The course is the most important.
I had no idea what I wanted in a bike until I went and drove theirs.
After my course I sat on close to 50 types of bikes - I did limit myself to under 1000cc engine... Different makes, engine sizes, years, everything.
The one I ended up getting felt the most comfortable, the balance is good, and I can push it around.
I went for a bigger engine partly because I do mostly highway driving, but also because that was the engine that came on the bike that fit me best.

Have fun shopping!

I agree, sit on the bikes!! Do your research and figure out what models you might be interested in, then go to your local dealer(s) and sit on them.

When I got my first bike off ebay I didnt' have a chance to sit on it. It was an old '81 Honda 650. .. .it was a good starter bike to learn on but the one thing I knew I did not like about it was that I felt like I was sitting on top of the bike, instead of down in the bike.

When I decided to upgrade and get a newer bike, I went to every dealer in town and sat on every make and model. I quickly figured out which bikes were out of the question and then was able to narrow my search to those that felt better.

I waited a few weeks and then went back again and only sat on those bikes that I liked. . .one thing that was important to me was being able to flat foot the bike. Some of the bikes, while they had a low slung seat, were wider and I wasn't able to flat foot them. I'm only 5'4". . .

I ultimately chose the Yamaha V-Star Custom (I got the 1100 but they also have the same bike in a 650). I definitely liked the feel of the bike when I sat on it. I've had it now for a couple of months and I love riding this bike and feel much more confident on it than the old bike.

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Schmink
2008 V-Star 1100 Custom

I can tell you a little about that 600 shadow. by myself I weigh 200lbs (yes im fat) and I can get that bike to over 100mph. With my wife on it we weigh 450lbs together. With a head wind I had it floored and was only able to stay at 75mph on the highway going up hill. flat I could barely keep it at 80mph. Thats still plenty fast but be forwarned that it only has 4 gears so it will sound like its gonna explode at those speeds.

Oh and the weight limit is supposedly 355lbs but like I said it does ok with my wife and I on it. In all honestly I dont like the bike anymore. its great for around town and back and forth to work but when it comes to taking trips the thing sucks.

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96' Honda Shadow Deluxe VLX
Dream bike: Ducati Multistrada 1100S

Hey Grandma! Welcome!

I started on the Honda Rebel 250...I think it was a great beginner bike and light enough I could pick it up myself the few times I dropped it. I recently upgraded to a Shadow 600 and LOVE it! It has all the power I am ever going to need and handles much better than the Reb.

I understand the desire to not spend money now on a smaller bike because you'll soon want something larger but getting the Rebel is a great investment. There is alot of demand for them now, due to the low price for inexperienced riders, so it's not difficult to recoup most of your investment.

I bought my Rebel used...it was an '04 and already had a small dent on the right side of the tank from the prior new owner/rider. I kept it about a year and half (took me almost a year to get the nerve to begin riding it) and just sold it for $700 more than I paid for it....and could have sold a dozen of them if I'd had them!