First bike - Honda Shadow or Kawasaki Vulcan

[devonrea]

Hi I am about to take my Beginners driving class for my motorcycle license ad am looking to buy my first bike....I am looking used and am debating between a 2002 Honda Shadow 600 and a 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD...I have been reading the posts and like others have noticed smaller bikes are recommended but my Boyfriend and several others I know are saying these bikes are good for me as my feet flatly hit the ground.! I am 5'3" and wiegh 145Lbs


Opinions please
Thanks

[LittleRedRider]

I'm 5'2" with a fairly short inseam. I started on a Rebel a few years ago and moved up to the Shadow 600 last year. I can easily flatfoot both bikes. IMHO, I'm glad I started smaller than the Shadow. It wasn't just the seat height for me, it was the weight of the bike and the riding position as well. The Rebel had many advantages as my first bike - it is smaller, lighter and the upright riding style of the Rebel was much easier to learn on and helped me gain confidence. When I got the Shadow I made sure the first ride I took was in an empty parking lot until I got used to the additional weight, longer rake and forward controls. My worth. Don't choose a bike based on what other people say will work for you or seat height or style. Shop around. Sit on as many as you can. You'll find one that will tell you this is the bike.

[sunshine229]

I took my MSF on a Honda Rebel and really enjoyed it. Because the bike was small and light weight I wasn't super intimidated. The course also offered a Suzuki Maurader which I didn't like near as much as it was more top heavy. Since you're looking for your first bike and you are quite small, I too will suggest a Honda Rebel.

Friends may be suggesting that you try the Shadow or Vulcan, but there are other bikes that fit smaller people. The bikes you've mentioned are not bad for starting on, you just might be more comfortable on something more light and nimble.

Andrea

[Wrider]

Either of those would be good, get something that feels comfortable to you is the main thing.

[devonrea]

Thanks ladies ...My boyfriend and I are going "window" shopping tonight so I can get a feel for a few different bikes..I will check out both of the bikes you suggested...I am so excited I can wait to take my first ride on my own...!!!!!!!!!

[LittleRedRider]

Have Fun!

[blues2cruise]

Either one of those 2 bikes you mentioned would be good.

[devonrea]

ladies ...thanks for the imput...I checked out a few different bikes including the ones you mentioned and after talking to the sales rep and my instructor ...I have decided on a Vulcan 500 ...I love the bike and it felt right...I am so excited and can't wait to hit the road! My class is May 8/9th ...

[LittleRedRider]

Congratulations and good luck on your class. You'll have a blast!

[blues2cruise]

[Matina]

It will be very very cool!!
Have fun!

[OrangeBeast]

The Vulcan 500 was a nice starter bike for me...just don't forget it has a Ninja engine in it! If you haven't bought yet I'd suggest seeing how you feel after the course. I've known some gals that have started larger and wish that they'd gone smaller (bought the bike before the course) and some who have riden their smaller bikes for years. As long as you're comfortable and feel you can handle it then go for it, and good luck!