Too new to be a Newbie

[Shaman]

so what's the verdict on windshields? yes, no, maybe?

For a new rider?  Questionable.  Lack of windshield keeps speed down.

It's a judgement call.  You can go halfway and get a flyscreen, if you want.  However, if you plan on doing any spring or fall riding, I think some sort of windshield would be worthwhile.

Just out of curiousity, did you take a look at the Ducati Monster 620?

[TooNu]

First I went to Tony's after you guys made some recommendations, but he didn't have an SV650 in stock. That was the one that I was really interested in after reading everyone's posts.
So I checked that one out in T.O., along with a few others, but I don't remember which ones, 'cause I sat on so many. LOL. Typical chick eh? And the service rep didn't speak very good English, so it was hard to understand what he was saying. He probably made me a great deal, but i wouldn't know.

I'm pretty sure I didn't look at a Ducanti, because I think I would have remembered the name. I did, however, sit on a new honda goldwing, just for fun.

Probably sacrilege to say so here, but I wasn't comfortable on the SV650.  I really do like the Vulcan 500. It fits me just right, doesn't feel too big, blah, blah, blah.  And Greg said i could take it across the street to the school and practice in the parking lot until i felt comfortable enough to drive it home in traffic. It's been a month now since I took the course  -- so finally getting on the bike is going to be like starting all over again.  Too bad there wasn't a rental place in town, just to get my feet wet again.

[rollingstone]

hey toonu thats why you buy used ,no worry about dropping it and you can practice without spending a bunch.Have you tried motorsport plus yet for used bikes?I have to go to motosport later if your intrested.

[TooNu]

d'oh!  okay, I'll check it out for sure. I thought they were just Harley dealers, didn't realize they sold used bikes.

[Crunchmeister]

Motosport Plus sell new H-D, Honda, and Buell, but also carry used bikes they get on trade-in. They currently have a 1984 Honda 450 (can't remember the exact model, but it's a cruiser - a CV 450 maybe??) for $1300. The bike is certified and in pretty good shape overall. Had I not lucked into my GS500 for such a great deal, I would most likely have bought it. You may want to look into it.