Looking for my FIRST Bike

[bsdubois00]

Hey Everyone,
So having just moved to Oklahoma and seeing how awesome the terrain is, flat and wide open, I'm in the market for a nice cruiser. This is the 2nd time I've been in the market and never pulled the trigger, mainly because I plan on taking the MSF class before doing anything and where I was before the MSF was over an hour away. Now I have two options here in OKC for places to take the class, so I'm ready to finally do it. I'm looking for a nice comfortable cruiser that I can enjoy around the weekend. Something that can last me 4-5 years or until i just WANT to get something bigger. Id love to be able to throw some clothes in a backpack and take a weekend trip also. I'm 25 - 5'11 - 170 pretty average guy. Here are some of my options that I have been looking at - Im looking to keep it under 10K, pref under 8K if I can do it. What do you think. Thanks so much in advance.


Suzuki C50
Yamaha VStar Custom
Kawasaki Vulcan 900 ( I know its alittle bigger but def in the same price range)
United Motors - V2C-650S ( love the styling just not sure about the reliability - also VERY good price and I have 2 dealers in the metro for service needs)
Honda Shadow Spirit



Regards,
Brandon

[HarveyCreek]

Welcome to the forum,

Any of the Japanese bikes you listed will more than meet your needs. I own a C50 and think it a great bike, and have co-workers that own the others. I've yet to hear of any complaints. I had to Google the United Motors bike, to find out what it was, looks great, but haven't known anyone who has owned one, or read any reviews in any the magazines to compare it with the Japanese bikes. My major concern would be availability of parts, but with two dealers in your area that concern is answered.

If there were any drawbacks to the bikes you listed, I'd say they would relate to the amount of freeway time you may be spending on the bike. While these bikes have no problems maintaining over 70 mph, everyone I know who has a cruiser in this range wishes there was a 6th gear when cruising the freeway. But, if you are more like me, and the ride is the destination, this will not be an issue.

After you get your endorsement, I'd highly recommend seeing if the dealers in you area who have those bikes would allow a test ride. As your comfort on the bike may be your deciding factor.