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Well after many years of dreaming of getting a bike, the time has come. Getting ready to take the safety course, as this will be my first bike. I have spent some time going out and looking at bikes and have found 3 of interest, although could use some professional or at least some quasi professional advice as to deciding on which bike may be better, or if I should be looking elsewhere.

I currently live in Western North Carolina (mountainous terrain, swerving roads, and some big uphills getting in and out of the mountains). I want to use the bike mostly for recreational riding, as well as some long distance travel to NY and Maine. When ready and skilled enough I may want to allow a passenger from time to time. I am 6'4 and about 240lbs. I do want to travel through some of the national parks so I would prefer a slightly quieter ride, although I can always change my pipes later on.

The 3 bikes I am looking at are:
2005 Yamaha V Star 650 Classic, and
2005 Honda Shadow Aero 750
2005 Suzuki Boulevard C50T (Last years Volusia) ( A bit bigger but felt really comfortable in store, allot less cramped.)

Thanks for any help.

Just bought the V star 650 custom at the first of the month. It is my first bike as well and really have nothing to compare it to other than the MSF bikes but so far I like it a lot. It balances well and has more than enough power for me. The power band is smooth and has yet to surprise me with anything sudden. The friction zone is a lot shorter than the MSF bikes, but I'm sure that's due to the wear and tear they are subject to. I did a lot of research on it and found nothing but good reviews.

Welcome to Star Club . I've been riding my Custom for 4 months and love it. Nothing much to complain only the engine box is a little bit small to my taste and vibration between 55-65mph.

The two you choose is not much different at all, if you look at 750 and 650, they both give you probably the same feeling of power, they both should be enough for recreational riding and 2 up as well. What you choose depends on what you like the best. Try to sit on both and see which one give you more comfortable. From your height and weight you might find V-Star a little bit too cramp or even Shadow.

BUT first of all, you might as well wait until you pass the MSF course. You might change your mind about what type of bike you want.

Big News!!!

Kidding. Just recieved my permit and am taking my classes in June for my lincense. Actually I have been taking a real hard look at Yahmahas also and have been pleased. Maybe when I rap up the classes I will still have some time to buy and get a few rides in. But I figure there's no need to rush. Unless... they .. ban all motorcycles.

Thanks to everyone on the site for your help and answering questions I have asked.

The 3 bikes I am looking at are:
2005 Yamaha V Star 650 Classic, and
2005 Honda Shadow Aero 750
2005 Suzuki Boulevard C50T (Last years Volusia) ( A bit bigger but felt really comfortable in store, allot less cramped.)

I'm surprised no one has mentioned used bikes. With the new bikes any drops will leave you as some of the repairs will be very expesnsive. Then there's also the question of if you'll buy it out right, if not then insurance is going to be very expensive. Most banks will want full coverage even during the winter months. I'd say look around for a good used to start on, most likely you will be able to sell it for near what you bought it, and will be a much better rider for it.

Good advice. Pretty much the same feedback I received from a bunch of other people in another forum. So I think I may pick up a small 250 (used) like a rebel or something to tinker with until I can get into a MSF course, while using the course syllabus to help me to learn those basic skills, and then maybe next year move up to a bigger bike, like the Suzuki C90 that would be much more comfortable for me.