Beginner Husband and Wife Looking For First Bike

My husband and I have decided that we would like to look into getting certified and buying our first motorcycle.  We have been getting conflicting information as to what bikes to look at.  Here's the situation:

1.) We are beginners with no experience AT ALL!
2.) We would like to get a bike that hold 2 riders.
3.) We live in a rural alrea where we MUST travel on roads with 60mph limits to get ANYWHERE.  (the nearest shopping is 15 miles and closest Walmart is 45 miles)
4.) We would like to eventually go longer distances with this bike.
5.) We do not have a whole lot of $$ to put into a beginner bike.

Any help???
Thanks!!!  

Added note:
Anyone that would like to, you can contact us at ssdeclipse@hotmail.com as well.  

Carrying a passenger does tend to limit your space for whatever you buy on shopping trips, so you're talking about getting a large touring bike. That tends to conflict with the idea of not spending much money on it, unless you can find a well used one in fair condition.

No experience at all... That's a difficult detail to overcome when you require a large bike, but some people can do it. I'd suggest starting with the MSF course, for both of you. The more the new passenger knows about riding, the easier (s)he can make it for the new rider. If it turns out that the intended rider is one of those people who simply can not learn to ride, it would be better to learn it before you buy the bike.

As bikes come down in size, one of the first things they limit is passenger and luggage space. There are several sub-1000cc bikes that have plenty of room for luggage without carrying a passenger, but when a passenger gets on the bike for more than half an hour, (s)he better be young enough to not care about the cramped passenger space and uncomfortable seat. Another drawback with the mid sized bike in that situation is the limits of the rear suspension. Most of those bikes are already loaded to their limits with just the rider and passenger. This can be partly compensated for by going to stronger after market springs, but it's not likely to be completely satisfactory as a solution in the long run. Still, such a bike could be a good choice for a beginner bike for a few years, before trading it in on a large touring bike. If you decide to go this route, be advised that mildly overloading the suspension on a shaft drive bike works much better than it does on a bike with a chain or belt drive.

regards,
Joe  

Another possibility would be the midsized bike with a decent passenger seating arrangement and small saddle bags and a small luggage rack. Then after you get used to the bike, add a trailor hitch for the shopping trips.

regards,
Joe  

Do you live in MY neighborhood?    You probably would need to consider a mid-to bigger bike for the long hauls and two riders. Many companies make cushy seats, especially after market. I like Harley's, my husband likes Honda's-and there are many more to choose from. Have you considered a trike? They are better designed now with more turn-ability and usually (depending on the Make and model) havr luggage trunks, saddlebags and other storage. Some even have an electric reverse for those hard parking spaces! TRikes are definiately good for longer rides. We have 2 wheeled but are considering a trike rather than upgrade own own for cross country. Some people are still "stigmatized" by the trike idea, but don't let opinions sway you. Check one out. Many dealerships will let you test ride.






'  

Actually what I was getting at was that I would need to do highway driving no matter what.  Not worried at this point about buying a ton of groceries on a bike.  That would be defeating the purpose.  What I really want to know is what kind of bike can I get that has good power for 2 riders, has good power for highway and long distance driving, doesnt cost an arm and a leg, and that would be ideal for two complete novices.    I have done some reasearch and looking at the Kawasaki Vulcan 500.  Need more advise though.

Thanks.  

Depending on your combined weight, the Kaw Vulcan 500 will probably be at the minimal end for hwy & long distance riding w/ 2-up. Check out a Suzuki C50 or C50T. It meets all your reqts, is liquid-cooled and has shaft drive. It is not too big (805cc) for beginners. It is relatively maintenance-free and fuel-injected for cold starts. Depending on your weight, you should easily get 50 mpg with 2-up. The C50T comes equipped w/ front floorboards, heel-shifter, windshield & saddlebags. A 2-3 yr-old model should cost around $5K depending on miles. You won't be disappointed!  

over 600cc is way too high for a beginner.  Thats a recipe for disaster.  Putting a beginner on anything higher than a 500 is just asking for a crash.  Ask any MSF instructor.
Any better advice?  

I read this thread with some interest and curiosity and Tizzi, I find your most recent response a little abrupt, and perhaps a little dismissive of sincerely offered advice.  I would respectfully suggest that "any MSF instructor" would not likely make such a blanket statement.  However, if one you know actually did say that to you, he may have good reason.

There have been countless threads on this forum pertaining to this exact subject which included bike comparisons of, for example, the Suzuki 805cc C50 and C50T Boulevard Cruiser (which I own) and the comparable Kawasaki 900cc similar version.

If you search you'll be able to find that thread and there are pages of contributions from many subscribers, including me, to read and digest.  Almost unanimously, these 2 bikes are perceived as superb and excellent "first bike" cruiser styles.  The power-to-weight ratio is not excessive, and the overall weight of the bike is manageable for most average sized individuals, particularly those who have successfully taken a motorcycle instructional course.  Although they may, I would suggest, by most be considered optimally suited to single riders, they certainly are capable of carrying a passenger.  The greatest limitation to that action, is probably the ability of the passenger to endure the relative discomfort of the small passenger seat.  But if you think that's a hurdle, just wait until you have to do it on a still smaller bike!

I am now 68, took the Canada Safety Council course in April 2007, and bought my 2005 C50T in May of that year.  Although I picked the brain of every instructor at the school during my attendance there, not one suggested that such a bike would be too big.  They did however, caution me to not buy a bike any larger than I felt comfortable on.  They advised that starting with a "comfortable" size would be beneficial in acquiring riding proficiency, rather than starting with a bike, initially too big with the expectation of being able to "grow into it", lest you encounter situations that you would be not able to handle, but could have on a smaller bike.

If you have already resigned yourself or convinced yourself that 500cc's is the maximum size you are prepared to start your riding life on, there may be little point considering anything else.  However, I would encourage you to be receptive to the opinions expressed by others who have made the same journey, some recently like me, others many years ago.  And there will be many varied ones to consider.  Some may suggest that you each simply get a 250cc, others will tell you that it's time and money wasted to get anything less than 1500 or 1600 cc's (as was told to me).  You will have to, during and after taking the course, get a feel for what you think will be right for you, and then make your purchase based on as much information and reliable and trustworthy input as you can get.

So best of luck to you both.  I hope you "enjoy the ride".  Cheers.  Herb.  

Tizzi, I was in about your same situation about a year ago when I decided to start riding (not the distance thing, but the decision thing). Taking the MSF course is absolutely the best first decision you can make. As someone suggested, it'll certainly help identify your and your husband's aptitude and interest in riding.

As an example, my son's then-girlfriend wanted to learn to ride a scooter, struggled while taking the course, dropped her scooter during the test (automatically failing), walked away and never looked back.

I, however, love riding and get cranky when I can't!

Your size and your husband's size need to be considered when making a purchase decision (sounds like you've decided to get one bike for the two of you). I'm 6'1" and 250ish and got a great deal on a 1999 V Star 1100. Some would suggest that's too big for a first bike, but it wasn't for me. I did, however, take great care and exercised patience before I hit the open road on it. I practiced in my neighborhood and local school parking lots for about a month before I felt comfortable riding in traffic. My wife and I have taken many rides on it and it's very serviceable for us (she's not a small woman, either).

Part of my purchase decision on that size bike was one that would have the power for both of us and one I wouldn't outgrow in six months. I knew I wouldn't be able to afford doing that, so I had to step up right away.

If you and your husband are of any size, I'd suggest that a 500cc bike would be too small for the speeds and distances you're talking about. From your description of what you want to do, it sounds like a touring bike is what you need, but that doesn't fit into your "We do not have a whole lot of $$ to put into a beginner bike" statement.

I preface this next part with the statement that I love my bike and am sold on the Star (Yamaha) line of bikes. The 1100, which I ride, is a very popular bike. There are probably lots available on the market and they're not too expensive to purchase or operate (relatively speaking...my monthly gasoline bill halved when I started riding my bike to work, running errands, making quick trips to the grocery store, etc.). I'd certain suggest looking at an 1100 along with the other suggestions that have been made (all good).

My father-in-law rides a Vulcan 900 and would tell you to look at one of those, too.

If you have more money to spend on a newer bike, Star has a 950 that's a belt drive (the 1100 is a shaft drive). I've read reviews that the 950 with the belt matches the 1100 with the shaft in power output (a Star salesman told me the belt drive delivers 5 horsepower more than a shaft, but the shaft is almost indestructible), gets better mileage (which sounds like a consideration for you), and has a lower initial purchase price. The 950s are only in their second year, though, and there may not be many used ones available.

You might also want to consider a 1300--Star and Honda both make very good ones--because I believe that would be a bike you wouldn't soon outgrow, is still reasonably economical, and might be more comfortable on those longer rides than a smaller bike (sloowpoke makes some good points about comfort). On that note, I will tell you the passenger seats on other-than-touring bikes usually leave a lot to be desired for rides of any distance. One accessory I've seen advertised and considered getting for my decidedly better half is called a Butty Buddy (if anyone's tried it, please chime in). For about $100 it's a wider seat that fits on top of the passenger seat and gives the passenger a better, supposedly more comfortable platform for riding. If you get one, let me know. As I said, I've talked with her about it and she's lukewarm at best.

Also, as someone else touched on, have you considered maybe two smaller bikes? 500cc or 650cc models rather than riding 2-up? Again, you might be able to find some good deals that make that possible. From what I've seen, Star, Suzuki or maybe even Hondas are a little less than half of what you'll spend on a Harley.

Good luck in making your decision. Stay open minded, Hope this has helped. And ride safe, watch our for cagers on cell phones, and thank The Man Upstairs for every safe ride.  

Howdy!
My wife and I have a Vulcan 500. It is a really great bike, but a little small for 2 up. One thing to consider though is the size of the riders. If you are petite and your husband is not big a 500 may do everything you need. The seat is not comfortable for long rides and it really pushes the bike for us to both be on it and go 70. I rode dirt bikes when I was young but 30 years later got this as my first street bike. I think it was a good choice but I use it mostly to commute back and forth to work. We can ride about an hour before taking a break but neither of us are as young as we use to be so it may not be just the bike! Still as Joe said the bigger bikes definitely have more comfortable seats. So your size and physical condition can make a difference. Also the bike is light and a bit more forgiving then a bigger cruiser. You can get nice saddlebags and if you put a back rest on it with the luggage rack you can add a small backpack. My wife wont pillion ride without a backrest. She says she feels like she is going to fall off! Plus you can get the bike new for just a bit over a $100 a month. When gas went crazy last year, it cost that to fill up my truck. So there is much to consider. The bike is on the small side for 2up but it can be done. I am happy we started with this bike but I wouldnt want to take it on a long trip. When finances allow for it, we will get a bigger bike.

Best wsihes: Doug  

>over 600cc is way too high for a beginner.  Thats a recipe for disaster.  
>Putting a beginner on anything higher than a 500 is just asking for a crash.  
>Ask any MSF instructor.
>Any better advice?  

That's correct, if you're talking about sport bikes. You could take a 1,000cc v-twin motor and spend thousands of dollars getting it souped up and it would still have less power than a 600cc sport bike engine straight out of the factory. That 100 horsepower 600cc sport bike weighs less than 400 pounds while the 50 horsepower 1,000cc v-twin cruiser weighs about 600 pounds. That's why so many beginners end up on cruisers, even the mid sized bikes are low performance and user friendly enough for a beginner.

Take the MSF course, get your motorcycle endorsement, then go to the demo rides that are usually going on at large motorcycle events. Test ride a few cruisers for yourself and you'll see why no one ever falls off the back end of their cruiser at a traffic light. Even if you turbo charged a v-twin motor, it'll still be low performance.

regards,
Joe  

So far, you've been reminded MSF, and not too big. Further advice is:
Don't put anyone on the bike until you automatically correct for a crosswind.
Up to that point, it's all knowledge and action. When you get the Kinestetic memory involved, your body will automatically react to your passenger shifting weight. That's the bare bones minimum skill for riding 2 up.
If you practice in gusty conditions, you could get the feel within a couple of weeks. You'll, know. You will get hit by a side gust, and your body will make the corrections, then, and only then, your brain will be told what just happened.

BTW, 2 up for distance, and starting out is a tall order. I had a Kawi Drifter 800. I could do 700 miles in a day solo. Put the wife, and 100 mi was pushing it. 200 was torture. Even the 1100's aren't that much larger on the frame. They have more power, and weigh more.
I suggest, a 800-1000cc bike, learn to ride it(buy it used). Then learn to ride with a 2nd person on the bike (sometimes easy... sometimes OMG, depends on what they do while on the bike). Then look for a bike you can do long rides on.  Bikes like the Nomad, the Tour Deluxe, the Gold Wing, BMW k1200cl. I'd pass on the Venture unless you weigh a lot more than your wife. I found it to be a little top heavy, and, there's quite a step up for the passenger over the rider's seat. For the HD crowd, yeah, the Ultra Classic falls into the mix, and possibly the road king/glide.

Hope this helps.  

I took the MSF course last year and then Purchased a 2008 Suzuki C50T. If you have good balance and are in decent shape, the C50 is a great beginner bike. However, after 6 months and several thousand miles, the Suzuki proved to be just to small for highway trips of any substantial speed or distance. I'm 6'2" and 180 with my wife weighing around 140. We found the Suzuki to feel a bit underpowered on the open highway. Upgraded to a 2009 HD StreetGlide and couldn't be happier.

The 800-1100 cc range is great for starters, but it is very easy to outgrow these bikes. Therefore, I strongly suggest buying one used. If you don't and then decide to upgrade, you're gonna eat about a $2500-3000 loss when you get rid of it.  

People talk about outgrowing a bike, but, I really don't think it's true. I think it's a matter of not wanting to do the work on the smaller bike.
I've had my wife on the back of the Drifter (We're pushing 400lbs between us), going thru the Adirondacks. and I can still maintain 55-60 on the uphill stretches. Sometimes I'm in 3rd, but, I can still accelerate on the hills if I need to.
I know, it sounds wrong, but the 800cc Drifter redlines at about 50 in 1st, and 80 in 2nd. I just got it into the power band. Damn the lub-dub, full speed ahead.

Plus, if you look at the old classic Indians, and Harleys, they were in the 800-1100cc category 50 years ago. People survived.