Jumping in with both feet

[OrangeDrink]

Howdy all,

After a bout with sanity I have finally capitulated to my desires and decided that I need a motorcycle. So to prepare I'm in the midsts of completing my Basic Rider's Course this weekend and next week I will begin my search in earnest for a bike.

I have some gear right now:
SHOEI RF1000 helmet
Racer "High End" gloves
OXtar Matrix 2 boots
Tour Master Transition jacket
T Pro Forcefield pants (more like a base layer)

I'll definitely get some real pants when I find out what feels right to me, but now onto the big question: BIKES.

I need one for commuting and general riding purposes. So far my research has led me down the belief that a 250 would be too small for the 80% freeway commute. This has lead me to look into two other options: a used naked Suzuki SV650 or a 2000 Honda Shadow VLX that my coworker is selling on the super cheap. So my question is this: should I buy something that has an upright stance, a great mileage range and will be 100% comfortable on the freeway like a used SV650, or is it better to get an inexpensive bike that is easy to ride, but not quite as freeway-worthy?

I have battled it in my mind many times and the benefits for the Suzuki to me are:
bigger fuel tank and much longer range
easier to maneuver
has speed and torque to spare at freeway speeds

Cons:
twice as expensive as the Shadow
Insurance cost wil be higher
I won't ever sleep because I fear I will ride it endlessly

For the Honda:
lightweight for a cruiser and low seat height
relaxed rider position will mean I can ride longer

Cons:
80 mile range :(
is harder to park for a beginner like me
not certain of freeway performance for the commute

So, does anyone have any advice or perhaps some experience or knowledge that could help me with my decision? As a new rider I can't say whether I'll end up on a cruiser, super motard, or a sport bike and I am open to all suggestions. Thanks for reading my ramblings.

[Archimedes]

Well if those were my only two choices, I'd take the SV over the Shadow all day and twice on Sunday. But I have a preference for sportier bikes and the SV is going to be a more flexible performer.

However, if you don't really know what type of riding you're going to be doing, other than commuting, it's hard to even begin to point you in any direction. The only advice I'd give, and I'm sure others will chime in, is buy a cheap, lightweight, used bike to learn on, because the chances your first bike will hit the ground at some point are very high. I would suggest buying a cheap used standard, ride it for a year or two until you have a better sense for what you're looking for, then buy the bike you really want.

Oh and get good gear. Really good boots and gloves are absolutely key - don't skimp on these, even if it means less money for the bike. I think most riders should spend more on their gear than they do on their first bike.

[DigDoug]

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sounds like some good advice up there. I started out looking for a cruiser as I was looking to use my first bike for commuting and then I saw the Craigslist post for my SV and well the rest is history.

Did you go to the Motorcycle show in San Mateo a couple of weeks ago? If not go to the dealers and sit on as many bikes as you can. See what feels comfy in terms of height, controls location, foot and arm placement, etc. Then keep an eye on the classifieds and see what pops up based on what you may think you like. It may come down to how patient or impatient you are.

As far as size of the engine is concerned you definitely do not need to go more than 650. For the first bike; smaller, lighter, cheaper is the best way to go. That's my two sense.

[OrangeDrink]

I wish I would have known about the bike show. Unfortunately I have only sat on a dozen or so bikes and only rode two of 'em. Off to the dealerships again I go.

I guess I was hoping that someone might have a good lead on a bike or advice on other models such as a nighthawk or something like that. I check craigslist, but I'm sure there are other options out there. Would it be a good idea to get a V Twin to start or is a one cylinder thumper likely to teach me more about riding? I would certainly love to get the SV, but as of late I find my finances recommending I get the cheapest bike I can get and just ride and be happy for a while.

[DigDoug]

I wish I would have known about the bike show. Unfortunately I have only sat on a dozen or so bikes and only rode two of 'em. Off to the dealerships again I go.

I guess I was hoping that someone might have a good lead on a bike or advice on other models such as a nighthawk or something like that. I check craigslist, but I'm sure there are other options out there. Would it be a good idea to get a V Twin to start or is a one cylinder thumper likely to teach me more about riding? I would certainly love to get the SV, but as of late I find my finances recommending I get the cheapest bike I can get and just ride and be happy for a while.

If there was one special formula for getting your first bike I would tell unfortunately I haven't found it yet. Ultimately it's your decision no matter what anyone else tells you or recommends.

Good luck and enjoy the site. When you finally make the decision post up picks of your ride. Most importantly, just have fun. Remember, this isn't a life or death decision.:laughing