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I just passed the MSF today and have been checking out bikes. I never sat on a bike until Saturday. I didn't want to go to a dealer before my class because I didn't want to jinx myself. I went straight to a dealer after I passed today and sat on a couple bike. I was actually very surprised by the weight. I sat on the Yamaha Vstar, Honda Shadow Sabre and Suzuki M50. I didn't really feel that much of a difference between the 3. I am 6'2 and weight about 260- ex-college football player. I really didn't think the Suzuki 125's that we learned on were that uncomfortable. I was just wondering if anyone had any imput or advice.

yes I have some advice, don't buy the Suzuki M50, since I owned mine I had nothing but trouble with it, and when you do buy any bike never, never, never, never purchace the extended warranty, its worthless!

My husband had a Honda Shadow Sabre and never really had any problems with the bike, he really loved it but out grew it and upgraded to a Kawasaki Vulcan Classic 1600. I've sat on the Honda and the Yamaha V-Star and I prefer the V-Star because it's better balanced and I could flat foot it perfectly, but that's just my personal preference. I can't compare them performance wise because I never rode the V-Star.

Keep looking around and sitting on all different types of bikes. You'll know it's right when you sit on it. But, keep your head about you and steer clear of the "monster" cc's.

I'm enjoying my S50 and, if you keep your wits about ya, I think it's a good starter bike. It's got plenty of bottom end and power without being overwhelming.

Good Luck and Stay Safe Out There!

if you start on a bike thats smaller horsepower than your "dream bike" you'll be a much better rider when you trade up than if you start with a huge bike. (also the smaler bikes tend to hold the resale better so you dont loose as much when you go to trade up)

There is nothing wrong with the Suzuki line of cruisers . Do not be swayed by one sniveler .
Regards, Wizzard

Those all are supposed to be very good bikes. I don't have first hand experience with any of them, but I've heard only good things about them.

On the Suzuki's, I've heard hundreds of good reviews, and only one bad one. The one bad one is MotoF150, and he spends all of his free time finding anybody he can to tell about it. Take it with a grain of salt.

any of those bikes are decent to start on. As a big guy they will still have enough power to haul you around easily.

pacedawg wrote:I was just wondering if anyone had any imput or advice.

You and I are the same size and I was in the same position as you (had never ridden a bike until I took the MSF course).

I went out and rented a bunch of bikes to find out what style I liked. I rented a Sport Touring bike and a couple of cruisers. It's expensive (about $300 for the weekend) but it allowed me to try out a few bikes and to "practice" on a rental.

I found the horsepower of the V-Star not enough for me so I ended up with the Royal Star (love that bike). But buy the bike that is best suited for *you* and the way you want to ride.

I guess you guys are right, I was wrong thinking that all Suzuki M50's are no good just because I own a lemon. Sorry