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Have started my search for my first bike. Can't take the training class until March due to my schd. So have some time to look as I don't plan on buying a bike until after completing the class. Want to stay away from temptation to ride before completing class. So far have looked at (and sat on) a Triumph America and HD Sportster. Also plan to look at Honda Shadow VLX 600, Kawasaki Vulcan 500 among others. Want to find a used cruiser. Questions is would the Triumph possibly be too much bike at 790 cc? Weight wise it's close to the Honda(+40 lbs) I am 6-2 and 215 lbs. with no prior motorcycle riding experience.

Also this form is great for the new biker. Have read many of the prior post. Loads of information that have already answered many questions.

All the bikes you've mentioned will handle and accelerate in essentially the same manner. So what it comes down to is aesthetics, and comfort. Whatever looks/feels the best will be the best bike for you. Pretty subjective. You might consider staying away from a triumph because maintenance and parts will be tougher on this side of the pond.

Before I took the MSF course, I was dead-set on a cruiser. I had no interest whatsoever in sportbikes.

Then I took the MSF and rode a motorcycle for the first time.

Suddenly, the wide turning-radius of a cruiser scared the hell out of me. I knew I wanted something a lot more responsive and manuverable.

I hate sportbikes because the seating-position is so uncomfortable.

So, I became hooked on standards. My first was a Ninja 250 (which is nothing but a standard with sportbike fairings on it). Now I'm on an SV650. Another fun standard.

If you are new, check out my website here:
http://www.californiabikenights.com/learn.php

That link gives tons of good advice on learning to ride.

If you still want a cruiser after you take the MSF, then the ones you are considering are pretty good ones. The Yahama V-Star 650 and the Honda VLX Shadow are two of the ones I always liked the most.

I dont know where you are in Florida, Randy, but I am selling a great cruiser for a new biker. It is an 04 Hyosung GV250. I'm 6'0 and 230, and it does just great. Very good bike to learn on.

viewtopic.php?t=7357

I started out on a buell blast but outgrew it in a year...from there i went to a 2000 gsxr750 and i just bought a yamaha vstar custom1100. i wouldn't start on anything bigger than 600cc. just my opinion

Some of the best advice I got when I started riding was to spend less than $1000 on your first bike, and ride it more than 1000 mi before you do anything else. I also think starting with a standard makes a lot of sense.

The rationale is that you're most likely to drop your bike in a parking lost or other low-speed awkward moment when you're green. The other is that you may have some idea that you want a specific type of bike, but you may well change your mind once you start riding. A bike in the $1000 -1500 range you can ride for a month or a year, and sell for just about what you bought it for.

They sound like a good selection of bikes..in general. For a used bike that is at least a couple of years old I suggest bikes that I researched ...such as the Suzuki Intruder 800 or the Suzuki Volusia (800). The Volusia is highly regarded for ease of riding, doing everything pretty well, and quality.,but is not especially sporty. The HD Sportster (883) was improved only in 2005 and before that it did not receive high marks from many reviewers. The Honda Shadow is considered good especially for quality, but is considered a bit dull and ordinary in performance. Same for Yamaha 650.

Consider sporty, performance oriented mid size cruisers like Suzuki S50/Intruder 800 or the Kawisaki Vulcan 750. I think those would be great as used bikes.

thats for the input. will add those other bikes to my look at list. Did try some bikes out (see new post).

I just like your name... But anyhow, I would go to a bunch of different motorcycle shops and sit on everything you can, AFTER you go to the MSF. I sell bikes for a living and I love it when people come in and actually listen to what I have to say about beginner bikes vs a 1300 or 1400 sportbike. At any rate, I would stay away from the triumph simply for the parts and maintence costs, even if you do your own maintenence it takes a while to get the parts.