As the subject says, I'm new to riding. I will be signing up for a basic and advance course in the next couple of weeks. Not long after that, I will be choosing my first bike. I'm looking at the Honda Shadow Spirit (because I like Hondas and they're not as expensive as Harleys...).

Does anyone have any opinions on the Shadow Spirit? Is it a good first bike? I'm just looking for something to maybe ride on weekends and every once in a while into the city for work.

Thanks for any & all help,
Brian
aka
Gonz'  

The 750 Shadow is plenty of bike for local riding under any conditions. I consider local to be anyplace that's close enough for you to ride the round trip in one day. If you're still in your 20's, it's plenty of bike for consecutive 800 mile days, riding one up :-)

Since you're new to riding, you might want to hold off on signing up for the advanced course. Most people get more from the basic course, when they've been riding for a while and take it again.

regards,
Joe  

The 750 is a great starter bike.  I started riding last year at this time and have put on 10,000  miles so far.  I ride mostly by myself, but ride 2 up about once a month and my Shadow has always done what I asked it to do.  Will probably move up to a 1300 soon so the wife has a little more comfort while we ride  

I just finished my BRC this past weekend, and before that I sat on every bike within a 50 mile radius.. I got me a Suzuki C50T  800cc.  At first I thought it was going to be to much of a bike.  This is my second day riding it and I put 150 miles on it already.. I absolutely love it...  comfort, power and everything about the bike is what I read.   I'm 6'2 so it's a good fit..
anyway.. good luck with the course...

I sat on a several shadows and they are very nice bikes but it wasn't the one that caught my eye..
take care