First bike, suggestions please

[Dbuck]

Hello all, I am a new rider from Ohio and have enjoyed this forum and the great information so far. I just got my endorsement and completed the MSF basic course. I am looking to buy my first bike. I am looking to buy used and stay around 4000 or less. I want to go with a cruiser. I am 5 9" and weigh about 180 pounds. I am a regular weightlifter and quite strong for my size. I would like to get something to ride around town and possibly drive into the hills in southern ohio once in a while. I would also like to get something I can ride 2 up once I am comfortable with my skill level in the future. CC range would be helpful. All suggestions would be appreciated!

Good riding!
Darren

[Johnj]

Hello Darren and welcome to the forum. I'm not going to advise you to buy one bike or the other, but to limit the bike to no more than 50 hp and under 500 lbs. Ride on and good luck.

[Dbuck]

Thanks for the info! Could some others give me some ideas on make and model cruisers that would be appropriate?
Thanks!
Darren

[gerjets]

Hey Darren - Welcome!

I agree with Johnj...you're going to get all kinds of recommendations and they're all going to be biased (not necessarily a bad thing)...might cause you more angst than it's worth.

I'd recommend that you pick up the phonebook, find local motorcycle dealerships, and check out their bikes. Some will even let you take rides. Find one that suites your personality, your skill level, and how you plan to use it. Good luck and have fun!!!

Mike

[Thumper]

CC wise? I'd try to keep it under 800cc, though I will say that I think my Bonneville (at 865) would not be a horrible first bike.

For cruisers, you'd got a heck of a lot of options. Honda Shadow VLX (just under 600cc), Shadow Spirit (or Aero) at 750 cc, Kawasaki Vulcan 500 (if you can find one) or 800 (again, if you can find one), Suzuki S40 or S50, BMW F650GS (it's an 800 cc despite the name...and not a cruiser, but still)... lots of options out there.

A good rule of thumb is for cruisers, keep it under 800cc and for sport bikes under 600cc.

[totalmotorcycle]

Darren!

Thumper has suggested some nice cruisers and they can even take a passenger as well with ease. For your first bike, my advice would be to worry about you and your bike then when you are into your 2nd year test out taking a passenger along. There is another learning curve when riding with a passenger because you can't control how they move or what they do...

Mike

[blues2cruise]

Don't forget about the Yamaha V-Star 650. It's a good first bike.