[take5b]

Hi all,
Just found your site, looks great!

My name’s Mike and I’ve always wanted to ride and have finally decided to do it.

I took the MSF course in the fall and got my license but that’s the only riding I’ve ever done so I’m VERY noob.

I’m in New Jersey so street and basic highway riding is what I’m after. I’m 31, 5’10”, about 220lbs. I prefer the cruiser and traditional style of bikes so I need to find something in that ilk that is suited to beginner. Am reading reviews and descriptions here and considering one of the Hondas or Vulcans maybe…

I’m in Jersey and I have a few days off this week so I plan on visiting some of the local dealers. Any recommendations are certainly welcome.

[Munch]

Welcome and grats, look to Vulcan 5oo, V-star 650, Honda Rebel and some others.

[Eddiepowerfm]

Glad you took the course. I took it in July and had never ridden any more than a mini bike on the beach. Other than riding a bicycle which is one of my hobbies. I bought the Vulcan 500 and I love it. I wanted to get something way affordable like the Honda Rebel but was advised by many that I would not be wise to highway commute on something that small. So I ended up with the Vulcan 500, pleanty of power, light weight, comfortable seat position, great mpg, and affordable. The chain is messy though, I know the V-Star is a shaft drive but cost more.

Feel free to message any questions specific to the Vulcan 500.

[LanceD]

Welcome!

I took the BRT course in mid March and got a Triumph Speedmaster about a week later. I’m about the same size / weight as you and it fits like a glove. I’ve got about 800 miles on it so far and am getting more comfortable with it every day (just did a 200 mile ride with the local Triumph rider’s group this weekend).

Good luck with the shopping / buying adventure. Keep us posted on what you end up with.

[take5b]

Thanks for the warm welcome, all.

LanceD, the Triumph engine is bigger than what is recommended for a beginner here. Did you not find that to be an issue, or something you quickly got over?

[LanceD]

Yes, it’s more engine than is recommended here. BUT it has less torque/HP than the sv650 which IS recommended here. There’s a big difference between an 800cc sport bike and an 800cc cruiser. It’s actually considered a mid-size cruiser. Some people believe the weight (500lbs dry) is too much for a noob. Frankly, yes, the weight is an issue, but only if you don’t do enough low speed practice and get to know your bike. Knowing how to use your clutch, throttle and rear break @ parking lot speeds goes a long way to erasing the weight issue. I sometimes even pull off into a parking lot in the middle of a ride to take a break and practice emergency stops, figure-8s, u-turns, etc…

I got it against the advice of this site because everyone I’d talked to who had it as a first bike LOVED IT (even the ones who were in the process of learning). I think a good way to find out about an experience is to ask people who are actively going through the experience.

Hope this helped..
Lance

[take5b]

Lance,
Yes that does help, thank you very much.

I plan on visiting a dealership tomorrow…

[Author]

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