Need help picking between two bikes

Message

havegunjoe · Tue Mar 24, 2009 4:19 am

I’m a newbie. I have been riding a Hyosung GV250 for a year. My wife rides a 150cc scooter. I would like to move up a notch and let my wife ride my 250. I think she can handle it. We’ve both taken the safety class but she did it on her scooter. So for all intense-and-purposes I know nothing about bikes.

Here are the two bikes I’ve found used that I think are pretty good. First is an 07 Yamaha VStar 650 with windshield, bags, cover and floorboards for $4600.00. The second is an 04 Honda Shadow VLX/Delux 600 with windshield, no bags for $4800.00. I know someone who has a VStar and likes it. I like the looks of the VStar a little better than the Honda but both are ok as far as that goes. Both have low milege, less than 1,000.

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

Brackstone · Tue Mar 24, 2009 4:47 am

I don't know anything about these bikes but good luck on upgrading! It's a lot of fun!

mgdavis · #3 Unread post by **mgdavis** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 4:56 am

Seems like the Honda might be a bit overpriced? I'm not really familiar with either, so I can't give much useful input. One thing I would be concerned about is that the Honda has spent a significant portion of its life sitting (1000mi in 5 years). That is generally not good for seals, fuel system, etc. ZThat fact alone would make me lean toward the Yammie.

jstark47 · #4 Unread post by **jstark47** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 5:37 am

mgdavis wrote:One thing I would be concerned about is that the Honda has spent a significant portion of its life sitting (1000mi in 5 years). That is generally not good for seals, fuel system, etc.

+1

Unless something about the feel or the layout of the Honda is particularly appealing to you personally, it's 3 years older (and underused), lacks bags, and the transmission is only 4 speed. I would take the VStar myself.

havegunjoe · Tue Mar 24, 2009 7:22 am

jstark47 wrote:
mgdavis wrote:One thing I would be concerned about is that the Honda has spent a significant portion of its life sitting (1000mi in 5 years). That is generally not good for seals, fuel system, etc.
+1

Unless something about the feel or the layout of the Honda is particularly appealing to you personally, it's 3 years older (and underused), lacks bags, and the transmission is only 4 speed. I would take the VStar myself.

Thank you jstark47 and mgdavis these are two excellent points that I being such a novice was totally unaware of. I did not know the Honda was a 4 speed and the part about seals is great to know. Thanks again and any if any other things come to mind please let me know.

NNYrider · #6 Unread post by **NNYrider** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:40 am

I would most definitely take the Vstar.

Assume noth bikes are brand new, at exactly the same cost. The Vstar wins. It has a larger aftermarket, with more parts and accessories available. It is a somwhat larger, smoother handling bike. It has 5 speeds. The Shadow VLX has a damned four speed gear box, which is inadequate. The Vstar is simply more bike for the same money.

Now look at the specific bikes you are looking at. The Vstar (more bike) has more "stuff", is newer, and cost LESS. Definitely the Vstar.

The VLX is overpriced. You can buy a brand spanking new Suzuki S40 (comparable but better bike) for about $4400. The Shadow owner is either fishing for a sucker or smokin' crack....

NNYrider

MTexile · #7 Unread post by **MTexile** » Tue Mar 24, 2009 11:17 am

Don't know anything about the Honda, but a guy I know at work owns a V-Star he bought used and loves it. Will the sellers let you take a test ride? Considering the market for used bikes today, you might want to ask, even riding in a Mall parking lot on a Sunday morning might help you.

havegunjoe · Tue Mar 24, 2009 3:44 pm

Boy you guys are a great help. It looks like the VStar is the definate winner and I like it's looks better anyway. What do you think of the price the guy is asking? I'm thinking it may be a bit high. I think the guy will let me take it for a spin.

flw · #9 Unread post by **flw** » Wed Mar 25, 2009 2:22 am

With two similar bikes the Honda will always cost more. Like a Harley's cost and any metric cruiser's cost of similar size/features.

havegunjoe · Sun Mar 29, 2009 2:23 pm

Here is an update. Just yesterday I bought a 2004 Yamaha VStar 650 Custom for myself. We decided that my wife will learn to ride on my Hyosung 250. I wanted to upgrade. If she finds she likes to ride, which I think she will, but would be more comfortable on another style we can work that out later. I think I got a real nice bike. It is beautiful and I can't wait for the weather to get nice so I can ride it. Thanks to everyone for the help.