i have a 700 virago, its a v-twin. it will do 80 down the highway no problem, even with the back loaded with camping gear. don't listen to these fools that say go big for your first bike, its not gonna hurt to ride a smaller bike to get the feel. i started on a 250, and sold it 8 months later for 200 more than what i paid, and took that money and bought my virago, that night.

You are talking about a completely different world of bikes here than a Kawasaki Vulcan is in. You are in the sport bike realm, I was coming from a cruiser bike realm. Two completely different beasts.

I've been on a Virago 1200, a couple of suzuki 1100s, and even a HD 1200. None had the punch or performance my wing has. However, the 1500cc and 1600cc cruisers I've been on have been much better at accelerating without feeling like they are working at it.

The Goldwing's sold.

Know someone looking to get rid of a 2006 Honda Shadow 750 with only 1,400 miles.

Shadows are very nice. This would definitely be the first choice of the three you are mentioning

How did I miss this topic?
Anyway, yea that Kawasaki Vulcan 500 is basically the same motor as the EX 500, now I believe they call it the 500 Ninja. It’s a parallel twin that in the EX is a fairly peppy bike. I don’t know how well that translates to a cruiser but overall I’d say that’s not a bad choice for a first bike.

The Shadow 750 is going to have more low end torque than the Kawasaki you mentioned. In may ways it makes the Shadow an easier to ride bike.
Not a bad choice either.
Generally, I’m not a fan of cruisers for first bikes. They’re ok, but they can teach newb riders bad habits, like not learning to feel the front brake or learning what “counter steer” is and how to manipulate it.
You could do worse though, I have seen newb riders buy 1000cc fuel injected sport bikes as first bikes. They typically don’t ride for long either.

the counter steer came in handy for me saturday...sheesh. the wife wasn't impressed, but it beat the hell out of the other option.
sec

So what's a good weight for a starter bike? I'm 5'10 and about 240 pounds right now (though I'm losing weight).

If weight is your only criteria get a dirt bike, or an “enduro”, “dual sport” or whatever they’re calling them now, for the street.
They can be a bit tough to learn on for those with a shorter inseam, but they’re light and torquey. Plus you can take one just about anywhere.
Maybe it’s a better question to ask yourself what kind of riding you see yourself doing mostly?

She’d have been less impressed with road rash, assuming that's the worst of the "other option". ;)

Not the only criteria by any means... just curious what you all would suggest. The Spirit I'm looking at is about 500 pounds.

That’s a pretty average bike weight. Sport bikes and dirt bikes will be lighter but most standards and small cruisers are right there.

I just joined the 2 wheel club last month. Here was my thread:
http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showt...42#post5672042
Just became officially legal last week, btw. ;) I ended up buying a 2005 Honda Shadow Aero. I really liked the Spirit and found a couple but they were a little higher priced and didn't have accessories that I wanted. My Aero came with a windshield, sissy bar, and saddle bags. I ride it every day that I can to work and just cruise around town on short little trips. Those saddle bags come in handy. BTW, those run around $300. So, keep that in mind if you ever think you may need them. If you find a bike that already has them, it is a plus.

I don't have a pic of mine but here is one that looks like it. This is an 07 Shadow Aero (mine is 05) and mine is white and silver.

http://ksu.craigslist.org/mcy/1188226942.html

Check out the Suzuki SV650. Old school simplicity and looks (if you go with the naked version) and new-age performance, weight, and reliability.

I buddy of mine has one, and it is a blast to ride:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/20/Sv650.jpg

About 70 hp, nice low seating position, real slim through the mid-section, and best of all under 400 pounds dry.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_SV650S

DT