First time rider choosing a bike

[Sirshagg]

Ok, second timer rider - I took the MSF course a couple of weeks ago. I'm 36, 6'2" and top the scales at about 280. Other that the MSF class I've never been on a motorcycle in my life. I've had the bug to ride for many years but only now that I've moved to Arizona (from California - people in LA drive to crazy for me to give up the safty of the "cage") have I been really serious about getting one.

When I originally started this I was thinking of a Sportster 1200, but I've since realized I don't need to pay the Harley premium. I've been doing alot of reading, especially in the forums here, and have also learned that I don't really want something that big either. I've been reading nothing but good things about the V-Star 650 and now that has really been what I've been focusing on. I recently went to a dealer to check them out and while it was not uncomfortable I found the Suzuki C50 more comfortable. I especially liked the boards instead of pegs which also seemed further forward on the C50 (although I wouldn't mind them even further forward). I think I'd also prefer the heel-toe shifter and if i'm not mistaken the bars were even a bit wider which I also liked. I was probably sitting on the C50 for 15 minutes talking to the sales rep and It felt nice and comfortable. Overall I found myself wanting to sit on the C50 rather than the V-Star.

My concern is that it's a more powerfull bike, and at the same weight, as the V-Star. I was really thinking a 650 was pushing it for my skill level (although not for my physical size). I'm just concerned that an 800 is too much.

I really want to get a bike that is right for me NOW and if I need to trade it in a year then that's fine. I plan to ride it mostly to and from work with absolutely no plans to ride at night, on 4-lane highways (eventually 2-lane ones given enough time), or with a passenger. At this point my primary concern is learning, getting used to riding, and just to have something fun and laid back for casual riding.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

[jonnythan]

I think most people will say that an 800cc cruiser is fine, especially for a big guy, and doubly so if you find it very comfortable for you.

It's over 500 pounds and puts out less than 55 hp.

[sharpmagna]

The Suzuki C50 was the best selling mid size cruiser last year. There is a reason for that

I think that it would be a better choice compared to the Vstar 650. You get a bigger engine and fuel injection for not that much more.

[Scoutmedic]

The C50 isn't a bad first bike (I'm a noob as well so, take that with a grain of salt). You just need to keep in mind that it DOES have more hp and torque. Take your time and get used to riding before you decide to twist it wide open. My situation was similar to the one you describe and the S50 is my first bike.

I spent a good deal of time practicing on secondary roads and in parking lots after my initial ride home from the dealership. I still practice the Figure 8 and other slow speed maneuvering about once per month.

Good luck with your decision and

[Social Distortion]

Ok, second timer rider - I took the MSF course a couple of weeks ago. I'm 36, 6'2" and top the scales at about 280. Other that the MSF class I've never been on a motorcycle in my life. I've had the bug to ride for many years but only now that I've moved to Arizona (from California - people in LA drive to crazy for me to give up the safty of the "cage") have I been really serious about getting one.

When I originally started this I was thinking of a Sportster 1200, but I've since realized I don't need to pay the Harley premium. I've been doing alot of reading, especially in the forums here, and have also learned that I don't really want something that big either. I've been reading nothing but good things about the V-Star 650 and now that has really been what I've been focusing on. I recently went to a dealer to check them out and while it was not uncomfortable I found the Suzuki C50 more comfortable. I especially liked the boards instead of pegs which also seemed further forward on the C50 (although I wouldn't mind them even further forward). I think I'd also prefer the heel-toe shifter and if i'm not mistaken the bars were even a bit wider which I also liked. I was probably sitting on the C50 for 15 minutes talking to the sales rep and It felt nice and comfortable. Overall I found myself wanting to sit on the C50 rather than the V-Star.

My concern is that it's a more powerfull bike, and at the same weight, as the V-Star. I was really thinking a 650 was pushing it for my skill level (although not for my physical size). I'm just concerned that an 800 is too much.

I really want to get a bike that is right for me NOW and if I need to trade it in a year then that's fine. I plan to ride it mostly to and from work with absolutely no plans to ride at night, on 4-lane highways (eventually 2-lane ones given enough time), or with a passenger. At this point my primary concern is learning, getting used to riding, and just to have something fun and laid back for casual riding.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

test rode the C50 and i like it, seemed a little heavier than i expected.
I test rode the Harley 1200 and really liked it but wasnt in the mood to drop close to 10K for it.

Still looking @ the V Star for the looks and price....vstars in Chicago seem to be cheaper here in Chicago.
The Suzuki is close to retail

[Dragonhawk]

"Motorcycle Power" vs. "Human Physical Size" is not relevant. Lots of people think it matters. But it doesn't at all. Even a little 36HP Ninja 250 can still get up to highway speeds with 300lbs. on it. So when people start looking at 40 and 50HP bikes, worried that it won't be "powerful" enough to carry their 200+change pounds around, it always makes me chuckle.

The VStar is 40HP and the C50 is 53HP. Not much more. Fine for a beginner. But the C50 weighs 542lbs. Keep that in mind. The weight might be a bit intimidating. If you start to drop it, you're not stopping it.

[Sirshagg]

Thank you everyone for all the replies.

"Motorcycle Power" vs. "Human Physical Size" is not relevant. Lots of people think it matters. But it doesn't at all. Even a little 36HP Ninja 250 can still get up to highway speeds with 300lbs. on it. So when people start looking at 40 and 50HP bikes, worried that it won't be "powerful" enough to carry their 200+change pounds around, it always makes me chuckle.

I'm not so concerned about it being able to haul my bug butt around as I am about being comfortable on it. The tiny little thing I rode in my MSF class was just plain uncomfortable becasuwe it was so small, and I'm sure I looked really funny on it too (not that that should matter).

The VStar is 40HP and the C50 is 53HP. Not much more.

Granted 13 HP doesn't sound like much but it's still 35% more.

But the C50 weighs 542lbs. Keep that in mind. The weight might be a bit intimidating. If you start to drop it, you're not stopping it.

Thanks for pointing that out. For some reason I thought they were essentially the same.

[Sirshagg]

I spent a good deal of time practicing on secondary roads and in parking lots after my initial ride home from the dealership. I still practice the Figure 8 and other slow speed maneuvering about once per month.

This is my plan too, except I won't ride it home (I'm nowhere near ready for that). I'm hoping that I can get it delivered.

[canuckerjay]

I've never ridden the Suzuki, but I did buy the V*1100. I can tell you that at 100km/hr, she purrs. At 110, she hums. At 120, it yells, at 140, it's screaming. Loads of torque, but could use a bit more in the top end. It'll do the high speeds; it just won't do it effortlessly.

I've talked at length with a lot of 650 owners; some are happy. Many say that there's of course an even bigger frustration with the top end power. A lot wished they had the 1100.

Not trying to plug any bike - it's just what I've learned.

[BAJACRUISER]

I had the same situation like you, and I took th Suzuki..... But the M50