[acecycleins]

Re: starter bikes

The motors are, in fact, chinese. the assembly of the bikes is quality controlled by JR and his employees. Interstate Star (one of the largest aftermarket warranty companies in the USA) found the bike quality to be good enough for a 2 yr warranty. Most of the parts come right out of Parts Unlimited and other US sources.

 

[37038]

Re: starter bikes

Sure. However, it is misleading to apply the label "US Made" to something assembled in China of mixed origin parts under 'supervision' of a few US employees.

 

[43093]

MSF course in N. Florida using a Virago 250? Would that be Jax, FL I was riding an 1100 Virago at the time but rode the 250 for MSF class. It was a blast snatching that thing thru the class turns, and it stopped on a dime at those speeds. LOL

 

[19741]

My wife is 5 2 and started out on the Savage. Much better than the 250 Ninja which she also had. She has also owned a 883 Hugger and a 750 Monster. Her latest bike which so far is the one she likes the best is the Kawasaki 500 Vulcan which has also been made for 20 years. The bike does not look like a toy, has a smooth parallel twin motor and is bulletproof. Other than ego your wife will not outgrow it. Handles pretty well for a cruiser.

 

[pplassm]

Dual-sports are ugly?



Please don't tell my DRZ400 that!

 

[3810]

If it were my wife, I'd recommend a standard SV650. The only problem may be the seat height if she feels being flat-footed is necessary when stopped. If the cruiser type is a requirement, someone suggested the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 LTD. A new one retails for $5000. Used should be lots cheaper. This bike would allow more room to grow than the S40 or the 250's. If it's a reasonably priced cruiser style for a new rider, you can't do a whole lot better than the Vulcan 500.

 

[fumanchu]

src="http://members.chello.at/fumanchu/sitefolder/bandito1_small.jpg">

make sure to get her a lowering linkage

 

[fumanchu]

no image tags on MO? even if they're hosted on a private server? bah.

 

[hilodik]

Re: starter bikes

Did the same as pplassm, bought the wife a Buell Blast, taught her how to ride. She dumped it twice in five miles and I said, "that's enough of that." Drove the Blast for the next year and then sold it. Now she rides on the back - quite contented to do that.

 

[48454]

Re: starter bikes

I'd buy new, might cost a couple of houndred more, but with as solid as the beginer bike market seems to be I would bet you are not going to save much money buying used. besides, you get a waranty, brand new tires brakes oil, batery, clean carbs etc and your wife can put all her own personal customizations to it. (crash scars) Then you can sell it at a few houndred dollar loss.. but hey I Don't know anything about your situation, are you mechanicle inclined? not paying the bike shop 80$ an hour for service could really break my argument. and you may be able to get a used bike for significantly less than I could in ct.

 

[58876]

Maybe she'll let you ride it.

 

[151]

Jax Fl? That's a yes. I live in Atlantic Beach

 

[60523]

Dear dmpereira,

I am very interested in your Virago 250. Where are you located?

Richard Brewer

[email protected]

 

[newagetwotone]

Suzuki....

First off sorry for Highjacking a thread but i can't figure out how to post a new one.

I was planning on getting my permit and taking a safety course. are there any opinions out there about the '07 Suzuki Burgman 400 for a first bike? I was looking for something to commute to work and back in good weather, its about 20 miles (10 highway, 10 city) and something i can have fun with and possibly do a couple of day trips (Pittsburgh to Erie PA)

To be honest the last thing i rode was a 1970s honda Mini Trail 50 when i was a kid. Its been a long time and i always enjoyed riding around the private roads and power cuts up by our cabin and wanted to get back into riding.

 

[TheFox]

I think you'll be great on a Burgman 400. That scooter has been around for a while and is very capable. I'm fairly sure there's a review on this site of a Burgman, but it may be the 650.

Just remember to wear some safety gear. Just because it's a scooter doesn't mean you're not going to get knocked off.