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VStar vs. LowStar harley

I bought a scooter about six months ago. It just made me want a motorcycle. Then I bought a Rebel 250. I have had it about a month. Now I want to buy a bigger bike. I am looking at the VStar 650 and the Superlow Harley. Any suggestions? The VStar feels very comfortable, but I haven't really tried the Superlow. I am only 5'0 and I weigh 109. I don't want anything I can't handle, but then again, I don't want to buy and want something more in two months down the road. I want to ride wherever and feel comfortable. Mainly I want to know I can handle it. I am not young. I am 55, but in very good shape. This is a new-found love, so I want to get started.

Comments for VStar vs. LowStar harley

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Mar 07, 2013

Shimmy on 650
by: Kelly

Bo, I didn't have that issue with mine. I drove it at 70-75 and did just fine with no problems. But, we all know that all bikes are not the same. I think a lot of us agree that the 650 is a winner.

Mar 06, 2013

V Star 650
by: Bo

I agree with previous statements, the V STAR 650 WAS my FAVORITE bike! It looks great and I got comments everywhere I went but it 'handles SUPER' and the seating is perfect! I have had everything from Harley, BMW, Honda and the CLASSIC V STAR 650 was the BEST. I sadly got talked into 'moving up' to the CLASSIC V STAR 1100 which is much heavier and I dream about that V Star 650 whenever I ride. (The reason I got talked into 'moving up to 1100 was the V Star 650 got a 'shimmy at 58mph and beyond, I also talked with over 6 others that said the same....'shimmy at 58mph...so if you plan to have it at 55mph and below,it will be great!) Here is one of the videos with it: https://vimeo.com/3080291

Mar 04, 2013

V Star 650 Classic
by: Robin C

I'm 5'2", 110lbs, and 45 yrs old. 4 years ago I decided to get a motorcycle and learn to ride. I found a used 650 Classic, and it was love at first sight. I've put almost 20,000 miles on her, riding with groups and on my own, and have honestly never felt like I needed a bigger bike. She fits me perfectly, and runs great. I've never had mechanical problems, just basic stuff like oil changes. I ride mostly backroads, prefer them to the highway, but she does well on both. I love the fact that I could pay cash for her and still afford the accessories and trips I wanted to take. I totally agree that you should sit on as many as possible, one bike does not fit all, but I have never been disappointed in the look, ride or performance of my V Star. Keep in mind also that you want to be able to comfortably flat foot your new bike, but you can have it lowered, or add pullback risers so you have a more comfortable reach. Just don't let someone talk you into something that won't fit you or that you are uncomfortable with for any reason! The more research you do the happier you will be with your choice!

Mar 04, 2013

Here's what I did
by: Kelly

I took the MSF class 2 years ago, bought a used vstar 650 classic. Rode that for a year, sold it and bumped up to a vstar 950 tourer. It was affordable, fit me perfectly, but can totally keep up with my husband's Roadstar 1600. The vstar 650 was an excellent bike, no mechanical issues whatsoever. The bike actually looks bigger than it is which threw people off when they asked what it was. So, if you are looking for a bigger bike without going TOO big, take a look at the vstar classic.

Feb 27, 2013

+1 For Suzuki
by: Tracey

I'm a definite fan of the Suzuki. I have a 2004 Savage LS650(I think it's the last year before they changed it out to the Boulevard). The Rebel is (off hand) 300lbs, and the Savage is a mere 50lbs heavier. I'm 5'1 and it's not only easy to flat foot, but I have no issues with the handlebars or the weight. I feel completely comfortable and that's important starting out. Best of all, they're affordable.

With that said though, go to a dealer. Sit on the bikes. Lift them up. Find out what's comfortable for you. It's not a one-size-fits-all scenario. And, whatever you decide, take it slow. Take it to a parking lot and get to know it before you go nuts.

Feb 23, 2013

Which bike
by: Anonymous

You also might want to check out the Suzuki Boulevard S40. The older models were called the Savage. They are a 650cc bike, but only about 20 pounds heavier than the Rebel. I started on a Rebel and moved up to the Suzuki - great, dependable bike. The Harley Superlow is quite a bit heavier - 568 lbs when gassed up.

I'm 5'2" and 110. I now ride a Superlow. It took me a couple of years to get there. I think the Suzuki s40 is a good next step for a year or so. After that you'll do fine on a superlow.

Feb 16, 2013

Rebels
by: Gypsy Spirit

For two years, '86 & '87, Honda made a Rebel 450. There are still a number of them around. My daughter's been riding one for about 10 years. It has the same top speed as my Sportster 883 (different gearing, the Rebel is a 6 speed) and it has enough pick up and go, even at highway speeds, for her to feel safe on the interstates. She's ridden all over the country on it without hesitation.
Through the years she's tried different bikes. She keeps going back to her Rebel ... because it "fits".

A lot of people don't know there ever was a Rebel 450. My daughter has even had Honda dealers tell her there's no such thing. There is. She rides one and loves it! Just wanted to put another option out there for you.

Feb 15, 2013

V Star vs LowStar Harly
by: Anonymous

I agree practice practice practice practice with what you have now.. I ride a rebel 250 which I bought last summer. Even tho I want a bigger bike I know I am not ready.. I am short, 5'1" and weigh in around 172 lbs.. There is so much more to learn and become comfortable befoe moving on to my larger dream bike..

Feb 15, 2013

advice
by: Blueyedbiker

I've been riding for 35 years, here's my advice.

Don't think so much ahead. Sit on several bikes, test ride if they'll let you and get what you feel MOST comfortable on, it's the BEST way to build your confidence. You will know when you sit on the right bike it! You can ALWAYS trade in and/or up when (and if) you're ready. I've heard many men give advice on not getting something "too small" but they don't have the same considerations us girls do. Good luck and Ride On :))

Feb 15, 2013

more experience + the bike you really want = long-term happiness
by: Heather

Hi. My advice would be to get as much rider education as possible, practice like hell with what you have now, then get something you really want. I am 5'3" and weigh 100 lbs. 4 months ago I bought a Triumph Tiger 800, an incredibly versatile machine, and so far I'm able to handle it just fine. Keep in mind that you can often adjust the suspension or use lowering links to bring the bike down a bit.. but with more experience you'll find you can handle more than you think you can. Check out this post on the MotoVixens blog: http://motovixens.com/kudos-to-us-vixens/

Cheers,
Heather

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