Will probably be making a purchase within the next several months. I'll be taking my Motorcycle Safety Course shortly. I've been doing research and I'm debating on what size bike to buy. I've heard 250, 600-750, and 1100.
The problem lies in the fact that I'm about 6-4, 230lb. so I question the strength to tote my heavy a**. I'm not planning on it right away, but I'd eventually like to take my wife on afternoon rides as well. I've been looking strongly at the Yamaha VStar 650 and 1100, Honda Shadow (both the 750 and 1100 models). I thought about a Sporster, but I've been told I'm too big and I'll get tired of being cramped.
Any input would be appreciated....
2006-10-12 05:58:44 · 13 answers · asked by ezenbrowntown 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
The Sportster is a good bike for one person. It won't be comfortable two up if your wife has any size to her. The Sportster is not a good first bike because they are top heavy and can be intimidating on curves. All Harleys are hard to ride, not a good starter bike. The Hondas are great bikes, they are low maintanence and are easy to learn on and handle when riding. Hondas are good bikes for two up riding.
If you go with an 1100, it might a bit too much power for starting out, so ride careful. A 600 or below will be too small after about a week of serious riding. The 750 will be good for a couple of years, but it is hard and expensive to make them bigger. I would go with the 1100 Honda Shadow and ride solo until you are VERY comfortable on it, then take your wife for a ride. If she has never ridden on the back before, have her email me and I will give her tips on being a good passenger. I rode on the back for a lot of years and now I have my own bike. I know what it is like....
2006-10-12 08:30:37 · answer #1 · answered by harleychic 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I just want to start by saying that anyone who answers a question with "I don't have an answer for you" is just dumb.
I'm 6' and a little heavier than you and I ride a Sportster. The Sportster Sport 1200 is a strong bike and would easily carry you around. Being taller, I would opt for a Forward Controls option. In fact, no matter what bike you get, I would consider this upgrade because you're going to be cramped on a stock configuration.
I also used to own a Shadow ACE 1100 awhile back. It was a comfortable bike and fun to ride. The only problem I had with it was lack of power. It didn't have a lot of torque, so getting up to speed was a problem. The engines now are more powerful, so that might not be an issue, but if you want to ride yourself and your wife, I would recommend the bigger engine cruiser just because you're going to need the extra cc's to get you both down the road. Yamaha and Honda both make great bikes. It's going to be a matter of your personal preference, I believe.
Check out http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com if you want to get some specifics on particular bikes.
Other important advice would be to not go cheap on helmets, jackets or gloves. A jacket should fit snug otherwise it will fill with air while riding and will be a pain in the ***. Look for gloves with more reinforcement in the palm and across the knuckles since those are the likely places your hands will touch pavement when and if you ever lay the bike down.
2006-10-12 06:30:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
If you can ride a bicycle, you don't need to practice that. It will come back to you, just like . . . well, just like riding a bicycle. 8^) You're already doing more that most people do! If you've read the DMV booklet, the MSF literature, you already know more than most other students you'll see in the MSF course. As for not knowing someone with a motorcycle, why not ask here? Or on your local Craigslist? Lots of areas have people who organize group rides, and some of them are specifically 'newbie friendly', so they go over an easy course, they take it easy, they watch out for you (that's the idea of group rides anyway, to watch out for one another). Most places, the Harley Dealer has some organized rides, and you don't have to be riding a Harley. Failing that you could just advertise on Craigslist (which is free) to see if you can find someone who will ride with you on the weekends, or answer some questions you might have. I would do it if you live in the San Francisco area, and I'm sure there are other bikers who would love to also.
2016-03-28 06:29:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ive had just about every kind of bike the is from hodaka to harley and ill have to say that harleys are over rated. go but a used jap bike, one thats kinda rough. everyone dumps their first bike.
get something that has crash bars or at least highway pegs so you can stretch out. the seat is just about the most important part of a bike. sit on it for a while and see how you butt feels.
think things out, dont spend 10 grand for your first bike because you wont like the first bike you buy no matter what.
as for size, i ride an old kawasaki EN450 its a cool old cruiser and it hauls the 350 lb of me and the missus all over these hills as fast as i ever want to go.
a liquid cooled bike wont have the over heating probs that an air cooled bike has. the motor will last for ever in one too.
have fun,
Possum
2006-10-12 16:42:04 · answer #4 · answered by hillbilly named Possum 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yamaha or Honda would be a good choice. Like most have answered, at least 1100 riding two up.
2006-10-12 14:49:39 · answer #5 · answered by bigjerry61 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would definatley suggest taking the motorcycle saftey class. That's what I did, and they taught me everything I needed to know, I had never ridden a bike before and they taught me from scratch. I started out on a 1200 Harley Davidson, it's the only way to go. Harley Davidson is worth the money and get something you want so you don't have to sell it and then re-buy.
2006-10-12 08:27:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dude I weigh in at 245 I ride a Harley Davidson 1500 best ride in the world dont let anyone tell you that you are to big. Nothing like it..it's almost a good as warm hands on a cold cold morning. Good luck
2006-10-12 06:08:10 · answer #7 · answered by scokeman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy a Harley Davidson...Get a big twin a sporster will probably be a little cramped for someone as tall as you and would really be uncomfrontable for 2..Don't ride a passenger until you get a little practice
2006-10-12 14:46:58 · answer #8 · answered by bill b 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think you'll be happy with anything under 1100cc, especially if you plan on riding 2-up.
Also take a look at Honda VTX 13000 and Yamaha Roadstar.
If you go whole HOG you'll be paying big bucks for a machine that doesn't make 85 hp.
2006-10-12 06:16:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
with your weight and height, along with the fact that you will be looking to occasionally have a passanger, you will want to be at 900cc and up. bikes can be really quick if they need to be, but since they are so light and have smaller engines, when you add weight, or passangers, it can really bog down the bike should you choose a smaller engine like a 600 or 750. stikk with 900 and up and youll be fine.
2006-10-12 06:09:16 · answer #10 · answered by swatthefly 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋