- This topic has 10 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 14 years, 6 months ago by adam_el_paso.
need help with selecting my 1st bike
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September 24, 2009 at 3:17 am #3455adam_el_pasoParticipant
I need help picking-out my 1st bike. I’m 5’8″ and 175 lbs. I’ll do most of my riding at 25-35 mph, but I’ll also have to do part of my commute in a 55 mph zone. I started looking at bikes in the 125-234cc class. The rebel and night hawk primarily. I liked them cause they were light, good on gas, and easy to manuveur. After doing some reading it seems they are hard to get up to highway speed and very unstable when they do. So then i started looking at the kawasaki vulcan 500. it has enough power, but a longer wheel base that cuts into manuverability. I don’t what direction i should be looking now. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
September 24, 2009 at 4:14 am #22496owlieParticipantHave you sat on any of the bikes or taken the MSF class?
Be sure to do both before you make a decision. A little time riding will make a more educated decision about which bike is appropriate for you, from a personal fit standpoint. Also, the skills taught in the MSF class are invaluable when you get your first bike.
Unless you really know the difference, I don’t think that you’ll notice the lack of maneuverability from the longer wheel base in the Vulcan 500.
Also, you might get some feed back from people who own the smaller bikes and haven’t found excuses to move to something larger. The Rebel in particular has a loyal following and I think that they might argue about the bikes being “very unstable” at highway speeds.
September 24, 2009 at 4:38 am #22497Bob HarleyParticipantBuying a bike is largely a personal choice of both style and needs.
What exactly are you looking for? What do like or dislike and how many different bikes have you had the chance to sit on or actually ride? I’m certain if you give a little more info other web members here can point you the right direction.
September 24, 2009 at 2:42 pm #22502adam_el_pasoParticipantWhen i take my basic rider’s course on october 3rd it will be my first time on a motorcycle. I basically looking for something to commute to work on. I’m going to school when i retire from the army in 2 years so I need to get it right the 1st time, as I won’t have the funds to up-grade after I’m out.
September 24, 2009 at 11:49 pm #22512MunchParticipantThe Vulcan 500’s wheel length isn’t really all that long. The thing can handle with the best of the smaller bikes and give you more then enough umph for anything your planning on using it for.
Get the MSF out of the way first then start butt testing things.September 25, 2009 at 12:51 am #22516Jon D.ParticipantBecause of your upgrade potential being pretty much out… the Kawasaki Vulcan would be a very good choice. I would also suggest either the Suzuki S40 or S50. Both of these bikes offer standard controls and a low center of gravity. the Kawasaki’s center of gravity is higher than a cruiser. Any of these choices will allow saddlebags, windshields, and other upgrades to make it your own. They will also allow you to hit the open road at some point as you attain the skills and increase your experience. You WILL NOT outgrow any of these choices in a season and each one will give you many years of great riding. I realize that this goes against a lot of the advice given on this forum, however, each person ( I feel ) needs an approach that will work for them. This is just a suggestion and many others will give their ideas on the best approach that they feel will work for you. Hope this helps, Ride safe and God bless, Jon D.
September 25, 2009 at 3:07 am #22520owlieParticipantJon’s suggestion to start with a larger bike is not necessarily bad, but I will point out two things:
1) beginner bikes that are bought used typically retain their resale value fairly well. So if you choose to upgrade in a year or so, you shouldn’t be out too much. Around here, you can find recent models (last 3-4 years) for between 3K and 4K.
2) I did start with an S40. While it has a larger engine, it is lighter and has less power than the Vulcan 500 due to being a single cylinder. That said, it is still alot of bike and learning to ride it has been a challenge. I don’t know that I would get it as my first bike if I was to do it over again.
Whatever bike you get, you need to take the time to learn how to ride it correctly. With larger bikes, it is especially important that you learn where the friction zone is and how to use it.
In the end, after you take the MSF class and sit on some bikes, you will have a better understanding of what you are comfortable with, both risk wise and ergonomically.
September 25, 2009 at 9:29 pm #22528adam_el_pasoParticipantOkay. so are there any 125-250cc cruisers that do well at 55 mph? thats as fast as it needs to go. I’m not going on the interstate on 2 wheels.
September 25, 2009 at 10:21 pm #22530Jon D.ParticipantThere are quite a few bikes in that zone that will do 55mph. The home page of this forum reviews quite a few of the bikes in the 125-250cc range. Since you seem to be set on “local only” riding, any of these bikes will do. Keep in mind, as your skill sets develop, your primary reason for riding may also change. That is why I pointed out the Suzuki’s. Buy once, and ride for several years. Since you don’t foresee any change will take place, I personally like the Kawasaki Eliminator. It is a pretty bike that has some size to it. Never was too big on the rebel…..The S40 rode a lot like the Eliminator I felt ,but then again, I’ve been on the back of bikes since 1984. When all is said and done, you will have had an opportunity to ride a bike at MSF. Afterwards, go take a seat on several models and choose the one that is most comfortable. If you are reaching for controls or the ground, it is the wrong bike. The final choice is yours and we all hope that you enjoy joining the rest of us on 2-wheelers. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.
September 27, 2009 at 3:44 am #22544zgotzillaParticipantDespirte being 5’11” and 200lbs, my first bike was a 234cc Rebel. I have now purchased a 1300 V-Star, which I love, but: the Rebel or a cycle in the lower level cc class will retain value, give you confidence, keep insurance costs low, rrepair costs low, gas costs low, and be a safe springboard to larger cycles as experience is gained. If I had started on a larger cycle (and I certainly was tempted to do so) my brain tells my ego an ambulance ride would have been involved in short order.
September 28, 2009 at 12:00 am #22548adam_el_pasoParticipantSo far I’ve found a ’96 rebel and an ’05 Ninja 250. Both are $1,500. If the rebel is in good shape I might go with that. So far I’m sticking to craig’s list. I’ll check out some dealerships after my course.
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