Need advice on first bike

[ZedZedTop]

Hey all,

I've looked at mainly yamahas, suzukis, hondas and kawasakis. Gone to dealers to sit on bikes, read many owner reviews, and have basically narrowed it down to 2 different bikes:

Yamaha V-star 1100 and Honda Shadow Spirit 750.

Aside from size, they both seem to be pretty equal in terms of reliability, looks, and value. The only things I cant decide is whether or not the V-star 1100 would be too much bike for a guy (5'11" 170lbs) who has never ridden one before? The Honda seems like a great bike and I know i'd be picking a winner, but I also know that i'd want to trade it in next year for more of a bike.

Can anyone that's been in my position share wisdom?


edit:
BTW, I'm signed up for a beginner course in May and probably wont get anything until after.

[PhotoJoe]

I'm in the same boat, and don't have a bike yet, so I can't speak intelligently on this one. However:

[tallannie]

Welcome....and there is LOTS of advice on this topic here. Search by first bike, recommendation, newbie, etc and you will find the links. I suspect a lot of people here will recommend you consider a used smaller or mid sized bike due to the fact that newbies tend to learn a lot in the first year or two and you may want to wait for then to decide on what is right for you. You might not find your choice today is what you want for a longer term. This is happening to me now. Lots of good used mid-sized bikes out there to learn on.....

[Rickster]

There's going to plenty of bikes for you to buy down the road, remember this is going to be your first bike, not your last.

As Annie said, a smaller, used bike is your best bet for your first ride. What that bike might be is a personal choice, and you will have a much better idea of what you want, after you complete your rider safety course.

[dcstrng]

Bikes are like jobs; if you’ve got one the next comes easier... the psychological hurdles for the first bike can seem daunting – just remember, the obstacles are not real... go buy sumthin’... both of the ones you propose are good, but there ain’t no perfect bike (`cept mine) so don’t waste time looking fer it...

It’s far easier to ride a scoot than a day-dream – and despite what logic might say, day-dreams take far more maintenance...

[ChicsterMG]

The VStar 1100 is a pretty big bike. Too big for 5'11", nope. I'm 5'5" and can manage it just fine. Too big for someone never ridden and unsure what to buy, maybe.
Yes there are plenty of riders that bought a big bike and had no trouble from the get go, but there are too many more that wished they had bought something smaller to start out on. Strongly consider if it is right for you before getting a big bike.

And don't count out the Honda 750. This bike has plenty of power and guts. I know many a rider who has no trouble staying with the big boys on the highways. You may like and keep it for a while.

Like Rick said, take the rider course first and get a feel for riding. You may be quick to pick it up, you may have trouble at first. This may change your mind on the bike you are going to get first.

Personally, I would say the 750 if you are going to buy now, it is a bit more manageable for a new rider. Search this site. There is plenty of info on first bikes.

Good luck and Welcome.

[ZedZedTop]

Thanks for the help. I should have a better idea once I'm done the course and so I'll wait until then.

[Ladysarafeathers]

In Dec o6 I got a Honda 750 Aero for my 50th birthday and my first bike, I love it! It balances so well and is very forgiving, great bike to learn on. I`ve put 9500 miles on and don`t need to up grade. I`d rather ride than drive any day. Good luck on your search.

[gumshoe4]

Having not ridden in over 30 years, I went through the same quandry when deciding what to buy...everyone had an idea about what I should get...a Harley bagger, a Brit bike, etc. Finally decided to stop listening to others and buy a Suzuki S40. This is a light (355 lb) 650cc single cylinder thumper similiar to the old Brit bikes (BSA 441 Victor, Enfield, Ducati, etc) that everyone rode when I was a kid. As stated above, this is the first bike, not the last one...I bought it with the intent of getting back into practice and into riding again. When I retire in another three or four years, I'll be looking for something bigger to tour on, but will have had a great time on this bike.

Just my $0.02...


Bob

[Swick]

I bought the M50 for my first. It is bigger frame-wise than the Spirit, but it is not too much as far the the power is concerned. I am 5'11" and I looked like I was sitting on a mini bike on my buddy's 750 Spirit. Just another thing to consider...

[baum604]

My first bike is a 750 shadow (still own) and I am 5'6" and found it to be a great bike to learn from. Coming from only riding dirt bikes, the "transition" was easy. (As far as the heavier weight and higher speeds). Anyway, after riding it for 4 years I still find it to be fun to ride with plenty of power for my riding. I've also rode with bigger bikes and didn't have a problem keeping up.

Ride safe and have fun!

[viet_cruiser]

Hi everybody,

I bought a Suzuki S50(new name for the Intruder 800) after 5 years away from bikes, and it feels just right, I'm 5'8" 150lbs. The last bike I had was a Shadow 500. And bullet bikes before that. The reason I got the S50 because it's the lightest one, 443lbs, among the mid size v-twins.
A co-worker bought a new Spirit 750 as first bike, he loves it, except he does not like his rear wheel covered with grease from the drive chain.He's 5'10", 130lbs.
Another co-worker bought a new Aero 750 after 14 years of absent from riding, he loves it, but wishing he has a VTX1300. He's 6'0', 190lbs.
Another co-worker bought a used Rebel 250, after4 months, decided the rebel is too small for him, bought a Suzuki Marauder 800 to replace it. He's 5'9, 190lbs.
Another co-worker, he's 190lbs 5'9", after 10 years without a bike, talked to the salesman I deal with, the salesman told him "I can sell you the shadow 750 right now, but I guaranty you will be back next year to upgrade. Why don't you get the VTX1300 for a little more and be happy with it." He got the VTX and loves it.
Just some for you to think about.

[critter]

i would plug my bike for a beginner...vulcan 900. it's not too big, but not too small. rides nice, big tank for longer trips, pretty stylish, and it's cheap. 7300for a new one. i will say that i'm ready to move to a bigger bike after a year, and people told me i would be. but i don't think there's anyway around that. you shouldn't start on something too big to avoid that issue.