My First Post

Message

Analog · #1 Unread post by **Analog** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 9:44 am

Hey, everybody!
Happy to be part of the forums.

Alright, let me first say that not only am I new here, but I don't even have a bike yet. (which is precisely why I decided to register now and talk to everybody).. I am set to buy one this week and have been doing my research for weeks now.

I have wanted a bike all my life, and I finally have the chance to get one.

I have it narrowed down to about 3-4 different used bikes around the LA area, and luckily, I have a few different friends who ride, that can drive the bike back to my house for me when I buy.

I signed up for the safety course, but if I get one this week, like I plan to, I'll have a week or so to mess around on it in my neighborhood.

So, after sitting on every bike known to man, and weighing all the options, I have decided to get a mid-sized/small cruiser.

I am considering the Suzuki Savage 650, the Vulcan 800, the Yamaha V-Star 600 and the Honda 600 vlx... I'm not a real big guy, and I'm not hung up on speed whatsoever, and I'm trying to ignore all the people who tell me that a 600 is "way too small" and a "girl's bike".

Just wondering if anybody here has any experience with the above models, and can give advice... I have read reviews for all of them, and have noticed that besides very minor issues, they are all good bikes.

Please help me out if you can...

Thanks, Everybody!

Wizzard · #2 Unread post by **Wizzard** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 10:29 am

First and foremost , Welcome to the Group Analog!
Imnsho , there is no such thing as a girl's bike . Better never let my spousette hear that . She would tear someone a new one for sure .
Both the V-star and the VLX are nice bikes . Of course so is the Vulcan .I am not familiar with the Suzuki Savage so cannot give you any feedback on it . Altho both my spousette and I have Suzukis.
She a Marauder and I , an Intruder . We both dearly love our scoots .
Good luck and remember this is gonna be YOUR bike so don't listen to anyone else . Go with what is comfortable for you and that pleases your eye aesthetically .
Kind regards, Wizzard

Aggroton · #3 Unread post by **Aggroton** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 10:39 am

welcome...

and yeah i have noting to add to what wizzard said...hes pretty sage-like...

but i love those vstars.

Analog · #4 Unread post by **Analog** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 12:47 pm

Thanks guys...

Yeah that's pretty much what I was thinking too.
It's refreshing to hear that point of view after so many brash, experieced riders try to tell me that they "wouldn't be caught dead riding something smaller than a sportster"

I'm pretty sure I like the Honda the best... It feels good, and of course, there's the Honda reliability.

PS< I see you're from, PA... I used to live in the greater Pgh area for years before I moved to LA... I know once i get my bike, I'm gonna wish I had those back roads through the country to ride on...

Aggroton · #5 Unread post by **Aggroton** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 12:55 pm

we gots some crazey country....i did a brief stint at IUP...and i much prefer the back roads on that side of the state.

Harpice · #6 Unread post by **Harpice** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 4:56 pm

Hello Analog:
I was in the same place about 2 1/2 months ago. My buddies all have Harleys and newer bikes. I have three kids and wanted to learn to ride.
With three kids and learning, the money was not there so I picked up a 1980 Honda cb 750 custom for 1500$. Great bike but neaded some work and very heavy to learn on. I guess the most important thing I'd like to pass along is that there is no biker on the road ( at least in my parts, Nebraska) that will look down on any other biker. Well maybe the guys being stupid on any bikes, but other than that you are always treated with respect on the road with a friendly wave no matter what model you drive.

Just my 2 Cents.

Buelligan · #7 Unread post by **Buelligan** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 3:22 am

Just go with whichever bike you like the best, and have fun. Doesn't matter what you ride, the true bikers always wander over to have a look and a chat!!

Loonette · #8 Unread post by **Loonette** » Wed Jul 20, 2005 4:05 am

Welcome aboard! I feel bad that guys are getting on each other about the size of their ride. I ride a 1600, so what does that say about me as a girl. Well, what it says in reality is that I first spent time on smaller bikes before moving up to my 1600. People start on smaller bikes because they are new riders, not because of their gender. Any of the bikes you mentioned (in good condition) will be good for practicing all the valuable skills that you will learn in your safety course. You want to have a decent level of experience before kicking up in size. If the time comes for you to move up to a larger bike, you are the one who will know best when that time is. Just enjoy learning, enjoy riding, and try to ignore the negative comments that some folks just can't keep to themselves.

Cheers,
Loonette

Analog · #9 Unread post by **Analog** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 3:04 pm

thanks for the kind words, everyone.

I am trying to get the loan for a 2003 Honda VLX600 right now... the bike is in great condition...

Hopefully everything goes thru and I'll have the bike on Monday..

I cant wait!

#10 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Thu Jul 21, 2005 3:26 pm

Analog wrote:thanks for the kind words, everyone.

I am trying to get the loan for a 2003 Honda VLX600 right now... the bike is in great condition...

Hopefully everything goes thru and I'll have the bike on Monday..

I cant wait!

Good luck with the loan! Hopefully you'll be joining the ranks by next week. The only thing I could find online about the VLX600 of a negative nature has to do with the 4-speed transmission. The VLX600 was supposed to receive a major revision in 1999, and everyone expected a 5-speed gearbox to be included in that revision, but it was not. That will give the bike some "unique" shift qualities and will challenge your clutch skills, but will otherwise not be an issue.

Keep us posted!