New rider bike

[paintmann111]

In the long lasting search for a good starter bike I am trying to find something that will suit my needs. Right now, if I were to go the sport bike route I would get a ninja 500r. But recently I have been contemplating crusiers. For someone who is 5'11'' 250lbs what kind of crusier would you recomend? People have told me to get something in the 650cc-800cc range. Problem is I only have MAX $3500 to spend. I am looking for new or used but it will most likely be used. Thanks, Chris.

[PhotoJoe]

Hey Chris,

I thought I was reading a post by me, but I'm a bit taller. Otherwise, you're singing my exact song. I've narrowed my list to Vulcan 900, M50 (though the black wheels aren't my favorite styling) and the Shadow 750. I know the VStat 650 is there, but I think it's too small for me and I DON'T need an 1100. Now that I've shared my dream list, I'll probably start out on a standard bike of some sort, used. Learn on it and then drop the cash on my dream later.

[Uncle B]

I read somewhere's that most riders own a bike for 2-4 years then are changing bikes.

[paintmann111]

I was looking at the shadow 750's, but they are hard to find, and when you do people want a ton for them. What are people's opinions on the vulcan and S50 bikes? How much can you pick one uo used for?

[Dave Nadeau]

What is your expeiance level? Oh and welcome....

[dcstrng]

get something in the 650cc-800cc range

Agree... plenty of garage-queens in your price range... look up cycletrader.com or other similar... Kawasaki 800 thru older 883 Sportser all fall in that size & price range with a bit of shopping... and generally are quite rider friendly being more torque machines than high rpm horsepower...

[SVZuki]

Originally Posted by Uncle B

I read somewhere's that most riders own a bike for 2-4 years then are changing bikes.

I have had my SV for 2 years and now I am changing to a Marauder, so that is pretty accurate in my case.

[robertc729]

800 cc range would be fine.

[paintmann111]

Thanks for the welcomes. I found a V Star 650 custom for 3900. It was an '03 with 9100 miles. Only problem is will it haul my ass around? I heard they have decent low end torque...

[paintmann111]

what do you all think about this: Yamaha 2001 V Star Classic

It has high milage but the dealer said the previous owner maintained it very well. What kind of milage does it have left until I need to start dumping cash into it? Also, I thought the price was a little high for that bike with that many miles. I found an '03 with 10,000 miles for $3900, but the guy won't lower the price .

[Dave Nadeau]

The 03 sounds like a better deal but check out the value on kelly blue book.
Kelley Blue Book - Enter Your ZIP Code

I used my zip code here in Mass..... put in yours and the price might be a little different, but I bet not much.

[paintmann111]

Here are some pictures of the more expensive one:


I was thinking if I bought the bike I could recoupe some money by selling some of the "extras." How much do you think I could get for the windshield, saddle bags, back rest and lugauge rack? If I bought it for $3600 I would need at least $400 back to recover the extra cost.

[Dave Nadeau]

I'd leave it alone, personelly. Its got a after market $350-375 seat on it called a Mustang. IT is one of the most comfortable seats made. I have one on my C50. That said you could sell off the other stuff but a big mistake. You might get $300-400 on Ebay, for the lot but after you ran it for a while you'd want to put them back. EVERYBODY wants to put stuff on thier bikes. AS much as you want to sell the stuff for money you need buyers want it for cheap!!

[Danr]

Originally Posted by Dave Nadeau

I'd leave it alone, personelly. Its got a after market $350-375 seat on it called a Mustang. IT is one of the most comfortable seats made. I have one on my C50. That said you could sell off the other stuff but a big mistake. You might get $300-400 on Ebay, for the lot but after you ran it for a while you'd want to put them back. EVERYBODY wants to put stuff on thier bikes. AS much as you want to sell the stuff for money you need buyers want it for cheap!!

+1

[dave237]

Congrats and welcome to world of 2-wheeled toys...
Regarding the bike that you posted, to sell the extra's to make a few pennies is really not worth it. I understand that you might be tight for cash but the extra's that the bike comes with are the things that you will only use is due time. Either keep looking for another bike that might be more in your price range or find something in the house that you could sell instead to make the extra cash.

[zukirob]

Originally Posted by paintmann111

In the long lasting search for a good starter bike I am trying to find something that will suit my needs. Right now, if I were to go the sport bike route I would get a ninja 500r. But recently I have been contemplating crusiers. For someone who is 5'11'' 250lbs what kind of crusier would you recomend? People have told me to get something in the 650cc-800cc range. Problem is I only have MAX $3500 to spend. I am looking for new or used but it will most likely be used. Thanks, Chris.

Chris,
From your post, it sounds like you've never ridden before. True?

If so, then I know you don't want to hear this, but you really should just get a cheap used 250 to learn on. New riders have a much higher accident rate in the first 6 months and you've got lot's to learn. Get the real bike you want after you've gotten some experience.

[PhotoJoe]

paintmann,

If you choose not to buy the '03, would you send me the info?

Thanks.

[wildwolf]

Originally Posted by paintmann111

what do you all think about this: Yamaha 2001 V Star Classic

It has high milage but the dealer said the previous owner maintained it very well. What kind of milage does it have left until I need to start dumping cash into it? Also, I thought the price was a little high for that bike with that many miles. I found an '03 with 10,000 miles for $3900, but the guy won't lower the price .

Salesmen lie. It's their job.

Every time I buy a used car it's "a little old retired lady traded this in just last week on a newer model."

Now, with that said, I'd recommend a C50 if you plan on touring/going slow. M50 if you want a little more agility. S50/VS800 (same bike, different name) if you want a fun cruiser with more pep than the other two, but slightly lacking (until after market parts installed) in the comfort zone.

I have a VS800 (pic in signature). I bought it for $3300. As it is in the pics, I have ~$5000 in it.

With your size, I disagree with zukirob. You'll feel like a monkey raping a football on a 250. If you 'feel' the 800's I listed are "too big" then I'd suggest the Savage 650 (aka the newer name of S40). It's a big single that's fun to ride.

Lastly, before you ride anything, go take the MSF course. This may prevent friends' instructions from being learned....along with maybe their bad habits.

I'm 5'8" and 240 pounds, btw. You may find the VS800 pegs (about mid-mounted) a little cramped, but that's something a crashbar & highway pegs can fix.

[bmwfanatic]

Originally Posted by wildwolf

Salesmen lie. It's their job.

Every time I buy a used car it's "a little old retired lady traded this in just last week on a newer model."

Now, with that said, I'd recommend a C50 if you plan on touring/going slow. M50 if you want a little more agility. S50/VS800 (same bike, different name) if you want a fun cruiser with more pep than the other two, but slightly lacking (until after market parts installed) in the comfort zone.

I have a VS800 (pic in signature). I bought it for $3300. As it is in the pics, I have ~$5000 in it.

With your size, I disagree with zukirob. You'll feel like a monkey raping a football on a 250. If you 'feel' the 800's I listed are "too big" then I'd suggest the Savage 650 (aka the newer name of S40). It's a big single that's fun to ride.

Lastly, before you ride anything, go take the MSF course. This may prevent friends' instructions from being learned....along with maybe their bad habits.

I'm 5'8" and 240 pounds, btw. You may find the VS800 pegs (about mid-mounted) a little cramped, but that's something a crashbar & highway pegs can fix.

a monkey raping a football O M G LMFAO!!!!~!

[SNAFU]

So this is what I look like when I ride the 250?