Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hello all,

Im a noob and am looking at purchasing my first bike. Id like a cruiser thats under 600cc. I originally thought about bikes down at the 250cc but feel that maybe the range in between would be better as it would let me grow into the bike and I wouldnt be wanting a new one next year. Im looking at used too to save money and reduce the amount of crying, I mean anger at laying the bike down. Anyway, here are the 3 Ive come up with... any recommendations or suggestions... thanks

Honda Shadow VLX
Kawasaki Vulcan 500
Yamaha XV535 Virago

Also, any good magazines or websites that show comparisons or recommendations for gear?

Go to dealers and sit on bikes to see what you like and what you don't like. I do have to say I have the XV535 and dig it.. but don't get it if you're tall.

I should add.. Im 5'8", about 190...

Looks like pretty good choices to me.

I just went through the same process. Can't speak to Yamaha, but if I was going to buy new I would have gotten the Vulcan 500, it has that proven Ninja 500 powerplant. However I didn't want to purchase a new bike for my first one, same reason as yours actually. I ended up purchasing a one year old low mileage Honda VLX instead. I've been really happy with my purchase so far. The fact that it's a four speed rather than five concerned my, I wondered about performance at highway speeds, but it has been a non issue.

What really sold me on the VLX versus any of the other sub-800cc bikes? I sat on it and it fit me right. The Vulcan was the only other one that was close, the V-star was too cramped for my frame, but I'm 6'1".

Tex

Definitely sit on a few bikes and get a feel for what fits you best. Also, don't forget to save some money for a safety course and gear.

Good Luck and Stay Safe Out There!

Ive already taken the safety course and am actually licensed.. just need to take the next step...

Purchased a jacket and gloves from www.newenough.com today... looking forward to getting them...
Joe Rocker Alter Ego Jacket ($150)
FirstGear Mesh-Tex Gloves ($20)

Looking at a Fulmer AD-F4 helmet and some overpants (maybe the matching Joe Rocket Alter Ego pants)... not sure if Ill get boots... I have some pretty good leather ones from my time in the Marine Corps that should hold me up for now...

still will welcome suggestions...

ok, back from vacation and I got my jacket and gloves... feel like a f--king transformer with this jacket... anyway...

Ive found a bike that Im interested in... its newer and more expensive than I was looking for but I hate to pass up a bargain... 2006 Kawi Vulcan 500, 2600 miles, 1 owner, still under warranty, $3000 includes some skullcaps, jackets, and other gear which I would probably Ebay since the guy and I arent the same size... guy is selling the bike because he hurt his shoulder and needs rotator cuff surgery... title is clean...

since Im not mechanically inclined in relation to bikes yet, any recommendations for inspecting this bike... I have a few friends that Im trying to take a look at it for me but none can guarantee they can make it this weekend... Ive been reading http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html and thats helped a lot but I was curious what you guys have done when purchasing a used bike... thanks

I think the Vulcan would be perfect for you, you're about my size and I started on a EN400 (JPN Spec). Price seems good, those of you stateside probably have a better read on the market rate for a bike like that.

If you can swing the price, go for it, but I wouldn't finance a first bike. Remember, when you're planning on selling stuff on Ebay, take the amount you think you'll get, and cut it in half.

As far as maintenance, can't help you much with that. I cheated and married a grease monkey, all I'm allowed to do is lift heavy objects and use my superior strength and leverage on particularly tight bolts.

I rode a VLX for a year and a half put about 9,000 miles on it. Only thing really bad about it is the vibration at high way speeds. That could be fixed by changing the rear sprocket (to bring down the revs). Or just keep it that way and replace the grips.

If you don't want to work on a bike buy a honda. All I ever did to mine was change the oil. That bike fired up each and every time and just flat out worked.

I've been told by a honda dealer that 2007 is the last year for the VLX. Not sure if its true and not sure if that really makes a difference for you.