NEW (Really New) Rider - Need Pointers.

[buddhacide]

Hey guys. For years I have wanted a motorcycle, but have never had the money to get one. Plus I've been deterred by the fact that I have never had a drivers liscence. I've lived in the city my whole life and simply never needed to learn to drive. Plus cars simply dont interest me. So I have practically zero road experience.

Anyway, I have the bug and I'm going in full throttle, so to speak. I have my learners permit and will be taking the training course in June. I plan on taking this very slow. I need to get use not just to the bike, but to driving in general. I actually find the whole thing quite intimidating.

Now I have ridden dirt bikes in the past (casually), and have been an avid cycler for years. So that is something anyway.

What makes matters worse is I am totally alone in this venture. I dont have a single friend that is an avid rider. Its just something I've always wanted to do, so like many other things in my life, i'm going to be doing it that hard way, probably with alot of trial and error.

Anyway, my major issue right now is what bike to buy. I've been racking my mind over the issue, based largely on editorials I've read online. At first, before really researching, I decided I was going to get a Yamaha V-star 650. From what I could tell its an all around good bike that people say handles well. I've also heard many people say that its a good beginner cruiser. Upon further research though many people seem to think this bike would be suicide for a new rider because of its size.

Because of this I decided to get something small and truly take my time with learning to ride, however as I started shopping around for a 250 (looked at the big 4), I found them all to be far too small for my size (6'1), and was told not only that I would tire from it quick, but that it simply isnt a good choice for taller riders. So I thought, ok, what else is there? The only thing that seemed decent is the Vulcan 500. Which up until today was the bike i decided to settle for. However, this morning I got a call from a guy willing to sell me a 99 V-star classic with a ton of accessories (plus helmet and jacket), for what I've come to understand is a very reasonable price.

I realize that I simply cannot make a truly informed decision on something like this from reading internet opinion, but I really want to get mind around the best possible course of action.

What I want to know is, is the v-star theoretically a bad idea, when compared to a 250 or a vulcan, or is it practically a bad idea in general. Am I seriously in danger from starting out with a midsize, or is it only marginally more dangerous provided I am attempting to be as safe as possible?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I have a feeling I'll be around here alot asking alot of stupid crap. So TIA for the patience.

[camthepyro]

You shouldn't have any problems starting on a V-Star 650, because it's a cruiser. There is a BIG difference between a 600cc cruiser and a 600cc sport bike. I think as long as that v-star is comfortable (sit on it) for you, you should be fine, although, that doesn't mean a 250 wouldn't also be fine (your height should make a difference). Just make sure you don't buy one of the bigger V-Stars, like the 1100, that would be way dangerous.

[t_bonee]

Welcome!

Don't worry about not having any friends that are avid bikers. You'll meet plenty.

Anywho. Any of the bikes you listed should be OK starter bikes. The difference between the v-star 650 and 250's or vulcan 500 is gonna be weight. There will be some horsepower differences but they all fall within what is acceptable horsepower for a beginner. If you can handle the extra weight it should be fine.

My bike, which is my first still, is pretty heavy weighing in at 500lbs for a 650. I've haven't had any problems on it and i am not a big dude. But get what you think will be easiest for you to learn and be safe on.

[Bachstrad37]

Hey - welcome.

I have a few questions before giving you some practical advice.

1. You said you ride a bicycle. In what condition have you ridden in? Are you comfortable riding your bicycle in those conditions?

2. You also mentioned about dirt biking. How long ago was that and how well did you do in that? Trouble areas while dirtbiking? (clutch release, starting, stopping, turning, etc.)

3. How much are you looking to spend on your first bike? Gear alone can range from $300 - $1000. Add that to your total budget.

4. Mechanical knowledge and ownership of basic hand tools. How much you know will vary how much it will cost you to maintain it.

Regardless of what answers you provide for questions I posed, hold off on buying a bike until you gauge how well you perform in your Basic Rider Course. I rode dirt bikes from age of 8-13. I was decent at it. Fast forward 20 years, I hadn't ridden a motorcycle of any kind. I took the course and all my muscle memory came back during training. With some comfort to measure by, I went out and bought a 1500cc Meanstreak and am quite competent at it.

Despite the feeling of a possible good deal, restrain yourself from purchasing a bike until you get an assessment of your comfort level on one of the course bikes. Also, look at possibly meeting others during your course as ride partners once the course is done. I met several during the course and gathered their phone numbers. Perhaps you can attain a learning buddy through that.

[blues2cruise]

I am a mere female who learned to ride 1-1/2 years ago. I started on my V-Star 650. I went from the 250cc lesson bikes to my new 650.
The bike felt heavy to me the first few times out, but then I had never tried maneuvering 500 lbs around a corner before.
It didn't take long before I didn't notice the weight.

[KarateChick]

I am a mere female who learned to ride 1-1/2 years ago. I started on my V-Star 650.

Nothing "mere" about you Blues! Woo! Way to go!

[sharpmagna]

Judging by your size, I would get at least a 500cc cruiser. The 250cc bikes are just too small and I think you would find them uncomfortable. When you take your BRC, you'll be using 250cc bikes and the rebels are just tiny little things. At my class they had a few dual sport type bikes and all the big guys gravitated towards them and they did very well with them. I'm much small shorter and felt more comfortable with the Rebel 250cc. The rebels weigh about 350 or so pounds and I only weigh 150 and I was able to control it just fine. Of course your results may vary, but seeing as you have bicycle and dirt bike experience, you should already be a leg up on your classmates. I currently ride a Honda Magna that weighs about 550 pounds and I can maneuver it just fine. At first I was intimidated, because it was such a HUGE jump from the Rebel 250, but with anything new it becomes easier the more I rode it. Granted, I've only been riding a month, but I've come a long way since taking the BRC.

I too went through the BRC by myself. I don't have any friends who ride, but a couple of coworkers have their own bikes and they gave me tips though they both ride sport bikes and I'm more of a cruiser person. Now that I have my bike, my friends are starting to really get into. I've talked one of them to go towards his permit and I'm sure that is just the beginning. Don't be intimidated, the concepts aren't hard though you may find the concept of shifting gears a bit confusing at first. There was one girl in my class who hadn't ever driven a 5 speed before so she was having a tough time with shifting.

[Sev]

I am a mere female who learned to ride 1-1/2 years ago. I started on my V-Star 650.

Nothing "mere" about you Blues! Woo! Way to go!

Speaking as a mere male. I don't think it matters.

[blues2cruise]

I am a mere female who learned to ride 1-1/2 years ago. I started on my V-Star 650.

Nothing "mere" about you Blues! Woo! Way to go!

Speaking as a mere male. I don't think it matters.

What I meant was that usually men are stronger than women and my comment was meant to imply that if I could do it then more than likely so could a big guy.

[motogirl]

Hi, and welcome.

If you are an avid cyclist, and have extensive experience riding in city traffic, I think that is quite an advantage. A lot of folks who drive cars do not have a lot of the observational skills of a good city cyclist.

I just started riding motorcycles less than 2 months ago, and my first bike is a Yamaha Virago 750 (I'm female, 5'7", 135#). It's wonderful. It never feels like too much power, just a bit heavy if I lean it too much at near stops. My greatest concern for you is your ability to smoothly shift gears and make rapid stops in traffic without subsequently falling over. But as long as your feet can get firmly planted, I would think you'd do fine.

Best of luck in your learner's course. You will know so much more by the end of it. Perhaps you should wait to purchase until after the class???

~Janet