1st bike

[gmrief]

I am looking for my 1st bike. So many to choose from. I am looking at the vstars 250,650 & 950, Yamaha Majesty and Yamaha TMAX, also the kawaski 900 Vulcan. I only have my temp license but will be taking a safety riders course this year and getting my perms. I am open on 1st bike. I am 61 y/o and would like for it to be more then my 1st bike but financial consideratrions need to made as well.

Thank you
Graydon

[pchast]

Welcome!

First Bike..... Think smaller, used, easy to handle and pick up. You will have little slip ups. Most people drop theirs. I did 3 or 4 times.
Best would be to take the safety course before buying. gives you the chance to work with theirs and check them out before buying...

Just my 2 cents...

[gmrief]

Safety course 1st is exactly what I am going to do. When I do get that 1st bike, there will be a lot of riding done in my subdivision until the bike becomes a part of me. I do not want something too smal and have to buy another bike within a year or so. The way the new biles handle now (supposedly) makes me want to get something around 500 - to 650 cc's.

Graydon

Thanks for your input.

[Wrider]

Well since you're looking for a cruiser and you seem to be fairly responsible about starting small and all that.
I'd recommend a V-Star 650 or a Boulevard S40 (Suzuki Savage). Also look into the Kawasaki Vulcan 500.
Are you looking for new or used?

[gmrief]

Really looking for new or fairly new.

[totalmotorcycle]

Graydon to the Total Motorcycle forum!

You are on the right with the new bike and taking a Motorcycle Safety Course to start out with. The Motorcycle Safety Course will not only give you a lot of new knowledge but also more confidence as well on a bike. I would be tempted to say "Wait till you finish the course to buy a bike" as your idea of what you want to try might change during the course.

Nothing wrong with getting ideas on a new bike though while you wait!!

The cruisers you picked out are good choices... I would stay away from the 950 and 900 for your first one, you'll have more than enough power in the 500-600cc range for your first bike. Some parts of the world you can't even buy a motorcycle that big in engine size! LOL.

If you are looking at new remember minor accidents do happen, a parking lot drop or a slow speed spill, nothing that would hurt you but it could scuff up a new bike and that's $$$. So going used is a steller idea.

When does your course start?

Mike

[gmrief]

1st courses start in April, with sign ups beginning in Feb.

[totalmotorcycle]

1st courses start in April, with sign ups beginning in Feb.

You must be excited about getting your motorcycle licence! Do you have a graduated (learners) system where you are or do you get a full licence at the end?

Mike

[gmrief]

It will be a permanent license at the end of the course. I think the course is 2 1/2 days. Yes I am very excited.

[ibswooft]

Welcome, good luck and be safe!