New and Thinking too much

[Reader1363]

Someone suggested I go to a large dealer and sit on a bunch of bikes. Sounds like a good idea. In the LA area, Bert's Mega Mall in Covina? Any other recommendations for large dealers with lots of variety?

[Johnj]

Howdy and welcome to the forum. Try doing a google search on Bert's Mega Mall and you'll find customer recommendations. Sometimes the smaller dealers give the best over all deal.

[Reader1363]

I am not thinking of buying a new bike. I just want to sit on a lot of bikes to see what is comfortable.

But thanks. I have seen a couple used bikes at small dealers but they still seem to be way overpriced.

[Johnj]

Then I think Burt's would be a perfect place to go. I've never bought a used bike from a dealer, you'll get a better price from a private party.

[jaskc78]

Yeah, you should definitely go sit on as many bikes as you can so you get an idea of what's comfortable and what isn't for your body, your posture, your inseam, your arms, and your everything else. If it doesn't pass the butt test on the showroom floor, chances are you won't like 150 down the road. Another bike that I didn't see anyone mention is the V-Strom. Suzuki makes them in 650 and 1000 variants (same as the SV), and they'd be better suited for the exploration side of things if you plan on doing some light off-roading. They're basically the Japanese answer to BMW's GS and GSA versions of the R1100, R1150, and R1200 bikes.

Have fun with the MSF course, enjoy your new addiction, and stay safe out there.

[Reader1363]

Well I googled Berts Mega Mall. While it looks like it will be a great place to see and sit on a lot of bikes all at one time, it has an amazing number of horror stories about their sales practices.

[jstark47]

Another bike that I didn't see anyone mention is the V-Strom. Suzuki makes them in 650 and 1000 variants (same as the SV), and they'd be better suited for the exploration side of things if you plan on doing some light off-roading. They're basically the Japanese answer to BMW's GS and GSA versions of the R1100, R1150, and R1200 bikes.

OP asked about starter bikes; V-Strom 1000 is not a starter bike. V-Strom 650...... maybe.