Welcome

I really think you will learn more on a smaller motorcycle and since you did not want to go too small I would recommend something in the 500-650 range. Have fun and be safe and the Safety course is a great way to start.

and good luck! We'll look forward to hearing how it all goes.

_________________
Andrea

Hi and Welcome!

I started riding last spring at 53, with absolutely no experience, and learned a lot from the the safety class. My first bike is a V-Star 650 and I love it. My son bought it used for himself and I have recently inherited it!! For me, the 650 is easier to maneuver and its weight allows me to feel more confident. That confidence allows me to focus on skill development rather than worry about the weight/size of the bike itself. I will likely want something bigger in a couple of years but Ill deal with it then..

Sounds like you have your plans laid out... Now all you need is the bike, warm weather and really cool gear! Have fun!

Hi gmrief,

I just bought my first bike too! I waited until I finished the MSF course. I kinda already had my eye on this 750 Shadow, but I thought it might be too heavy for me - as I come from a dirt-bike background where the bikes weigh half what this new bike weighs. Well, I bought the 750, and in no time at all I was comfortable on it.
I too wanted to buy a bike I could keep for a long time. This one was used - the guy cherried it out and traded up within a year. Sux for him - but great for me. I got a sweeeeeet deal on this used bike in the winter time! Plus I added on a two year warranty, just in case. The time of year that I bought - saved me a ton of cash.
Have fun shopping for that new bike... and the gear!!!

Peace,
Noobie

Welcome to TMW, gmrief.

For a first bike the 650 V-Star is a great choice. It was my first bike and I rode it for over 5 years and 50,000km.

It will haul you everywhere you need to go.

_________________
1st motorcycle 2004 Yamaha V-Star 650 Classic.

Last year I finally convinced my wife to let me take the Motorcycle Safety Course with the proviso that I would be getting a scooter to get back and forth to work, leaving her our one vehicle to shuffle kids around. After taking the course I just couldn't bring myself to buy a scooter, I wanted a motorcyle! After searching Kijiji for a number of weeks, and doing a little research I found a 1980 Honda CB650c for about $600. After close to a month in the local shop (and about $1000.00 later) I got to ride it for the first time and KNEW I had made the right decision!

I have dropped it once, in a dirt parking lot. I hurt my leg, hand and pride and had to buy a new helmet because of the skids marks on it (I didn't want to take a chance that the helmet was no longer safe). But I had no choice but to get out and ride again. I can't wait to get out on the road as soon as the snow disappears!

I am so glad I got up the courage to do it. At 43 I love my bike!

BikerRev

_________________
Motorcycling is scriptural -

David rode into Jerusalem on God's Triumph!