Just starting out, need advise

[storysunfolding]

Have a friend who bought a Honda shadow, I have been learning on. Think I would like something a little lighter. With better gas mileage. Would do it on payments (I think). I want to buy new and have looked at some other bikes, can not say I have looked at all of them. My main interest is a good looking bike, lighter than the Shadow, a little better mpg. But I also will be riding with my friend, and would like to be able to comfortable be able to keep up....that is my main concern.

Is there any other bikes that you would suggest I check out before buying?

Check the stickies in the new rider section. Then go sit on those bikes at a dealer. Pick the one that fits your budget and feels comfy.

[Grey Thumper]

Hmmm, my bike has belt drive, and i really love it. Easy to clean, no lubing, a lot quieter, and will (supposedly) last much longer than a chain. And Buell/Harley have a lot more experience with the technology.

[andrwhock]

The best advice ever given to me when I was looking for a bike was to sit on as many as I'm given the opportunity to do so until I find something that just feels right. Try sitting on everything within your price range and even some stuff just out of reach to see what you like.

[Highland]

Will finely made up my mind after trying to take the advise given to me.
Sat on bikes at 6 dealers and went to look at some used bikes. Settled on a Kawasaki Ninja 250R for a first bike. It maybe small but I like the feel for now. May want the 500 by Christmas time...completed the A+ Rider Course, and legal in every way now. The friend that bought the Honda 600 wish now that he had bought a smaller bike like mine. Seems very unhappy with his shadow now.

[Lion_Lady]

...Settled on a Kawasaki Ninja 250R for a first bike. It maybe small but I like the feel for now. May want the 500 by Christmas time...completed the A+ Rider Course, and legal in every way now.

PLEASE consider buying used.

Yes, I know there's that whole 'what about the history' or hidden problems. Get it inspected by a reputable shop.

Thing is, buying new, especially when you already figure you'll be upgrading in less than a year, you take a BIG cash hit right off the lot. And, don't expect to sell that bike for anywhere near what you paid for it, in the fall. And trade it in? Plan on getting about 60% (likely less) in trade for your upgrade bike at the dealer.

Something to think about.

P

[Dichotomous]

belt drives are awsome, no lubing or dealing with them!
if your friend has a faster bike and he can't figure out how to ride at YOUR pace then he's not someone to be riding with

[roscowgo]

belt drives are awsome, no lubing or dealing with them!
if your friend has a faster bike and he can't figure out how to ride at YOUR pace then he's not someone to be riding with

Yeesh. Or maybe you could just slow down and check out the sights.

[Dichotomous]

belt drives are awsome, no lubing or dealing with them!
if your friend has a faster bike and he can't figure out how to ride at YOUR pace then he's not someone to be riding with

Yeesh. Or maybe you could just slow down and check out the sights.

no thats what I ment the friend SHOULD do. if he has a slower bike than his friend and it ever actually matters riding together on the street, his friend is riding too fast