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Experienced beginner looking to trade up bike

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 9:27 am
by mandyedwards
hi everyone,
i have learnt and taken my road test on a suzuki marauder gz250. time to get a bigger bike. i'm looking for the cruise/custom style around the 650-800 range i think. i'm a woman about 5'5 and 125lbs. any suggestions for a good all around bike that can do well on teh highway and carrying a passanger while still having the ease of use that being a somewhat beginner dictates? i am open to used and new bike suggestions here and also bikes to stay way from. i'd like the bike to be low to the ground like my suzuki is.
thanks for your suggestions.

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 9:40 am
by dr_bar
Your best bet is to just get out and sit on a lot of bikes. You can start with the Yamaha VStar line, the Suzuki cruisers, or of course the Hondas. Look at everthing, isn't shopping fun??? lol

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 10:10 am
by kabob983
Yeah, go sit on a few. Check out the Honda Nighthawk CB750. I'd consider it more of a "sport cruiser" personally, but it's vuury nice!

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 10:21 am
by DivideOverflow
If you like your suzuki, check out the boulevard series of cruisers.

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 10:46 am
by mandyedwards
thanks i really do like my suzuki. the problem i am havihng is that i can't test drive any of these new bikes and i'm not experienced enough to know anything about bikes to knwo what configurations i need/want.

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2006 11:12 am
by DivideOverflow
the C50 and the M50 have the same seat height as your GZ250.

I've heard many good things about the C50, and it has more of the classic cruiser style. The M50 is more "muscle" style. They both have 800cc engines.

That would keep you happy for quite some time (engine-wise). The V-Star 650 is also a good choice, but won't be as good for 2-up.

You can get the C50 in a touring package (with luggage) and a few different fender styles. It is hard buying a bike without a test drive, but that is why you should go sit on as many as you can and get an idea of what is comfortable for you to sit on. See if you feel comfortable with the weight at a stand-still... If you have any questions about a specific bike you go to look at, let us know.

The Honda shadow VLX is also a nice bike, but the 600cc 4-spd leaves it a bit lacking in the power department. I would recommend the Shadow Aero over that, the 750cc powerplant is much better than the VLX.

The Vulcan 900 has more power than the other's in it's class. They don't have the Vulcan Classic 800 anymore.

I would personally recommend the Suzuki C50. It has fuel injection instead of a carbeurator like the honda, and it is cheaper than the Kawasaki.

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 8:51 am
by BigChickenStrips
theres also a womens forum here, you might be able to find another lady close to your size and see what they ride/recomend.

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 9:37 am
by BubbaGump
HandsomeRyan wrote:theres also a womens forum here, you might be able to find another lady close to your size and see what they ride/recomend.

There's Handsome Ryan again tryin to pick up the ladies. :laughing:

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 9:47 am
by NorthernPete
hes smooooooooth *chuckles*

Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 11:09 am
by MotoF150
The Yamaha 650 V Star Classic , great bike, low seat height. Classic for the girls and Custom for the guys