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I never see anyone fully geared up on a small scooter. I can understand it. It can be a real pain in the butt. I’m guilty of riding without armored pants sometimes but that’s about it.

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Neither one is safer for a beginner. Take the MSF course and test ride a couple different bikes and choose the one that feels right to you.

[shaggles]

“is this some kinda crazy “real men/women have huge bikes” kinda mentality…?”

Yes. That’s exactly what it is. I ride my Virago 250 on the freeway all the time at speeds up to 80 mph. Anyone who says a 650 cc cruiser can’t do more then 50 mph is full of it.

[shaggles]

That’s good to know because I’ve been filling my tank right up to the cap. I guess I should stop doing that.

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I always get a wave from the guys on the big cruisers even though they’re wearing a jean jacket with the sleeves cut off and a beanie helmet while I’m wearing a full face helmet, armoured pants and jacket and riding my little Virago 250. Motorcyclists seems to be generally pretty cool and not all that concerned about somebody elses appearance.

That being said most of the websites that sell mc gear have a cruiser section. Can’t say I see a lot of difference in some of the stuff but they do tend to have those beanie helmets, fingerless gloves and chaps.

[shaggles]

I’m not sure if that’s a good deal or not on that bike. If it is you could probably sell it and break even if you’re worried about it.

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That would be very tempting. I wonder why it’s so cheap though?

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I do shift all the way down in a quick stop and I don’t release the clutch between each shift. Just hold it in the whole time. In MSF class they told us we should shift down into first because if there’s a car coming up behind you that isn’t stopping and you need to get moving again quickly you’ll stall your engine if you’re in a higher gear.

[shaggles]

That TW200 looks like a fun little bike. They also get killer gas mileage (close to 80 mpg.) Just don’t plan on taking it on the freeway.

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The dealer might be able to get you in to a class even if it’s “full”. Of course they may not want to if you’re going to ask for your deposit back.

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Personally I’d go for the Blast.

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The Eliminator might be a little harder to sell than a 250. I don’t know really. 120 miles isn’t all that far to ride home. It might be kind of fun actually.

[shaggles]

Here’s a comparison of a few 250cc cruisers including the Rebel and the Virago (the old name for the VStar.) Sounds like they think the Virago is a little better bike.

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/roadtests/250cc_cruiser_comparison/index.html

[shaggles]

Congrats on the bike. Sounds like you got a good deal.

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I have some Chillis that I wore the first couple rides but they don’t fit under the helmet that well. I also noticed a kind of prism effect when I wore them with my face shield closed. I assumed this was because both are polarized. I stopped wearing them after that and I’m trying to track down a tinted face shield but even the clear shield helps cut the glare.

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