QuestionI AM 5'6", 145LBS. I AM LOOKING AT PURCHASING A YAMAHA V STAR 650CC. I'VE NEVER DRIVEN ONE BUT LIKE THE LOOKS OF THAT BIKE. hOW DO I GAUGE WHAT BIKE WILL FIT ME THE BEST WITHOUT HAVEN DRIVEN ONE?
THANKS!
AnswerThe V Star 650 is a nice motorcycle. They have a great reputation. I suggest visiting a Yamaha dealer and sitting on one. Take your time and make sure the controls all feel comfortable for you. Take notice of the placement of your hands, how your shoulders and upper back feel while sitting in the riding position. Be sure to relax your arms so that your elbows feel relaxed. That should be your upper body riding position.
Next notice how your feet feel on the shifter and brakes. Can you shift and brake easily without having to move your feet on the footpegs? Make sure you check up shifts and downshifts.
If everything feels comfortable and you believe the actions of riding, shifting and braking feel comfortable you are half way there.
Next sit on the motorcycle for a while. If you can visit a dealership in the middle of the week rather than a weekend you will probably find the sales staff can spend more time with you and answer your questions. You are making a significant investment in the motorcycle. Spend plenty of time deciding how it feels for you.
Good luck in your search. Please let me know if you have any further questions.
One more thing. I highly recommend you take the MSF rider course to help prepare you to ride.
Tom Wright
