i learned on a honda rebel 250. have taken a saftey course and have my motorcycle endorsement. i'm looking for a good bike that isn't gonna cost me an arm and a leg to buy or maintain. something i can ride for a long time and not get bored with. any suggestions?  

A Vulcan 750 or 800 are good starter cruisers. Whatever you get, ride it first.  

Vulcan 500 LTD
Best Bet for the money and performance for a guy how learned in a Rebel  

Yes, well I did the same thing!  Honda 250 Rebel Scooter what fun that was.  Then I took the class and got my licesne, ans then test drove a Vulcan 900 Cruiser, and that was that.  I could not leave the place without it.  I love the bike.  So you are not alone!  Go for it!
Vincie  

thanks for the input and encouragement. i can't tell you how many different message boards ive posted on trying to get info for a first bike. everyone seems to be biased towards whatever bike they started with. i've sat on more than a few....some that i know are too big for me....but man, so many seem so comfy...i guess looks are deceiving aren't they? i may well give the vulcan 900 a look. i can't say that i've sat on it yet. who knows. it may be love at first sit...lol  

Hey

I am new to this also...

For my first bike i bought a used 2002 750 Shadow ACE, and so far i am loving it...

When you do buy, consider how long you plan on keeping your next bike. After long consideration i went with the ACE for many reasons, including the fact i will get several years of good riding on a good bike. I sat on a new Vulcan 900, and it was beautiful, very comfortable and very good looking, however just a little bit bigger than what i wanted for my first ride.

good luck with whichever you go for!