Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Go for it... if you are into cruisers it is a good starter, my uncle just bought one and he loves it.

DivideOverflow wrote:I don't think the V-star is heavy at all for a cruiser. At your size, you will be fine. The V-Star 650 is actually pretty underpowered. It would be fine for a first bike.

See, that's where I get confused. I had no problem holding it up at the stealer with just my legs. (Look ma, no hands!)

If you think the 650 is underpowered, should I go to the 1100? They're about the same size/wheelbase, but the 1100 is obviously heavier. I'm sure there's a good power/weight ratio to consider, so really how much more power to the pavement is the 1100, or am I getting in over my head?

Besides as a passenger, I have no riding experience and am already signed up for the MSF class. The next 3 weeks can't go by fast enough. I'm so pumped, I can't wait for it!

Thanx everyone.

CycleNewb wrote:


If you think the 650 is underpowered, should I go to the 1100? They're about the same size/wheelbase, but the 1100 is obviously heavier. I'm sure there's a good power/weight ratio to consider, so really how much more power to the pavement is the 1100, or am I getting in over my head?

Besides as a passenger, I have no riding experience and am already signed up for the MSF class. The next 3 weeks can't go by fast enough. I'm so pumped, I can't wait for it!

Thanx everyone.

http://www.motorbikes.be/en/compare/4587/4590/

both are ok for newbies but the 1100 is 571lbs. if you think you can handle it and want a more powerful bike... go for it.

You'll do fine with a 650. If you decide after a year you want to go big, you'll sell the 650 for darn close if not what you purchased it for (assuming you don't buy new).

I'm 270lbs and that 650 still got up and moved juuuuuust fine. Plenty of power for anyone.

CycleNewb wrote:

DivideOverflow wrote:I don't think the V-star is heavy at all for a cruiser. At your size, you will be fine. The V-Star 650 is actually pretty underpowered. It would be fine for a first bike.

See, that's where I get confused. I had no problem holding it up at the stealer with just my legs. (Look ma, no hands!)

If you think the 650 is underpowered, should I go to the 1100? They're about the same size/wheelbase, but the 1100 is obviously heavier. I'm sure there's a good power/weight ratio to consider, so really how much more power to the pavement is the 1100, or am I getting in over my head?

Besides as a passenger, I have no riding experience and am already signed up for the MSF class. The next 3 weeks can't go by fast enough. I'm so pumped, I can't wait for it!

Thanx everyone.

I think one more thing to think about it do you have the extra $2000 to spend on the 1100. if i did, then i may have considered the 1100, but in all honesty, i will mostly ride around town, 30 mile RT to the train station, i've got 1 year under my belt, i'll do an occassional 200 or 300 mile trip, but maybe one 1 time per year, i rarly will do 2 up riding...so w/ all those factors, the 650 is fine for me Also insurance rates were higher for the 1100. If you buy used, you might find a good deal on an 1100, but if you buy new, then you'll be looking to spend at least $7000, which is pretty darn close to some really nice other MC also for a couple hunder bucks more. Its all preference- Yeah, i'd like the 1100 and have no doubt that i'd be able to handle it, but i simply decided that thr 650 was good for now.

On a final note, if you are savy w/ the wrench, theres lots you can do to the 650 to Wake it up and get er movin even better

CycleNewb wrote:

DivideOverflow wrote:I don't think the V-star is heavy at all for a cruiser. At your size, you will be fine. The V-Star 650 is actually pretty underpowered. It would be fine for a first bike.

See, that's where I get confused. I had no problem holding it up at the stealer with just my legs. (Look ma, no hands!)

If you think the 650 is underpowered, should I go to the 1100? They're about the same size/wheelbase, but the 1100 is obviously heavier. I'm sure there's a good power/weight ratio to consider, so really how much more power to the pavement is the 1100, or am I getting in over my head?

Besides as a passenger, I have no riding experience and am already signed up for the MSF class. The next 3 weeks can't go by fast enough. I'm so pumped, I can't wait for it!

Thanx everyone.

The 1100 has 62 hp and 63 ft-lbs, the 650 is about 45hp and 40 ft-lbs.

I've heard owners of the 650 move up to the 1100 within a few weeks due to the lack of relative power... It is hard to say whether or not it is over your head. The 1100 is by no means a rocket, and I don't think it is too much based on power to weight ratio... but it is a bit of weight to deal with for a beginner.

I would suggest picking up a beater bike for a little while just to get the mechanics down pretty well, that way you dont risk dropping your shiny new bike in a noob mistake.

You definitely would be fine with the 650 for a year and then upgrading... the 1100 is more grey area. I know plenty of people that have started on bigger. I always feel it is better to start smaller with something you are comfortable on (I started on a 250 cruiser), so if there is any question, go with the 650.

Thanx again,

I'm definately leaning towards a used bike, only due to economics. Unless there's a stellar deal on an 1100 I think I'm going for the 650.

Vulcans are nice too.... if youre worried about the power, you could allways find a used 750.

2 years ago I had never ridden a motorcycle. I purchased a 650cc and only struggled with the weight for the first couple of weeks. It didn't take long to find the balance. Now, the bike feels very nimble to me.

I'm 5'9" and I am comfortable enough on it. I know that some people don't like the stock seat, but I've been comfortable on it.

I have used that 650 to ride through the mountains and it has taken me on a few road trips.

It will ride on the freeway at freeway speed all day long. It is also good for slow speed maneuvering....for example...if you're stuck in rush hour traffic, it is relatively easy to keep balanced.

The insurance is less costly than an 1100,

When ( and if ) I do decide to upgrade, it won't be an 1100. I think there are better bikes power/HP/weight than the 1100.

A Suzuki 800 would be a good compromise if you don't want to go as big as an 1100 or as small as a 650.

The VStar 650 classic, was one of my first options, finally I taked the Boulevard M50, because his 150 cc more power and style...... (and cost me 800 usd less)