I want to add this to the survey of whether the Valk is a good first bike.

I'm female (obviously) and bought my first bike in August of last year.  I'm also over 50 years old and figured that this is something I've always wanted to do and there was no point in waiting because I wasn't getting any younger.

 I purchased a 2002 Honda ACE 750 and took a MSF course that was sponsored by Harley Davidson.  I learned an enormous amount of good information although learned that there were some things the instructors could not teach you, that you only could learn through experience in actually riding.

I had done alot of research and knew I would upgrade.  I knew I would stay with a Honda (to my knowledge, Harley doesn't build airplanes).  I happened upon a photo of a Valkyrie and fell in love with the bike.  I had an opportunity to  purchase a brand new '03 Valkyrie Standard, still in the crate, with a full 3-year Honda warranty this December and couldn't pass it up.  It may well be the last new '03 in Texas!

I had already been on the Valkyrieriders website, had read the pro's and con's of experienced riders' recommendation of Valkyrie being a first bike.  I was a little intimidated until I rode my Valk for the first time.  I have alot of respect for its size and power.  Want to report to anyone who is considering the Valk as a first bike that you do have to respect it.  I believe that a motorcycle safety course is a must--there were experienced riders in my class who still learned things.  I think you can get hurt on any bike, no matter the size and power, if you aren't careful and you take unnecessary risks.

I have not found slow maneuvering to be a problem as yet.  My "starts" are a whole lot smoother on the Valk than my 750, but I do feel the weight when I'm stopping.  I agree with the mass that it is probably preferable to begin on a smaller bike,but if your heart is set on a Valk, as long as you respect it, have obtained some decent riding skills and don't try to ride beyond your level of experience, the Lady Dragon will perform very nicely for you.  She will give you an incredibly smooth ride!