Bike suggestions for a new rider

[Waltonfan]

I'll be taking my MSF in a 3 weeks and I need some help on figuring out a proper bike for me. I'm a college student and I'll be using it to get from my apartment to school and my job. And frequently I will have to make hour long trips back to visit my parents, which will be on the highway, there is another way to get back but it takes longer. And I think its safe to say that my girlfriend will want to ride with me sometimes, since she loves bikes. I'm a pretty big guy, 6' 4''/210lbs. The only thing I am kinda sure on is that I would like a cruiser.

So I need a beginner bike that can fit a big tall guy, can hold two people occasionally, could survive on the highway for abit, and preferably is a cruiser.

The only bike I have in mind right now would be a Honda Shadow, I saw a couple of those at a motorcycle dealership and they looked pretty solid.

Thanks in advance!

[Johnj]

I advise you to get a bike with no more than 50hp and no more then 500lbs. Remember this may be your first bike, but it won't be your last bike.

[kellnron]

Your intuition is pretty good for a starter bike. I myself started out on a 750cc Shadow after the MSF course last Spring. I would shop Craiglist for a used one versus paying full price at the dealer. You should be able to find a couple year old one with a shield, bags, passenger backrest, and highway bars for around $4000. Those accessories add up quick at the dealer and chances are this will not be your last bike. If it doesn't come with highway bars get them - they will save your bike if you have a slight misstep in the driveway or a parking lot.

I am around 230 and have done some highway trips on the Shadow 750 with a shield - a shield is a must have for highway riding - otherwise you feel like you're going to get blown off the bike at highway speeds. 2 Up the 750cc will not have a tremendous passing gear at highway speeds and will run pretty high RPMs. Fuel range is a bit of an issue you're looking for the reserve switch at around 140 miles. I have ridden the 750 to 90-95 MPH (just to see what it felt like (also when no one was around me), but the front end was light at that speed and it wasn't comforting.

I sold my 2003 Shadow ACE 750 with all the above accessories for $3500 in the Spring (I paid $3750 last Summer for it). It didn't cost me much to start out on. Last December I upgraded to a 2006 Honda VTX 1300R (people will sell bikes cheap off-season so they don't have to store them). It's a lot heavier bike with a lot more get up and go, but I wouldn't recommend it's heft after just getting off a 250cc bike at an MSF course.

[zeligman]

i did my BRC last June - and shopped for a bike ... im not as tall as you but... well bigger (lol) \and fit/comfort was important.

I ended up finding a suzuki volusia vl800 (2002) and I love it. while the 800cc engine is a little above what is recommended by the fine and wise people here on TMW - the hp is right around the 50 mark - so it fit.

The vl800 now goes by the name boulevard - and while it's not a lightweight bike, its low center of gravity and relatively low to the ground seat height make it feel much lighter, easy to handle (could countersteer with two fingers - but i don't!), and it is very forgiving for a first - time rider. I know I would have dropped other bikes when all i had to do with this one was stand up and hold the bars steady to keep the rubber side down.

price for my vol was under 3k.

I would try 'on' the honda, suzuki, and even yamaha vstar 650- cruisers - but i defer to the msf instructors here... lion lady, blues2cruise, and a few others who list beginner bike guidelines.

+1 on the windshield... made hwy riding doavle.]

[Txstomper67]

My suggestion is stay in the low horse power range as others have mentioned. I also would advise you to go sit on bikes and see which ones would fit you the best. You can always move up in bikes after you learn more by real time experience. Good luck and happy riding

[spacepig]

I am going to repeat what Txstomer67 says, go sit on as many different bikes that you can. Don't just sit on cruisers either, I was dead set on getting a cruiser ( i love the looks) but was surprised to find out that I feel most comfortable on a standard or sport bike.
Lots of options for you out there so try them all. Have fun with the BRC, you will learn a lot.

[Wrider]

You're not that big! (6'2", 300 here lol) and I started off on a Volusia. Loved it, but would have changed out the seat and gone to FI if I had the choice. Any Suzuki C50 is basically a Volusia with floorboards and FI instead of carbs.

[kellnron]

Everyone has their opinions on brands, so try to develop your own based upon what you like - there are all kinds of brand loyalties at play. I agree with what has been said here -- sit on every bike you can until you find one that fits you. Comfort will help you build confidence. You also definitely want to get a bike that is mechanically sound - if you don't it will shake your confidence and you won't get comfortable in the saddle.

I personally like the Honda's they are shaft drive, liquid cooled and have controls that are forward mounted (especially the Aero model - I'm not much a fan of the Spirit version). There is very little maintenance oil changes every 4,000 and a good PM including valve checks at 8,000 and these bikes are reliable.

Keep it shiny side up!!

[Brackstone]

Don't start taking people out on your Bike for a while. I took someone out for the first time a few months ago after riding motorcycles for about three years. The person I took wasn't very confident and made it hard for me to ride. If I didn't have the experience under my belt I do something bad would have probably happened.