Buying your DREAM bike, as a brand new rider...

[Superfly3176]

Opinions on dream bikes can change over the course of riding as well. There's so many offerings out there for motorcycles you really need to explore all avenues before you decide what your dream bike is.

[Lion_Lady]

Opinions on dream bikes can change over the course of riding as well. There's so many offerings out there for motorcycles you really need to explore all avenues before you decide what your dream bike is.

My point with this post was exactly that. New riders often want to go out and buy/finance/invest in the motorcycle they've always dreamed about. Unfortunately the dream machine doesn't always match up well with actual RIDING desire or skill or personality. Best to get the basic skills figured out and fitting well on a "generic" motorcycle. Then re-examine if the dream bike still makes the heart go pitter-pat.

P

[Kal]

So if I'm about to marry my first love... should I consider her a starter wife?

By that token should I only ride other peoples bikes?

[wayne rhodes]

Is like marrying your first CRUSH. At the moment, you are absolutely convinced that this This THIS! is It. Forever, and always...

Then life happens, and you discover that you didn't really understand what other possibilities were out there, or what true love is. As you mature, that intensity fades to a fond memory, always part of you, but no longer all encompassing.

The same thing applies to buying your first motorcycle. It is perfectly understandable that a new rider (who can afford it), wants to buy the mega-powered or chromed out dream machine they've lusted after since they could remember. But, until you've got some experience with riding, you can't fully understand what will serve you best and continue to make you happy as you mature in the sport.

A public service announcement.

P

I'm not exactly a new bike buyer, Years ago I have owned about three different bikes. I am a 56 year old man. And would like this bike to be my last cruiser to buy for my wife and I for two up ridding. Mostly around town and back roads and very limited highway rides. Seven miles or so ridding. Anyway we were thinking of buying the Star Yamaha V Star 1300? Or the V Star 950--668 lbs verses 616 lbs for both bikes weight. I was thinking about the limited highway miles and mostly street riding and the Star 950 air cooled bike l@@ks like the one. Please let me know what you think need your advice thanks Wayne and Melody

[jstark47]

I'm not exactly a new bike buyer, Years ago I have owned about three different bikes. I am a 56 year old man. And would like this bike to be my last cruiser to buy for my wife and I for two up ridding. Mostly around town and back roads and very limited highway rides. Seven miles or so ridding. Anyway we were thinking of buying the Star Yamaha V Star 1300? Or the V Star 950--668 lbs verses 616 lbs for both bikes weight. I was thinking about the limited highway miles and mostly street riding and the Star 950 air cooled bike l@@ks like the one. Please let me know what you think need your advice thanks Wayne and Melody

I think I want to know more about your riding experience before passing advice. What was the last bike you had? How many years experience, and how many years away from riding? The 950 will carry two-up easily. Are you concerned about weight of the bike, size, price? Tell us a little more...

[HYPERR]

Is like marrying your first CRUSH. At the moment, you are absolutely convinced that this This THIS! is It. Forever, and always...

Then life happens, and you discover that you didn't really understand what other possibilities were out there, or what true love is. As you mature, that intensity fades to a fond memory, always part of you, but no longer all encompassing.

The same thing applies to buying your first motorcycle. It is perfectly understandable that a new rider (who can afford it), wants to buy the mega-powered or chromed out dream machine they've lusted after since they could remember. But, until you've got some experience with riding, you can't fully understand what will serve you best and continue to make you happy as you mature in the sport.

A public service announcement.

P

I'm not exactly a new bike buyer, Years ago I have owned about three different bikes. I am a 56 year old man. And would like this bike to be my last cruiser to buy for my wife and I for two up ridding. Mostly around town and back roads and very limited highway rides. Seven miles or so ridding. Anyway we were thinking of buying the Star Yamaha V Star 1300? Or the V Star 950--668 lbs verses 616 lbs for both bikes weight. I was thinking about the limited highway miles and mostly street riding and the Star 950 air cooled bike l@@ks like the one. Please let me know what you think need your advice thanks Wayne and Melody

It says you have been riding for 41 years so you have far more experience than the vast majority of the people here including myself.

How long did you stop riding for?

[jackacid]

As much as I wanted to get a 250 sportsbike or the like for my first bike, I opted to go with an older, standard bike that needed some work instead.

My reasoning was simple: cheaper than buying a new or mint-conditioned used bike and without having enough experience, it's a cost risk to have a new, nice bike.

So I'm earning my stripes on an '85 Nighthawk and plan to upgrade in a year or two.