[canstaett]

As already said- you have to think about not getting that death grip. I went and got a palm rest for my throttle (like 13 bucks) and it helps a LOT. I’ve also found that it makes it easier to get the throttle control down because you don’t have the roll your whole hand, just rest your palm on it and press gently. Like anything else- take it out and practice beofre you get on the road with it.

Of course there are time when you can’t help the death grip- the stupid 30 mph winds we get down here that come out of nowhere and smack you from one side kind of necessitates a little bit of a death grip, at least for a newbie. But the palm rest allows you to realx your hand once it calms without having to stop and shake out the cramp.

[canstaett]

This site is all kinds of helpful. At 5’9”- don’t get a 250 unless you really like the Honda. I’m 5’8” and felt cramped on the 250 at the MSF- I ended up buying a 650 (suzuki S40) and love it. It’s definintely not too much and will handle speed without any trouble.

[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!

[Author]

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