Total Motorcycle Community Forums

What is the correct way to go here? What should I be thinking?

I’ve read all 13 pages(!) of the sticky “For the Beginner Biker”. There’s a lot of useful information in there, but I find it to have confusing (well conflicting) information as well.

The sticky suggested that I try out motorcycles by sitting on them. Great advice, I think. Before I went out shopping this was my list:

Kawasaki Vulcan 500cc & 800cc & Eliminator 125cc
Honda Aero 750cc & Shadow VLX 600cc & Rebel 250cc
Suzuki C50 & C40 & GZ250cc
Yamaha VStar 650 Custom &Virago 250cc

I narrowed it down to four after the afternoon was over:

Kawasaki Vulcan 500cc
Kawasaki Vulcan 800cc
Honda Aero 750cc (currently my favourite)
Suzuki M50 (I’m not sure how different this is to the C50) (This one;'s a close second to the Aero)

I’m concerned that it may have led me to larger bikes than I will be able to handle.
My reasoning for the short list is mostly fit. I didn’t test drive anything (I’ve yet to take my course). But I found the handlebars to be a bit tight for most of these and my legs to be awkward positions. I’m 6’2”, so fit can be an issue, a lot of the bikes felt a bit silly when I sat on them. After trying the Rebel, I didn’t bother sitting on the other 250cc’s. You can just tell they’re too small

Am I “wearing” a bike a few sizes too big?

After trying the Rebel, I didn’t bother sitting on the other 250cc’s. You can just tell they’re too small

So you sit on the one 250 that is universally known as being too small for anyone over about 5'2 or very oddly built and dismiss all 250s?

I'm a big believer in picking a bike that fits and is easy to handle for your first bike. Every "that coulda been embarrassing" moment I've had so far has been at 0-2MPH... but you've got to actually try them before you dismiss them. There are bikes of all engine sizes that are uncomfortable for larger riders...

I'm not saying any of those bikes on your list is a bad choice... I'm just suggesting that as you shop you don't try one 500cc bike and say "I can tell 500cc will be too _______". They are all different.

the bikes on your list should be fine. I wouldn't buy any 250cc cruisers (but you'll probably have to ride them on the course). So just pick the one you like and can afford.

I narrowed it down to four after the afternoon was over:

Kawasaki Vulcan 500cc
Kawasaki Vulcan 800cc
Honda Aero 750cc (currently my favourite)
Suzuki M50 (I’m not sure how different this is to the C50) (This one;'s a close second to the Aero)

Based solely on this list you have made, I'd vote for the Vulcan 500. My husband who is also a new rider (5'9" 210lbs) is on a Vulcan 400 (JPN spec) and its enough for him to learn on and enough for him to outgrow (which he says after a month he's ready for a little more). He'll keep this bike for the rest of the riding season and then we'll see what's next after this.


Anyhow, that's my only input. I ride (add another 110lbs of me) with DH and I've seen "a beginner" handle the 400. So the 400 feels when I hop on, but hauls 300+lbs of riders alright around here. If you ride right, the 500 should be good for learning as far as power and handling.

I have a Vulcan 800 Classic and I love it. It has been a great beginers bike for me. Nice center of balance, smooth ride, very forgiving.

I'd grab up a nice used Vulcan 500. It's forgiving enough at lower RPM's but will keep you entertained once you gain experience and start hunting for the rev limiter. Of the other three bikes you mentioned, I'd get the M50. The Shadow Aero is a real dog.

The C and M Boulevards are very similar. Mainly just styling differences. "M" is "Muscle", "C" is "Custom". The fenders are different and, honestly, I can't remember anything else off hand. The "S" is "Sport" by the way. There's a quite a bit of difference between the S and the other two. I know there's a site to pull up motorcycles side by side to compare but, I couldn't find it.

Good Luck in your search.

Of all those bikes, I'd get the M50. It is a big enough for a guy like you, fuel injected, enough power to keep yourself interested.

My first bike is a 700cc, 550lb, fire breather and I'm a much smaller guy than you. You can handle a big bike like th M50...

There is nothing wrong with the Aero. If that is your favorite, I would get it.

Just be prepared that you might end up dropping it as a new rider. You might want to find a used one. Size-wise and power-wise, I think it would be fine.

I've got the Aero, as my third bike. Power and size wise I think it can be okay for the beginning biker, but it depends on that person's skill level. It doesn't have a lot of HP, and is very forgiving. Simultaneously, it does have enough power to tour (just got back from a 600 mile round trip on it an hour ago) and enjoy the twisties. Though at low speeds and high traffic conditions for a first year rider it can be very frustrating due to its weight. However, once you get comfortable with the weight and balance then it's a fantastic bike.

Essentially, don't buy anything till the MSF course. Do you automatically get a license in your state after completion? If that's the case, then with the license you can now test drive the different bikes. That's the route I would go.