Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I just wanted to say hello to everyone. I will be a new rider soon. I am taking the rider safety course the first week in June. any suggestions or pointers anyone has that I should know before I take the course would be appreciated. The bike I plan to get after I finish is a Yamaha v-star250, is this a good choice?

Welcome!

Take your time, relax and enjoy the class...

Have you sat on the V-star for more than 5 minutes? How does it fit you?
Its a good starter, I'm told, but how did you pick it?

Pete

Thanks Pete,

I have sat on a number of bikes. Honda rebel 250, the V-Star 250, V-star 650, Ninja 250, Harley 883 Superlow. All of them felt comfortable and manageable. I keep getting told buy people that I will grow out of the 250's quickly. Is this the case, or do they just want to sell me a more expensive bike? My riding will be 75% city and 25% freeway. I don't know if I will take many freeway trips of any meaningful distance. I live between San Francisco and Reno, so I might want to go to either place once in a while.

Welcome! Great idea to take the class! I would finish that class first before choosing a bike. But if that's the bike you like and you feel comfortable on it then that's a great bike to start with!

Mark

Bill

It depends on your attitude. How aggressive a driver are you? Personally I think any of the 250s would be more than enough for commuting in most areas you are talking about. But I tend to take it easy and stay around the speed limit which is often at or above my current skill level.

Pete

Thanks for the info Mark & Pete. It is much appreciated!

Take the course & when you are ready buy a bike that you feel comfortable on. Better you start small & possibly grow out of it than buy big & scare yourself (or worse)!

A 250 is simply a joy to ride. Any 250 I have ridden has had more than enough power. The manageability of a bike, such as your looking at, is great too. I was really surprised how my own perspective of riding changed after the first year. I was very lucky the bike I picked fit my needs very well. I think the 250 would fit your needs very nicely. Don't let a salesman guide your decision too much. Ive seen them trying to sell 1000 cc sport bikes to people without even a learner permit. Another thing to consider Is getting a used bike for your first bike. It isnt hard to find a very nice condition bike for cheap. Some people buy them and never use them. If you get a used bike with low miles you may even be able to make money if you decide you want something different in a year or two. I am with Mark about finishing the course before you buy. The course will give you perspective on riding you dont have now which would affect your choice of bikes.

250's are great! I personally really loved the Honda Rebel 250, which I got to use during my safety course and test. I can highly recommend it.

As for tips before taking the test... Don't listen to anyone's advice, just go to the course with a clean slate and learn everything you can. It's easiest to learn if you don't show up with preconceived notions!

That makes sense Andrea, Thanks!