New rider wants new bike

[texrider]

Hey gang, I've been asked for advice by a new rider; She is looking for an easy to handle bike with highway capability for commuting, and of course economical. I've mentioned the Kawasaki 500 LTD as a possibility, as it has a larger size and weight. Also is water cooled, six speed, and makes 46 horses at the crank..... Only items sacrificed to price seem to be spokes and tubes, rear drum brake, and chain drive. I think the drum rear brake on my M-50 is sufficient, and would think a powerful rear disc might get a new rider into trouble anyway....

The 500 sits well and feels good, but I'd like to know if any of you have put miles on one of these things?

[Scott58]

Since shes new maybe the lightest bike of the bunch.

[MYC50T]

I have found that alot of women (in general, not all) buy too small, then in a short time outgrow the bike and then the interest wanes, (ie: don't like the thought of having to sell the bike to get a different one so they just don't ride much) in light of that, the one bike I would recommend based on your criteria is the M50, it's a little heavier than the 500 LTD, but if feels nimble, handles well, is economical, certainly goes down the highway well and would be a good commuter, she wouldn't outgrow it and in terms of learning to ride on it, other than the weight difference I don't see where it would be any more difficult than the 500 LTD, her pluses would be,

Liquid Cooled, Shaft Drive, Aluminum Wheels, Tubeless Tires, Nice Looking, Reliable, Economical, Low Maintenance, FUN, Growing List of Accessories, She Won't Outgrow It, IMHO

[MagnumForce]

As stated in the past few posts, I would also recommend the M50. However, you may want to consider the possibility of the new rider dropping the bike during the learning process. Consider a used cruiser in the 500-800cc class that the new rider is not either afraid to drop or is not too expensive to repair when dropped. Good luck.

@ Night_Wolf, the only 800cc Kawi cruiser in current production is the Drifter. That may be another bike to consider if you like the Indian-like styling.

@ MYC50T, don't forget to include fuel injection among the M50's "pluses." There are still cruisers out there that are still carbureted, including the VTX1300.

[texrider]

Thanks for the comments, y'all.

I've offered to let her ride my M-50, but she is not comfortable enough with that idea, and seems to be more focused on the lesser displacements.... I have discouraged her from the Savage/S40 single, although I am a thumper fan.... The S-50 has a lot to offer, but really seems a bit smallish in the tank and control placements. We'll see this weekend.....

[MYC50T]

The S50 with a full tank of gas is actually a little more top heavy than an M50 and the foot control placement is quite cramped, so I would recommend the M50 before the S50 for that reason, and I agree about not recommending the S40, it may be a great beginner bike and also a great street cruiser, but it is not a good, day in and day out highway bike, IMHO

@ EZridr1, I can't believe I forgot 1 of the most important features, thanks for bringing that to my & others attention, "great catch" an important 1 too

@ Night_Wolf, I have to agree with your statement "fugliest motorcycle on the roads today"

texrider, if you could keep her from going too small, in the long run you will be doing her a favor, as I stated earlier, women & some men tend to fixate on starting out with too small of a motorcycle to begin with, and then quickly outgrow it, then there left with more choices too soon!

[tlwisner]

The Vulcan 500 is a very nice bike, and it has no problem going faster than an M50 or C50 while getting much better fuel mileage so it will do fine as a commuter. It's slightly modified Ninja 500 parallel twin is a tried and proven engine and it's weight is a plus for a new rider. The MSRP of $4899 is a very good deal. The S40 / Savage 650 seems to be a bit strained at Interstate speeds, trying to keep up with a group that my C50 has no trouble keeping up with.

[Rickster]

Buell "Blast" Pick em up used for a couple thousand.

[palanon]

If you can find a used Honda Night Hawk or Rebel in 250 or 500cc those are great for first timers. Upright seating and very forgiving and for a couple of thousand you can lay it down a few times and not cry when you go to get rid of it.
ride it til' it breaks - push it home or into the woods, you'll still be grinnin'

[texrider]

Thanks for the posts. The 500 LTD won out, and was purchased. Delivery was delayed due to rain, but she was very happy with her choice. I was satisfied that she paid a fair price for it, and the accessories. She bought the small windscreen and the chrome case guard bar. Also purchased was the service agreement to handle all scheduled maintainance. She is planning time off from work to have "motorcycle bonding", which I think is probably a good idea.... "She" is my baby sister, who took her rider's course and got her cycle license last fall, dreaming of getting her first bike....I think now I'll show her the "Ride to die" gory website..... What's a brother for, after all!!!!

[silverM50]

Originally Posted by texrider

....I think now I'll show her the "Ride to die" gory website..... What's a brother for, after all!!!!

Is this an actual website??

[tlwisner]

Originally Posted by texrider

Thanks for the posts. The 500 LTD won out, and was purchased.

Very nice, congrats! The bike should be great.