Should I buy this bike? (New rider)

[Mac]

Ben,

First and foremost, welcome to Pashnit! As you can see, there are plenty of people here to help and we are a passionate group where safety is concerned.

I must agree that the MSF BRC is the best place to start and I see you're on board with that. Good.

The bike you're looking at, the Volusia, is by all means a fair sized bike and an 800 cc bike isn't typically the first bike a person would recommend to the new rider (I'm sure you saw that). People normally recommend the smaller bikes simply because they tend to be nimble and are easily maneuvered in those times of peril.

It has been my experience (MSF instructor since 1990) that a new rider best serves him/herself in buying a motorcycle after the class is completed and they have a better idea of their own limits and have learned to ride within them. I have seen student riders come in with absolute zero experience and come out of the course with a great understanding of what they can and cannot do and purchased accordingly and it has worked well. Some did as many here have already suggested and started small.

I remember one guy left the class and went and bought a Buell Firebolt the very next day and rode that thing like he'd been doing for years. I have also seen riders who left the course and bought smaller bikes and were no better with them than they were in the class setting where it is controlled. They got out in live traffic and it scared them.

When I teach I make sure the rider gets a good idea of how I think his skill has or haven't progressed. I have flat out told people that they really don't need to be on a motorcycle and if I saw them in a cage (car) I'd go the other way! For the most part I have been a pretty decent judge of character.

Here is a caveat to consider however...some classes will pass all riders regardless of how they have actually performed in class! I sat in on a class in another state (no names) and there was this one rider who consistently shot off the course because he was too scared to lean into the turn at range speeds (no more than 20 mph). Twice I saw him leave the course and one other time I watched him drop the bike. In the classes I have taught a safety violation means the rider leaves the course and gets a refund. Not them! No refunds mean everyone passes! Needless to say, I didn't teach for them.

In the end, the best advice I can offer a new rider is to hold off on buying a bike until after you have taken the class and see if this is really for you. I have known for many, many years that motorcyclists are born and with only a few exceptions, not created. Let's see who you are first and then we move forward. I'm not saying don't buy the Volusia so, please don't take that from all of what I am saying. That bike is as good as any other when it comes to first bikes simply because not too many of us can afford the smaller to larger bike progression.

The Volusia itself is a pretty good bike and, that one being a 2004 with 22k miles on it means the owner put all of 3,100 miles on it each year since it was new meaning it is barely broken in. How much are they asking for it?

[redzdvl]

With previous Riding experience ~ the Volusia is an excellent mid-level bike ... a lot of people move up to more CC's later, I have kept mine because it suits me ... I am a larger gent & it will carry my carcass on the Interstate at a comfortable 75 - 80 mph cruise speed.

Not trying to tear you away from Pashnit land ~ this is a great place

but for more Volusia specific info ~ might want to check out VolusiaRiders dot com.
anything & everything u would want to know (& some you may not want to kno) about the Vol/Bol bikes.

[Big Russ]

Originally Posted by bw2893

I'm 28 years old and am completing my second year of law school. I have no intentions of chasing hell of anything and riding like I'm 16. However, I need a bike that can make a 3-hour high-way trip while I'm completing an internship this summer. In addition, I will be using it primarily to travel from home to school and back.
.

At the risk of sounding like the grinch, you do realise that unless you can spanner, running a bike is not the cheap option ?

Apart from winning the immediate petrol consumption comparison, bikes loose against servicing intervals and tyre life and they don't handle neglect well. While mechanics seem to have a charge out rate not too far from senior partner levels.

While I welcome anyone who wants to ride with open arms, I do wonder if from the presented fact pattern if in this instance you would be better served with a modern small (european sized) car.

However if you are still reading around for riding tips, from those clips I have seen on Youtube the Ride like a Pro series seems to have some good sense within the general Hollywood presentation.

This site also has a lot of riding information, both within its tips section and the forum pages . http://www.msgroup.org/

[Mystic Red]

this site also has a lot of riding information, both within its tips section and the forum pages . http://www.msgroup.org/

+1!

[bw2893]

Thanks for everyone's replies. I've narrowed it down to two bikes. First, the 04 Volusia 800, which has 22k miles.
OR, an 01 Yamaha v-star 650 custom, which has 12k miles.

I know the smaller the bike the better for a beginner, but I am going to take an msf class, so never-mind the size. Which bike is simply the better bike; performance, maintenance, reliability, and just all around wise? Thanks!

[bw2893]

Oh, and to reply to a few other posts. For the 04 Volusia they are asking $2700 obo. I really really appreciate the well-being everyone shows on this site! If I had the choice, I would wait and take the MSF class before I buy a bike. However, I just don't have that luxury. The first msf class in my area doesn't start until mid July. I need a bike within two weeks. Not for need-for-speed reasons, but for work and the fact that it cannot be a car due to living downtown parking restrictions! It's been a while since I've ridden a bike, but I'm not worried about learning to ride. However, I want to limit the risk with what little choices I have right now, which is why I appreciate all the help. Thanks!

[KINO5]

I'm kind of worried that you're just jumping into commuting on a motorcycle. I think it needs to be something you build up to after a few years of casual riding. Just be aware that the risk for serious injury or death is real. Buy life/disability insurance before you start. Also make sure you have the best medical insurance you can afford. These are things I do as a commuter in a large city too. On my 40 mile ride home today, I did five fairly aggressive evasive maneuvers to avoid cars and debris on the road. I doubt I could have done that as a beginner rider 12 years ago. So please be careful!

I don't know about maintenance or reliability, but I would go with the bigger Velusia 800. You sometimes need to accelerate hard on the highway to avoid danger. Having too little power can be dangerous too. The Vstar 650 is the lighter and more nimble of the two. Also, cruisers are horrible for long distance without a big windscreen.

[cbedell]

I think either bike is fine. both will have similar maintenance and if well maintained both will be reliable. I don't think personally there will be a big acceleration difference between the 650 and 800. All in all similar bikes, the 800 may perform slightly better at highway speeds. My dad has a marauder 800 and it has been great to him. it is a nice ride. i have two friends with v-star 650's and they have been pleased as well. Ask the owner about the last time the carburetors and valves have been checked - those are the expensive maintenance tasks that are recommended about every 15,000mi (would have to check the manual for exact mileage for each bike). More importantly sit on the bikes and see what fits you better.

If I had the choice, I would wait and take the MSF class before I buy a bike. However, I just don't have that luxury.

you do have a choice, i don't know your personal situation but you do have a choice - it just seems like you have already made up your mind. there are always options. hopefully, you at least get a learners permit to operate the bike (not sure about the laws in your state), but more importantly a class M license.

It's been a while since I've ridden a bike, but I'm not worried about learning to ride

Operating a bike and learning to ride are two VERY different things. you should be worried about learning to ride - i've been riding almost 4 years and 25,000 miles and i am still worried about learning to ride.

Sorry - I don't mean to be harsh or lecture, I wish you the best and i hope that you get a great bike, have fun, have new adventures and avoid all the bad stuff, and love riding.

well no matter what you do here was rule #1 from my dad to me when i started riding:
"If you aren't at least a little scared EVERY time you get on a motorcycle - get off"

[CRASH]

I think you will find the Vstar 650 cramped for someone your height. Other than that ... either would be fine.

[jgrs955i]

I jumped right back in after some 15 yrs off the bike. Ran out and bought a Triumph sprint ST. WOW!!! These things have really changed! I can stop!! Holy Crap, I can get into trouble with this power too! That was 9 yrs and about 100K ago. I learn every day. My advise, just take it easy. Ride like no one can see you "They can't". Get into the MSF ASAP!

Thanks KINO5 "Fixation is the way to death, fluidity is the way to life."
— Miyamoto Musashi .... This is every new rider's biggest problem.

Remember this is not a dirt bike, your feet should stay on the pegs when in motion.

Most of all...HAVE FUN!

BTW, either bike should be great.