Hello, New to group

[smitty74]

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?

[pchast]

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

[smitty74]

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.

[Markg1]

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

[pchast]

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

[smitty74]

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

[mogster]

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)!

[agraebner]

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.

[sunshine229]

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!

[smitty74]

That makes sense Andrea, Thanks!