Hello All,

Just got my license and I'm looking for my first bike.  I'm looking at a used 2002 Buell Blast and a 94 750 Virago.

While I do like regular cruisers over sport cruisers, the blast looks pretty cool.  I think the blast would be easier to ride at first, but probably would not be as comfortable for me as it’s a shorter bike.  I'm 6'0 160 lbs, tall and lanky.  I’d probably grow out of the blast quicker than the virago.  In either case, if I continue to enjoy riding I would probably replace either bike in a couple years with something like a boulevard.

Most of the riding I would do would be to and from work...on fairly busy\fast roads.  There would be some interstate travel.

Any suggestions?  The price for both are pretty close to each other.  

You are looking at two very different machines....

The Buell is really a sport-bike (not a sport-cruiser) - it is small and light, probably handles very well (it IS a sport-bike), and probably performs reasonably well for the small engine size. However, it also likely suffers from vibration, especially at highway speeds (while that's OK for short durations, it gets tiring day after day for anything over about 10 minutes). The seat doesn't look all that comfortable, either.

The Virago is truly a cruiser, but with decent power for its 750 cc. It weighs in around 520 pounds wet, handles quite well (although probably better with some aftermarket rear shocks), and rides comfortably - especially if it has the smooth seat (as opposed to the "special edition" button-tuck seat). Vibration is NOT an issue with this machine. At 6'-0", you might find this bike a little small (but not nearly as small as the Blast). As long as it was maintained properly, especially w.r.t valve adjustments, the Virago will be extremely reliable. I rode the 1986 version of this machine for the last 6 years(699cc due to the import tax on bikes 700cc & larger for three years to protect H-D). I only sold it this summer so I could move up to a 2000 Valkyrie, and can't fit two bikes in my garage or budget.

It's whatever turns you on the most... good luck, and safe biking!  

Thanks for the info that was very informative.

Regarding the size...are there cruisers out there that I should be looking for, that would be better for my lanky frame?