New Rider First Bike

[guscave]

Hi all
Long time reader first time posting. Last month I passed my BRC and got my motorcycle license, now I'm ready to start shopping. I'm interested in a cruiser and hope that after I have enough miles under the belt, I can go 2up with my wife and put in some highway miles.

I'm looking into a Vstar or Shadow (650 to 700 range). However my brother-in law and other biker friends who've been riding for years tell me that a 650 is going to feel too small for me in a few short months (I’m 5’9” 230lbs). This wouldn't be a problem if I was buying used because I could always sell it later for something bigger, but because I don't have enough cash, I'm going to be financing it. I would hate to find myself 3 or 5 months down the road stuck with a bike that feels too small. At the same time I don’t want to get into something that’s beyond my limits.

So my question is; when it comes to power is a 650 to 800 cc bike not enough for someone who plans to ride long distances with passenger?

Any advise would be helpful

[Lion_Lady]

Don't buy new. Period. Especially since you don't have a lot of cash. Financing a new bike when you don't really have a good idea of your riding style, may prove to be a major problem. Nothing takes the joy out of a new venture faster than a $7K albatross parked in your garage that you've got to step around every time you go out there. Or worse get something that you hope to "grow into" and you end up injuring yourself or wrecking it.

A gentleman on another forum I moderate, bought a VTX1800 on friends' recommendations. That monster weighs close to 900 lbs. He tried riding it to the end of his long driveway and back. It was scary. Convinced himself that maybe just getting out on the road would be better. NOT - it was worse. But having bought brand new, and financing the purchase, he had NO cash to buy a 'beater' to practice skills on. He sold the bike at a loss and has given up the dream.

You think you know what you want... a cruiser. You may find that your riding style doesn't fit that type.

Chances are very good that you'll drop whatever you buy. So why set yourself up for additional $$ loss by buying something that you "have" to fix up... why not get something decent, with a few beauty marks and just ride it, without worries?

When you're ready to choose your dream bike, you'll be a better rider than you are now, and can truly make an informed choice.

P

[the_sandman_454]

First off, do you have enough money for good quality gear for you and the wife? If not, then you need to continue to save up until you can afford gear and the bike you want. Buy the gear before or at the same time as the bike, that way you'll not be tempted to ride before you have the gear.

I hate to advise this, but I think if you need to finance it (unless you can get a really killer 0% rate with no prepayment penalties, and of course pay it off before the interest kicks in), you're better off saving up on your own and then buying what you want with cash.

I suspect you'd be better off with used bikes, since when you go to sell it, chances are if you got a decent deal on it, you should be able to get a fair bit of it back. That way if you're not into that bike or want to go to a bigger or different style, you haven't just eaten the depreciation on a new machine.

[guscave]

Thanks for the feedback. Here's where I am right now. As for the riding gear I'm set. Got that before I took the BRC. My wife use to ride so she still has her gear. Either way she won't be riding w/ me anytime soon.

I know that I want a cruiser because I've ridden a few already (although just around the block). I've sat on the Shadows and the Boulevards. So far the Shadow fits the best for me.

I'm planning on using the tax stimulus refund as part of my down payment. I should have $1500 to put down. I've looked at similar used bikes around town and they're going for about $4k. If I try to save to buy used, I'm looking at having to wait until early next year before I have enough. I've already invested on the gear, BRC, and a lot of research, I'd hate to put it all aside for a good 7 months before I can start riding.

The school where I took my BRC told us about a place nearby that rents V-stars and Shadows for $70 a day. It's made to help beginners get a better idea of what they can & can't control before buying. I'm going to give it a try this weekend. I'll keep you posted.

Thanks again.

[Big B]

The school where I took my BRC told us about a place nearby that rents V-stars and Shadows for $70 a day. It's made to help beginners get a better idea of what they can & can't control before buying. I'm going to give it a try this weekend. I'll keep you posted.

.

that is one of the smartest things you could do as a beginning rider. finding a bike that fits you and one that you are comfortable on is an important safety factor as well. have fun!!

[Lion_Lady]

Thanks for the feedback. Here's where I am right now. As for the riding gear I'm set. Got that before I took the BRC. My wife use to ride so she still has her gear. Either way she won't be riding w/ me anytime soon.

Thanks again.

Check the date of manufacture on her helmet. It should be stamped inside on the strap maybe. If the helmet is more than 5 years old, it really should be replaced. The other gear should be fine. Just make sure the armor, etc isn't cracked or anything.

P

[guscave]

Well I've decided to hold off on my purchase for a few months and just rent on weekends for a while. Once I get enough practice in and save up a little more $ I can go shopping for exactly the bike I want (and can handle).