I like the Spirit 750, but I don't like those Indian-esque fenders on the Spirit Aero.
If I find the VLX power-lacking, I will certainly look at the 750. I still think the V-Star is a more attractive bike, though.
I've learned so much already! I'm going to the Suzuki dealership with a buddy tomorrow to check out the M50 and C50. I love the way they look in photos, but I've heard some miserable things about the seat design on the M50. Gotta like the price and the power, though.
V-Star 650 vs Honda VLX (noobie alert!)
I've been looking at the Yamaha VStar Custom 650, Honda Shadow Spirit, and Suzuki M50 a lot, but am leaning towards the M50, myself.
The shaft drive pretty much took out the Honda (don't care for the big fenders on the Honda Aero...), but I've heard things that makes me rule the Yamaha out, too...like the lack of power, going 2-Up you'll notice it a lot, and getting tired of it after a couple of seasons.
I'm 6', 185 lbs., 32" inseam, and when I sit on the M50, it feels really good. It's definitely heavier than the VStar, but just the fact that I won't be getting tired of it after a season or two makes me lean towards it. There's just something about that M50 that keeps drawing me towards it.
Now, take this with a block of salt (not even a grain will do)...because I've never ridden before, but spent a lot of time in the local dealerships sitting on these bikes and making the motorcycle sounds.
As said before...go with what's most comfortable with you. From the sound of it, if you're doing mostly crusing around town, and not plannign on going 2-Up or faster than 75mph, the VStar should be plenty cycle for you.
The shaft drive pretty much took out the Honda (don't care for the big fenders on the Honda Aero...), but I've heard things that makes me rule the Yamaha out, too...like the lack of power, going 2-Up you'll notice it a lot, and getting tired of it after a couple of seasons.
I'm 6', 185 lbs., 32" inseam, and when I sit on the M50, it feels really good. It's definitely heavier than the VStar, but just the fact that I won't be getting tired of it after a season or two makes me lean towards it. There's just something about that M50 that keeps drawing me towards it.
Now, take this with a block of salt (not even a grain will do)...because I've never ridden before, but spent a lot of time in the local dealerships sitting on these bikes and making the motorcycle sounds.
As said before...go with what's most comfortable with you. From the sound of it, if you're doing mostly crusing around town, and not plannign on going 2-Up or faster than 75mph, the VStar should be plenty cycle for you.
Yeah man, I loved sitting on the M50. That bike just looks awesome. The C50 is a bit too "Harley" for me. Not that that is a bad thing, just not for me.
I'm just not sure I need 800cc to learn on. In a couple of years I will have lots more "throw around" dough and could upgrade at that time. For this reason, I will probably go with the smaller, lighter, cheaper used V-Star for now.
And I agree on the Hondas. The chain just ruins it for me.
I'm just not sure I need 800cc to learn on. In a couple of years I will have lots more "throw around" dough and could upgrade at that time. For this reason, I will probably go with the smaller, lighter, cheaper used V-Star for now.
And I agree on the Hondas. The chain just ruins it for me.
To buy or not to buy the 650 vstar
Well I have to tell you first hand I purchased a 2004 Yamaha Vstar classic fully loaded. I did alot of listening to other bike owners and looked around at the cruisers that were available from various manufactures. My fist thought was, Being 5'6" is that I need a bike that can fit under my butt and still have my feet touch the ground.
2nd. I don't want to be laying over the fuel tank while I'm riding.
3rd. I don't want something too powerfull as a first bike but I still don't want to be held back from being able to cruise down the highway to a distant town.
4th. ok enough of this. I've had the bike now roughly 3 months. I have a grin from ear to ear every time I get on it. Is it a highway machine? In my opinion I'm always looking for another gear. It would be great to have a highway gear on this machine. I'm not sure why it does not but I don't have the engineering background to tell you why. As for carrying a passanger I can't give you any feedback on that issue other than you will be using the lower gears just to get your own weight up the hills. I said when I bought this bike that it would last me a lifetime. "LOL" I am considering trading it in next yr. for a bigger model.
Anyway I hope that this helps you some in your search. Over all it is a great starter bike. I think this was said before but in case it wasn't. Once you sit on the bike your interested in you will know immediately wether it is the one you want.
Vstar
2nd. I don't want to be laying over the fuel tank while I'm riding.
3rd. I don't want something too powerfull as a first bike but I still don't want to be held back from being able to cruise down the highway to a distant town.
4th. ok enough of this. I've had the bike now roughly 3 months. I have a grin from ear to ear every time I get on it. Is it a highway machine? In my opinion I'm always looking for another gear. It would be great to have a highway gear on this machine. I'm not sure why it does not but I don't have the engineering background to tell you why. As for carrying a passanger I can't give you any feedback on that issue other than you will be using the lower gears just to get your own weight up the hills. I said when I bought this bike that it would last me a lifetime. "LOL" I am considering trading it in next yr. for a bigger model.
Anyway I hope that this helps you some in your search. Over all it is a great starter bike. I think this was said before but in case it wasn't. Once you sit on the bike your interested in you will know immediately wether it is the one you want.
Vstar