New Old Newbie

Message
Author
gcm223
Rookie
Rookie
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Jul 20, 2007 5:12 am
Sex: Male

New Old Newbie

#1 Unread post by gcm223 »

I am 46 Rode many years ago and looking to get back in. Just took the MSF and really got the itch. Now all I need is the bike!!

I am 6'1" 220lbs.

I am looking at the used Virago 535, Vulcan 500 and the Savage 650. The plan is to use it the rest of this summer/fall and most of next year then graduate to a Harley or larger Metric cruiser.

Any thought on these or any others for a guy my size and age?

Also, This has got to be the best one-stop forum for information on riding that I have ever seen.
User avatar
jstark47
Site Supporter - Silver
Site Supporter - Silver
Posts: 3538
Joined: Fri Feb 03, 2006 2:58 pm
Sex: Male
Years Riding: 16
My Motorcycle: '12 Tiger 800, '03 Trophy 1200
Location: Lumberton, NJ

#2 Unread post by jstark47 »

I'm the same height as you. Sitting on them, I find both the Vulcan 500 and the Savage cramped. But I urge you to sit on them yourself and draw your own conclusions.

Your weight should be no issue, all of them will handle your weight just fine, especially the Vulcan.
2003 Triumph Trophy 1200
2009 BMW F650GS (wife's)
2012 Triumph Tiger 800
2018 Yamaha XT250 (wife's)
2013 Kawasaki KLX250S
User avatar
Ian522
Legendary 300
Legendary 300
Posts: 451
Joined: Mon Sep 11, 2006 3:47 pm
Sex: Male
Location: Jersey

#3 Unread post by Ian522 »

The savage is a pretty small bike. I was considering getting one awhile ago. I loved the idea of a big air-cooled single, with belt drive. It doesnt get more low-maintenance than that. But then I actually sat on one at a dealer, sizewise it felt more like sitting on a 250 than a 650.

The vulcan 500 is a great first bike, pretty light (for a cruiser), good power, 6-speed transmission. If you plan on doing alot of highway mileage then id consider this one.

Another good choice worth checking out would be the yamaha v star 650.
User avatar
niterider
Legendary 500
Legendary 500
Posts: 503
Joined: Sat Jul 30, 2005 6:13 pm
Sex: Male
Location: Roby, Tx

#4 Unread post by niterider »

The 500 vulcan is a great bike, but if you don't feel that the 750 vulcan is too big in cc for you. You might give it a look. It is a great bike too.
1993 750 Vulcan
one seater
ear shave, pod filters
rear turn signal relocation
lowered rear 2" soft tail
converted to manuel cam chain tensioner
horn relocation
TorontoBoy
Elite
Elite
Posts: 197
Joined: Sat Oct 09, 2004 2:35 pm
Sex: Male
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

#5 Unread post by TorontoBoy »

Consider an '82-86 Honda VT500C Shadow, or a newer VT600 VLX Shadow. Both are comparable to the Vulcan 500
Post Reply