Motorcycle Enthusiasts

[ZiO]

Hey guys... I am going to be taking a motorcycle safety course here right away and have two bikes in mind that I am interested in... would just like to know out of THESE 2 and ONLY these two might be a better choice... just looking at little details I think I have made one, but if someone on this board has or knows someone who has either one, some feedback can be nice. Thanks for your time.....

2005 Yamaha V-Star 650
http://www.yamaha-motor.ca/products/products.php?model=239&section=ft&group=M#contentTop

2005 Honda Shadow Spirit 750
http://www.honda.ca/MotorcycleEng/CurrentModels/Cruiser/VT750D5.htm?Year=2005

 

[Sirkbac]

You really can't go wrong with either. I have known people who have owned both and ever heard a complaint from either. Mechanicaly both will be bullet proof, though I believe the act of an oil change is alot more involved on the Yamaha. I recall helping someone find the oil filter, to realize it's located behind an exhaust pipe which needed to be removed.

I'm personally lean towards Honda in most cases. I've owned 4 hondas at this point and they have all been great. The fit and finish tends to be alittle better over the yamaha (not too much though, yamaha is really catching up in that area). Also the "flames" on the Shadow are decals under the clearcoat, not actually painted on. But you can't tell unless you walk up next to the bike and see the edge of the decal under the clearcoat.
Either one will make you very happy, just be careful on them, get some good gear (gloves/boots/jacket/helmet). Don't fall into the cruiser mentality of wearing the least amount of gear legaly required. Trying to "look cool" isn't worth your skin.

 

[Mr. Win]

yea it depends on your hieght and so forth... i suggest you sit on both and take the one that most comfortable. I like hondas better as well, so i pick the shadow.

 

[KYMP5]

I would go with the honda as well, for reliability and the little extra power.
I agree, wear all the proper safety clothing, especially until youve got lots of experience riding. Im not saying , once you get comfortable and have some experience, quit wearing a helmet and leathers, but statistacly, your more likely to lay in down in your first 2000 miles of riding than any other time.
Dont skimp on the bike, your helmet, jacket, or gloves, it will be worth the xtra cash in the long run.
Happy riding. Let us know what you end up with

 

[Gbourdon]

yea it depends on your hieght and so forth... i suggest you sit on both and take the one that most comfortable. I like hondas better as well, so i pick the shadow.

Yep. Looks like they both have forward controls.

 

[ZiO]

Well thanks for the input so far... yeah, I am going to go check these two out this week..see which one fits me best.. I'm only 5'7" so either one shouldnt be too bad... SHadow is a bit smaller.... and hopefully when my course is done I may be allowed to 'test drive' them... i think there is a test drive days coming up at one of the dealers...

 

[rktktpaul]

After taking my MSF course last year, my instructors recommended 2 things: start out with a bike in the 400 cc range till you get more comfortable, and; its gonna suck when you lay your new bike down, because you most likely will lay a bike down in your first year of riding.

So given that recommendation, I'm going to look for used bike in the 450 cc range before I shell out money for a new H-D Sportster.

Be nice for Sir Nuke to chime in on this topic!

 

[KYMP5]

yea, thinking about it now, its probably a good idea to start on a used bike. I still have my first bike adn it was the perfect learning tool, ive since bough a much newer, bigger bike and i couldnt see myself startin on the new bike i got

 

[Gbourdon]

After taking my MSF course last year, my instructors recommended 2 things: start out with a bike in the 400 cc range till you get more comfortable, and; its gonna suck when you lay your new bike down, because you most likely will lay a bike down in your first year of riding.

So given that recommendation, I'm going to look for used bike in the 450 cc range before I shell out money for a new H-D Sportster.

Be nice for Sir Nuke to chime in on this topic!

Buy mine! 2004 1200 Custom!!! 2,000 miles $9500

I am looking to find a nice FXR, my uncle builds bikes down in VA Beach.

I have been on the road for about 9 years and havent laid one down yet. Hopefully another safe year for me.

 

[Sirkbac]

After taking my MSF course last year, my instructors recommended 2 things: start out with a bike in the 400 cc range till you get more comfortable

This is a good point, but in the cruiser market there really isn't anything below 650cc (V-twin). I think you'd be best to find an older used bike (Honda CB500 maybe) and run that for the first year or so. Dropping a new bike is heartbreaking (and bankaccount breaking). Many of the 1970-1990 Japanese Standard motorcycles would fit the bill cheaply. Not exactly the style of the Shadow, but very fun.

 

[ZeroAccess]

[Off Topic]
Anyone around Ga wanna help me rebuild my kawasaki ZX6E
Its been blown for a while I've been trying to sell it for 1,700 but no one will bite
So I'm just gonna repair it and sell it for 2,500

Damn good bike just needs a freakin rebuild



I prefer Honda's (smoother powerband)

 

[rktktpaul]

This is a good point, but in the cruiser market there really isn't anything below 650cc (V-twin). I think you'd be best to find an older used bike (Honda CB500 maybe) and run that for the first year or so. Dropping a new bike is heartbreaking (and bankaccount breaking). Many of the 1970-1990 Japanese Standard motorcycles would fit the bill cheaply. Not exactly the style of the Shadow, but very fun.

Doesn't Yamaha have a 250cc V-twin cruiser? I thought I saw one somewhere.

 

[mazdaspeedpower]

I don't know piddle about bikes. All I know is that the Yamaha looks badass in black. However, I'd listen to other more knowledgable peoples inputs, since they seem more credible than "It looks badass".lol. I suggest you go, check em out, sit on them, get a feel for them, and see which one is more comfotable to you. Cause having a realiable bike is one thing, but not being happy with what you are riding is another thing.

 

[Sirkbac]

Doesn't Yamaha have a 250cc V-twin cruiser? I thought I saw one somewhere.

Correct, the Virago 250. You'd be better off with a Honda Nighthawk 250 or Honda Rebel 250. A 250 V-twin doesn't sound like too much fun when a 650 V-twin is just enough to get out of it's own way.

 

[rktktpaul]

I actually was using a Nighthawk 250 during the course. I didn't think it was that bad of a bike.

 

[Mr. Win]

it is the learning bike...

 

[Gbourdon]

I actually was using a Nighthawk 250 during the course. I didn't think it was that bad of a bike.

The thing is, how quickly are you going to get bored with a bike that size? I swapped bikes with my buddy a lot last summer. He had a brand new GSXR600 and I had my new Harley xl1200.

Even the 600 leaves some desire for some more balls once you get used to it. Also keep in mind I am 6'3" and 240lbs. The GSXR would still pull the front end up once the tach hit 11K rpms in 1st and 2nd gear. But I want abusive power, now I'm shopping for a 954rr or a nice 900rr.

 

[rktktpaul]

Even the 600 leaves some desire for some more balls once you get used to it.

To me that's key, getting used to it. I think once I take a year or two to feel comfortable driving a smaller bike, let alone driving a bike period, I'll have the confidence to get a bike I'll keep for a long time.

 

[ArcanaP5]

definetely go sit on them and try them out to see which one is more comfortable. consider buying something used to learn on and then get a new bike, because you will drop it.

and the argument about not starting out on a smaller cc bike because you will get bored of the power once you are used to it... just remember, that getting used to a bike is one thing... mastering it and getting it full potential is another thing... good luck