Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hello!

I just bought my very first bike! As of this past Friday, I am a proud owner of a 2001 Honda Shadow VLX. I'm very short in stature (at 5'4" and 160 pounds for a guy), so I'm very excited to have something that I feel comfortable riding as a first timer.

I'm taking the MSF class in early June, by the way - looking very forward to it too; and I'm still in the process of collecting all my safety gear. I've heard too many horror stories from my paramedic roommate to not right without it.

I know that the VLX is not the strongest bike in the world, but despite what I hear from otherlocal enthusists, I'm trying very hard to pace myself. I may one day decide that I want something bigger, or I may decide that this is enough bike for me, especiallly since I'll be training on a 250 Rebel until I get up enought nerve to ride mine on my own.

Hoping to learn a lot here.

Welcome to TMW!!

You're getting a good start there. The VLX is an excellent learning bike, and for some people is all the bike they ever need. Keep us posted on how you're doing!

Welcome!

A friend of mine, who's also short in stature, has put over 40,000 miles on his VLX. He still loves it and says it's plenty of bike for him. He's not planning on trading for a larger bike anytime soon.

I'm glad to see you're making some good decisions. Buying a bike can be a very emotional thing. Many people get caught up in that aspect of it and unwittingly get themselves in over their heads.

Keep us posted on how things go for you!

Welcome aboard! You'll have a great time in the MSF course - let us know how it all works out. Enjoy the forums.

Cheers,
Loonette

When I bought this bike from the dealer, I was actually looking at 3 of them, but this one caught my attention the most.

The other two bikes were a 2003 Intruder 800 woth ONLY 300 miles on it, and a 1996 Honda Magna with 15K on it. I thought long and hard about all three.

Ultimately, and after careful inspection of the bikes, I discovered that the Intruder looked like it had been left out in the rain a few times too many (despite it's incredibly low miles). The Magna, although very pretty, I decided was a bit too much for me as a new rider. I've heard many stories about how powerful those bikes can be, and I don't need something like that just yet.

Honestly, I still haven't even brough her home yet. I'm not due to go and get her until today or tomorrow. I'm trying my best to be very patient and pace myself carefully. Fortunately, I have an older lady friend that just became a rider last year. She's been coaching me along, and I find that it helps to have someone that's still new (to riding), but has a little bit more experience under their belt.