Does size matter?

[jwalker]

I am a newbie and have been reading the posts for awhile now. I am 5'8 175 pounds and 37. I have taken the MSF course and I have my license but no bike yet. I have been looking at a good starter bike but I'm not sure what that really means. I have looked at the suzuki S40's and S50's and the weight distribution seemed pretty good....like I could handle it from side to side. Almost like the suzuki GZ250 from the MSF course. I like the Yamaha 650 vstar but I think it would be about 100 pounds heavier. Is that a big difference as far as handling? If you can flat foot the bike should you be able to handle the weight difference? Just wanted to get other opinions. Thanks!

[Sev]

I am your height, but I weigh a lot less. I'm a scrawn.

My first bike was the S40 and it was great for me. Basically a 250cc frame with a 650cc engine. It'll most likely do everything that you need.

I've ridden around on my friends S50 a little bit and it weighs more. But hanldles about the same.

I've yet to try a V-Star, but if you feel comfortable sitting on it. it should be a great bike for you.

What it comes down to is, what feels the most comfortable for you individually.

[brbolin]

I'm a "newbie", myself. Never ridden until this year in the MSF class in September. Got the "bug" in June, so from June until mid-September, I was hitting all of the local motorcycle shops (only 4, so they saw me a LOT!) trying to get an idea of what I wanted.
I was stuck between the V-Star 650 Custom and the Suzuki M50.
I sat on both bikes I don't know HOW many times, leaning them side to side to get a good feel of their weight, and knew I wanted one of the two.
I'm 5'11", 185 lbs, so a little bigger than you, but I don't think you'd have much of a problem with a V-Star.
I ended up getting the Suzuki M50, due to the lines just seeming to flow a little smoother on the bike and the design really suited me. It's about another 70 lbs. heavier than the V-Star, but it's not been a problem at all.
This is my very first bike, that hasn't said, "Huffy" on the side or anything, and I couldn't be happier.
Just take your time, and make sure you get the one that makes your heart pitter patter when you sit on it in the dealership. I was always told, while I was looking and trying to decide, that this is one of the best "problem" to have...trying to decide which bike.
Enjoy and be careful!

[Scott58]

It was between the vstar and the S50 when i bought mine. The S50 only won because of the lower weight. It's very easy to manuver. I would almost recommend it as a first bike hands down except for the power. It has tons of it. If you get one be careful until you get used to it. Also you want to give some serious thought to your actual use. If your going to do any serious long distance you'll probably be looking at minimum another seat (read more money) where the vstar would probably do you pretty well with the stock one. In town however, lower weight always equals ease of low speed manuverability. It's always going to be a tradeoff.

[Hammersfan]

I'm a "newbie", myself. Never ridden until this year in the MSF class in September. Got the "bug" in June, so from June until mid-September, I was hitting all of the local motorcycle shops (only 4, so they saw me a LOT!) trying to get an idea of what I wanted.
I was stuck between the V-Star 650 Custom and the Suzuki M50.
I sat on both bikes I don't know HOW many times, leaning them side to side to get a good feel of their weight, and knew I wanted one of the two.
I'm 5'11", 185 lbs, so a little bigger than you, but I don't think you'd have much of a problem with a V-Star.
I ended up getting the Suzuki M50, due to the lines just seeming to flow a little smoother on the bike and the design really suited me. It's about another 70 lbs. heavier than the V-Star, but it's not been a problem at all.
This is my very first bike, that hasn't said, "Huffy" on the side or anything, and I couldn't be happier.
Just take your time, and make sure you get the one that makes your heart pitter patter when you sit on it in the dealership. I was always told, while I was looking and trying to decide, that this is one of the best "problem" to have...trying to decide which bike.
Enjoy and be careful!

Have just ordered a new M50 but can't ride it till spring time due to our winters here in Ontario. How are you enjoying it so far, I am roughly your size so it will be interesting for me to hear your opinions on the bike.
Ride safe

[jmillheiser]

If you like the S50 maybe take a look at the M50 too. Same engine just in a different frame.

The M50 just looks plain badass and seems like it would be a more comfortable ride than the S50.

[JustJames]

I'd vote for V-star, really love it. I have checked out S50 but doesn't like the look and seem to be taller than V-Star. I'm 5.7' and 150lbs. I'd say weight is matter not in normal riding but in emergency.

Here in So.Cal the weight of V-Star 650 custom 470lbs is perfect for me. I can handle the bike under pressure and traffic (split lane) on any major FWY. I also can streight the bike up when it almost drop due to oil slip. There were like 3 ocations that I would have dropped the bike bad if it were a bit more weight.

[redbar1]

I, too, am a newbie. I have never rode a bike other than in the MRC. I have my license; just need to get a bike. I am 5'7" and 180#. I like the looks of the Suzuki S40 as a learning tool. It isn't a lot of money and, if I like riding, I can always trade up in a year or two. I also like the looks of the Honda VLX and Yamaha VStar 650. They seem to be comperable when it comes to HP. Any suggestions? Would I look like a wimp on the S40?

[Kal]

Would I look like a wimp on the S40?

Somewhere stateside there is a bumper sticker (Not the only irony) marketed by Harley-Davidson. It starts;

"It used to be about the bikes..."

[jmillheiser]

Nah you wont look like a wimp on an S40. Looks like pretty much any other cruiser just has a single instead of a v-twin.