hello from fort collins colorado

[tatersalad]

hey. my name is garrett, i'm 18 years old and am just now getting into motorcycles. i'm looking at getting a bike by the end of spring...hopefully. i'm not really into sport bikes, definately a cruiser kind of guy. i was wondering if i could get some feedback from you all. i'm looking at yamaha and honda bikes, i can't afford a harley and i hear that they are more work to maintain. i'm a big guy so i am looking more towards the 1100's and was wondering if you had any feedback about which bike is better and why. also the things you like and or dislike about the bike. again any feedback on a comparison or just an opinion on the yahmaha v star bikes or the honda shadows would be appreciated.
thanks, garrett (tatersalad)

[tortus]

Welcome! I'm new here too (and new to bikes) but so far it's pretty cool here.

i'm not really into sport bikes, definately a cruiser kind of guy.

I used to say the exact same thing. But now that I own a bike and actually have some miles under my belt and have directly experienced the fun of taking a bike through corners, over hills, and accelerating, I can definitely appreciate the appeal of sport bikes and now kinda wish I had one

I have a V Star Classic (650 not 1100 though), my riding buddy rides a 750 Honda Shadow. The two bikes are incredibly similar. They look and feel almost exactly the same. My bike has some nice minor touches that I appreciate, but his has the bigger engine and is liquid cooled. Even the 1100 V Stars are air cooled.


If I could do it over again? I'd buy a decent, used bike. Learn on it, get a feel for riding, get a feel for what I like, then I would be much better equipped to buy a bike I really want. Don't get me wrong, the V Star is a great bike, and I really like it. But it turns out it's not quite what I'm looking for in the long run. I probably wont' keep it much beyond a year or so.

[Scoutmedic]

I didn't vote in the pole because I haven't ridden either bike. But, don't assume because of your size that you'll need a larger engine. Go sit on all kinds of bikes at dealerships and get a feel for what fits you best.

[Apollofrost]

Welcome to the forums

[blues2cruise]

Welcome to TMW. Don't go just by looks. Go and sit on some bikes to see what feels comfortable for you.

I ride the 650 V-Star and although it is great for most things, I find I am looking for another gear sometimes when on the highway at higher speeds.
Other than that, it handles well and can corner just fine....once you gain the cornering skills.

[tortus]

I find I am looking for another gear sometimes when on the highway at higher speeds.

Heh heh. Tell me about it. A common thought for me while riding is "Am I really in fifth? *checks* wow, I'm really in fifth!"

[blues2cruise]

I find I am looking for another gear sometimes when on the highway at higher speeds.

Heh heh. Tell me about it. A common thought for me while riding is "Am I really in fifth? *checks* wow, I'm really in fifth!"

Mine is... "Oh".....I'm already there.....