VL-800 or Honda Shadow? First time rider. - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

RioHusker · 01-14-2008, 11:31 AM

Well, first off, name is Jason. I am a new rider to the streets but have ridden dirt bikes as a young kid. I have been practicing with my father on his BMW 650 for the past two weeks and have caught along rather quickly. Next weekend, I am taking the MSF course and hopefully that will make me good enough to get out on the road. Of course, I am taking my time and taking it slow.
I have limited myself to two options on bikes. I am looking at a 2004 Suzuki VL-800 Limited Edition and also a 00 Honda Shadow 600 with 4100miles and Vance and Hines pipes on it. I rode the Suzuki last night and loved the feel of the bike. Question is, do you think $4000 for the vl 800 bike is a good deal? It has 2100 miles on it, one owner and no dings or scratches. Thank you for your input and any help or suggestions will be grateful. Oh, btw, I am 27 and 6’ 215lbs (if that matters)

robertc729 · 01-14-2008, 05:19 PM

either of those should make a good first bike. Congrats on getting signed up for the MSF course, it helps alot. As far as price is concerned, check the value of them, see if it is close the price the seller is asking.

SNAFU · 01-14-2008, 05:27 PM

Jason!

You seem familiar to me.

omegajim · 01-14-2008, 06:57 PM

welcome aboard.

that said, 4 k for a 4 year old bike (possibly 5 years old) with low mileage isn't bad.

Not only that, being an 800, you won't outgrow it for several years and is big enough for 2 up riding.

RioHusker · 01-15-2008, 12:24 AM

Thank you for the warm welcome. I thought about it more tonight and am leaning more towards the Volusia. It just doesn't make much sense for me to buy a bike that I will outgrow in less than a year and not be able to ride 2 up on comfortably.
Any other opinions will be greatful as well!

blackie1491 · 01-15-2008, 12:33 AM

04 VL800 is the carb. version of the C50.
I think you will find that you won't outgrow it as fast as the Shadow 600.

if you use the search function, you will find lots info on the bike.
A lot of riders have hit 50,000 miles, some 100,000.

Having said that, bike choice is a personal one. Check the dealers in your area, talk to people in the shops (a word to the wise dropping into a dealer and asking busy people for advice does not work). Most shops and Riders are happy to share info.

So read through the threads, ask questions, take your course then make your choice.

RioHusker · 01-15-2008, 09:49 AM

I have used the search function and learned a little bit about the bike of my choice, but still always up to learning more!

01-14-2008, 11:31 AM	#1 (permalink)
RioHusker Where Am I ? Joined: Jan 2008 Bike: 04 Suzuki VL800 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 49	VL-800 or Honda Shadow? First time rider. Well, first off, name is Jason. I am a new rider to the streets but have ridden dirt bikes as a young kid. I have been practicing with my father on his BMW 650 for the past two weeks and have caught along rather quickly. Next weekend, I am taking the MSF course and hopefully that will make me good enough to get out on the road. Of course, I am taking my time and taking it slow. I have limited myself to two options on bikes. I am looking at a 2004 Suzuki VL-800 Limited Edition and also a 00 Honda Shadow 600 with 4100miles and Vance and Hines pipes on it. I rode the Suzuki last night and loved the feel of the bike. Question is, do you think $4000 for the vl 800 bike is a good deal? It has 2100 miles on it, one owner and no dings or scratches. Thank you for your input and any help or suggestions will be grateful. Oh, btw, I am 27 and 6’ 215lbs (if that matters)

01-14-2008, 05:27 PM	#3 (permalink)
SNAFU Leaned over, knee down Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: '06 M50 Black Location: Winnipeg, Canada Posts: 4,779	Jason! You seem familiar to me. __________________

01-14-2008, 06:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
omegajim Omnipotent two-wheeler Joined: Jan 2007 Bike: 1980 Yamaha XS850 Location: Washington County, WI Posts: 5,661	welcome aboard. that said, 4 k for a 4 year old bike (possibly 5 years old) with low mileage isn't bad. Not only that, being an 800, you won't outgrow it for several years and is big enough for 2 up riding. __________________ "FREE TIBET!"* With purchase of one Tibet of equal or greater value.

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01-14-2008, 05:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
robertc729 M-J.Com Master Poster Joined: Mar 2006 Bike: 05 Boulevard C50 LE, 06 S40 (wife's bike) Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 3,958	either of those should make a good first bike. Congrats on getting signed up for the MSF course, it helps alot. As far as price is concerned, check the value of them, see if it is close the price the seller is asking.

01-15-2008, 12:24 AM	#5 (permalink)
RioHusker Where Am I ? Joined: Jan 2008 Bike: 04 Suzuki VL800 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 49	Thank you for the warm welcome. I thought about it more tonight and am leaning more towards the Volusia. It just doesn't make much sense for me to buy a bike that I will outgrow in less than a year and not be able to ride 2 up on comfortably. Any other opinions will be greatful as well!

01-15-2008, 12:33 AM	#6 (permalink)
blackie1491 I took the All Bran Challenge Joined: Jun 2005 Bike: C50SE Location: Aldergrove, B.C., Canada Posts: 7,210	04 VL800 is the carb. version of the C50. I think you will find that you won't outgrow it as fast as the Shadow 600. if you use the search function, you will find lots info on the bike. A lot of riders have hit 50,000 miles, some 100,000. Having said that, bike choice is a personal one. Check the dealers in your area, talk to people in the shops (a word to the wise dropping into a dealer and asking busy people for advice does not work). Most shops and Riders are happy to share info. So read through the threads, ask questions, take your course then make your choice.

01-15-2008, 09:49 AM	#7 (permalink)
RioHusker Where Am I ? Joined: Jan 2008 Bike: 04 Suzuki VL800 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 49	I have used the search function and learned a little bit about the bike of my choice, but still always up to learning more!

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