[wishpool]

I’d go with the Buell myself but that’s just my opinion. I’ve come close to buying one now on several occasions.

[wishpool]

It’s unfortunate there’s an all-too-small market for dual sports these days. The used market’s not exactly brimming with them. There’s not much in the way of direct competition for the DR-Z400SM either. KTM makes a nice SM but they’re very expensive.

[wishpool]

I’d do a search for each bike at youtube. There’s videos of people riding pretty much anything. Then it’s just a matter of watching and pausing to see how upright the seating is.

Also, have you looked at the Buell Blast at all? Good beginner friendly standard that can be found at a good price.

[wishpool]

Here it’s $125 for the BRC through the local community colleges. $225 if you want to take it through a HD dealership’s Rider’s Edge.

[wishpool]

I started with a Shoei and then had to replace it later. My 2nd and current helmet is a Scorpion 400 series. I gotta say, it was less than half the price of the Shoei and a way better helmet. Never fogs, has great ventilation, and is much more comfortable. They’re definitely worth looking into. I know I’ll be going back to them.

http://www.scorpionusa.com/home.html

[wishpool]

There’s a ton of different theorys out there on how to break in a motorcycle. I’d suggest following the owner’s manual. I figure those guys must know a little something about the bike

[wishpool]

The factory lowering option for Suzuki dual sports is for the DR650SE. I had it done and it didn’t cost very much. Took the seat down 1.6″. (I’m 5’9″) If that’s not enough there’s a gel seat available that’ll take the height down another 1.5″. I think the gel seats are available for most of the DR/DRZ series but I hear bad things about the comfort of the Suzuki gel seats. As far as I know that’s the only factory options for the Suzuki dual sports. I gotta say, I love my 650 and I’m a new rider as well. I can’t say enough good things about it. Except perhaps it’s lack of storage capacity. Only options are a rack bag or backpack or both. Hope this helps….

[wishpool]

Harley dealerships seem to vary greatly depending on how much local competition they have. Some charge way over MSRP due to lack of competition and seem as though they won’t budge. Some start at MSRP and can be worked down. But they can all be negotiated with. Just depends on how much of a tool your salesman is.

If it’s a Sportster you’re looking for I’d go the used private seller route. The used market’s very flooded with Sportsters for sale.

[wishpool]

Maybe consider something like a Suzuki S40 for your 1st season? It’s huge single has kind of a personality to it that I like.

[wishpool]

Congrats on your decision. It’s a great time anyway you look at it. Take care and be safe

[wishpool]

In regard to your question about 650cc single-cylinders, I bought a Suzuki DR650SE dual sport as my 1st bike. It’s a 650cc single with the bike weighing 324 lbs dry. I had it lowered at the dealership 1.5 inches so I could flat-foot it (I’m 5’9″).

It’s been a great bike to learn on and the power’s very manageable. A lot of fun to fling around. Depending on your comfort with the height of the bike, any of the Suzuki DR series bikes would make good 1st bikes. (DR-Z400S, DR-Z400SM, DR200SE, DR650SE) They all handle great and have manageable power. Plus if you drop them at low speeds there’s typically not much visible damage if any.

Alternatively, The S40 (Formerly Savage) is a good starter bike. Especially for those just starting off who like cruisers and plan to spend a lot of time on the highway. The displacement of the S40 is more suited to maintain highway speeds for long durations than a 250cc cruiser. For you I’d also recommend maybe looking into the Buell Blast. They’re great little urban bikes and have all the cool Buell features like the underslung exhause and belt-driven.

Ultimately, you need to visit lots of dealerships and sit on a lot of bikes. Find something with beginner-manageable power that fits like a glove. A bike won’t do you any good if you get scared when thinking about getting on it for a ride.

[wishpool]

If you’re dead set on ABS there are a couple beginner friendly bikes out there on the market with it as an option. Very few though. (Suzuki SV560 or BMW G 650 Xcountry) They’re bigger displacement and more expensive. Perhaps more than most sane people would ever want to spend on their 1st bike. Depending on what your speed is on the highways you travel you may want something slightly bigger than a 250 cruiser anyhow. Just a thought.

[wishpool]

Took the MSF class about a month ago. Been riding just 2 weeks.

[wishpool]

I suppose they have hinges on them for a reason

[wishpool]

Congratulations on a gorgeous bike!

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