First Bike - Alot of Interstate/Highway Riding..650cc, 750cc, 900cc, 1100cc...advice?

[tds1195]

So I'm getting my first bike when I get home in August. The main reason I'm getting it is because I want better gas mileage for a new job where I will be driving about 150 miles three days a week. Most of these miles will be interstate miles, so I want something that can handle the interstate easily. That makes Rebels and other 250cc bikes out of the question.

So I'm wondering if a 650/750 would be enough or if I would be O.K. getting a 900/1100 for my first bike. I have heard mixed reviews so far from other friends, but would like some advice on here as well. I have found tons of bikes on craigslist in my price range for each type of bike.

I just know I love cruisers, so I'm getting one without a doubt. V-stars are pretty sweet in my opinion, so I'll probablly end up getting one, but I like a lot of other bikes out there too. Any advice on this dilema would be much appreciated, thanks.

[67fire]

http://i549.photobucket.com/albums/ii372/67fire/2010%20Smily%20list/welcome.gif

Take the MSF course before you pick a bike that suits you. ;)

Honda Shadows are very nice cruisers. (lot's of others)

Eric

[4Raven]

Eric is right, be sure to take your MSF or a Rider's Edge course ( more expensive but very useful!)

I have a 650 VStar Classic, it does fine on the highways, but I am always looking for another gear...just my opinion...if it is a couple of hours on highway and backroads the rest...it is perfect! Even on construction zones it handles well.

Ride safe.

[Schneiderman]

For the record, I commute 160 miles 3 days a week to school and 180 miles several times a week for work. I was riding for about 10 years before I began this routine, and I have been doing these commutes for around 3 years now.

Here's the thing: it's not easy. It's not always fun. It's not very safe. It's something that you do if you absolutely love motorcycling and you want to ride your motorcycle everywhere, all the time. Saving money on gas is just a perk but the savings are limited because you will just spend the savings on tires and other maintenance. If you already own a car, you will probably not save money after buying a bike, buying gear and buying insurance.

So if you want to do this you need to do it because you want to ride 150 miles a day 3 days a week. Not because you think you might save a little money.

That said, here is my advice. First of all, because of what you intend to do I would consider it essential that you receive motorcycle training. At LEAST the MSF course if not more additional one on one training.

As for bikes, you want something at least 750cc in a cruiser. Preferably 900 to 1100cc. And you want the biggest saddlebags you can get and the biggest tailbag you can get.

I use a concours for my commute, I upgraded from a Ninja 500 because it didn't have the luggage capacity I need. If I were to use a cruiser I personally would go for either a shadow or a vulcan but there is nothing wrong with vstars or suzuki cruisers either, it really comes down to taste. But you need to sit on the different bikes and see what is comfortable to you because 150 miles is a long way to ride on a regular basis.

Riding the highway in and of itself is easy. Anyone with two working legs can make a motorcycle ride straight down a highway. The skill that you need to develop to make this happen is reading traffic and being able to anticipate threats. Riding in highway traffic is a battle, it involves constant mental gymnastics to keep track of the cars around you and judge what they are going to do next. By the time I get to school or work I am already exhausted from the amount of mental effort it takes to ride in highway traffic. Keep in mind this is in NY though, I have ridden other places where it is not so bad. But you definitely need a strong familiarity with your highways and traffic behavior.

[Jeff10236]

I'll echo the advice you already got- definitely take the MSF course. It is usually offered through your local MVA and community college, and you can also take a slightly longer version (Riders Edge) at most Harley Davidson dealers.

After you take the class you can see how comfortable you are on the bike. Potentially, cruisers up to 1100cc can make acceptable beginners bikes. However, 800cc and above can be too much if you aren't confident enough or skilled enough. The 1100cc bikes will be pretty heavy (weight can be a real problem for beginners).

Smaller cruisers that can be OK on the highway are the Kawasaki Vulcan 500 and Yamaha V-Star. The Vulcan is a 500cc parallel twin, the same engine in the Ninja 500, and it puts out more power than most people expect from its smaller displacement. The V-Star is a 650cc V-twin with a bigger frame than you'd expect from the engine size. I'd avoid the Suzuki Boulevard S40, it has a 650cc engine, but it is a slightly less powerful single cylinder engine and it's on a pretty small frame.

Middleweight cruisers in the 750-950cc range can make great first bikes. They are heavier so be sure you are comfortable in the MSF course, and be sure to sit on some at the dealer to see how they feel. You really don't want a bike that is heavier than you are ready for, it can make a big difference with slow speed maneuvers and really cause issues as a new rider. For most beginners though I think these are decent first bikes (assuming you are average size or larger), and it is the way I went (I bought a Suzuki Boulevard C50, an 800cc bike). They are big and powerful enough that you won't "outgrow" the bike very fast, they are great on the highway (power, stability and gas mileage), yet they usually aren't too much for most beginners. The Kawasaki 900, Suzuki Boulevard M50 and C50 (custom and classic style 800cc bikes respectively), and Honda Shadow 750 are all generally well rated as beginners bikes- they are a decent size but with handling characteristics that are very well suited for new riders.

At the 1100cc size, be careful. They can be acceptable starter bikes, but be sure you are very comfortable during the MSF course. They are on the upper edge of size and power for what most beginners can safely handle. Be sure it isn't too heavy (600LBS give or take a little is probably the upper limit of what a beginner should consider). The advantages are that you probably never will outgrow the power (but an 800 or 900cc sure won't be underpowered either, and if you buy used you can sell with little or no loss when you are ready to move up), and used you'll find some great deals (I saw many 1100s that were priced about the same as the 750-900cc bikes from the same manufacturers in similar condition). In addition to possible safety concerns for a beginner, the other big disadvantage is you'll probably lose about 5mpg over the 800-900cc bikes.


Oh, whatever you get, if you are starting on a cruiser be sure to budget about $400 or so for a new seat. The stock seats usually aren't very comfortable after about an hour or so. On a 150 mile daily commute you will appreciate that investment.

[FrankR]

Gotta take the MSF course.

Also, if you're a new rider, even after the MSF course, you're not ready for that kind of commute, IMHO. You need to log some time before doing that.

[markk53]

So I'm getting my first bike when I get home in August. The main reason I'm getting it is because I want better gas mileage for a new job where I will be driving about 150 miles three days a week. Most of these miles will be interstate miles, so I want something that can handle the interstate easily. That makes Rebels and other 250cc bikes out of the question.

So I'm wondering if a 650/750 would be enough or if I would be O.K. getting a 900/1100 for my first bike. I have heard mixed reviews so far from other friends, but would like some advice on here as well. I have found tons of bikes on craigslist in my price range for each type of bike.

I just know I love cruisers, so I'm getting one without a doubt. V-stars are pretty sweet in my opinion, so I'll probablly end up getting one, but I like a lot of other bikes out there too. Any advice on this dilema would be much appreciated, thanks.


Engine size has less relevance than the actual build when it comes to comfort. For many the 650 V-Star will have similar comfort to an 1100 or even the earlier 1600 just due to the physical layout and the similar fat tires.

Sure a big engine can pull stronger, but a 650 can kick the snot out of 99% of any traffic you encounter and can accelerate well with a downshift or two. This is what I learned when selling Yamahas and talking to owners of the 650. This can all apply to the other manufacturers too. The mid sizes are totally capable and comfortable, with pricing that will allow for a lot of aftermarket or apparel. The V-Star 650 Silverado (if still done) has the bags and windshield already there. I don't know if Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki are doing similar things now too, but if the package is there it is usually far less costly than trying to put the stuff on after the fact. I know to duplicate the $900 Silverado package would have cost the customer at least $1500 installed - and the mounting stuff is actually built to fit just that bike. I'm sure most all would be the same.

Hope you find what you want.

[Badlands-4-2]

I have a buddy who has a Kawasaki 650 Versys. He has bags on it and has gone back and forth across the country multiple times on it. Plenty of power, basically the same powertrain as a Ninja 650R. The smaller cruisers are also great bikes, especially if going solo. First thing to do is get your MSF course done when you get back. Keep us informed of your progress.

[pmanwarren]

hello i started with a 1981 yamaha xs400 now i have a 1993 yamaha virago 750. if its too big you can tell . this is what i did tip the bike on its side with out dropeing it then pull it back up . I think the smaller bikes turn easyer.

[g33x0r]

Eric is right, be sure to take your MSF or a Rider's Edge course ( more expensive but very useful!)

I have a 650 VStar Classic, it does fine on the highways, but I am always looking for another gear...just my opinion...if it is a couple of hours on highway and backroads the rest...it is perfect! Even on construction zones it handles well.

Ride safe.

+1 I'm on a '93 Virago 535 and my bike can handle highway speeds okay but having another gear would be nice. But riding on the interstate isn't my idea of fun, I take back country roads and highways whenever possible. Less stressful and more fun!

[FrankR]

It very well could be that my new old bike is not performing properly, but ...

The way my 750 is performing right now, I would Not want to be on an aggressive interstate. An empty one? Sure, why not. But an aggressive, busy one - I don't think my bike has the cajones to keep me safe.

Pretty disappointed at the power of the bike. Took a very long ride yesterday, and I reached for the imaginary extra gear many times.

[vicaphit]

Whatever you get, a windshield is a must if you are going to be traveling at 65 for any extended period of time.

[bdavison]

I dont normally ride cruisers as I prefer sportbikes, but I ride weekly with a bunch of cruiser riders....and we spend quite a bit of time at interstate speeds for trips in the 150-300mile range.

One thing Ive noticed with the cruisers is that anything under 800cc, struggles during long freeway trips. Yes, a 650cc can get on the interstate, Ive ridden 650cc cruisers on the interstate, and some of the guys in the group have small cruisers too. The overall concensus (and I concur) is that 650cc is just barely adaquate for interstate travel....thats cruisers.

If your talking sportbikes..250cc like the ninja 250r will run up the interstate at 70-90mph all day easily....but ideally, you'd want something above 500cc just because they are less touchy at interstate speeds. What I mean by that is that while the 250R is certainly capable of the speeds....it is specifically a very light, very nimble machine, and as such on the interstate you cannot expect to just sit back and relax and cruise. At those speeds, you will be driving the bike....all...the....time. So the added size, and weight of a larger sportbike will be a much nicer cruise.

[bluesjr]

I'll start by saying I flat-out don't like riding on the freeways, or at 65mph. I've got a V Star 650 and it's got enough power for the freeway and heavy enough to handle the freeway (doesn't get blown around too much), but the footpegs vibrate quite a bit at 65 (the bars aren't too bad, surprisingly). To me, it is very comfortable and I can handle 2 hours in the saddle without a problem. In fact, my helmet comfort is a bigger limitation in riding distance, than the bike ergonomics.

Absolutely get a big windshield, and bags if you're commuting. If I was going to do 150 miles a day on the hwy, I'd get the biggest thing I felt comfortable on. I'm guessing the bigger, more powerful it is, the safer it will handle the freeway commute. I'd probably start at the Suzuki C50 (800cc?), at the low end and go up from there. I've sat on a V Star 1100 Silverado. That would work very nicely!

I'm also going to suggest that you'd be safer getting the bigger bike with that amount of anticipated freeway driving, and just be more careful around town on it, especially low speed turning maneuvers. Whatever you get, find a parking lot to practice the low speed stuff on.

[aaronrkelly]

So I'm getting my first bike when I get home in August. The main reason I'm getting it is because I want better gas mileage for a new job where I will be driving about 150 miles three days a week. Most of these miles will be interstate miles, so I want something that can handle the interstate easily. That makes Rebels and other 250cc bikes out of the question.

So I'm wondering if a 650/750 would be enough or if I would be O.K. getting a 900/1100 for my first bike. I have heard mixed reviews so far from other friends, but would like some advice on here as well. I have found tons of bikes on craigslist in my price range for each type of bike.

I just know I love cruisers, so I'm getting one without a doubt. V-stars are pretty sweet in my opinion, so I'll probablly end up getting one, but I like a lot of other bikes out there too. Any advice on this dilema would be much appreciated, thanks.

I dont have much to add that hasnt been said. So alot of this will sound like a repeat of above posters.

If your sole reason to do this is to save money....your about to get an expensive lesson. Unless you do your own maintenance/repairs, are very frugal and ditch your car to become a full time rider you will find owning a motorcycle is not a good way to save money. I could show you the math but the upshot is if your going to keep a car around, licensed and insured....the only money your "saving" is gas money. So my car gets 26mpg.....lets say your riding a 750cc cruiser so your talking about getting about 50mpg. So at gas prices where Im at (about $2.75 a gallon) every 1000 miles driven your saving $50.

But car tires last 60K miles and bike tires last anywhere from 5K to 15K miles.....and those 2 bike tires are going to cost you about what 4 car tires cost (using my car as an example, it has 14" tires so this may not be true of your commuter car is rolling 18"s). So your going to be buying tires on your bike 4x more than your car for the same miles driven. There is other maintenance and concerns but lets just say the numbers dont really add up. Add in the cost of good rain gear, cold weather gear etc so you can really commute.....man, it just isnt going to work out. Riding a bike to save money is in most cases a fallacy.

Now if your like the rest of us poor suckers and you just GOTTA ride, saving money be ****ed now we can get back to the real issue.....bike size.

Ive got a VStar 650 and Ive ridden a few other 650 class machines. YES, they can do it. YES, I feel safe on the interstate on the machine. YES, I would do it without question and have done so on a trip. NO, I would not make a habit out of it. I did 10 hours in the interstate on a 650 VStar at 80+.....bike did fine, I did fine. It wasnt AS comfortable as a bigger machine....it was buzzy.....I would do it again but I wouldnt do it 3 days a week. Thats where Im at.

A 750 would be better.....but Id say stay in the 900 to 1300 range. The 1300 is getting big for a beginner BUT it depends on the bike. Gearing and power curve can make a 1300cc machine a ***** cat or a death trap....so it depends on the machine.

I just got back from doing a 12 hour ride, logging about 850 miles - almost entirely on the interstate. I was riding a Victory Vision (1736cc) pulling a trailer (with my camping gear in it)......I was NOT saving money. Hell that rig got 28mpg......my car does about that well with the AC on.

.........but I was having FUN.....hell yeah!

[bluesjr]

A 750 would be better.....but Id say stay in the 900 to 1300 range. The 1300 is getting big for a beginner BUT it depends on the bike. Gearing and power curve can make a 1300cc machine a ***** cat or a death trap....so it depends on the machine.



This is a nonsense post, but can't resist. I noticed the decency-filter killed your *****cat. Well, at a recent MotoGP race, one of the top 3 riders had ***** written right on his helmet's chinbar. Right there on TV and everything - it was a real wtf! moment.