Comments for Yamaha V Star Too Big?

Contact

Comments for Yamaha V Star Too Big?

Nov 11, 2013

Congratulations!
by: Kathi

Awesome! You passed! That 2 day course was one of the hardest things I have ever done..

I am also a new rider. I bought my first bike (Triumph Bonneville 865cc) in April. Passed the course May 15th. I dumped my bike once...At first I thought I made a mistake..too big of bike..not cut out for riding...ect... but now I am loving it. Still learning but completely happy with my bike choice. Putting it away for winter..I might just take a refresher course in Spring.
Good luck!

Oct 30, 2013

Lynn
by: Anonymous

We both passed! And now have our endorsement cards!!! We just have to go to the dmv to get our licenses!
Wakeup
One thing that we both realized after taking the class and talking with our Rider Coaches, is that we really feel that the 650 is too much of a bike for us right now. One of the points taught kind of hit home, "know your limitations".

I think that with a lot of time and effort, we could master it, but our intent for getting a bike is for fun and enjoyment. And we were much more comfortable with the smaller bikes that we used in the class.

So our plan is to sell the newly acquired 650 and get ourselves 2 V Star 250's. We love the look and feel of the V Stars so much. They fit our bodies AND our lifestyle, unlike the Honda Rebel or the Suzuki Eliminator.

So even if we don't have the 650, we are definitely staying with Star Motorcycles!

Thanks to all for your encouragement! It was an exhausting 2 days, and if I never have to ride figure 8's in a box again, I will be forever grateful! (Missed points for foot down :-(

Alynn

Oct 29, 2013

Passed Written Portion!
by: Lynn Grant

Sunni and I aced the written portion of the MSF test today! Now onto the driving portion tomorrow!

We are exhausted, but we had a blast!

Lynn

Oct 27, 2013

Thank you All!
by: Anonymous

Thank you all for your opinions, comments and encouragement! We are scheduled for the MSF classes on Tues. and Wed., this week. We have not gotten back on the bike, choosing to follow your advice, and waiting til after the class.

We are getting really excited, and I am "window shopping" for my own bike, setting up my finances, etc. We really want to learn and ride together. So if you know of anyone in the Jacksonville, Fl. Or surrounding areas with a decent V Star 650 for sale, I would definitely be interested!!!

As far as motorcycle types, I agree that choice is a very personal decision. We both are just a couple of old hippie's and really love the look and the fit of the cruisers. They fit our bodies, as well as our lifestyle.

By the way, I Love this website!

Ride Safe!

Lynn

Oct 23, 2013

personal choice
by: Valerie

@Judy, I do agree with you that most woman especially when they get older they seem to go with the cruisers. I rode bitch for 7years on a cruiser(Harley at that) so I knew when I went solo what my choice would be. I dont know about other women but its a personal choice. I picked a cruiser ...cause I like to cruise! I need also to burn the highway up when I get on and to be able to keep up. Im 5'8 so its not about inseam and seat height. I would not suggest cruisers for someone first bike but If they want one and want to learn on one thats okay too! Someone suggested that I get a small bike and learn on that first but I did do that with the MST classes and all that did was get me use to a small bike! Its all about personal choice If you want to buy a scooter then get one.If you want a sport bike then buy one! Its a personal choice but do your homework and let it fit your life style and the cruiser fits mine! no matter what we ride, lets be safe and ride with the rubber down!

Oct 22, 2013

wait on the classes
by: Valerie

I agree with the other ladies, I took my classes about four months ago. My mistake was not getting a motorcycle then. I got one three months ago and I was very rusty! You guys do have a bike right now so at lease after your classes you can practice but I wouldn't ride before the classes. When I got my sportster ,I went around the block and when I came back around I put on brakes and forgot to pull the clutch in and oops I dump her! I didn't the next day ...I learned from that mistake real quick! I went around my block twice, then I practiced in the school field once, and then a vacant parking lot. Then I got frightful for some unknown reason. I kept making so many excuses why I wasn't ready for the highway but now that I think about it I was afraid of my braking abilities. The clutch became my enemy(I called it the stick from hell)lol. I said a quick prayer one day and told my BF I was ready. We got on the highway and he rode beside me on his road king! I was able to get up to 60 in speed! We went thru back roads and a few traffic lights. My main problem is down shifting, but one day I put 80 miles on and it was was all highway time! I even got brave to do it again the next day. I put 100 miles on her in two days but currently its too cold to ride :( . I guess maybe next year, I'll be at it again! I have a 883c Sportster and it was heavy but I kept at it and you women can do it too. Don't give up on your motorcycle!It just takes practice! Stay safe and make sure you practice when you get your endorsements so you can be legal too!

Oct 22, 2013

Is there only one genre in all your minds?
by: Judy

I see over and over again how almost everyone who starts out riding, especially at later ages, doesn't seem to know or consider any bikes other than the "Cruiser" style. Now, perhaps that is because they have short inseams and need something with very low seat heights, enabling them to flatfoot either side, which can be a very important thing for a new rider. However, this style of bike is far heavier than the "standard" or the somewhat sport-oriented type, with longer wheelbases, and this makes for heavier, slower steering and less manueverability especially at slower speeds. Thus, those factors make them a less-than-optimal starter bike.

Now, most of the 250s are woefully underpowered and unsuitable for the freeway, including all the Cruiser style, but there are a couple which are far more capable, and althogh having the sport style, are actually "standards" in their ergonomic layout. The '07 and prior years Ninja 250, the new 250 and 300, the Honda CBR250 single, etc. Very capable and easy to ride machines with enough power for the freeway.

There are a number of other new standard bikes such as the Suzuki TU-250 also.

Unless you're limited to needing an extraordinarily low seat height, do yourselves a favor and check out the lighter, more manueverable standards and others. Limiting yourselves to one genre is counterproductive to your potential experiences!

Oct 21, 2013

new riders
by: Lynn - FL

I agree with the other ladies as far as taking the class first. Just about any bike at slow speeds will feel clumsy and heavy. I have only ever dropped a bike in parking lot situations (luckily).

First gear is jerky and almost too slow, except for taking off from a stop.

Once you get the class under your belt, I bet you will find the 650 VStar to be an excellent ride. I wouldn't give up on it for sure.

Oct 21, 2013

don't be to hasty
by: Shelly

I have to agree with the other comment--take the class before doing any real riding. I'm in my mid 50's and have been riding for 5 years now. I started with a kawaski 500 and very quickly out-grew it, and upgraded to the Suzuki C50. Great bike and the ride is so much better on the bigger bikes. Remember these machines are high tech and designed with better balance, great suspensions and smooth handling. I now ride a HD road king and just love it. Every bike takes some getting used to but the larger ones ride better. I do lots of long distance rides so get a bike that suits your needs. Also, get all the proper riding gear to be safe on your bike--the investment will pay off!

Oct 21, 2013

Don't make a hasty decision
by: Rene L

Hi!

Congrats on your first bike and definitely two thumbs up on your decision to take the MSF class. I took the class when I was 52 and had never even driven a dirt bike. I was so afraid of buying a bike that was too heavy and with too much power I thought I'd better buy the smallest 250 I could find. Fortunately for me I listened to the advice of many experienced riders who strongly recommended I not invest Ina 250. Their opinion is that I would soon outgrow it and regret not having more power, especially in any freeway travel and if I was riding with other folks.

I half listened to their advice. I bought a Suziki S40 Boulevard which was still small and light weight but had more power than a Rebel. Well they were right about how fast I would out grow such a small bike. After six months I upgraded to a C50 T Boulevard which is a bit heavier and is an 800. At first I was afraid it would be too big and heavy. On my first ride I was amazed at how much more stable and sturdy the bike felt. After riding for a few miles and shaking off the glitters, I actually found the bike was easier to handle, was much better at braking, and was a much more comfortable ride.

I don't thinkni would ever recommend that someone with no experience ride a bike before taking the MSF class. Definitely wait to make any decisions about what bike to buy. Anyway, 4 years later I am still loving my C50 T. In a few more years I may find that I am ready for an upgrade but for now I'm good.

So good luck with your class and with your decision on what bike to buy. Just keep the shiny side up!

Rene.

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Yamaha V Star Too Big?.

Return to Ask (or answer) a Question CLOSED.