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Well, I took the Motorcycle training class and passed it on the 14th of September and passed my DMV written test today. I am so happy. Now after deciding what I want... which is a cruiser. I was looking into Honda Shadow 583cc or the Yamaha Virago 535 cc. My question is can a 5'2, 105 lbs can handle a bike this size? I do not want to go for the 250 which was the the one in class, I never even turn on a bike before the class and my instructor felt I did a wonderful job, though I dropped the bike twice. Once while waiting my turn ( lost my balance) and the second time was when I was doing the figure 8. On the second day I was very confident with it all, and passed my test with flying colors. I would love you honest opinion and will consider all my options.

Thank you

AJ

AJ wrote:I was looking into Honda Shadow 583cc or the Yamaha Virago 535 cc. My question is can a 5'2, 105 lbs can handle a bike this size?

Can you dead lift one of these from the ground if it's fallen over? No. But neither can I (6'1" 235 lbs), without using the "back to the bike, butt & legs" technique.

Can you learn the techniques to skillfully balance and control one of these machines? Absolutely! But the emphasis is on learn, it takes practice. Passing the MSF (congratulations, BTW) is just the first step.

The Shadow VLX and Virago 535 are often used as starter bikes. If you haven't already, please go to a Honda dealership and ask to sit on the Shadow - see if it feels comfortable. Can you get your feet down on the ground? Get a sense of the bike's center of gravity and see if you can feel comfortable moving the bike side to side a few degrees (ask the salesperson to spot you while you're sitting on the bike.) Virago 535's are no longer sold new, but clean used ones can be found - check your local Craigslist website.

Welcome to TMW.

First things first, I will go to the dealer and sit on the shadow and do exactly what was mentioned. I am not looking into any new bikes, I feel if I should drop one it is not going to be my new pride and joy. The reason for being confused is that I am getting so much feed back from family and friends and don't want to make a mistake and jump into any bike. I had read so many questions and anwers here in TMF that I am confident that this is the place to be.

I will let you know what happens.

AJ

AJ wrote:Well, I took the Motorcycle training class and passed it on the 14th of September and passed my DMV written test today. I am so happy. Now after deciding what I want... which is a cruiser. I was looking into Honda Shadow 583cc or the Yamaha Virago 535 cc. My question is can a 5'2, 105 lbs can handle a bike this size? I do not want to go for the 250 which was the the one in class, I never even turn on a bike before the class and my instructor felt I did a wonderful job, though I dropped the bike twice. Once while waiting my turn ( lost my balance) and the second time was when I was doing the figure 8. On the second day I was very confident with it all, and passed my test with flying colors. I would love you honest opinion and will consider all my options.

Thank you

AJ

Can't speak to the Shadow, but you should have no problems whatsoever with the 535. It's a nice bike and even does just fine on the highway. Looks sharp and parts are easy to find.

What do you mean... (can't speak to the Shadow) Do you prefer the Yamaha over the Shadow? It your personal opinion and any feed back is fine with me.

AJ

Usually when someone says they "can't speak to ...." they mean they have no personal experience with it.

AJ wrote:What do you mean... (can't speak to the Shadow) Do you prefer the Yamaha over the Shadow? It your personal opinion and any feed back is fine with me.

AJ

I just mean I don't know anything about it so I can't recommend for or against it.

Hondas are usually very reliable bikes *shrug*

I would say that both would be a good bike as long as you feel at home in the seat. But once you learn what it takes you will be ok on most anything. My father in law rides a Shadow 1100 and he is 5'2", 135. And he can handle my roadstar well too. Though Annie (my roadstar) is about 2" higher than his Shadow and it is a lot tougher for him to back up or turn around.

Start with what feels good and go from there. Congrats on the test as well. You are headed in the right direction.

Hammer

all. But I am still stuck on the Honda Shadow or the Yamaha Virago, what a women to do.

Both the Virago 535 and the Honda VLX are good starter cruisers. Sit on them and see how they fit. Also, have a look at the Vulcan 500

jstark47 wrote:

AJ wrote:I was looking into Honda Shadow 583cc or the Yamaha Virago 535 cc. My question is can a 5'2, 105 lbs can handle a bike this size?

Can you dead lift one of these from the ground if it's fallen over? No. But neither can I (6'1" 235 lbs), without using the "back to the bike, butt & legs" technique.

jstark,you are joking right?
I've dead lifted my Vulcan without using the "back to the bike,butt and legs" technique and I'm 5'10" and 165 lbs.

Virago 535 401 lbs dry
Honda VLX 452 lbs
Vulcan 500 439 lbs