How does this plan sounds for a new biker?

[JMack]

Hey all! Been lurking the forum and had a question. Finally got on standby for the MSF course this year. (Tried to get in last year but it got booked up too fast). Luckily I live in Chicago so I can also try for walkins at a bunch of other MSF facilities throughout the summer. Anyway, my husband is also signed up. I'm a fairly small woman and am planning on getting the Honda Rebel as my first bike. We had thought that my husband would get the Honda Shadow VLX as his first bike and I'd upgrade to that when he upgrades. Only problem with that plan is I sat on the Shadow today and because of the wide seat I had a really hard time staying flat-footed. I did not feel stable at all. My father thought I would be fine because as he says "I'll have boots on not tennis shoes." I, however, did not feel at all comfortable. I also tried out the Yamaha V-Star 650. It was heavier than the Shadow, but it was lower to the ground so I was flat-footed and felt more secure. I don't know as much about the V-Star. Anyone have any opinions on the V-Star as a starter bike for a 6 foot tall 190lb man and then as a permanent bike for a 5 footish 120lb woman? Also, is $4600 a good price for a 2003, 2000 miles with windshield, saddlebags and sissybar? Thanks for the help, sorry for the novel.
-J

[Kibagari]

One of the members around here, Blues2Cruise, has a v-star 650 if I'm not mistaken. She's quite happy with it, last I heard.

I, personally, think that the v-star 650 can even be classified as a good starter bike for a 5 footish 120 lb woman. The Rebel 250 is cute, but lacks some of that upper end power for highway riding.

Your father was right about the boots vs. tennis shoes thing. Those extra couple inches of rubber definitely help you flat foot some of the bigger bikes. Also, you can get seats shaved down a bit to make it easier on you.

For that price, go for it (I assume this is for the V-Star). What you get is a bike that's just been broken in (so you don't have to worry about it), some storage, and room for a passenger if you so choose. Overall, sans any mechanical issues, which I doubt, it sounds like a good deal.

[ofblong]

make sure the VLX is a 5 speed not a 4 speed. It will make a world of difference. My VLX is the 4 speed and I hate it. Especially when on the highway doing 75mph. Bike will do over 100mph (I have had it 105mph which is the speedo limit) but its got that annoying whine that makes you think the bike is gonna fall apart. Should wear earplugs when going that speed anyways lol.

[MZ33]

Hi, and to TMW!!

I love my Vstar 650. It has, strangely enough, grown smaller over time, going from being a behemoth to normal-sized, and I've only had it a month! My husband is also finding it to be "shrinking." It doesn't quite seem to suit him, though--the shifter isn't ideally placed for his foot. So, we went and sat on a bunch of bikes today to see what angle of shifter felt best to him. We discovered that even the biggest bikes, although way too large to consider owning at this point, no longer seems like ocean liners. To either of us.

We also discovered that different makers fit us quite differently. Regardless of size, he preferred Suzukis and Hondas,. I, on the other hand, preferred Yamaha Vstars and Kawasaki Vulcans (especially the Mean Streak )

The deal on that Vstar sounds good, if it is as advertised. But you may want to wait until you've actually ridden in the MSF class before you decide. And, if you are each going to have your own bike, I recommend that you get the one that suits you best, and he can get the one that suits him best. Of course, finances can get in the way of that sometimes.

Hope this helps!

[NewGuy]

make sure the VLX is a 5 speed not a 4 speed.

Honda does not make the VLX600 with a 5 speed, it's only available in a 4 speed.

[NewGuy]

I don't know as much about the V-Star. Anyone have any opinions on the V-Star as a starter bike for a 6 foot tall 190lb man and then as a permanent bike for a 5 footish 120lb woman?

I'm about the same size as your husband, and I have a '01 V-star Classic. I might like a bigger bike, but I certainly don't need a bigger bike. It's got plenty of power to get me around, including going up into the mountains. It's plenty of bike for your hubby, and still a great beginner bike for him and you. IMO, you both would be unhappy with a Rebel. It might be good for a couple of weeks, but you'd need a bigger bike quickly.

If you do end up with a V-star you can get plenty of info about the bike here: http://650ccnd.com/

There is a link to a discussion forum there.

Also, is $4600 a good price for a 2003, 2000 miles with windshield, saddlebags and sissybar?

I suggest using Kelly Blue Book ( http://www.kbb.com/kbb/motorcycles/default.aspx ) I used Kelly Blue Book when looking for used bikes, and every offer I made was for private sales, and my offers split the difference between Blue Book Retail, and Blue Book Trade-In values. All bikes were in excellent condition, with lower than average (often much lower) miles. I had a few sellers balk at my offers saying they were being low balled, but whether it was a couple days later, or a couple weeks every seller called back willing to do the deal at my price.

So for that bike, IMO, if it's a private sale it WAY over priced, even from a dealer it's overpriced.

[IndependenceDave]

Being a 6 ft 200 lb man I think my V-star is a great bike. I bought it last summer for my starter bike and I still love it. I have put almost 4000 miles on it in less than a year. At first I was kinda of intimidated by it, but after a riding couse and putting around on some country roads near my house I warmed up to it pretty fast.
$4600 does seem a little high for the price. I bought mine brand new for a little over $5000.
Altogether the bike is awesome, great for getting around town, and plenty of power for the highway. I will say that I plan on upgrading next summer to a bigger model, but thats only because I am going to try and get my girlfriend to start riding the 650.

[ofblong]

make sure the VLX is a 5 speed not a 4 speed.

Honda does not make the VLX600 with a 5 speed, it's only available in a 4 speed.

at one time they did. not sure if they do today but the did make a vlx (not sure its a 600) with 5 speeds. Either way I wouldnt recommend the 4 speed bike.

[oxbow1]

have a seat on the kawasaki 500 vulcan,it's low to the ground and pretty light,and you will get more use out of it before you need to upgrade.
A new one is around $5000.00

[NewGuy]

make sure the VLX is a 5 speed not a 4 speed.

Honda does not make the VLX600 with a 5 speed, it's only available in a 4 speed.

at one time they did. not sure if they do today but the did make a vlx (not sure its a 600) with 5 speeds. Either way I wouldnt recommend the 4 speed bike.

Sorry to pick nits, but I cannot find ANY info, other than your posts, to support the notion that the VLX was ever made with a 5 speed.

From the history of the Shadow line from Honda, as posted on the Shadowriders.org website ( http://www.shadowriders.org/articles/hondahistory.html ), it notes the major changes in the Shadow line, with details of the introduction of the four speed VT600, aka VLX, in 1988, noting changes as minor as color offerings, but never once mentions changes to the transmission.

However, I agree that the 4 speed of the VLX seems like a bad idea considering other "beginner" cruisers in the 500cc to 750cc range with a 5 speed, and the Kawasaki 500 LTD with a 6 speed.