'Nother new guy in NC

[JLM]

Hey gang.

My name is Austin and I am in central NC.

I have been looking into getting my license and a bike for a lot of years, but held off at my mom's request to this point. She was worried about "those dangerous motorcycles".

Long story short, my dad decided to get himself a bike and begin to ride, so that opened the door for me as well. We have signed up together in an MSF course so that we can learn to ride without some of the issues we might otherwise have learning alone.

I am starting to shop around for a cruiser style bike that will be a good starter for me. Currently leaning hard toward the Shadow 750 and the older Shadow 700 series bikes as they seem to be consistantly reviewed as a good buy for the money and reliable as well as forgiving and good to learn on.

I look forward to having a chance to get some input from some of you that have been riding a while.


JLM

[DjWags]

Welcome to the forum JLM!

Taking the MSF is the best way to learn to ride, good move! Make sure you buy all the proper riding gear before starting out. Many people have tips on how to buy top quality gear at sale prices online, just ask around.

My dad just bought an 08 Honda shadow aero yesterday. I'm going to pick it up from the dealership for him on either monday or tuesday. After that, I'd be happy to give you my opinions of the 750 as a starter bike.

General rule of thumb for bike sizes for beginners: In terms of sportbikes; anything with 4 cylinders or the word "supersport" in its title is a terrible first choice for starters. Usually, this means anything 600cc's and over. The main factor combating newbs is 100+ hoursepower engines, brakes that will stop on a dime and throw you off if squeezed too hard, etc... This means is doesn't matter if you are 5 feet tall and 100 lbs or 7 feet and 400 lbs, a supersport is not a good choice.

In terms of cruisers, usually the roof is 650 or 750cc's, but it is a little more flexible. For instance, the vulcan 900 is in the same class as the Shadow 750, its really not that much bigger or heavier. The main thing combating newbs on a cruiser is the weight of the bike. Cruisers are heavy! But, if you are a big dude, a 900cc might be a better choice than a 500 or 250cc bike. In terms of finding you perfect bike, go to a dealer, start with what you know you like, the shadow 750. Sit on it, have a salesperson hold it upright so you can put your feet on the pegs and get in the riding position. Then, ask him or her what other bikes are similar to the shadow. Sit on suzuki's 50s, yamaha v-stars, and kawasaki vulcans. Also try larger and smaller cc bikes. Then, come back here with the ones you liked the best, and we will help you find a used bike for a good price.

Hope that helps and feel free to keep asking questions,
-Wags

[gammaqueen]

That is awesome that you get to ride with your Dad. I would give anything to have had the chance to share riding with my Dad. I lost him last year to cancer. He was sick when I first bought my bike, but he still tried to help me learn to ride it. I hope you two enjoy many miles together.