Looking for my first motorcycle - thoughts?

[pvsampson]

Over here these things are everywhere....





I always got around them as quick as possible so power is essential,in my opinion.OP what was the largest capacity you have ridden??You seem to be interested in a cruiser....personally I would not consider anything less than a 750,because when the time comes and you need those extra cc,you'll be glad to have them.

When you are on the road on a bike,it is like there is a magnet on the bike that attracts every idiot on the road to do stupid things right in front of you.

Post some pics when you get one,and stay upright!

[MadJasper]

Alright, spent quite a bit of time today looking around - making calls. I made an offer for the Vstar 650 but the dealer never called back so screw him. I don't know if it's just my location or what, but I'm not finding much in the way of used bikes that are accessible without a huge amount of trouble. In addition, manufacturer finance rates are a lot better than used or signature loan rates so I'm leaning towards a new bike unless I find a great used one for 2k or thereabouts. But again, not much luck in that area for the last couple of weeks.

The guy not calling back today - that dealer is done. If he didn't like the offer, he could have made a counter offer or just said no. I had contacted most dealers in a 100 mile radius, but left one out. I ran up there this afternoon (30 miles or so) and he had a beautiful red 2012 Shadow Aero. Walking out the door price is $7990 (taxes, fees, registration, tag, etc.) I am tempted.

[danno25nh]

Alright, spent quite a bit of time today looking around - making calls. I made an offer for the Vstar 650 but the dealer never called back so screw him. I don't know if it's just my location or what, but I'm not finding much in the way of used bikes that are accessible without a huge amount of trouble. In addition, manufacturer finance rates are a lot better than used or signature loan rates so I'm leaning towards a new bike unless I find a great used one for 2k or thereabouts. But again, not much luck in that area for the last couple of weeks.

The guy not calling back today - that dealer is done. If he didn't like the offer, he could have made a counter offer or just said no. I had contacted most dealers in a 100 mile radius, but left one out. I ran up there this afternoon (30 miles or so) and he had a beautiful red 2012 Shadow Aero. Walking out the door price is $7990 (taxes, fees, registration, tag, etc.) I am tempted.

Where are you located? If you're in the northeast head to Motorcycles of Manchester (NH). I've purchased 3 bikes from them. Great service, huge selection, and they let you test ride.

[MadJasper]

Where are you located? If you're in the northeast head to Motorcycles of Manchester (NH). I've purchased 3 bikes from them. Great service, huge selection, and they let you test ride.

Unfortunately, I live in the culturally void pit of hell better know as Southwest GA.

[IronCharles]

I like the retro look bikes, and it sounds like you do, too. (V-Stars, Aeros, etc.) My favorite retro bike has to be the Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter. People mistake them for old Indians all the time. In fact, there was a trend for people to turn them into Indian Chief clones, with a big aftermarket support following. It's unfortunate that Kawasaki stopped making them a few years back. But you can still find mint condition examples around. If you want a head turning, dependable Japanese bike, I'd recommend the Drifter. They made both 800 cc and 1500 cc versions, if I recall correctly.


Edit: I like that Honda Fury next to the bike you photographed. If it wasn't for those ugly as hell wheels, the Fury factory choppers are bad ass!

[SP1966]

I like the retro look bikes, and it sounds like you do, too. (V-Stars, Aeros, etc.) My favorite retro bike has to be the Kawasaki Vulcan Drifter. People mistake them for old Indians all the time. In fact, there was a trend for people to turn them into Indian Chief clones, with a big aftermarket support following. It's unfortunate that Kawasaki stopped making them a few years back. But you can still find mint condition examples around. If you want a head turning, dependable Japanese bike, I'd recommend the Drifter. They made both 800 cc and 1500 cc versions, if I recall correctly.


Edit: I like that Honda Fury next to the bike you photographed. If it wasn't for those ugly as hell wheels, the Fury factory choppers are bad ass!

Factory and Chopper should never be used in the same sentence. But then again I think choppers are garish anyways.

Looks like his daughter aproves of the shiny red one!

[HairyScandinavian]

Jasper, I think you can get a VTX for the same price. Sit on one and see what you think.

[Winning79]

I bought my first bike a couple years ago, a Yamaha V-Star 250. It fit me perfect, but I'm 5'6" and 130 pounds. Within a few months, I was ready for an upgrade. It is not a gutless bike. I've had it up to 100MPH, but I need something a bit heavier, and with more power, for road trips, so I will be upgrading soon. I think this bike is too small for you. I happen to LOVE the V-Star's, and will be upgrading to a 650cc. Harley's are overrated.

[MadJasper]

Well, I bought the 11 Shadow 750 Aero. Had a friend of mine (Harley owner) drive it back from the dealer. I managed the get the dealer down to a price I can live with. Now I have to used to riding again. I rode it around the yard and felt completely unstable. Tomorrow, I'll try to schedule the safety class.

I'll past pics a little later.

[HairyScandinavian]

Well, I bought the 11 Shadow 750 Aero. Had a friend of mine (Harley owner) drive it back from the dealer. I managed the get the dealer down to a price I can live with. Now I have to used to riding again. I rode it around the yard and felt completely unstable. Tomorrow, I'll try to schedule the safety class.

I'll past pics a little later.

Have fun and be careful, crash the MSF class's 250's and save your bike for later.

[MadJasper]

Here she is. I've taken her for 100 laps around the block!

[Corbi]

Harley's are overrated.

Hilarious statement right there^^^ Everyone who owns a japanese immitator..and don't fool yourself as all of the V-stars, Shadows, etc are all pale immitators..uses that "over rated phrase until they actually buy a Harley.

I have a Harley Dyna Wide Glide, my Yamaha R1 as well as the wifes kawasaki 250 Ninja. Funny how people like to proclaim the 250's as being "too slow" or whatever and yet there is an entire race series devoted to these bikes. The handling is superb, easily goes around corners faster and smoother than my R1 because it's so light. They are easily upgradeable in the HP department and as far as speed I would have no problems taking on any 600-750 Cruiser bikes with that little 250.

[HairyScandinavian]

Hilarious statement right there^^^ Everyone who owns a japanese immitator..and don't fool yourself as all of the V-stars, Shadows, etc are all pale immitators..uses that "over rated phrase until they actually buy a Harley.

I have a Harley Dyna Wide Glide, my Yamaha R1 as well as the wifes kawasaki 250 Ninja. Funny how people like to proclaim the 250's as being "too slow" or whatever and yet there is an entire race series devoted to these bikes. The handling is superb, easily goes around corners faster and smoother than my R1 because it's so light. They are easily upgradeable in the HP department and as far as speed I would have no problems taking on any 600-750 Cruiser bikes with that little 250.

He's .looking at cruisers and a 250 in a cruiser is a joke plain and simple. Sport bikes are a different animal. As for the Harleys, I bought Jap because I needed reliability for daily driving and I didn't want an oil stain in the driveway.

[SP1966]

Hilarious statement right there^^^ Everyone who owns a japanese immitator..and don't fool yourself as all of the V-stars, Shadows, etc are all pale immitators..uses that "over rated phrase until they actually buy a Harley.

I have a Harley Dyna Wide Glide, my Yamaha R1 as well as the wifes kawasaki 250 Ninja. Funny how people like to proclaim the 250's as being "too slow" or whatever and yet there is an entire race series devoted to these bikes. The handling is superb, easily goes around corners faster and smoother than my R1 because it's so light. They are easily upgradeable in the HP department and as far as speed I would have no problems taking on any 600-750 Cruiser bikes with that little 250.

Aren't the 250 racing series two stroke? I believe they are, and that is just an entirely different animal.

He's .looking at cruisers and a 250 in a cruiser is a joke plain and simple. Sport bikes are a different animal. As for the Harleys, I bought Jap because I needed reliability for daily driving and I didn't want an oil stain in the driveway.

I know you put the smiley in there, but lets be honest here. Harley had a bad, and well earned reputation for building crap, but that was pre-evo Harley.

[Corbi]

He's .looking at cruisers and a 250 in a cruiser is a joke plain and simple. Sport bikes are a different animal. As for the Harleys, I bought Jap because I needed reliability for daily driving and I didn't want an oil stain in the driveway.

Agreed, the 250cc cruisers suck balls. rather be on a moped.

And I saw the smilie but the Evo and up HD's are very reliable. Over 73,000 miles on mine, been all over on it and never left me stranded. Would not hesitate to jump on and ride it cross country.

PS, no leaks either

Aren't the 250 racing series two stroke? I believe they are, and that is just an entirely different animal.



I know you put the smiley in there, but lets be honest here. Harley had a bad, and well earned reputation for building crap, but that was pre-evo Harley.

Nope, those 250's are 4 stroke with stock block and head.

[HairyScandinavian]

I kid on the Harley of course, but I honestly couldn't bring myself to put a Harley on the highway here in stop and go traffic in the 100 degree days of summer day in and day out. That's where the Jap bikes with water cooled engines excel and take the abuse. I rode daily for several years and rarely saw a Harley on the road during the day, they all come out in the evenings. They sure sound good though.

[Corbi]

I kid on the Harley of course, but I honestly couldn't bring myself to put a Harley on the highway here in stop and go traffic in the 100 degree days of summer day in and day out. That's where the Jap bikes with water cooled engines excel and take the abuse. I rode daily for several years and rarely saw a Harley on the road during the day, they all come out in the evenings. They sure sound good though.

Now see this I disagree on, my R1 has the underseat exhaust and on real hot days in stop and go traffic this thing sucks, it cooks my balls and @ss. I actually insulated the bottom of the seat to cut down on some of the heat, but it's great on those cool mornings and evenings. My old CBR600 was miserable too as when that fan kicked on it blew a ton of really got air right onto my right leg, felt like I was riding in an oven.

The japanese cruires however are great for hot days, I have owned an 1100 Virago as well as an 1100 Shadow and they didn't have any heat issues.

[jdtemple]

A wise man said, "It's more fun to ride a slow bike fast, than a fast bike slow."

It's true.

[HairyScandinavian]

Now see this I disagree on, my R1 has the underseat exhaust and on real hot days in stop and go traffic this thing sucks, it cooks my balls and @ss. I actually insulated the bottom of the seat to cut down on some of the heat, but it's great on those cool mornings and evenings. My old CBR600 was miserable too as when that fan kicked on it blew a ton of really got air right onto my right leg, felt like I was riding in an oven.

The japanese cruires however are great for hot days, I have owned an 1100 Virago as well as an 1100 Shadow and they didn't have any heat issues.

Oh yeah I only have experience with cruisers. I can see how the exhaust would roast you under the seat. Funny those are the ones I like too because they look nice.

[CaptChip40]

A recent survey indicates 1/2 of all Harley's made are still on the road, the other half made it to their destination. No Harley hate I just refuse to pay and inflated price for an inferior product.

OP good choice, that bike will run and not give you any problems.

[Mr. Furious]

Well, I bought the 11 Shadow 750 Aero. Had a friend of mine (Harley owner) drive it back from the dealer. I managed the get the dealer down to a price I can live with. Now I have to used to riding again. I rode it around the yard and felt completely unstable. Tomorrow, I'll try to schedule the safety class.

I'll past pics a little later.

http://www.amazon.com/Maximum-Contro...d=NSF45LFQNT0V

the 750 is only 550 pounds or so, but it's heavier than a sporty that's for sure. Grab this next time your in the book store, it's worth it.

[drudixon]

So, was about to trade my Prarie 360 on a VStar 250 the other day. I wanted something a little more powerful but it was under 4k and well within my budget.

Then a friend drove my by a used Harley dealership today. Found a 96 xl883 listed for 3700 with 13k miles. I figure I can get him down to 3300 and it's on consignment so no tax. Include all maintenance records and has a new factory ignition.

Whatch think? Is that a good first bike?

If not, what should I look for?

Use Hayabusa. I think the power will be.... pleasing.

[jdtemple]

Use Hayabusa. I think the power will be.... pleasing.

A Hayabusa is probably one of the worst "first bikes" you can imagine.

[Winning79]

Hilarious statement right there^^^ Everyone who owns a japanese immitator..and don't fool yourself as all of the V-stars, Shadows, etc are all pale immitators..uses that "over rated phrase until they actually buy a Harley.

I have a Harley Dyna Wide Glide, my Yamaha R1 as well as the wifes kawasaki 250 Ninja. Funny how people like to proclaim the 250's as being "too slow" or whatever and yet there is an entire race series devoted to these bikes. The handling is superb, easily goes around corners faster and smoother than my R1 because it's so light. They are easily upgradeable in the HP department and as far as speed I would have no problems taking on any 600-750 Cruiser bikes with that little 250.

U mad?? Don't read so much into a 3 word sentence cuz you have no idea wtf I'm even talking about. I love Harley's as much as the next person, you don't have to sell me on them, or how they handle. My point is, if you don't have the money to put into a Harley, there are a LOT of very nice bikes out there without the Harley name, unless you are one of those that think you have to ride a Harley to show what big balls you have, even if you have to eat Mac and cheese for the rest of your life.

[Winning79]

[QUOTE=CaptChip40;856478253]A recent survey indicates 1/2 of all Harley's made are still on the road, the other half made it to their destination. No Harley hate I just refuse to pay and inflated price for an inferior product.

OP good choice, that bike will run and not give you any problems.


That was exactly my point in saying they were overrated.

[tbone73]

I wouldn't sweat the Harley's power, its not that great. It may be called a Sportster, but in reality theres not a whole lot sporty about it. Given the choices I wouldn't even give the 250 a second thought. A neighbor has the Vstar 650, and even that is tiny, and gutless.

not a big fan of the 883....an older 1200 sportster would be nice

[tbone73]

So far I've taking a shadow 750, vulcan 900, VStar 650 and the Sportster for a ride. I don't care for the Sportster as much as I thought. Long story short - in leaning to towards the VStar. It was as comfortable as the other 2. The thing about the VStar is I can pick up an 09 new of the floor (.6 miles on the odo) for 5100. That's at least 2k cheaper than the others.
I'm not a noob, but I've never owned a street bike and haven't ridden in a few years. However, before I jump on the road with it, I will schedule the MSF course.

Gina think about for a few days.

where im at you can pick up a sabre 1100 three or four years old around 5000.00 it feels sporty