[CityHunter357]

Hello all,

I’m a 36yr old resident of North Dallas looking to start riding to help save on gas and engage in a new enjoyable hobby. I’ve been reading a lot of content on this site the last few days and finally decided to throw my hat (don’t own a helmet yet) into the ring. I moved to TX a couple of years ago, had lived in the Bay Area in Martinez, CA for about 30 years before that. I find TX roads a little more roomy than in CA so I’m much more comfortable picking up motorcycle riding here than there. That’s not to say there is a shortage of inattentive and inconsiderate drivers in TX, if fact, I think there are more here than in CA!
I signed up for my MSF class later this month and will probably buy a bike shortly thereafter. I’ve read a LOT of content here about 250 vs 500 or 600cc. Fortunately, I’m tied down by a number of factors: skill level (0 right now), style I prefer (cruisers all the way!), and of course…budget, budget, BUDGET!
At the moment, I’m looking at three models for a future purchase (although I’m willing to listen to suggestions by fellow members here): Honda Rebel, Honda Nighthawk and Yamaha Virago (V-Star 250). I hope to learn a lot from Ben and the other members.

[ShannonG]

Welcome – I’m the same age as you and wanted a motorcycle since I was 16. Trust me – it IS everything you imagine it to be!

[CityHunter357]

Hope so. I’ll need lots of practice. I just hope the chicks will think my dinky 250 trainer will be kinda cool! J/K
–“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”

[ShannonG]

Trust me – chicks will dig it! Non-motorcyclists are an easy lot to impress. Most of my friends/family’s reaction to my GS500f was “Oh my God!!! It’s a crotch rocket!!”

[canstaett]

It’s the coolest, riding down the road and passing another biker who gives you the little wave- left hand out to the side- you’re one of them, just becasue you’ve got a bike.

On the size- unless your budget is very tight- and you’re very short- don’t go for the v-star 250. You’ll probably ride something similar in the MSF and see why. I’m 5’8″ and the Virago (the V-star’s old name) made me feel cramped. I sat on my S40 before I bought it and even just sitting on the sidewalk it felt so much better. And fyi- the S40- a 650- is totally doable as a first bike- and comes in under 5000 brand new. I lucked out and found a gently used one with accessories and got out for under 6000- bike, tax/tag/title, and full gear- with a shoei helmet.

Happy riding!

[jackson]

I’ve wanted to ride since I took the training wheel off of my bike and finally at 31 have my motorcycle. I’d recommend waiting until after your class to shop. I had a completely different perception after than before. Your also very likely to be riding one of your options during the class.

[CityHunter357]

Thanks for the input, guys! I can’t wait for the class now. Went out and got some gloves yesterday, my first gear purchase…Alpinestars all leather gloves with carbon fiber knuckle guards.

–“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”

[ScottyJ]

Hey hunter, I’m in north Dallas too and I’m taking the class the weekend of June 21st/22nd. Is that when you’re taking it? I’m taking the RiderCourse one off Valwood in Carrollton. It would be quite a coincidence if we were in the same class.

[uncle_bernie]

My wife is a violin teacher, I ride a Suzuki, the obvious jokes do not apply. As canstaett said above, the S40 is a very doable, and nice first bike. I found no trouble transitioning from getting reacquainted with riding on a 250 in the MSF course to riding the S40. There was a bit of trepidation when I first rode with actual cars around me but the bike wasn’t the intimidating factor in that scenario.

~He who laughs last didn’t get the joke…

[Author]

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