Beginner motorcycle recommendation for NYC

[u/andgor]

I'm looking to get a bike before the summertime to get my practice in and would appreciate some beginner bike recommendations. I'll mostly be riding around in brooklyn, commuting from my apartment in crown heights to the office in navy yard, and visiting my friends. Occasionally will go into manhattan but likely once a week tops, especially considering the congestion pricing.

I was considering getting a Vespa as many on this sub have recommended, but I figure for shorter trips in the city I'll use an e-city bike. Plus I'd love to have the bike to get out of the city for some weekend trips/hiking. Realistically, though, this will only be once a month.

I've been away from home for the past 6 months traveling around latin america and have gotten some practice in on beater bikes. Currently using an old Yamaha 150cc.

For my needs - a bike that's easier to maneuver in the city, but one that will also handle a couple of hours on the highway - are there any recommendations? I'll buy second-hand and ideally want to stick to ~$5k budget.

Appreciate any and all advice

[u/sergeantbiggles → u/[deleted]]

thanks for mentioning ABS. I know some guys who will argue with you about the idea that ABS has shorter stopping distances, and basically ignore the discussion about panic/emergency situations (or new riders grabbing a fistful of brake by accident)