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I bought the Sahdow spirit 750C2 right after my deployment (in the navy) but now getting shipped to afghanistan, so maybe looking at getting the GSX650F on the way back. The Honda 750C2 is a great bike and is good for beginner, good luck!

Fly_Guy wrote:Morales,

First off, congrats on your impending homecoming, if this is your first deployment, take your time adjusting to coming home and getting your bearings. I've seen guys rush and try to cram in everything they've been deprived of in one shot, after 15 months you've probably been able to put away some cash, don't deprive yourself of some well deserved "toys" but put some serious thought into funding a Roth IRA or something similar, your unit should have a financial specialist to help you with that.

yea i know what you mean this is my third deployment: second to iraq and one in afghanistan, and everytime its the same soldiers come back and waste there money on things they really didn't have the money to spend on or some times even worse like you said they try to cram everything they've been deprived of in one shot and ending up with nothing at the end. thats also why i made sure all my loose strings were tied so to speak before i decided that now was the perfect time for me to learn since i'm getting out july of 08 so i was wanting to spoil myself all i could before it becomes more difficult for me to do so LOL.
and i really appreciate everyones tips and advice that alone helps me become a little more at ease about my decision and hopefully once i get to riding the experience will answer a lot of my questions.

The Honda Shadow 750is 500lbs, 75 hp. They are supposed to be some of Honda's most reliable bikes, and has an excellent reputation. I think it's a little heavy for a beginner.

The Honda Shadow VT600C VLXis 450lb and 40hp. The older Honda Shadow VT500C made between '82-86 is 400lb and 50hp.

You'd be very welcome at http://www.hondashadow.net/forum/ and can ask more specific Shadow questions.

First, lets consider the facts, How tall are you, how much do you weigh etc.
You should consider seat height most of all. Forget about horsepower as it really plays no part in it. Yes i said it! The gearing on it is very forgiving, remember it is not geared like a sport bike, it is not going to wheelie if you give it too much gas. It is a fine all around bike. In my opinion it needs a little bit more top end. But it is a well rounded bike and I think it is perfect for a beginer.

If you plan on riding often or long distances you will want that extra power, smaller so called beginner bikes, leave much to be desired!

The shadow does everything good. What I mean is, some bikes accelerate good but handle bad and some bikes have good brakes and handling but are horribly under powered, this is a bike that does not do anything incredibly well, but it does perform really good in all areas!
Therefore I think it is a great starter bike that will last you a long time before you grow out of it.

I speak from experience, I had a shadow 750 and it was one of the best bikes I ever owned! Like I said, it performed well in all areas!
Good luck in whatever route you go!
Keep us posted!