which one should i buy to learn on concerning my size?

Question

Am a first time rider and really intrested in these 2 bikes....... honda shadow spirit 750 and a suzuki boulevard c50. Am 5'9 weight around 220 lbs so dont even mention for me to learn on someting like a 250 honda rebel or even a 600 shadow. That just doesnt seem or look right. The c50 is around 50 lbs heavier then the spirit. And the c50 is has around 850 cc comparing to the spirit's 750. They are both around the same price. Since am new to the bike world,,,,, is that a huge difference? I mean will i feel the extra 50 lbs and the extra 100 cc? I like the spirit but I really really like the looks of the suzuki's c50. I guess both bikes are very reliable. I've heard the down side of the spirit is that they still use the carburator as they did 20 years ago. I know the c50 is a fuel injected. Does that really matter?

Answer 1

I went thru the MSF riders course 5 years ago with a guy that was HUGE.... like 6'6" and at least 300 pounds... we used the 250cc bikes to learn on..

I recommend you spend the money to go to the riders school. your local community college should offer it or even your local bike shops will offer riders training. Why crash your bike when you can crash theirs.
I know the Harley dealer in my area uses a Buell Lightning 500 (sport bike) The local Community Colleges use small 250cc bikes that have been donated by dealers.

A friend of mine went out and bought a new Harley Sportster, (about $12,000) then went to the class only to find out after he knew how to ride that the Sportster didn't fit him as well as he would like.

Go to www.msf-usa.org and type in your zip code to find a class near you.

The DMV in my town also has a list posted on their wall about who is offering classes and the dates of the classes.

Answer 2

I weigh 220 lbs, and learnt on a rebel (granted, I only had it a month, and then got a 250 VTR). I soon moved up to a larger bike after getting my licence and gaining some experience.

Learners seem to want to learn on the bike that they are going to ride when they become competent riders, but this is often a mistake. An advantage of a 250 (QUITE capable of being ridden well by a larger rider) is that they are relatively inexpensive, and can be sold later with only a small loss (maybe even a profit, if you are lucky).

The worst thing that can happen is that you buy a larger bike, only to find out later that you don't like it. Then you can be seriously out of pocket. Also, the type of larger capacity bike that can be ridden safely by a learner may not have the performance you are looking for later on, and it is difficult to suggest a bike that is both suitable for a beginner, and rewarding enough for an experienced rider. With 'cruiser' styles such as those you mentioned this is less the case, but with sportier bikes, the type of machine an experienced rider would have could be a death trap for a beginner; even at 500cc capacity.

Answer 3

I'm not sure about the size of the C50 but the Honda Spirit 750 is a little bike. The last thing you want is to look like a big bear in a little bicycle so buy what ever is larger. I too like the 750C2 but it was too little for me. I ended up with a Kawasaki Vulcan 900 for a few hundreds more and very happy due to is a 903cc vs the 750cc-.

Answer 4

There is no best, only what's best for you. Sit on them both and feel which is more comfortable. You should be able to reach the handle bars with a slight bend in your elbows and not move yourself into an uncomfortable position to do it. Your feet should rest comfortably on the pegs without having your knees bent in some awkward position. The handle bars can be adjusted up and down a bit, but you're pretty much stuck with the other positioning.

You will probably spend a lot of time in the saddle, so keep that in mind also.

You won't notice the difference in power unless you spend a lot of time riding each motorcycle, or you drag race someone that has the one you didn't get.

I prefer a carb over fuel injection, only because I've never worked on fuel injection, and I enjoy doing a little tinkering on my motorcycle now and then. The people I know that have fuel injection like it's low maintenance, no need to adjust a choke, and better fuel economy.

Answer 5

Go with the Zook. Fuel Injection does make life so much easier. Especially if this is a learner bike, IE one you're going to putt around on for a year or two then trade back in. Not something you plan to keep and modify extensively. The only time you'll really see the 100cc difference is pulling out on an interstate. That little bit of OOMPH comes in handy then. Also, if I remember, Isn't the Suzuki a shaft drive, while the Honda uses a chain? Much less stress dealing with a pretty much mantainance free shaft.

Answer 6

Don't waste money, buy a Gold Wing first.