Help!...

[JessicaRabbit79]

me find my first bike... :twisted:

So, ever since the motorcylce bug bit me at the MSF class in June, I've been thinking about what kind of bike to get. I'm headed towards a full set of gear already, and now I'm getting serious about trying to find my *perfect* beginner bike. My thoughts on this matter are: cheap, something that I won't care if/when I drop it, something small enough to not get away from me, and something big enough that I won't be bored a month after I get it.

Clarification: I do NOT want a sport bike. I am too short. Even a standard (naked) sport bike like the Honda 599 does not let my feet reach the ground. Enough said. Small cruiser is the way to go for me. John has already tried to "sell" me his Ninja. :wink:

So, here are my top choices at this point (I have been to a couple of dealerships, and sat on all of the below):

1. Honda Shadow VLX 600
2. Kawasaki Vulcan 500

Also acceptable:
3. Suzuki Boulevard S50
4. Yamaha V-Star Classic

I would love to not spend more than $1500, since it will be my first bike.
I don't care what the paint looks like, as I will be taking the bike to a body shop and getting it painted PINK. Yes, pink. (That was one of the conditions John agreed to *while drunk, I'm sure, as he swears he doesn't remember* if I was willing to get a crappy old bike.)
I know that you guys always have great deals and connections up your sleeves, so...

ready...
set...
go!

Find me a bike!

[SameeRR]

Allow me...

For a short rider, and a fairly new one - same thing goes as what I was telling Channing a few weeks ago. Buell Blast, or Suzuki GS500. Both have plenty of power for a first bike, and at the same time are forgiving to the rider if they accidentally mis shift.

Oh yeah, both these bikes sell for around 1500 bucks too.

Or get a Hayabusa - what do I care..?

-s

[BLINGMW]

after sitting on the low-seated Blast, I'm sure it'd be ok for you

[Ginger]

... what about the bike in the garage?

[JohnC]

... what about the bike in the garage?

Hilariously enough, its too tall for her.

[JessicaRabbit79]

Allow me...

For a short rider, and a fairly new one - same thing goes as what I was telling Channing a few weeks ago. Buell Blast, or Suzuki GS500. Both have plenty of power for a first bike, and at the same time are forgiving to the rider if they accidentally mis shift.

Oh yeah, both these bikes sell for around 1500 bucks too.

Or get a Hayabusa - what do I care..?

-s

I will certainly take both of these into consideration. My dad, being a Harley guy, would certainly get a kick out of me buying a Buell. I'll have to go sit on both. Some of the biggest problems I have, being a smaller person are: being able to reach the ground with both feet, being able to have a solid grasp on the clutch, and being able to activate the turn signals. I shit you not.

Thanks guys... keep it coming! Also, if you know of any of the discussed bikes that are for sale...

[Mike]

i'll vote for the shadow. i used the 250 version in my msf and was pretty surprised at its quality and ride. you could always get a sport bike and lower it...

[.RJ]

you could always get a sport bike and lower it...

I've seen shorter seats for SV's, and you could always drop the front and rear about an inch without affecting the handling too much.

Although, after seeing a 5'0" girl handle a 600RR (and make us all look completely stupid on some backroads hock: ) being short isnt an excuse anymore

[Maengelito]

jess, talk to jenn about bikes and have her take the course with me.

[Apoc]

Although, after seeing a 5'0" girl handle a 600RR (and make us all look completely stupid on some backroads hock: ) being short isnt an excuse anymore

Wasn't Ross on a Monster?

[.RJ]

Wasn't Ross on a Monster?

Ross cant even keep up with you

[Dragon]

Although, after seeing a 5'0" girl handle a 600RR (and make us all look completely stupid on some backroads hock: ) being short isnt an excuse anymore

Actually Jess, RJ's got a very valid point (for once). My friend T is who he's talking about, and yes it's hilarious watching her try to put the kick stand up/down, and when she's at a stop light she's gotta lean to one side since she can't flatfoot, but it's at stock height and she could ride the piss out of that thing.

Do what makes you feel most comfortable though.

[JessicaRabbit79]

Clarification: I do NOT want a sport bike... Enough said. Small cruiser is the way to go for me.

Even if you throw the short *excuse* out the window, I still don't feel comfortable on a sport bike. The balance on the cruisers just feels better. Also, with the cruisers, I don't have the foot pegs cracking me in the shins every time I put my feet down (like they do on the Ninja). I'd like to have the option to power walk, if necessary.

I certainly appreciate everyone's comments. Keep 'em coming.

[Dragon]

Completely understandable Jess, I just wanted to make sure that you weren't throwing sport bikes out because of the height factor. You know what you want and that's good.

[stevegula]

Being short is only a disadvantage when you're stopped, because you have to be able to one-foot your bike. So, if you're really worried about that there's only one good solution - find a bike you can do that to stock. Buell Blast is actually a really good recommendation. That or get a small cruiser.

If you're not worried about that, any sport bike with aftermarket adjustable rear sets (the assembly of the foot pegs and mounting hardware) will make your riding position much more comfortable.

I think lowering a bike is a crappy option. It's impossible to do it without changing the geometry, and for a nub playing with something like that isn't a great idea. It's not always a bad one, but it's rarely a good one.

Shaving the seat or replacing the seat isn't going to do much unless you're already pretty close to the height you'd like your bike to be.

[Kaan]

for whatever reason i see Jess on an RC51... not right away... but once she is comfortable on two wheels.

[Mike]

:?:

[Maengelito]

kaan's just fantasizing about someone else's wife

[JohnC]

kaan's just fantasizing about someone else's wife

Jess loves "widowmaker" breath.

[Kaan]

:?: to you too!