still undecided on what to make my first bike

[morales]

i have come to the conclusion i either want a harley 1200 sportster low or the honda shadow aero 750, and i know the 750 is probabily a better beginner bike, but has any one ever started out bigger cause i here sometimes its easier to start off a decent size bike compared to a small one so you want get so bored so soon.

[Fast Eddy B]

That's a tough call to make, especially if you haven't ridden the public roads. Some people will take to road bikes like a pig to "poo poo", and others will take time to figure out traffic safety from cagers, and physical control of the bike.

Being strong does not necessarily a good biker make. A bit helps, but throttle/clutch/brake fine control, decent slow speed balance, and a lot of practice is best. Keep in mind, big power can rear its head and smack you when you least need it. Like running wide in a corner, or positive feedback when you accidentally open the throttle too much.

There are lots of posts here that try to convince people to get big bikes to start with, but in the end the choice is yours, in spite of most people not recommending it. Later!

[erbgottie]

got a Honda 750 spirit and no problems after 2600 miles, Honda's are pretty much care free, yes they have more plastics but the ride is what counts just a throw up about the 750 Honda you were looking at

[acritzer]

Considering the price for HD's I'd probably go with the Honda. I was also looking at Honda 750's, but happened upon a 650 V-star for a good price. It's a great bike. Pretty easy to get used to for a beginner and still has a big bike look. (sort of).

I'd imagine the Honda's a very akin to the Yamaha.

[PioneerUrban]

First bike?

Sportster 1200 = $$$

Honda Aero 750 = $$

Which one would you rather drop? I hope that this doesn't happen to you or any other biker, but I'd rather go with the less expensive bike to learn on.

I bought my Ninja 250 for $900 and had approx $400 worth of work done on it at the shop. So, when I do drop it I won't be as upset.

[onin24eagle]

Why are you comparing a 1200 to a 750? Wouldn't a Honda 1100 or 1300 be a better comparison? I'm not saying you should go with one or the other, however. If you're looking at the 750's like I was 2 months ago, you owe it to yourself to look at the Suzuki C50 805cc bikes. That's the one I opted for, and 2,000 miles later I'm not disappointed.

[Tennif Shoe]

Have you gone and sat on these bikes? Looks are one thing comfort is another, the honda would be easer to ride for extended distances, also for the money you can buy a 1100 or a 1300 honda and still have money left over to customize, or you can just put that money back into your pocket.