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tigerdude77 · 09-19-2006, 10:45 AM

I did EXACTLY what you're doing last December. Had not ridden a bike in 26 years, and slected a 2003 vs800 - probably similar to the M50 (I think it's the same engine). I would recommend that bike. I don't know about the other one though. The vs800 has been ideal for me. Not too big nor too small. Plenty of power for me (and I'm about 190 5'8"). I even do okay with my wife on back, but ride for awhile before going 2-up. Maybe 3-6 months, depending on comfort level. I rode on my street, then neighborhood, then back roads, then finally interstate. Wear protective gear!! Watch those dang cars, 'cause they'll not see you (I guess). Have a safe and enjoyable riding experience. I've logged over 3500 miles since December, and all of them have been great.

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Just noticed your size. If you ever plan to ride 2-up, the 50 series might be a little on the small side. Maybe you'd better look at a little larger bike. Maybe the kawa 1500 (pretty bike- I really like this bike), or the 83 series. Just a thought. But if you don't plan to do the 2-up anytme soon, then the 50 series is probably fine for the 1st year. You'll want a larger bike after that (I would bet). Just select a good used 50 series, and then you can trade up later without losing too much (or no) money.

09-19-2006, 10:45 AM	#12 (permalink)
tigerdude77 In Training Joined: Dec 2005 Bike: 2003 vs800 Intruder Location: B'ham, AL Posts: 121	I did EXACTLY what you're doing last December. Had not ridden a bike in 26 years, and slected a 2003 vs800 - probably similar to the M50 (I think it's the same engine). I would recommend that bike. I don't know about the other one though. The vs800 has been ideal for me. Not too big nor too small. Plenty of power for me (and I'm about 190 5'8"). I even do okay with my wife on back, but ride for awhile before going 2-up. Maybe 3-6 months, depending on comfort level. I rode on my street, then neighborhood, then back roads, then finally interstate. Wear protective gear!! Watch those dang cars, 'cause they'll not see you (I guess). Have a safe and enjoyable riding experience. I've logged over 3500 miles since December, and all of them have been great. =========== edit =========== Just noticed your size. If you ever plan to ride 2-up, the 50 series might be a little on the small side. Maybe you'd better look at a little larger bike. Maybe the kawa 1500 (pretty bike- I really like this bike), or the 83 series. Just a thought. But if you don't plan to do the 2-up anytme soon, then the 50 series is probably fine for the 1st year. You'll want a larger bike after that (I would bet). Just select a good used 50 series, and then you can trade up later without losing too much (or no) money. Last edited by tigerdude77; 09-19-2006 at 10:53 AM.