[Jon D.]

I would hate to be in your shoes right now, both are great bikes. Recently rode a buddy’s S50 and although I am not a cruiser fan, it was a neat ride. +1 to Elwood, have a seat and the one that feels best will probably be the most enjoyable. Good luck and have fun. Jon D.

[Jon D.]

Kawasaki KLX250SF, has a 33.9 inch seat height etc. ,the only downfall is I haven’t read where anyone enjoys long trips riding these. Your inseam is probably like mine at 36 inches give or take, so I understand the comfort/crowded issue. Back in my time we had the old Suzuki GS 450, Yamaha XS 400, and others to choose from. Pickens are a little slimmer now. If you could find one of these older bikes in good repair, it would make a great starter and fulfill your needs at this time. They are out there, just gotta look. Check out bike shops vs. dealers. I am sure others will have better insight than I on this one. Good luck,Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.

[Jon D.]

Just another suggestion for a bike, it has standard controls and the V-twin will be plenty capable of pulling the hills. I would also say that because it does have some weight to it, the Semi’s that pass won’t be blowing you off the road. The bike avg’s 51mpg and with an engine guard would allow for some highway pegs and they look nice with a windshield. Also has the reliability of a decades old design and most of the problems encountered are easy fixes ( squeaky front brake being the biggest ) . Take care and God bless. Jon D. There is also a very nice review on this site about the bike.

[Jon D.]

I can not stress this enough… do the research. The earlier Buells had their gremlins, so read the reviews,forums, and anything else you can find to allow for an informed decision. Any bike you choose will also be tread tired with as much riding as you plan to do. So in my opinion , it would not hurt to check out high mileage tires for bikes, not something I have given much thought to. I used Metzler’s back in the day and have had great wear out of them, still only good for about a year. Your physical dimensions will also play a big part in the choice. With the length of the transit to and from work, you will need to be comfortable. Just make sure to take everything into consideration, not just the fuel mileage. If you dislike the bike, 100 mpg really becomes a moot point. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.

[Jon D.]

Interesting question, surprising findings. I looked at the traditional manufacturers and found a few over 250cc’s that were in the 60+ range. Then took a look at what Buell had to offer and was quite surprised. The Buell Blast gets great mileage with 491cc’s to get the job done.There were others that may fit your profile better that were as comparative. I would say it would be worth a look to go to their site and chk it out for a few minutes. Other than my quick look, I can’t really answer your query any better, hope this helps. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.

[Jon D.]

Welcome to this site, and hope you find the info you are looking for. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.

[Jon D.]

The FZ6R has a seat height of 30.9 inches, so not really a short bike. Yamaha also re-tuned and redesigned the powerplant vs. the FZ6, which gave it a milder manner in comparison. Beautiful bike but now carries the looks of a crotch rocket without the attitude. Probably make someone a very fine intermediate bike. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.

[Jon D.]

Take a look at some of the motorcycle reviews on this sight. Some of the dual sports might be something to take into consideration as well. Do not let your buds push you into a decision, if you get bored within a few months, no big deal. Buy used if you are afraid of out-growing a bike too soon, you may then use the money saved to upgrade. Riding 2-up is down the road a little ways until you can get in some good saddle time. Take a little time to make the best choice for YOU, it is your buttocks on the bike. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.

[Jon D.]

I can see where you are coming from, might I recommend the Suzuki dr-z400m. to start off or something similar. Sport bikes are not very forgiving to a beginner,get some saddle time first. I think you will like honing your skills prior to purchasing a hotter bike. Although there are smaller cc sportbikes out there besides the ninja ,you have really narrowed your choices. The 500 vulcan or some of the other cruisers or standards would make a fine first bike. Keep in mind that your first bike will not be your last and opening up your horizons at this point will pay off in the long run. Whatever you decide is fine by me, this is just an opinion and hopefully helpful. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.

[Jon D.]

The shift lever can be adjusted by a tooth or so if you need it, just make sure that you can comfortably place your foot on top to downshift. Your ankle is not accustomed to the stretching exercise that you are asking it to do right now, but will loosen up over time and you won’t give it a second thought. I would say give it a week of riding time prior to making adjustments. Motorcycles are pretty generic in the lever settings. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.

[Jon D.]

I remember those rides. Love my truck! Anyway, I believe that some Rain X will help with your water issue. Only drawback is everything has to be dry when applied. Time in the saddle is the best teacher and it sounds to me that you have learned and retained those quite well, even having the gear on hand for inclement weather was something I learned the hard way. Congrats on the ride and Glad that your mattress will have company tonight. Can’t think of a better way to end the day. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.

[Jon D.]

My 2 cents would say the Suzuki boulevard S40 would suit your needs for now. Uncle Bernie has a very nice article on it’s bigger brother the S50 that is great reading. The Vulcan 500 is an upgraded version of the 454 LTD and I will tell you from experience it is a great motorcycle, but I don’t think it will be as forgiving as the S40. Your call, my opinion only. Ride safe and God bless Jon D.

[Jon D.]

Well, been riding for 20+ yrs now, had a bike as my sole mode of transport for 3 of those years. I guess as time goes by fit and feel are more important than cc’s or looks. I actually was lookin’ for a bike when I started searching again,not a cruiser or crotch rocket, just a bike. The Yamaha FZ6 suits my needs so I guess that is my current upgrade. I am 5’11’ at 150lbs (36″ inseam) so a little tall and light is perfect for me. Time marches on. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.

[Jon D.]

Hi Brittney, welcome to the site. I am sure that as you peruse the postings you will find a lot of great information. I have ridden since the early 80’s and have found this sight to be very informative with a lot of people that will offer good suggestions/answers to questions you might have,so don’t be afraid to ask. Enjoy your bike,Ride safe and God bless. Jon D.

[Jon D.]

I second Elwood1960… take the class first. Some cruisers to chk out could be the Kawasaki Eliminator 125,Honda Rebel 250, Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD, Yamaha V-Star custom, classic,and silverado, ( all 650 cc bikes, so they are kinda big), Yamaha v-star 250, and the Suzuki Boulevard s40 ( 650 cc single thumper that is very docile) . You are shopping around right now so take advantage of the web, and sit on them while at the showroom. The MSF course will tell you more about yourself and what you might want to take on after passing. Please do not purchase a bike prior to the class. You might give up on the joy of riding by picking the wrong bike to build your skills on. Ride safe and God bless. Jon D. P.S. Day dreaming about the day you get your first bike is pretty cool, plus it will give you time to do some research prior to purchase.

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