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Hey everyone,

I'm 5'10", 215lbs, and Ive never riden before. I am taking the MSF course and have my eye on a VStar 650 classic.

Do you all think that the VStar is a good starter bike or should I go bigger/smaller?

Thanx,
Newb.

VStar 650? I'd go for it. Sounds about your size, and if you can sit on it for a while without feeling stressed, go for it!
Wrider

Will be a great starter bike. I ride the VStar 650's precursor, the Virago 535. Pulls me and a passenger along quite well on the highway. Ride is comfortable at 70 and still has plenty of pickup left. Comfortable bike that looks cool.

Kewl - There's so much conflicting info out there that it's too much or not enough. It's hard to find them used around here, so I guess that's a good sign that most people keep 'em for a while.

you and i are about the same specs and i just purchased the 650 classic and totally like it.
Couple things though-
i am 5'9, at 5'10, i think your legs will be fine on the foot pegs/floorboards. The thing that i am a tad uncomfortable with is the seat. I feel that the stock seat pushes me a little too forward and i would like it to lean me back more. As a result, i sit a little closer to the tank than i like, but as i break in the seat a little more, i am hoping that i'll slide back more, but asides from that, its a great MC.
It handles really well, doesnt haul rump off the line, but its a 650 and if you look hard enough, you can get a great deal on a used one. If you go new, then look around and hopefully you can get a good deal on left over 06's.

Finally, there is a great website for V STar 650 owners.
do a google search for
Custom, Classic and Dragsters

I think they are under the Delphi Forum and all technical issues and other posts are there. The forum is wonderful and i plan to meet up w/ many of my felllow V Star owners in June in IL/Iowa

good luck!

I wouldn't take it as a first bike, but I'm short and light. I wasn't confident that I'd be able to hold it up at a stop. If you feel confident you can do that, I say go for it!

Its a bit heavy for a first bike but it carries the weight really low so its not hard to handle.

You'll most likely ride a 250cc bike at the MSF course so see how you feel riding on one of those. At 5'10, 215 you might find them a bit cramped.

I don't think the V-star is heavy at all for a cruiser. At your size, you will be fine. The V-Star 650 is actually pretty underpowered. It would be fine for a first bike.

It isn't too heavy for a cruiser. My first bike is my Magna and it is 550lbs and I'm a much smaller guy than the OP.

Maybe I should reiterate...I meant the v star is a bit hefty for a first bike in general. When you compare it to the 250cc 'starter' bikes, its about 200 pounds heavier. But a guy his size should handle it fine.

But I agree the v star is a lightweight compared to other big v-twin cruisers.