[jtpublic]

I’ve recently finished my motorcycle safety course. I have passed my test and have it endoresed on my license. During the 3 day course was the first ever time i’ve ridden a bike. I enjoyed it and now i’m wanting your opinion on which bike to buy.
My size:
5’6″ 220 lbs
i’m short but stocky guy.

Should I go with:

Suzuki Savage 650
Not too big and a lot of power
Kawasaki Vulcan 500
Physically bigger but less power
Honda Rebel 250
smaller and less power

[Gary856]

I thought the Vulcan 500, being a twin, had more power than the single cylinder Savage 650, which is supposed to be pretty tame.

[madjak30]

Suzuki Savage LS650…30Hp ~ 30Lb/ft TQ

Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD…46Hp ~ 35Lb/ft TQ

I think the op was going by the cc’s as a measure of power…the other difference, the single (Savage) will run out of power when the revs go up, where the twin (Vulcan) will gain power with rpm.

Plus, IMHO, the Vulcan is a nicer looking bike…I think someone on here started out on a Vulcan 500 and is now on a Vulcan 900…Munch maybe?…not sure…I would think the twin would be a smoother engine than the single as well…just a guess though…owlie rides a S40 (Savage)…

I think any of them would be a good choice, but if you will be doing any hiway riding the Rebel might be a little small for the task…but if you are in the city 95%, the Rebel might be a better choice…they are a blast up to around 80kph (50mph) and quite “zippy”, after that they don’t have much left…but the fuel economy can’t be beat on the Rebel…

Later.

[TrialsRider]

If you are planning to do any of your own service work you can’t beat a large displacement single for easy to work on, you will never tire of the exhaust note …and if you ever want to upgrade from that chopper look, RYCA has an incredible conversion offering

[Eddiepowerfm]

Like you I had never rode a motorcycle until I took the class. I wanted something to commute on when gas was $4. I was told to commute on Dallas freeways I would need 500 cc’s or more.

I ended up choosing the Vulcan 500. It is a great little bike. I am 5’5″ 167lbs. For a little person only driving in the country a Rebel might work but between the 3 bikes you mentioned, no contest. Get the Vulcan 500.

I sometime wish I went even bigger like a Shadow 750, but the 500 will be a fine starter bike for you.

[Munch]

…..” IMHO, the Vulcan is a nicer looking bike…I think someone on here started out on a Vulcan 500 and is now on a Vulcan 900…Munch maybe?…not sure…I would think the twin would be a smoother engine than the single as well…just a guess though…owlie rides a S40 (Savage)”…

You are correct sir it was me. The 500 will be more then what you need it for. The only reason really that I upgraded was due to passengers (though it can 2 up decently) and the need for more luggage capacity. Otherwise that 500 ( which shares the same ninja 500 engine) will be as much as you ever will reasonably need. In the time I had mine I easily hit triple digits with it …. by mistake on some emergency passing and once just ’cause. They are light weight, very very agile and just straight up fun to ride. I have not been on the S40 but some common complaints you here are some due to lack of power… others are based off the nickname… a thumper. As far as ease of work The V500 offers the same flexability a thumper does since it is a parallel twin. Plenty of room for tinkering. Here in NC there is a V500 owners group and a few even have them still over 100k miles on the dial. Hows that for reliability?!

[briderdt]

If I had 5-G’s burning a hole in my pocket, I’d pick one up (a used S-40 and a kit). One of my must-have bikes.

[Author]

Posts