QuestionHello,
As a beginner/new rider, I am anxious to buy a bike. I was hoping you would be able to tell me the difference between a Yamaha V-Star Custom (650 engine) and the Honda Shadow (also 650 engine). I am interested in both but can't tell what the essential differences are. I do know that the Shadow has an engine coolant where as the V-Star does not, does this pose a problem? I was just hoping you could tell me the differences in the two bikes and which one you would recommend to a beginner. Thank you!
AnswerErin,
Thanks for the question.
Truthfully, as a beginning rider, either the Honda Shadow VLX 650 or the Yamaha V-Star Custom will work fine as a first bike. The differences between the two are small and inconsequential. They are identical in layout and features for the most part.
Honda is a big proponent of liquid cooled engines, as controlling the temperature of the engine does tend to give it a longer life. Also, the Honda has automatically adjusting valves (also called "hydraulic valves"), so that will save you some money when it comes time for a tune-up, and your bike will always be IN tune as well. You'll just need to change the oil, oil filter, airfilter and spark plugs at the recommended intervals. And any good motorcyclist should know how (it's very easy)!
Please understand that I'm NOT saying the Yamaha is a bad bike in any way- it's just a little bit different. And since it has no liquid cooling, there is no radiator or coolant to worry about. So that saves some trouble as well. Also, it has "shaft" drive, so there's no chain to oil- that's a big plus. Be assured it is a darn good bike and you would most likely be very happy with it.
My advice to you is this: go sit on each bike and make sure you can get both feet on the ground. Then ask yourself: which bike is more comfortable to you? Normally I would not advise choosing a bike on looks, but because these bikes are so close in terms of size, power, and ease of use for a beginner, I would say follow your heart between the two and get the one you see yourself riding. If one is a whole lot for comfortable than the other (they should be pretty close, actually), I'd choose that one. Either one will work well as a first-time bike, and you should be able to ride it for years to come without outgrowing it.
If you want my OPINION, I'd probably pick the Yamaha just because it has shaft drive, a simpler (but still very good) motor and I like the looks of it better (more retro, which I like).
But like I said, either will be good as a first time bike. And be sure to take the MSF Beginner Rider class. For places and times, go to www.msf-usa.org. Take the class and you'll have a good basic understanding of how to safely begin riding your new bike.
Ride smart, have fun,
Bill Roberson
