[leezerz]

hey all, ive been looking around here for a few days and got alot of good info so thanks for that. common sense tells me to start small, so i guess im looking at the 250s/500s. being about 6'200lbs i dont really know which would be better.
im also wondering for a beginner bike, what about the older susukis or yamaha cruiser or standard types(whatever to label them)? i guess an
ex. 1973 yamaha xs650 or 1980 susuki gs550e
any input would be great

as far as MSF courses go. state sponsored courses are all pretty much filled till aug/sept for $25.
or training classes at the local harley dealer for $325 next month.
harley course sounds intresting b/c its longer, more of a personal training course, and you get to practice on buell blasts. also a $50 gift certificate for passing.

 

[RayOSV]

Don't go too old on a bike unless you like projects. There's nothing wrong with the H-D course (except the cost) as long as it will get you your m/c license endorsement.

 

[Dominion]

The 250's and 500's will carry you around just fine.

 

[Moon]

im also wondering for a beginner bike, what about the older susukis or yamaha cruiser or standard types(whatever to label them)? i guess an
ex. 1973 yamaha xs650 or 1980 susuki gs550e
any input would be great

as far as MSF courses go. state sponsored courses are all pretty much filled till aug/sept for $25.
or training classes at the local harley dealer for $325 next month.
harley course sounds intresting b/c its longer, more of a personal training course, and you get to practice on buell blasts. also a $50 gift certificate for passing.

Only problem with some older bikes may be condition of rubber/ wiring/ carbs etc. How was it maintained? Parts availability might be an issue with some as well.

Any course is better than none. The HD one does spend time w/ "tours" thru the dealership. Schedules can vary a bit, depends on how much time you can allot over the 4-5 days there also.

 

[leezerz]

my buddy knows a guy that has the suzuki, he says the bike has been fixed up, custom exhaust. i think pretty much a rebuild project. the guy has been doing this kind of thing for awhile.

i also found a kawi ex 500 for sale for about $2700, its an '02 with about 6000miles with new tires always stored indoors. guy says its never been droped, but how can you trust that?

 

[supersport929]

6' 200 Lbs, Id suggest the Ex 500, It will be light enough to keep it up easyer and powerfull enough to move you around with some take off speed. I started on one 5'10 was 150lbs. There nice bikes.
Looking for signs of droping look at the brake pedal for scrapes on the edge brake clutch levers, tail pipe, These are things that can not easilly be touched up with paint and often times missed when they sand to clean up.
Good Luck and welcome to SBN.

 

[supersport929]

6' 200 Lbs, I'd suggest the Ex 500, It will be light enough to keep it up easy and powerful enough to move you around with some take off speed. I started on one 5'10 was 150lbs. There nice bikes.
Looking for signs of dropping look at the brake pedal for scrapes on the edge brake clutch levers, tail pipe, These are things that can not easily be touched up with paint and often times missed when they sand to clean up.
Good Luck and welcome to SBN.