Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Once again, thank you. I have no intention of taking a rider on the back for some time! I'm worried enough about keeping myself upright, I don't need the extra challenge of another person.

I'm sure it will be some time before I hit the main roads. I'm hoping to progress from MSF course to the school parking lot down the road, to slow trips around the neighborhood...

I'm also hoping my husband will take the course, if not with me, then later. A friend of ours has volunteered to "tutor" him until he feels comfortable to take the course and the test.

If half the cyclists are as friendly and open as you all, I'm going to love this pastime!

Hey rnr262,

Have you decided on a bike yet??? Taken the MSF course yet?

Would like to hear.

Becca

My MSF course is in two weeks and I can't wait! I still haven't decided on a bike, but I'm still leaning towards the S40, or maybe a Vulcan 500.

I've only been able to find one used Rebel around. I wouldn't mind buying one to learn on as I have a friend who said she'd buy it from me for them to have as a commuter bike. That way my new bike might not get so many scratches and dings.

Thanks for asking. This board has been terrific for information.

The engine and basic design of the new S40 is a very reliable, old design of Suzuki's (formerly the LS650 Savage). A nice lightweight cruiser bike.

The 883 is the least likely Harley to hold it's value. Lots of true Harley guys call it a GIRLY bike, etc.. anyway... that's just a tidbit to consider for resale value. For resale as well, I would think there are more potential customers interested in buying a used, inexpensive, light, Japanese bike, than a bottom of the line Harley.

The S40 should hold it's value fairly well too. The Japanese bikes have solid value, just like their cars, and the high Yen these past several years has kept resale of used Japanese bikes quite high.

The S40 is an easy bike to ride. Japanese build quality, and ESPECIALLY the controls (shifter, clutch, brakes) are generally very consistent in feel, etc. etc... if you are just starting out, I recommend the most Japanese bikes over Harley's. No Harley ownership experience here to compare directly though, just info from friend's who have ridden and owned them.

The best bet, as it is early in the season, is to see if you can book test rides on both during the manufacturers "dealer demo days" which both Harley and Suzuki have (here in Canada anyways). You'll need a bike license, etc.

//monkey

I have a.... dumped s40, formerly known as a ls650 savage. And except for not handling well on ice *wince* it's a great bike. Gentle, understanding, nimble, and lots of fun. It is a great bike to start on. A sportster you are probably more likely to dump, and that'll drop the resale value.

That being said, whatever you decide on, stay off the ice, choose what you are comfortable with, not what your uncle thinks you should be. It isn't him who has to ride it.

Hey rnr262,

Glad to hear the update. I would be interested in hearing your opnion of the MSF course. IT was my first experiance on a motorcycle of any kind, and although I was really scared, it was a LOT of fun. I have a Suzuki Intruder 800 as my first bike, but that is another story. A 650 sounds like the perfect size to start on. The 800 is very very heavy ( I had to pick it up once when it fell over in soft sand) I don't think I could have done that if it had weighed one pound more. but if you get anything smaller than a 650 you might have problems keeping up with traffic which poses it's own problems... However, I am FAR from an expert, so I would say go with whatever feels the best to you !!!

Becca

PS What grade/subject do you teach?