First bike advice

[Coastiecb]

I have gotten lost in the vast space on deciding what bike I should get. I have been looking at the Honda Sabre, the Suzuki Boulevard's, and the Yamaha V-star classic. I know I am going to have to get a front control extension kit due to my long legs. However, me being 6'3 I was wondering what bike I should be looking at so I do not look like one of those bears at the circus riding around on a tricycle. What wheelbase should I be searching for? Thank you for any help.

[Social Distortion]

hey Coast.
After my mSF class, i was coming home and i saw someone pull up next to me riding a V Star 650 classic. I instantly knew that the V Star would be my MC. After driving myself crazy going to shops and looking at MC's and looking at the stat sheets and reading tons and tons of comparisons, i have come to this conclusion- buy the MC that best fits you and when i mean "You" i mean your total you. Size- does the MC feel too small or large for you when you sit on it? Style- in some respects, they all look alike, though i really like the looks of the Suzuki cruiser ( just looks a tad bolder- though i hate the radiator) Budget- if i had money to burn, instead of having the MC i own now, i would have purchased ( initially) the Harley Dyna Street Bob for about $14k, but i didnt want to spend that kinda of money on my MC, so my price point went down...a lot lower!

Nowback to your question- If i was wondering how i would look on my MC ( and come on everyone....we all wanna know how "cool" we look on our MC) i'd either bring a friend along to give you an honest opinion or have them or the salesperson take a photo of you on the MC of your choice...and look at how it fits you.

A small story for you- Its a golf term, but they say "feel isnt always real" and what that means is though a MC might feel perfect for you, it may not necessarily really be the right size. My 1st MC was an 85 Honda nighhawk 650 standard, i thought it fit me perfectly and was so comfy.....my sister took a photo of me to take to my folks...i look XXL on the small nighhawk...i was so big, that i didnt need any lowering kit to make my nighthawk look like a low rider! I was so big that my MC looked like a large keychain. I was so Big that i turned my tires into gold due to all of the pressure i was putting on them......ok, i'm rambling.. Point is that i was XL on the MC and didnt know it. It felt right, the handlebars were a good reach, seat was comfy, the pegs were right, but in that photo, i looked like a hermet crab trying to get out of its shell. I liked that MC lots, but ended up buying a v star 650 for lots of other reasons, but if you are a taller guy, the other MC's migh "fit" you better...

[MotoF150]

buy any bike EXCEPT a Suzuki M50! Ur tall, humm let me think?? A good bike for a tall guy? hummmm? no no no all the HD's are for short fat guys with a nick name "Animal". OHHHH I know , I Know!! A Suzuki V Strom 650 or 1000, ur choice, I think the V Strom will fit you perfect, go to ur Suzuki Dealer and sit on one, I think you will like it.

[jstark47]

coastiecb- Go to a dealership and ask to sit on the bikes. If you can find an honest salesperson (at first you'll just have to let your vibes guide you), ask them to help you evaluate your fit. Besides your legs, you'll want to assess how the bars feel, how wide the seat is, etc.

BTW, the Suzuki 800 cc cruisers (M50, C50, S50) are fine bikes with a good rep among most owners. (motof150 has an irrational bias against M50's based on his inability to accept that his might be a lemon; he should change his handle to M50hater.)

A V-Strom 650 is a very border-line bike for a new rider, a V-Strom 1000 is not an acceptable choice for a newbie. 98 hp, and the power curve is not linear. I own and ride one of these, so I actually know what I'm talking about.

[Koss]

Just from reading MotoF150's eply you should know he has no idea what hes talking about. Or at the very least has quite broad generalized opinions.

[Coastiecb]

I took a look at the V-storm, not exactly my cup of tea. I am looking at getting a touring bike.

[snwflk303]

Your first bike is a big deal and I would suggest that after getting your license via the MSF course, that you attend a bike rally with test rides. Plan on spending the day and make sure you have your license, glasses or shield.

[MotoF150]

Mr. Coastiecb,, please don't buy any of the Suzuki M50, C50, or S50, please take my word for it I know what im talking about cause I own one. The V Strom 650 or 1000 are considered touring bikes and are copied from the BMW's the 650 and the 1000 V Stroms are the exact same bike except different engines, the 1000 is twice as fast as the 650, the 1000 engine revs like a crotch rocket and the 650 revs a lot smoother. The 650 V Strom will fit you perfect and its an easy bike to ride, perfect beginners bike. If you don't want the V Strom take a step up and look at the Honda VTX1300 or VTX 1800.

[Sev]

I think it's hilarious that you haven't got a clue what you're talking about Moto... it just gets worse every time you say something on here.

[MotoF150]

yea Mr Sevulyurus yea maybe i make some mistakes but at least I have good looks, long hair and a perfect body and all women want me, I know what you think ur envious, you wish you were me.