I'm in your boat, new rider and taking my MSF this weekend (Sat and Sun). I've been researching bikes for about three weeks. I've decided on a used bike, and something in the 650-900cc range as a solid and dependable starter bike. After reviewing multiple sites for information, doing research on different models and the looks (which I tried to keep last in all considerations) the bike at the top of my list is...
The Suzuki VL 800 Volusia. This becomes the C50 Boulevard in 05 and this year. Very nice styling (to me), lots of good reviews including best in class for two straight years in a review I read. (Best in the 650/800 range, it was tested against the Honda 750, VStar 650, Sportster 883, etc. A total of 8 bikes I believe.)
Anyway, lots of good looking bikes in that range. Also check the Kawi Vulcan, Yamaha Dragstar (precurser of the VStar line) and the VT1100 by Honda (bigger cc's but close on the hp so still a possible bike for you in that range).
Here's a good utility: You can search for different model bikes, get a breakdown on information and also compare bikes against each other. The breakdown goes all the way to individual years, models and makes. Hope it helps you as much as me.
http://www.motorbikes.be/en/
Help me choose a cruiser...
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ragin cajun
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motogirl
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Hi,
You're getting a lot of great information here!
I recently bought my first bike, a Yamaha Virago 750. Granted, I am a lot smaller than you (5'7", 135# female), and it looks just right for someone my size. Probably not beefy looking enough for you. But as I'm in California, and I just bought in early spring, I thought I'd give you some comparison info.
The bike is a 1995, with 23K miles. I paid $2200. Since then, I've had a through check-up by a great mechanic, had to fix a couple of little bittly things, bought a windshield and all of my protective gear. I still haven't gotten my insurance yet, and I've spent a lot more than I initially expected. Not complaining, just wanting to point out that you'll really want to look at that 5K budget and make sure you want to spend that much on a first bike. I love my Virago, and I am so absolutely glad I didn't buy a newer, fancier one as a starter, but I am certain that I will be upgrading in a year or so.
Just FYI...
Ride safely,
Janet
You're getting a lot of great information here!
I recently bought my first bike, a Yamaha Virago 750. Granted, I am a lot smaller than you (5'7", 135# female), and it looks just right for someone my size. Probably not beefy looking enough for you. But as I'm in California, and I just bought in early spring, I thought I'd give you some comparison info.
The bike is a 1995, with 23K miles. I paid $2200. Since then, I've had a through check-up by a great mechanic, had to fix a couple of little bittly things, bought a windshield and all of my protective gear. I still haven't gotten my insurance yet, and I've spent a lot more than I initially expected. Not complaining, just wanting to point out that you'll really want to look at that 5K budget and make sure you want to spend that much on a first bike. I love my Virago, and I am so absolutely glad I didn't buy a newer, fancier one as a starter, but I am certain that I will be upgrading in a year or so.
Just FYI...
Ride safely,
Janet
One can never consent to creep when one feels the urge to soar - Helen Keller
Don't rule out the Vulcan 750. It's a great bike, pretty peppy for a 750, and has a few nice extras like fuel gauge, shaft drive, and centerstand. I'm 5'6" (female), with 30" inseam and can barely flat foot the bike. It's been virtually unchanged since the 80's so parts are easy to come by.
The V-Star is a great bike too. It was my first. The tank was a bit wide for my personal taste, but just a fantasic bike otherwise.
The V-Star is a great bike too. It was my first. The tank was a bit wide for my personal taste, but just a fantasic bike otherwise.
01 Vulcan 750
05 Rebel
05 Rebel
Sometimes I ride with a guy that owns a Honda Shawdow 750, great bike, looks good, sounds good, smooth, but his wifey poo is a big girl, if you know what I mean,,,, and when she wants to plant herself on the back, that Honda can't handle it, but if you have a girlfriend or wifey poo thats like 85 to 90 lbs it will handle it.
2011 Toyota Tacoma 4x4, 09 Yamaha Tmax, 08 Suzuki King Quad 750
