what bike?

black

Hi, I am new to this site.. I have a 1985 Suzuki GS450 and have ridden less than 1000 miles and love it. I am a little afraid at speeds of over 50-55 but will improve with experience. I want to buy a new bike this year and want a classic style, lightweight bike that I can handle. Some people recommend the Virago 250 or the Suzuki S 40...Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated.
Thank you and hello to everyone,
Diane

Find a bike that is light enough that you can pick it up alone if you lay it down. Pick a bike that has a saddle height that allows you to stand and have the bike freely between your legs with your feet planted soundly and securely on the ground. Pick a bike that has a power plant that is within your riding abilty.

And finally, take a motorcycle safety course. They are usually two eight hour days long and worth taking. You can use their bikes usually. You may get and insurance discount for taking it.

Be safe and have fun!

And finally, take a motorcycle safety course. They are usually two eight hour days long and worth taking. You can use their bikes usually. You may get and insurance discount for taking it.

Be safe and have fun!
I'll second that about the safety course. My wife took it and it was the best way to learn some of the nuances of riding before the bad habits set in. :)

thank you so much for the info. I have taken the course.
Diane

thank you so much for the info. I have taken the course.
Diane

So did I. I was impressed with how much I actually learned.

Good luck choosing your motorcycle. If ya narrow it down to a model, make a post about it and see if others have had good experiences with that make and model.

Regards

good idea. I am thinking of the Virago 250 or the Suzuki S40. Does anyone have anything to say about either one of these bikes?
and thank you!

good idea. I am thinking of the Virago 250 or the Suzuki S40. Does anyone have anything to say about either one of these bikes?
and thank you!

Here are some links.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/products/unitinfo/2/mcy/4/24/0/yamaha_virago_250.aspx

http://www.nielsens.com/dlrindexsend_pg_nv_veh_13043-2005_Suzuki_Boulevard+S40.htm

Without alot of thought and from what I've only read, I'd be steered toward the Virago 250 v-twin over the single lung Suzuki S40. The virago is .6 inches shorter in saddle height and several hundered cheaper.

:welcome: diane!! good luck with your new bike

dianed,

If you are use to and comfortable with your current 450, I dont know if the 250 will shine in your eyes. I am not knocking smaller bikes( I ride a DR650 single) but as you skills and confort grow and more highway, higher speed cruising may make the new 250 a bit dissapointing and make you want to trade it in.

My wife and I went to the motorcycle show while it was here inDC with the hopes she would fall in love with a bike and want one but that did not happen. BUT she really liked the suzuki 40 and the kawasaki 500 cruiser. The single cylinder fit her better (she is only 5'2") but the 500 was very doable for her.

Get a list together of all the possible bikef for you, Call a dealer near you and talk with the sales manager. Let him know you are serious about buying a new bike and want to stop by and test drive the XXXX models. Be honest if you are not ready to buy on that day and give him a chance to give you a fair deal. If you can get a pre-approved loan amount from you bank or credit union that could help you with the "deal" on the price.

this is free advive and is worth what you paid for it.

joe