Choosing my First Bike

Message

netknight · #1 Unread post by **netknight** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 1:21 am

Hi all. Thanks in advance for your assistance and opinions. I have not ridden in 20+ years but am looking to purchase a cruiser in the near future and get back into riding. (Kids are older, wife not as much against it as she used to be).

Alittle about me, I am 47, 5/8, 185lbs. Bikes I am considering (in order):

-Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic LT
-Suzuki Blvd. C50T
-Yamaha Vstar Silverado
-Honda Aero

I prefer a bike with the accessories already included, rather than wait. Like the disc brakes on the Vulcan. Prefer fuel injection. No preference to shaft or belt drive unless you folks tell me that I should. Honda included because of reliability, I drove Honda's in the past, although the Aero does not really fit my criteria.

Your thoughts and opinions are appreciated. Once I purchase a bike, I will post pics and become active in this forum.

jstark47 · #2 Unread post by **jstark47** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 3:44 am

Have you been to the dealership and sat on these bikes? The Kawi Vulcan 900 feels to me like a large-frame bike with a medium engine. I like it, but I'm 6'1". At 5'8", you might find it a bit large, or maybe not.

My personal preference is chain drive, belt is second best. Shaft drive adds weight and sucks away power, that would steer me away from the C50 and towards the Vulcan. But that's just personal preference, WMMV.

flw · #3 Unread post by **flw** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 4:16 am

I'm also recently returned to bikes again after about 25 years. I test drove a Kawi 800 Classic and the bikes weight is the only thing you should get use to before doing any real traffic. I didn't buy it due to the after market pipes the previous owner put on. I would wake up the whole subdivision (400 homes) with minor to mid level acceleration. Otherwise it was a very nice bike.

I assume getting used the weight issue after so much time has past, applies to all bikes of mid-bike sizes (750 on up).

Just my opinion

netknight · #4 Unread post by **netknight** » Fri Sep 15, 2006 4:32 am

Thanks. I have sat on these bikes and they all feel good

The Kawa is a bit heavier than the others but I think I can handle the weight. I am not looking to do any long trips for quite a while, more roaming around Long Island until I am comfortable with riding again.

I am going to go back to the dealers as soon as work allows to take a closer look, but wanted opinions from people more experienced than I.

Thanks, again for your comments.