First Bike: Shadow VLX or VT750 for 60m roundtrip commute

[jazzymusicman]

Hey guys, gas is killing me alive and I'm thinking about buying a bike. I really do not want a crotch rocket because it is going to be a long commute and I have a bit of arthritis in my hands and wrists. The guy at the showroom here in Miami recommended a nighthawk 250 but I have heard these get to about 65 mph and the flow of traffic down here is considerably faster on my commutes. I was thinking about getting the Honda Shadow VLX which is a 583cc or the VT750 (745cc). I have always believed that it is good to have a bit of extra power in reserve for tight situations. I do not want to race or speed, just want to get to work safely. Also, what kind of gas mileage would these bikes get?

[oxbow1]

there is a mileage page here on the site, as far as engine size goes, if money is not a problem get the 750, it's about the same size and has more power to get you out of trouble or just get going.

[gsJack]

Forget the NH 250, I wouldn't hit the freeways on a bike with a drum front brake in commuter traffic. The 100 mph Ninja 250 would do it if you want max gas milage. Here's a summary of budget bikes/scooters from a CW comparo that includes the Ninja 250:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/ ... nchers.jpg

I'd rather do it on a Ninja 500 or a GS500, either will outperform the Shadow 750 and get better gas milage doing it. I have a bit of arthritis in my wrists too and a lot more in everything else at 75. LOL I'm still comfortable on a GS500.

[NewGuy]

Well only having a 4 speed transmission on the VLX might get old real quick for daily driving on that length of commute.

In addition to the VLX and VT750 you may want to check out the Yamaha V-star 650, Suzuki S40 (Savage 650), S50 (Intruder 800), C50/M50 (Volusia 800/Marauder 800), Kawasaki Vulcan 900, Kawasaki Vulcan 800, Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD, and a H-D Sporster 883(get a 2004 or later with the rubber mounted engine).

[dean owens]

if gas is your main driving point i would go sit on a gs500, a ninja 250 and a ninja 500. they do look like sport bikes, but have a more standard seating position. and they get GREAT gas milage. you can get 60+mpg on each of those bikes.

[jazzymusicman]

Yeah, I went back to the dealer after talking to a biker at my job whose been riding for 30-odd years and he explained the standard position and all that stuff, went back to the dealer, looks like i'm going to buy a a ninja 500 after i do the msf