New First Bike Comparison/Advice

[lawprof]

I am 59; 5'8'' 180 lbs; new rider (MSF course); am not going to buy anything new; or bigger than 250; don't like "sport' bike fit or styling.

So, can anyone give advice as to the pros/cons of the Suzuki tu or gz 250; Honda Rebel/Nighthawk; or Yamaha Virago/vstar 250? I'm interested in handling, reliability, cruising at 65..and other variables of course. Are there other options?

I've sat on them all; and am comfortable with any of them.

Thanks

[jstark47]

Don't know if you've seen this article, the link's still good but it can be a little hard to find: http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadte ... index.html

It's from 2001, it covers the Rebel, GZ, and Virago but not the TU.