I'm a beginning rider in the market for a bike .  I will be driving it a distance of 80 miles about three days a week, and I will probably never get it over 70 mph.  I really like the shape and style of the Yamaha V Star classic with the 650cc, but the dealer said it would feel like it was pulling bad when I was going 65, like I should shift again when I can't.  He reccommended an 800cc.  What do you guys think?  I really like the older Kawasaki Vulcan 800s and the new Vulcan 900cc.  

Hi..hope I'm not too late for your answer...I'm 5'3 140lbs and I have a V-Star 650cc.  Love it!  I do most of my cruising at 60-65mph, and the bike cruises fine at those speeds.  However, the bike will definately smooth out at 70-75mph.  No problems riding 60-65mph and then passing at 70-75mph.  It can also do 80mph, but I dont like going that fast. If youre looking for a smaller cc bike, which wont cost much for insurance, I think the 650cc is a really good choice. The bike handles great, easy to shift, plenty of power and very dependable..hope this helps!
Good luck if you havent gotten it already! I highly reccommend the V-Star.  

Whatever you get, make sure you will be comfortable for 80 miles. That means a decent seat and a windshield. The 800-900cc bikes are big enough for many not to outgrow, but not too big for a first bike. Look at a Suzuki C50T, or a Vulcan 900 LT. The Vulcan 800 has a crappy stock seat, and you'd have to add amenities. Another choice you might consider is a 650 Suzuki Vstrom, if you don't mind looking outside cruiserdom.  

I have several friends who have the 650 V Star and say it would be nice to have a little more poop but the bike does just fine.My 800 Suzuki Volusia is just perfect for my needs.Most of my Mega-Cruiser friends can't believe my 800 does so well.I actually wanted to step up to a larger cc bike but all I would be doing is burning more fuel and wrestling more weight.I kinda like having less weight going into the twisties on the mountain roads.Hurry up and get a bike and if it meets your needs keep it,otherwise try another 'til you find the one you like.  

I am sure a purchase was made, wonder what was decided on?
For a true newbie with no experience after taking the MSF class, will a Vulcan 900 be too much bike or will a Vulcan 500 suit better? Looking for a cruiser to do local riding and highway speeds after some serious practice.  

I was also a first time rider this past year.  I was torn between the Honda Shadow (750) and the Vulcan 900.  I am 5'8 and 165 lbs and just did not feel as comfortable on the 900 as I did on the Shadow.  Ended up buying the Shadow.  It's a great bike.  Easy to handle and a joy to drive.  After 4000 miles I feel I am ready for a little more power so will look at a 900 or an 1100 this year.  I did look at the 500 before going with the 750, just didn't feel like it had enough power for me.  I would suggest at least a 750 for an averaged sized riders first bike.  

I think alot of riders will agree to get a less expensive "beginner" bike, get lots of practice, do lots of reading on bikes, and then after that decide which bike to end up with. I am on my third (probably not last!)and started with an inexpensive Virago 535, then a Vulcan 800, now have a V Star 1100. I am a small woman 5', weigh around 120, and could ride my husband's Roadstar, but am happy with mine. People who rush out and buy a big expensive bike as their first bike are nuts, I think. That's what I think! Practice makes perfect, or at least that's what I've been told!  

i agree with naturelover56 and her analogy ,practice makes perfect.youre first bike should be about learning the skills you will need to SURVIVE in the ASPHALT JUNGLE.a bike too big in the beginning could be disaster when you need to react FAST to avoid being run over.most accidents will happen in the first year of riding.get a first bike that you can control and are able to master before you progress to a BIGGER bike.  

I ride a 2001 V-Star Classic to work and back most days (about 100 mile round trip). My bike gets about 40 mpg but I have custom pipes. I'm looking to buy a newer model similar bike Honda, Yamaha, or Kawasaki. Gas mileage is important to me. What kind of gas mileage can I expect from similar current models in this category?  

richard8354:  Not sure of your size, but a larger bike will probably get better mileage because of less stress on the engine.  My friend on a 650 V Star got 42 mpg while I was on a Ultra Classic fully loaded with her stuff and mine and I got 42 mpg (yes, I out weigh her by fourty lbs.  Mileage falls off sharply on the V Star at speeds above 60 mph. Custom pipes on the V Star are also not a good thing for mileage.  Buddies with 1100cc bikes tend to get in the mid fourties as we all fuel up together.  You may want to look at the V-Strom, Multistrada, Tiger, or Caponorde for 1K bikes that are excellent for commuters. Or something like a Bandit or F1.  All are excellent bikes with great track records...especially the Bandit.