Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi,

I have been looking at a Yamaha V950 cruiser as a starter bike, any advice on if this is to " Big " of a bike to start on?

To be honest, if you've never ridden before, my answer is a pretty clear yes.

A good general rule of thumb for a first bike is 50 HP/500 lbs for a first bike. My bike made right at 50 HP and was just over 500 lbs, but I'm also about 100 lbs more and 4 or 5 inches taller than the average rider.

You should check out the sticky in this forum for a good introduction.

I tend to agree with Wrider on this bike, although it could be tucked into that grey area as a starter bike, I'd stick to his guidelines...

Here's my take. I think an average sized rider with an average ego could be happy with this as a permanent bike. That being the case, it's probably more bike than a starter ought to be.

I've had two students, that I know of, start on it. Neither story ended well.

Call me oldschool but you should never START riding a bike with forward mounted controls. I believe in keeping your body as centered as possible but thats just my opinion plus I like to stand up now and then to shake it out as it were.
PS the back brake IS NOT YOUR FRiend.

A 250cc motorcycle is a starter bike. A 950cc you will most likely crash it. Start small and gradually work your way up..

before I pass an opinion, i would like to know more about you, how old, how tall, any experience at all, can you ride a bicycle