Looking for my first bike. Cruiser 500 to 800 cc.?

Adjusting valves; yes the dealer needs to do this unless your a bike mechanic. Your Manual will tell you how often you should have your valves adjusted. Chain driven bikes are a little louder than belt and shaft driven bikes. Shaft driven take the least amount of maintenance. Depending on your physical size I would go with the bigger bike. I have an 1100. I have had it for two summers now. Its all the bike any person can need, but I would definitely be willing to trade up to an 1800. Since this will be your first bike, start off easy, such as an 800. Believe me, in a few months you will want a bigger one.

It would depend on your size in order for me to suggest a starter bike, but I would go with something small and easy to handle. Maybe pick up something used for a season or two. When you can toss her around like a rag, you're ready to move on. Cruiser is easiest to learn on I think. My first bike was a Yamaha Virago and I still have it. I love the **** out of her and have taken many test rides to replace her, but just can't do it. The new Yamaha V Star or Road Star is a nice bike. Easy to handle, great price new. I have had my bike for 6 years, I do my own oil changes and have never had my valves adjusted. I'm sure it could use a good once over, but I buy her a new battery, change the oil and replace the spark plugs every year, and she treats me good.

Good Luck.

my 2cents

Not ALL bikes need valve adjustments every 2 oil changes.

I had a Honda w/ a much larger service interval (hydraulic adjust).

It was a cruiser.

Some bikes are fairly easy to work on: BMW w/ the boxer engine is a good example. The valves are right there on the outside.

I love my shaft drive kawasaki vulcan 750cc ,no valve adjustment needed.

CHECK OUT A YAMAHA 650cc.....THEY ARE MOSTLEY DRESSED....SHAFT DRIVE AND A GOOD CRUISER, THEY ARENT THAT MUCH IN PRICE, EVEN THE NEW ONES.....BUT THE EXTRA ARE NICE YOU GET WITH THEM...I RIDE WITH A GUY WHO HAS ONE, YEP, THAT BIKE IS GOOD TO RIDE AROUND OR TAKE A TRIP, HE HAS NO PROBLEMS AT ALL KEEPING IN LINE EVEN ON THE INTERSTATE....SOUNDS GOOD TOO....TAKE A PEAK AT THEM... BIKE ON....

i always go with chain drive....belt sucks..shaft isnt too bad....get atleast 800cc....

Start off small. You don't want to kill yourself.