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I'm a soon to be new rider looking for a bike. Is it just me or does it seem like there's a big hole in the range of bikes in the 500cc range? I know there's the Ninja 500R and the Suzuki GS500F, but those are both sport-bike style. I'm wanting something in a Standard/Cruiser style. At the bottom end there's the Rebel 250, but I'm 6'3" and 250#. I was wanting to go a little bigger that a 250, but it seems like the next step is in the 650 range and everyone here seems to recommend smaller than that to start with.

The only dealer/shop in town only does Honda/Suzuki/KTM so I'd like to find a Honda so I can get shop support.

Am I missing some in the 500 size range?

MX

even 800cc cruisers only put little more power than the EX500.

just get a 650 or 800 cruiser if you want. they're still ok for beginners.

for standards though... that's though.

why not get the GS500E? they stopped making them this year but im sure you can easily find an 05 or slightly older model.

After reading reviews and all, I'd like to get a 2001+ Honda Shadow ACE or Spirit 750. I want to do 2-up eventually so I can drop my daughter off at school. Would that be too much bike to start with?

MX

MX wrote:After reading reviews and all, I'd like to get a 2001+ Honda Shadow ACE or Spirit 750. I want to do 2-up eventually so I can drop my daughter off at school. Would that be too much bike to start with?

MX

nah, far from too much.

good luck fiding one.

Cruisers are different from standards/dual sport/sport bikes.

They have large engines, but also more weight to push. They're not built light and quick like a sports bike, so they're much heavier.


So you don't get the 'get up and go' of a lighter bike with the same engine. That's the real problem with larger displacement sport bikes.

Now I wouldn't go out and buy a 1000cc cruiser either, but a 600-800 shouldn't be a problem.

There is always the Vulcan 500 if you do want to stay in that range, but like the others said you can get a larger displacement cruiser and still be near the 50HP mark.

i'd say get the Spirit 750...but i am biased. I started on one and it was fine...after i practiced with it. It is a fairly big jump from the 250 i learned on at my motorcycle course, but it wasn't out of the question for sure.

The one thing people don't like about the Spirit is the chain drive. so if you aren't big on doing a regular chain lube (takes minimal effort btw) you might want to avoid the Spirit.

bok wrote:i'd say get the Spirit 750...but i am biased. I started on one and it was fine...after i practiced with it. It is a fairly big jump from the 250 i learned on at my motorcycle course, but it wasn't out of the question for sure.

The one thing people don't like about the Spirit is the chain drive. so if you aren't big on doing a regular chain lube (takes minimal effort btw) you might want to avoid the Spirit.

What does the regular chain maintenance involve?

What bikes have a shaft or belt drive? Which is better?

Thanks,

MX

I'll second the Vulcan 500, and also suggest the Suzuki S50.

Isn't 50ci = 800cc?