New Rider Redeux

Read through the pinned post from a new rider but questions remain that I’d like some input on.

I’m a bit over 6′ tall with my inseam accounting for approximately half that height. I do seem to be getting shorter each year but not sure if it’s my legs shrinking or more stooped in the shoulders. I weigh in around 285 lbs and do have a bad back. Owned a couple of bikes years, no decades, ago and have only ridden on a couple occassions since (I could probably count them on both hands with room to spare). I will be taking a riding course in the next couple of weeks plus am making arrangements to hook up with my brother-in-law who has a 750 Shadow to shake some cobwebs.

I’m not interested in off-road riding (never was). My intentions are weekend short cruises, evening rides, etc. We live in the NW so there are lots of hills/mountains to consider on any day trips I take such as the Cascade loop or a full day jaunt around the Olympic Pennisula. Probably ride the bike to work every now and then. Have no desire to ride in the rain but, living in the Seattle area that will be a given at some point.

The style of bike I’m looking is the cruiser class (never knew there was such a class of bikes until just recently). Not interested in a big bike like a Goldwing or anything like that. Most rides will be only me on the bike (hopefully I’m on the bike!) but every so often my wife will want to go for a ride. She says 130, I say 150 but not to her face. Over-nighter with her along won’t be happening as no bike is big enough! Pack for one day ride a must including water for me and wine for her.

I’ve looked at a few rides so far and am really drawn to the Yamaha V-Stars. I like their lines. Found an 1100 but most I’ve seen are 650’s. I’m discovering old school styling gets stuff flowing for me. Also looked at a Honda VTX1300S(?) Retro. Very cool looking bike at reasonable price with some extras I won’t have to add later.

So, given my size, my wife’s size, lack of recent riding experience, taking into consideration the type of riding and frequency I plan on doing, what would be a decent bike to start with? Not so much brand but rather the size. The VTX seems to very well balanced as do the V-Stars. The VTX seemed to be a better fit for my butt and legs and has the added plus of having a larger seat for my wife as well.

Not-so-humble-opinions are welcome. Would it be a wiser move to go with a smaller/lighter bike that might be underpowered for riding in the mountains or would I be better off going with something larger?

I’m leaning toward larger. I fully realize it would be a lot of bike to start with power-wise, but that’s also precisely why I’m considering that. Should trouble arise out on the road I want something that I know has the power to get me out of a potentially serous problem.

Sorry for the length of my post. Thanks in advance for the input.

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