New Rider - Bike Suggestions

Hello,

I'm new to motorcycling (just finished up the Novice Rider Course) and I'm looking to get my first bike.  I'd like a cruiser that isn't overpowered, but can still do freeway speeds with no issue, and is around $6-7K.  I'm getting a loan on it so I'll have the bike for a while, so I want something that'll be relatively easy for me to ride but that I won't outgrow right away.

Right now I've got my eye on a Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD - would this be a good bet?  Any other suggestions?  I'm also open to any older bikes - I don't NEED a 2009 or 2010.

Thanks!  

The Kawi 500, or it's little bigger version the 750 (no longer made, but it had a lot of aftermarket parts made for it, unlike most smaller bikes). It weighs in at about 530lb with all fluids). The 500 weighs 438 dry, so, you're only looking at 50lb or so difference.

One of the things that may help in the choice is the 750 is shaft drive, and the 500 is a chain. Chain is easy to change the gearing on, but, it requires more maintenance.

I looked, and there are a number of 750s out there for less than $3500.  

You could always consider the V-Star 650. It's a very nice bike,and you could probably buy it new and stay in the price range you stated.  

Mike, Those are good suggestions. Have you thought about a used bike? Getting a used bike as a first bike is a good strategy because you'll undoubtedly drop it a time or two (we all *** You can probably get any of those used.

Other good choices are Kawasaki 900, Star 950, or V Star 1100. Any of those would meet your needs and are a bike you can ride without "outgrowing" within 6 months or a year. Suzuki makes a good bike around 900cc, too. I confess to being pro-Star...I like the line and ride a V Star 1100 Custom... I've read reviews that say the Star 950 compares favorably to the 1100 but gets better mpg, equals it in power (it's a belt drive and the 1100 is shaft; a Yamaha dealer told me the belt boosts horsepower 5 hp compared to the shaft), and a 950 is less expensive to get into.

My father-in-law rides a '07 Kawasaki 900 and loves it.

Good luck on making your decision and finding a bike. Talk to your local bike dealer (I use a family-owned shop that sells used bikes and are always willing sit down and talk bikes...hope you can find a similar place). Talk to them about your options, too.

When you do finally get your iron horse, ride safe, beware of cagers on cell phones, and thank The Man Upstairs for every safe ride.  

I started out on a Vulcan 500.  It's got fairly good power and is very quick with the cruiser version of the Ninja engine in it.  It cruises very nicely at speed with the 6 speed transmission and the seat height is low.  I found the bike to be a bit top-heavy with the large gas tank and on long trips cross winds really wore me out.  I've since moved to a Honda Shadow Aero 750.  The center of gravity seems lower and with the added weight and even lower seat the wind doesn't affect me near as much on the highway.  You can get used versions (a good idea for a first bike) of either bike for less than 5K and some of them are already well accessorized.
Good luck and happy riding,
DS  

For 7K, you should be able to come VERY close to a leftover Kawi 900....might even find one for a bit less.  A very good running and trouble-free ride (in most cases...everybody gets a lemon once in awhile).  You probably won't like the stock seat, but otherwise, a fine ride.  

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Consider your size, leg and arm length etc. If you buy s bike, would you want or need to change handlebars or foot controls to be comfortable over a longer ride? You don't want to have to always lean, always have your knees bent, always have a long reach or have to lean back, or stretch to reach your foot controls. Do your feet want to fall off the pegs? Can you steady it on small lateral inclines? Many people DO add or change things to their bikes-but if you only have a certain amount to spend and can't afford modifications go to show rooms that let you ride the bike or at the least sit on the bike. Remember-the cost isn't just the bike, it's also protective gear, scheduled servicing-that can cost a lot depending on the shop and make (strangely my Harley 1000mile service was cheaper less than half cost than my Honda Rebel 250's 500 mile service) and what they expect to have to adjust, fluids to change etc. Used bikes are good deals, just run a check online to make sure it does not have pinkslip problems, stolen etc. Make sure you get to see it run or go on a test ride (probably as a passenger. Check for uncomfortable vibrations, noises etc among other things. Also read consumer reports, reviews from bike mags, comments, complaints, check for recalls etc.  

I didn't mean to sound like you knees should not be bent, but bent excessively. Having flexed hips and knees is uncomfortable and can cause blood clotting problems over time. Basically you're scrunched.  

I ride a Kawasaki 2003 Nomad.  I realize this is not the bike for you but as a new rider I would recommend the Kawasaki 900.  My bike has been trouble free and scheduled maintenance is minimal because of the automatic valve adjustment and cam chain tension.  Also Kawasaki has an automatic neutral finder, when you stop and press down the shifter it will not go into first it will go into neutral.  Much easier than trying to go only halfway down between first and second.  Most important, buy what fits you, if you are not comfortable you won't enjoy the ride.  Good luck with your choice.