Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi, I have recently taken the basic riders course and I realize I still need lots of practice. That was my first time on a motorcyle, the question I have is that I go about 5,11 260, and I want to know if the V-Star classic would be too much bike for a beginner, I also like the Vulcan 500. The small bike I rode on the course was very uncomfortable and awkward. thanks for any input you guys can give me.

if you're talking the 650 v-star I understand you should be fine. Vulcan 500 too. My first bike (i'm a noob too) is a 750 shadow spirit and I've been loving this bike since I got it in March. I too found the riders course bikes a bit cramped. But they were fine for those first lessons.

Congrats and let us know what you get.

Hey New... ultimately what you feel comfortable and safe in is the best choice, and you'll get lots of opinions, so here's my experience and opinion.
I stand 5'9" at 210, I first wanted a Sportster 900cc, then a 1200cc so I could learn to ride. ALL my friends said NO! They said I'd soon want a bigger bike and would waste money as I wouldn't get a decent trade-in value when i wanted to step up. I did try smaller cc's... tried them.
For me... those friends were right! I got into the 1340cc bike and was soon doing 200 to 400 mile long rides and glad i'd gotten a larger frame and motor. I'm currently about to get my son, he's 33yrs 6'1" 210 lbs, into his first bike. He first wanted a 650cc, we talked about a 900cc, he stepped up to a 1300cc and now we're talking at maybe 1100cc or the 1300cc.
My advice to him, and every new rider is... always be aware of who is around you, drive as if they are out to get you, give yourself plenty of room and do NOT try to ride like all your friends, who have been on bikes for years now. A larger framed bike has always felt more stable, the larger engine has always given me the power i need when i need it, and both these features are more comfortable to me. But in the end, get what is comfortable to YOU, not what your friends think you should buy.
Good luck and many happy years of riding.