Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi. I am new to the forum and new to riding. I am taking the MSF class later this month, and wanted some opinons on bikes. I am 6'6" and 330 pounds, and I like cruisers. I particulary like yahama (v star), honda's shadow (ACE). Alot of research i have done online tell me that my first bike should be a 250, but I think 250 is way to small for me. Any suggestions? Also do you think i will have a problem taking the course on a 250 as all they have at the course is 250's. I should also add i am not trying to go over the 5000 price mark.

Hey bud. Another big guy here at 6'2 and same weight. The 250 advice is for sportbikes, not for cruisers.

I started off on a 2001 Suzuki Volusia and loved it size wise. It's now known as the Boulevard C50 (they added fuel injection and floorboards in 05). The Hondas are a bit small feeling for me, the Viragos, Intruders, and Boulevard S series are way too small for me, and the Yamaha V-stars are too small unless they're the 1100, which is about the same power-wise as my Volusia. The big difference is water cooled versus air/oil cooled on the Yamaha.

So all in all I suggest checking out the Boulevard C and M50s, the Vulcan 900 (if you can find one for under 5K, they're relatively new on the market compared to the others, and then double check how you fit on the Hondas.

Hi there, and welcome to the forum. I suggest a 50hp/500lb bike to start. Remember it won't be your last bike.

Thanks gents Ill look into them at let you know how it goes.

Welcome from another tall rider (6'4"). The V-Star (650cc, 512.6 lb) and the Shadow Ace (750cc, 505 lbs) are both good choices for a first cruiser as you will have taken the MSF course. Like Johnj has suggested I wouldn't go over 500lbs for your first bike. Sure, a Vulcan 900 (657.1 lbs.) will offer a little more power but then again you will have an over 650lb bike (+150lbs) and that extra 150cc cc won't make a lot of difference.

Both the Ace and V-Star are nicely reliable bikes (Yamaha and Honda), neither will let you down.



Mike

Thanks, I try them out this weekend and let you know what i think. I was looking at the C50 and M50 but I think i like the ACE and V-star better as far as looks go, now i just need to see about feel.

I'd be interested (as well as many others here) on your opinions on these bikes from a new rider perspective as these bikes come up quite often in good first bike recommendations.

Mike

The V-Star 650 is fine for a first motorcycle.

Trust me, I'm shorter than him and can't turn it without hitting my knees, and at my weight it can't maintain 75 or 80 miles an hour unless it's downhill.

Kawasaki Verseys end of story