[homeyjosey]

Hello,
This is actually my first day of actually taking time to do look into beginner bikes…I still havent finished my classes yet…but I was wondering what everyone thinks is better. I think im making my decision on the honda rebel, kawaski vulcan, and the yamaha virago…I am 5’8″ at 160lbs….i like the vulcan for power but is that really necessary? i want to be able to be safe and learn with the 250 but I dont want to get bored and want a new bike soon after….I like the virago’s look but is 250 too little? and honda rebel is just there to be in the mix….what’s your input?….thank you

[Munch]

That’s really going to depend on your comfort and your need of use. Around town and cautious… go with the 250’s . The rebel is a renowned best beginner cruiser. The Vulcan is excellent to ( I am biased that’s what I started with) and is good especially if you need that extra highway security. Personally don’t know much about the Virago.

[RidleytheRed]

I don’t know about a virago, but I started with my XJ650 Maxim and she’s been a good bike. I’m not saying that’s what you should start with, but I’ve become rather fond of Yamaha.

[ronkore]

from what I’ve heard

The cruisers have a more forgiving powerband, so starting on a 600 isn’t as bad on a cruiser as it would be on a sport. Though the weight factor does come into play, I’ve had some close calls at low speed on my ninja 250, which probably would’ve been drops if it were 100lbs heavier. If you’re worried about getting bored look into a 500 or 600 but definitely consider the weight difference

[homeyjosey]

so i just got a little sad…..

….I was really about to decide what cruiser i wanted…the kawasaki vulcan…the only problem is i just found out its not offered in Cali…..I’ve decided that I want a 500cc….is there any other cruiser other than the vulcan that is 500cc? if not my friend has a 07 suzuki gs500….Im not all that into the sport bikes…but do you think i should compromise and get it (since i probably will have a difficult time in finding a vulcan)as it’ll be my 1st bike? thank you

[Munch]

Can try the Vstar 650…. not going to e too much of a leap from the V500

[homeyjosey]

ok…im considering the vstar 650….now the 650 is about 100lbs more…how much of a difference/trouble is it going to be as my first bike with minimal experience thank you

[Munch]

The 100 lbs will be a minimal addition… especially since your starting out on the same level of experience either way. A friend at work is starting on one and he was surprised how manageable it is. It’s still a fairly short bike…meaning in total length which lends itself to being agile in parking lots and slow maneuvers. Which you will want to acquaint yourself with as much as possible. The center of gravity is low and well balanced. Try and locate one and see how you like it.

[briderdt]

Another 650, but a single.

[davidmdahl]

Curb/wet weights:

VStar 250 324 lbs
Suzuki S40 381 lbs
Vulcan 500 472 lbs
VStar 650 540 lbs

The S40 does not weigh much more than a VStar 250, and is almost 100 lbs less than the Vulcan 500.

Best wishes,

David

[cgw]

Just before I took the class, I rode my friends 750 cruser around his back yard. At the time I had esentially no experience. It is more than I really want to have but I could ride it. (I’m 5-10, 165) I know I do not want a cruiser but if I did, I would get a 650. The 250 cruisers are IMO too small. (I say that, knowing that there is a good chance I may get a 250 non-cruiser)

[BuddhaDog]

I would also recommend the Suzuki S40 (Savage). i just got my learners in March and purchased a 2001 Savage as my first bike. Weight is just a bit more than a Rebel, a little longer wheelbase; with the 650 single, though, it pumps out more torque and a little more horsepower. Lean chopper style that I was looking for. Compared to the V-Star 650, it’s has a greater power/weight ratio. I looked at many 250s, especially the Virago (sweet little bike), but after seeing what 250s could & couldn’t do at the BRC, I opted for something with more giddy-up. My town has some obscenely large multi-lane intersections; I wanted to be able to get going without having a cage on my rear the whole time. Some people almost run over me when I’m in my Jeep!

[Dagger]

I started out on a V-Star 650.. I’m 6’1, 185lbs and didn’t have any trouble with it weight wise.. Also it took me a while to grow out of. I think if I had gone with a smaller bike I would have had to move up to the 650 fairly quick.. It has a nice look to it but as far as cruisers go, is pretty nimble in traffic.If you’re fairly comfortable riding I highly suggest it.. The things to look out for are seat heights when it comes to cruisers.. The Savage sat a bit too low for me.. The Honda Shadow was a better fit.. And the V-Star was just right.. Well.. I did have to put forward control extensions on it for my long legs but the seat height was perfect. The best thing to do is get on them and see what feels bet for you.. IMO as long as you stay under 650 I’d just find the bike that fits your body the best.

[Author]

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