this post was submitted on 19 Dec 2025
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Motorcycles

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Hi all, I have been lurking for some time here, but the time is coming for me to make a move and buy my own first motorcycle.

I am really drawn to the esthetics of the Royal Enfield 350 meteor, but it's quite a bit above my budget, which is around 11,000,000 COP (2500 EUR).

I am wondering if you have any tips for motorcycles that look somewhat similar (classic design) but are cheaper (probably because of lower cc)?

The Bajaj 150X might be an option. But maybe you have other/ better ideas?

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[–] SharkWeek@lemmy.blahaj.zone 8 points 1 week ago

For a first motorcycle try and find something used but in good condition. You are going to make mistakes, and it's best to do that with a machine that isn't beautiful and expensive.

Also, you're not going to know what sort of bike you find comfortable to ride - the ergonomics of cruiser style bikes don't work for some people - so it's best to find that out with something you can sell for the same price you bought, if it turns out to not be right for you.

[–] phant@lemmy.world 4 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Colombia? Not sure what bikes you have on offer there. I rode a Suzuki GN250 for a few years and would recommend. The Honda CB or CD 250s as well. Yamaha SR400. Most UJMs are solid bikes, but depends on what you can get and if you're looking for new or used.

[–] vinceman@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

My first thought is an pre 2016 Rebel 250. Imo good looking bikes, a huge swath of replacement parts and enough mods that you can make it your own.

[–] N0t_5ure@lemmy.world 4 points 1 week ago

I don't know the market in your area, but you can buy a nice used 350 Meteor in the U.S. for under $2500, though you may have to shop around a bit. It's also smart to buy used because what is your ideal first bike isn't likely to be your ideal bike once you've gotten some miles under your belt, and having bought used you're not going to take a big hit when you sell it. I'd steer clear of cheap, obscure Chinese brands, and instead focus on a nice used Japanese bike. If retro styling is your thing though, you're probably not going to beat a used Royal Enfield on price. The SYM Wolf 300 and 150 might be up your alley, but they're no longer being made by SYM and there aren't a ton of them out there, so it would probably be tough to find one. If you're mechanically inclined, an older Japanese bike would be cheap and reliable, but being carburated they tend to require a bit of tinkering now and again, especially if they sit for a while without having the carbs drained of gas.

[–] DarkAri@lemmy.blahaj.zone 2 points 1 week ago

Buy a used quality bike. Work on it. They are super easy to work on and you can do most any repair in an afternoon. A 10 year old good bike is always going to be better than a new cheap bike, and often cheaper.

[–] umbrella@lemmy.ml 1 points 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago)

don't buy a motorcycle for it's aesthetics alone. based on what you say you are new at it, so i think a meteor would be a bit too heavy for what it is, but that would heavily depend on what kind of traffic you are riding on and what you want from it.

overall i think we'd need more information than just the look you like, for a truly good recommendation. (in any case, triumph makes some bikes with that sorta look too but they are not cheap)

[–] GrindingGears@lemmy.ca 1 points 1 week ago

I would really recommend starting with a dual sport. Something with low CCs, but enough that you can at least carry enough momentum that will approach highway speeds. Kawasaki makes a 230 that's approachable, Honda CR250/300L, that sort of stuff. Look on the used market for something a bit older, but don't get something that's too clapped out.

A dual sport will allow you to learn good clutch control, and you can dump them all day long without too many consequences. They carry the weight higher, and are a little lighter, so that'll teach you some good habits. Most of all, they won't have enough power to scare you stupid.

Plus you can go extra places with them. It's like having a bonus bike. Once you've got a few years of saddle time, then you can go get the sportier bike or whatever.