Narrowing the Choices

[nitewowl]

I've read a number of posts here and on other forums. The discussions around gaining confidence and starting smaller are working! My wife and I have taken the course, gotten our licenses and are testing numerous bikes to decide. I rode when younger and she never has. It is key to truely assess your skills as you are test driving. It is very different being in a parking lot than on the street with other vehicles. She is comfy on the 250's and I would like to be just a bit larger as I want to drive to work sometimes and it is 25 miles with portions of highway. We're thinking of a Suzuki gz250, kaw 250 or honda rebel for her and, at the moment, a Yamaha 650 for me though I'm also going to test a Honda 600 (even knowing it is only a 4 speed). Just wanted to use this opportunity to join the forum, let folks know where we are at, gain some opinions and start some new relationships. Thanks.

[Thumper]

I started out on a Rebel, and even though it started to feel a whole lot like a toy after the first year, I really wish I'd kept it. Dang, that was a fun bike.

The Spouse Thingy started on a Honda VLX (the 600) and after 3 years he still has it and loves it. The 4 speeds never bothered him; it goes as fast as he needs it to go and it does fine on the Interstate when we venture out onto it. I think it's a little buzzy, but apparently I'm "too sensitive."

He may move up to an 800 this year, but he's definitely had no regrets about the VLX. Shoot, none of the bikes you listed strike me as being ones you'd later regret. All tons of fun, all reliable.

Dangit, now I want to go bike shopping, and I don't even need a new one...

[wrecks]

Welcome! From what you posted it sounds like your moving in the right direction too with choosing the right bike for you and your wife.

[NewGuy]

I'd stay away from the 250s, for both of you.

If you're leaning towards cruisers, which I assume you are by mentioning the Rebel, you may want to take a look at the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD. It's a 500cc engine, but it's a parallel twin not a V-twin. Nice engine, and it's matched up with a 6 speed tranny. I have long legs (34 inch inseam) and it was a little cramped for me, but not bad. My only reason for not getting one was there no used ones for sale when I was looking, and I wasn't going to buy new.

I'm not a big fan of the Shadow 600, one for the fact that it's only got that 4 speed tranny, and it's no longer being built. Which might mean difficulty getting parts down as years go by.

I ended up with a Yamaha V-star 650 Classic. Good bike in that entry level cruiser category. I found lots of good examples on the used market here, which is why I got one. Shaft drive means maintenance is a little simpler than a bike with a chain. There are tons of aftermarket parts if you want to modify your bike, and tons of resources for doing your own maintenance. Like most of the smaller/inexpensive bikes it's not really comfortable for long rides. After 50 miles my butt, hands, and feet are starting to get numb from the vibration. Some of that can be alleviated by some really inexpensive mods to the seat. I think the V-star 650 Custom or Classic would be appropriate for you and your wife.

However, don't discount some of the bigger bikes. If I had more money I could easily have ended up on a Suzuki C50 or M50. Those are 800cc machines, and have fuel injection. You may also want to consider the Shadow 750, Vulcan 900s, H-D Sportster 883s (get one built after 2004), and if you're going for new maybe the V-star 950. A new rider who is mature can handle those bikes.

I've already outgrown my V-star 650 after just two and a half seasons of riding, and really had outgrown it after the first season. Mostly because I want to go on some very long rides (several days across several states) and because some of my shorter rides will be two up. A little more comfort/power would be helpful. I really wish I had more money when I was buying, because I could have gotten the M50 or 883 Sportster I was looking at, and I would not have quickly outgrown the 650.

[nitewowl]

Great input and feedback! AND THE NEWS OF THE DAY - she has put a deposit on a 2001 Suzuki GZ250 that only has 2,600 miles and looks great! We went out and both bought new helmets (almost as much as the bike!) and will be riding tomorrow pm once the cash and title are transfered. Exciting. Can't wait to get back in the saddle and practice, practice, practice and enjoy the rides. I've still got a few test drives lined up this week for the 600-650's. Maybe I'll be able to talk about another purchase soon. In the meantime, let me know if there is anything I need to watch for on the Suzuki. He cleaned the carb after draining and changing the gas and it runs great (and it was cold today so good test). Looks like I'll need to make sure the chain tension is a little better, though the sprocket is perfect. Brakes great and clutch works very cleanly. Look forward to hearing from any of you with same or similar type bikes. Thanks.
PS - checked specs against the Honda Rebel and the Suzuki is same size, seat height, slightly more horse though at 20 no issues, nicer fenders (if you like them big) and though single cylinder vs twin on Honda, it is quite smooth and 4 valve vs 2 on Honda.

[NewGuy]

If you're going to limit yourself to the 650cc bikes, and smaller, seriously take a look at the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD.

Also, take a look at this:
http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadte ... index.html

Keep in mind some things have changed since that article. For example the Suzuki Volusia and Marauder are now the C50 and M50, with the big change being the addition of EFI. The Vulcan 800 has been replaced by the Vulcan 900.

You may also want to check out:
http://www.motorcycle.com/shoot-outs/20 ... -3972.html

[nitewowl]

Yes, I've ridden the Kaw 500 and it is very nice ride. It is a little slimmer, lighter and tighter that I think I would want for a season or more. Great one to get started though I would prefer to spread out a bit more and it whines a bit at highway speed, even though I don't plan on doing lots of that for a bit. I might look at a some of the newer models that rate at the 750-900 range only because of how they are set up and feel and the fuel injection though I am trying to limit it at 4-$4.5 for now.

[NewGuy]

Yes, I've ridden the Kaw 500 and it is very nice ride. It is a little slimmer, lighter and tighter that I think I would want for a season or more. Great one to get started though I would prefer to spread out a bit more and it whines a bit at highway speed, even though I don't plan on doing lots of that for a bit. I might look at a some of the newer models that rate at the 750-900 range only because of how they are set up and feel and the fuel injection though I am trying to limit it at 4-$4.5 for now.

You could easily get a used C50/M50 for under $4.5K. The only cruisers in that displacement range that I can think of that have EFI are the Vulcan 900, Sportster 883 (2007 and after), Suzuki M50 and C50, and the V-star 950. Although I'm guessing only the '05 M50 and C50 will be in your price range, and maybe an '06 Vulcan 900.

Kelly Blue Book puts the Trade in Value of an '05 C50 at $3220, and the M50 at $3200, and the Retail Value of the C50 at $4685 and the M50 at $4655. So you should be able to negotiate a private party sale around $3900.

BTW, if you think the 500 LTD whines at highway speeds, wait till you get on that 600 VLX.

[JC Viper]

The Honda Shadow Aero is great for highway riding and feels quite nice at speed. The fuel economy is in the 48 - 50 MOG range too.

The Vulcan 500 (which I have and owned for 5 years) is pretty damn quick. Coming off the Ninja 500 the engine still needs a good revving for some get up and go considering that optimal engine speed is 3 - 4000 RPM.

[kuz]

I just this past Saturday got my first bike, and went with a Buell Blast. I sat on just about everything and found it was the most comfortable. It's upright, light, and just under 500cc. Only managed to get out on it once due to work and weather, but I am really happy with it, and it should be able to handle your commutes pretty easily.