[Anonymous]

I well understand the <600 rule of thumb, but I also want to make sure I get something that I don't outgrow in 12 months.

In addition to the boulevard S-40 and Vulcan 500, I am curious about the shadow 750 and the vulcan 750 as options for a newbie. IG lists them as “beginner friendly”. I’m curious of anybody has any first-hand experience with either of these bikes.

[Sangria7]

I think a lot of people will say that a 750 for a beginner bike is not optimal due to many factors said in the forums.

I wanted to get a 600cc bike at first because of fear of outgrowing it. But as pointed out to me, the 250cc’s hold almost all their resale value due to their high demand.

The 250 allows easier handling, reaction time, and overall learning experience that a 750 might not afford you when learning. Saying that, only you can really make the final choice on what you are comfortable with. I sat on both a 600 and 250 and I must agree with everyone that the 250 allowed for more room for error. Personally, I’d rather learn on the 250 first than to kill myself on a 600. I can always resell my 250, I can never regain a missing body part or my life back.

[TheAbomb12]

honestly, I don’t think the <600cc rule of thumb should work the same way with Cruisers. Cruiser engines are different than sport bikes, and they are generally heavier and not designed for speed. And while others on here may disagree with me, I Don't think its a terrible choice to pick up a 750 cruiser (although I would not advise someone impulsively buying one). Personally, If I were to get a cruiser for a first bike, I wouldn't get anything under 500. Reason being, 250 cruisers would have a lot more trouble of the freeways than a Ninja 250.

With that said, I would advise you not to spend too much on your first bike;

also, Cruisers are heavy, and a lighter more nimbler bike will reduce the chances of you dropping it or getting into a low speed crash because you’re not used to the weight. So in that regard, lighter IS better.

Just make sure you make the right decision for yourself.

[smokeizfire]

read this link:

http://www.oldguy.us/easy-riding/bg-first-bike.php

See, 750s are ok in the cruiser market. Good ol Elwood(another member here) started out on a 883 harley. So did a friend of mine. This website may disagree with starting out that big on any bike. Here’s my opinion. If you know yourself and remain honest with yourself about yourself. How fast of a learner am I? Do I like to push things to the limit? Do I exert over -confidence in things I get good at? Or, do I remain a student always willing to learn and get better? If you answered the questions accordingly, you may be ready to learn on the “biggest you should go” as a beginner. If you answered any of those questions afoul, in my opinion you should start at a 250 or 500(no bigger, depending on your size)

HE WHO DIES WITH THE MOST TOYS WINS

[CityHunter357]

I got a Honda Shadow 750 Aero for my first bike. I took my time between finishing the MSF class and getting out into real world traffic (3 – 4 weeks riding around the neighborhood) to get comfortable. Now it’s second nature. I enjoy my 40 mile daily commute and the 53 mpg is wonderful. It’s not the bike that’s dangerous, it’s the rider. If you have a level head and take the time to get comfortable with the machine, I don’t see why a mid size cruiser like a V-twin 750 shoudn’t be an option for you.

–“You don’t get to be old bein’ no foo, see? Lotta young wise men that’s deaaad as a motha!#@% ain’t they?– Richard Pryor as “Mudbone”

[Amoryl]

with cruisers the issue isn’t so much with the speed, like you said, but with the weight. and generally you can fudge more with the cc’s so long as you can handle the weight difference. the good thing about those lil 250cc cruisers is that they’re much lighter than their bigger brothers, and as many people say that the seating position on the cruiser already puts people at a disadvantage in slow speed turns and such to begin with, having a lighter bike that you don’t have to wrestle around a turn is a good thing.

personally I’d say if you don’t do the 250, then stick to either the 500 or the 650 tops, 750’s are really starting to get heavy. remember if you forget the kickstand, or any number of things, it’s enough of a hit to your ego to have to pick it back up, it’s even worse to have to get someone to come over and help you lift your bike up, because it’s 600lbs

[Sangria7]

Agreed. Ultimately, in the end, its all about the rider and what the rider is able to be comfortable with

[smokeizfire]

Man. I really love those bikes. The Shadow Aero is the business. It was absolutely going to be my next choice ………until I saw this………

http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/products/modelimagelib/618/1/1/0/image.aspx

Yep, the V Star 950. Definite competition for Kawaski’s 900. Look out!

HE WHO DIES WITH THE MOST TOYS WINS

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