New rider....bike options?

[JungleJim]

Hi All,

I'm sure this has been asked a bunch already, I have searched some threads and have read a lot of useful info but here is my first foray into this board.

I have been looking into getting a bike, it will be my first so I have been talking some people that ride for advice/ opinions on what to get. I will definitely take the MSF course before buying so I think that will help to see which direction to go but in the meantime I thought I would ask some people here for their views.

I would be looking at cruisers, I like their style and don't need or want a crotch rocket. I started looking at Rebels and everyone said go bigger you'll grow out of the 250 quickly- try a Shadow 750. So I went to the dealer and sat on a few models, it was good for my size- 5' 8" 175#s and the style was pretty nice. Then I headed over to a Suzuki dealer and they had the M50 which I thought was a really sharp looking 800 and also fit my size well.

The question I have is a 750- 800 a reasonable size to start with, not too much power? The weight and height were good but until I have ridden it's hard to know what to expect out of them.

Thanks in advance for any input.

[jonnythan]

Should be fine, assuming you do well in the MSF and the weight of the bike doesn't seem like a problem for you.

[ninja_nate]

I rode a Honda 750 a couple days ago, in a parking lot, well supervised. My father-in-law wanted to see if I could really handle a bike (since I've been talking about getting one). Sure, it's easy to handle going in a straight line, balances really well. Too big for me, and way too much power. I'm going smaller.

I figure, I can always trade it in. Better for me to start with a smaller bike (I'm wanting a Ninja 250) and outgrow it, trade it, get money, buy bigger, than to try bigger with no experience and then crash and burn.

However, to each his/her own.

[flynrider]

I think a 750-800 in a V-twin cruiser is fine to start with. They don't make crazy amounts of horsepower and the throttle response is pretty docile. If you take the MSF course and get the basics down, it's unlikely that a bike in this class will get away from you.

[NorthernPete]

Kawasaki Vulcan 500 is another one you should check out as well.... lots of snot, but not a bike that will easily get you into trouble. it hauls my 5'11 200 lbs around no problem.... (same engine as the ninja 500, so you knwo itll get you where you want to go at a pretty good clip if you want it.)

[JungleJim]

Thanks for the replies, and suggestions. I have been talking to people that ride too and most say that's not a bad choice. I will keep checking out other bikes, Kawasaki Vulcan 500 is on the list and make my decision after the course.

Damn, I just noticed I'm a tricycle squid!?!?!?

[MZ33]

Damn, I just noticed I'm a tricycle squid!?!?!?

Don't worry, four more posts and you'll be off the trike!