What model motorcycle should I purchase for my first bike/roadtrip?

dispect1: What model motorcycle should I purchase for my first bike/roadtrip?
I’m planning on purchasing a motorcycle, preferably a Kawasaki Ninja 250. I was told that I should consider another choice. Something along the lines of it not being a tour bike. Any suggestions as to what I should invest in? Bearing in mind a $ 5000 budget and I’m only 5’5″.
Thanks for your time.

Answers and Views:

Answer by easygoing157
Ninja 250 is a good first bike

but you do lean forward.. if thats not for you.. then maybe a cruiser type bike would be better..??

Answer by Candid Chris
About your best for a decent touring bike on a low seat/budget and a starter bike to boot would lean towards an older model BMW, something to the likes of a R600/5. My brother started on such an animal, he’s 5’8″ and had little or no problems learning to ride.

Answer by bikinkawboy
While a rather large bike for a beginner, if you are planning on doing a lot of long distance, multi-day touring, $ 3500 would get you a good used Kaw Voyager XII (the 4 cylinder one). They were made for something like 17 years more or less unchanged, parts are plentiful, they are actually fairly light in weight for a dresser, are comfortable, lots of luggage room, good gas mileage and have an audio system. And they have a fairly low seat height.

Answer by Max Cruise
A better machine for you a beginner and a bike that will handle a road trip better than the 250R is a Suzuki DL-650 V-Strom. Docile v-twin engine. Upright seating and handlebars. Windshield. Available hard bags and trunk. Much better machine for traveling. Will fit within your budget.
Aside from looking at adds on Cycle Trader, you can look at the used bike adds on the Adventure Rider website and forum.
Good Luck

Answer by bluff mike
I know someone who is about 5′ tall, who chose the Vulcan 500 LTD as a first bike, and eventually rode it from South Texas to northern Michigan, and back. Only luggage was a “Bikers Friend” roll bag.

Base price is around $ 5500 but you should be able to find a good, low mileage trade-in for much less.