Newbie needs advice

[gpeach27]

Hi there. Well I am like a lot of the ladies on here and that I just took the MSF class and passed! Now I want my first bike and would like some input on what I should get. I really like the Honda Shadow Spirit. I think it would be a great first bike but am wondering how much more powerful it is than the Honda Nighthawk I learned on. I have always wanted a cruiser style so I figured before I get into a new Harley I would start off with the Honda. Does anyone have any advice for me as far as if the Honda is a good starter bike or not. Thanks in advance for any input. It will be much appreciated.

[ridingAK]

Have you sat on the Honda Shadow? The most important thing in choosing a new motorcycle is finding a bike that makes you comfortable. See if you can get a test ride on the bike and if it works, then life is good!

[phoenix63]

Have you sat on the Honda Shadow? The most important thing in choosing a new motorcycle is finding a bike that makes you comfortable. See if you can get a test ride on the bike and if it works, then life is good!

+1 Agree with rAK. Sit on as many bikes as you can until your bike finds YOU. :D:

[ImaSoftT]

+2 rAK and Phoenix hit the nail on the head, sit on and test ride as many bikes as you can. I wouldn't worry to much about how much power it has or how big or small it is, when you find one that just feel right, then you will know it is the ONE. Bike shopping is so much fun. Good luck on your search.

[Luna Tique]

+1 on sitting on as many bikes as you can before you decide what to buy and if you can set it up with the dealer to do a test ride. :thumbup:

[Astir]

Bike shopping!!! :ecstasy:

Good luck! Trust us, the right bike will let itself known.

[sweptwingnut]

I think you will like any of the Hondas. The Honda Rebel is a bit more of the cruiser style you are expressing interest for over the Nighthawk while remaining in a more manageable bike to learn on.

The Honda Nighthawk and Suzuki TU250 are more comparible with each other in the street standard category.

I would put the Shadow Spirit in the same class as the 883 Harley. With it's 745cc v-Twin engine and larger size, it doesn't sound like the bike you are describing as your initial desire for something smaller to learn on. More like your 2nd bike instead.

All this aside, sit on and test ride as many as possible and pick the one that is the most comfortable for you. Don't pigeon yourself to just one style as you may surprise yourself with something you had never considered before. I.E. Street standard vs street cruiser vs touring, etc, etc.

[Bikingbiddy]

If you're looking for a cruiser that's biggerthan a 250, but not TOO big and is still pretty newb friendly, the Suzuki Savage/S40 might be worth a look. It's a big single cylinder, but still quite light and manageable for most rookies... Happy bike shopping!

[VTXGirl]

Take a day and visit some dealerships and try sitting on various bikes. Have the sales guy hold the front of the bike so you can also take your feet and put them on the pegs as though you were riding the bike, that way you can get a feel for how your upper body feels on the bike as well. I started out on the Honda 250 Rebel and rode it for a good solid year before moving up to the 800 Kawasaki Vulcan and then on to the Honda VTX 1300. You'll know when you're ready to move up. Good luck shopping!

[Lion_Lady]

For the record, a Honda Nighthawk 250 and Rebel 250 (typical BRC bikes) both have about 20 horsepower. Quite an eye opener for students once we get done on the Range... "So, how many horsepower do you think those bikes have?" There's usually at least one response of 50-60 hp. Often from one who's already got a sportbike of some kind in their garage. Jaws drop when I give them the real number.

[opaque_machete]

My hubby found my bike. I have a Ninja 250 that I like very much, but she doesn't seem to like me much. She's more into the hubby. :lol: Anyway, hubby was looking for a little dual sport for me to hit the trails with when he spotted my little XT 225. I love it! He loves me. When I laid eyes on him, I had to have him. I love this bike! Oh, did I say, I love this bike? Well, I do love this bike. :lol:

[ImaSoftT]

Nothing like love at first sight, hope you and your XT have many happy miles togethers.:yahoo:

[gpeach27]

Well I followed all your advice and I sat on a few bike over the last few days. I tried a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 and it felt huge. I sat on a Harley 883 XL and it felt good. Finally I went and sat on a 2008 Honda Shadow Spirit and fell in love. I had to get it. It has 62 miles on it and it just feels right.



http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150423513920295&set=a.247507860294.183249.565385294&type=1&theater

I can not wait to ride my new baby. It will be delivered with a windshield this week. I am still waiting for my certificate so I can go to the DMV to get the M class added to my license.
Thanks for all your input. Glad I have a place where I can connect with other women riders.

[ImaSoftT]

gpeach, the link says "The page you requested cannot be displayed right now. It may be temporarily unavailable, the link you clicked on may have expired, or you may not have permission to view this page." Don't know why:shrug:

[zukilady]

Can't see it either...but congrats on finding a bike that feels right! :)

[Follow]

Well I followed all your advice and I sat on a few bike over the last few days. I tried a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 and it felt huge. I sat on a Harley 883 XL and it felt good. Finally I went and sat on a 2008 Honda Shadow Spirit and fell in love. I had to get it. It has 62 miles on it and it just feels right.
.
AWESOME!!! Congrats!!!!:thumbsup:

Your link is blocked, you need to open it up for viewers.

[gpeach27]

Apparently photos are disabled in this thread. I tried different ways but it keeps blocking me. I'm going to change my profile pic to a picture of my new bike. Hopefully that will work.

[Luna Tique]

The reason is threads started under this Forum have the photo options disabled.
Our reasoning was we didn't want graphic photos of crashes posted.

Please start a new thread in another section and post up your photos there.
I took a sneak peak and your bike is beautiful.:D:

[VStar]

Hope it's a mutual love affair for as long as you want it. Getting a bike is so exciting and even more fun.

[chienjouet]

I was suppose to sell my Honda nighthawk 250, when I bought my new one..I love it so much, I'd get sad thinking about selling it. So, we probably won't.

Good luck in finding just the perfect fit. Kiss many frogs!

[S.P.Rocket]

Well I followed all your advice and I sat on a few bike over the last few days. I tried a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 and it felt huge. I sat on a Harley 883 XL and it felt good. Finally I went and sat on a 2008 Honda Shadow Spirit and fell in love. I had to get it. It has 62 miles on it and it just feels right.



http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150423513920295&set=a.247507860294.183249.565385294&type=1&theater

I can not wait to ride my new baby. It will be delivered with a windshield this week. I am still waiting for my certificate so I can go to the DMV to get the M class added to my license.
Thanks for all your input. Glad I have a place where I can connect with other women riders.

Congrats!! Have fun on your new bike!

[phoenix63]

Woooo Hoooo! Can't wait to see the :LT:

And we're all looking forward to your first ride report!

[sportychick]

I'm a new rider, and just purchased a bike at the end of February. I haven't even taken my class yet (it starts this Wed), but it's really, really important to feel 100% comfortable and in control of your bike. I am a Harley girl, and knew right from the start I wanted to start out on a Sportster, but didn't know which one. I LOVE the look of the Iron, but the handlebars were a bit too far of a reach for me to feel comfortable, I could have changed out the bars, but that would have also meant some rewiring and I was not about to put another $800 into a brand new bike. I ended up getting a Superlow....I am short (5'2) and I couldn't feel any more comfortable and confident on this bike.

I agree with the other ladies, you've got to sit on them, feel them out, and if you can take a test drive.

[phoenix63]

Sportychick, we're the same height and live in the same state!

Congrats on the new ride and taking the class! Let us know how it goes!