Greeting from a reborn over-the-hill rider

[LowRider]

Greeting Everyone,
After a long absence of twenty years, I’m returning to riding again. The last time I rode a bike was a Suzuki GS450 during my college years and I'm exciting and looking forward to start a new adventure all over again.

While browsing through "Google" searching for a new bike, I found this forum which are full of valuable information, along with a healthy dose of
friendly people that make others feel more welcome to join the group. I'm looking forward to learn a lot more from everyone here and very much appreciate any help that I can get.

Thanks,
LowRider

[poppygene]

Welcome back, LowRider! Most of us baby-boomers took a break like you - some more, some less - but most of us have found that if you've ever enjoyed the pleasures of riding a bike you really never get it out of your system.
You picked out a bike yet? What kind of riding do you plan to do?

[LowRider]

Poppygene,
Thanks!! I'm planning to use the bike for daily commuting to work (if weather permit) and occassionally weekend riding. My daily commuting trip is about 40 miles each way, mostly on the freeway and with very little traffic. Since I haven't ride a bike for many years, I have to start all over from square one. I've already signed up for the motorcyle safety training course and hopefully will obtain a valid motorcyle driver license by the end of April. As of right now, I have not decided which bike to get yet but have my eye set on the Honda Shadow Aero and Suzuki Boulevard M50. Do you have any recommendation? BTW, I'm 6 ft tall and weight around 150lbs.

LowRider

[poppygene]

Either of these are great bikes and should fit you well. You should go sit on each of them for a while before you decide. I should mention that they're both quite a bit heavier than your old 450 and not quite as easy to handle. Are you sure you want to get a new bike to re-learn on? You may be able to do OK with a cruiser like these, but we generally like to suggest smaller, used bikes for folks to get used to being in the saddle again. Then, after you're confident, move up to a bigger, newer ride.
Whatever you decide, just remember traffic is a lot more aggressive these days so keep your wits about you.

Ride safe!

[LowRider]

Thanks, I'll take your advices into consideration and will take my time when shopping for a bike.

[XJRJohn]

remember,buying a bike is one of the best bits,the hunt for a new bike is great fun.try as many as poss,enjoy yourself and take your time .xjrjohn

[mswarrior]

Welcome.

I took a 10 yr break as well, and finnally got back into it three yrs ago. I was a little shaky at first but it all came back. Your choice in bikes was a good one. I got a 1000 and realized it was too much so I had to take it easy Have fun exploring.