Newbie needs a suggestion

[embries]

Newly registered to the forum although I've been lurking around for quite a while. On to my story.

I'm registered for my MSF course then off to get my license (probably 3-5 weeks before I get my license). I have several years experience riding dirt bikes on my family's farm. I'm curious about my first bike purchase, however. I'm leaning towards purchasing the Yamaha V Star 650 Silverado. After visitng my local dealer, he suggested fairly unequivocally that I should get the 1100 instead. He said that within 6 months I'd be looking to upgrade to the 1100 anyhow (suggesting that I wouldn't be satisfied with the 650). I can understand his logic, being a guy and having a bit of a performance fixation. My daily driver is a WRX STI (fairly fast for a daily driver) and I don't necessarily speed, but I do like to get up to the speed limit in a timely fashion.

I do not want to purchase a bike for over $2000 and then turn around and want to upgrade in under a year. I'd prefer to buy a VERY cheap bike to get me through December and then buy something, but I'm having trouble on that count because I'm 5'10" and 260lbs not what you would consider fat, but not necessarily a pro wrestler. I need a larger bike both from the load on the bike factor and from the looks standpoint (I'd look stupid on most smaller bikes). Since I'm having troubles finding a cheap bike that wouldn't look silly, I was looking at just buying something I'd want to keep for a while right off the bat.

To the conclusion and my question to you; Will the 650 work for me, or should I go for the 1100? Should I ditch them both and look for something else? Should I just forget it and get a horse?

[blues2cruise]

I have a 650 and I am your height, but considerably lighter, so I've been quite happy with the 650 for most everything. Although if I was going to load it down for a trip it would not be as comfortable a ride as a 1100.

My friend is about your size and he said the 650 is a bit small for him power wise. If you already biking experience, you may be happier with the 1100.

Keep in mind, though, that the 1100 will use more gas and the insurance will probably cost more.

Food for thought.

[ZooTech]

Get at least an 800. Any of the Boulevards will work for ya (M50/S50/C50) or go for the V-Star 1100. You'll be much happier in the end. You could also check out the all new Vulcan 900 Classic, though I'm not sure when they are due in the dealerships and incentives will probably be outta the question for a while.

[jmillheiser]

could also look at the shadow 1100s, or the HD sportster 1200 (its only about as powerful as the typical 900-1100 metric cruiser).

The V-star 1100 is definately a nice bike, solid as can be and not overly huge but not tiny either. The V-star custom even comes with a factory flame job on the tank that extends down the rear fender

[Wizzard]

I have a bro about your size only a little heavier and he gets on down the road just fine on his 650 V-Star and is quite happy doing it .
Regards, Wizzard