere near the kind of cash trading cars costs.

After thirty years of riding, I can tell you that what's important to you now will not be important to you after you've ridden for a while.