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New old guy
Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2005 4:50 pm
by Fropa
Hi. I'm 41 and getting ready to ride for the first time. Just sent my money in for the safety course and waiting for a class date. Now trying to decide on what size bike to buy. Was originally planning on a Virago 250, but now I'm not sure. I'm 5'10" and 200lbs and I'm wondering if the 250 is going to feel/look too small for me. I work with a woman who is about 5'6" and 110lbs and she recently bought a V-Star 650 as her first bike. She says she can handle it fine so that's what got me rethinking the 250.
Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 9:23 am
by muz
hey Fropa
welcome dude - I just started riding last year at 38. good on ya taking the safety course! you might want to wait until after you've done the course to decide on what size bike to get. Usually there are 2 or 3 types of bikes in the courses (standard, cruiser) so it helps you get a feel for the ergos of different bikes. Another suggestion (that was a suggestion to me when I was in your situation) is to buy an older bike first - cheaper to buy and insure, and less heart-breaking when you drop it. Ride it for a year (or two) to get some road experience, then sell it and upgrade to what you really want. A lot of the early-80s bikes are still around and in great shape, there's a good market for these for other beginners.
fwiw, I bought a 1981 900cc cruiser as my first bike. Cheap, big enough for me, not too overpowered, but a little on the heavy side (>600lbs). I'm going to ride it for another year and then upgrade to a sport-touring bike.
my .02
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 10:18 am
by Kal
More or less what he said including welcome...
Virago 250? Nice enough bike so I've heard.
Pick the ride that is good for you, and dont judge it by what other people are riding.
To be honest with you if I can find a nice 250 for my next bike I'll be going with that otherwise I'll be looking for something in the 400 range.
My mean machine at the moment is an 8 year old Honda CG125 which quite happily propels me up to 70mph and is actually a lot of fun to ride. Despite being a mere 11bhp at the rear wheel.
Just so you know I'm 6'4, 170lbs, GSOH and quite proud of myself for not ranting or frothing at the mouth in this post...
Anyways welcome, have fun and ride safe...
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 11:21 am
by Loonette
Welcome aboard! There should be a topic in the New Biker forums with some suggested starter bikes. Try not to focus on it too much right now - just keep your eyes on the prize of passing the MSF course. Then you'll be ready to try on some bikes for size and comfort. Enjoy the forums!
Cheers,
Loonette
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 3:39 pm
by houk
Welcome from another old guy
Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2005 8:08 pm
by Fropa
Thanks for the welcome and the advice. I don't plan on making any decision on a bike until after the safety course.
Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2005 9:41 am
by totalmotorcycle
Fropa!
Taking a MSF course is a GREAT start! After the course I bet you will be skill ready for the V-Star 650 as it is a good starter bike... Don't be too concerned about a cruiser 650cc engine as it would be about a 400cc engine in a "standard" bike. Just the V-Star will weight more than a 400cc standard.
Enjoy and don't forget we have a "New Bikers Forum" to ask all your many questions in too.
Mike