Do you always outgrow your first bike? [Archive]

Atlmagic

09-20-2006, 01:55 PM

Hello, I was going to post this on the new comers forum but for some reason it wont let me go there. But...

Hi, my name is Paul and I haven't ridden a bike since my best friend and I shared one in high school. :cool: I wasn't very good and the more I study the more I see I was doing everything wrong. But it was fun and I didn't kill myself. Well, not riding anyway :rolleyes: . But I've gotten the time and the bug and hopefully very soon the money to get back into riding.

I've been looking around and like the HD Sportster. But I'm told by many that I will soon out grow it and want something bigger and faster. Is that true? I'm 51 6ft 160 and not as strong as I once was due to an ongoing illness. I have no desire to take off and ride a bike cross country. Heck, I didn't like driving my truck from GA to NY! I plan on mostly in town commutes and weekend getaways (close by). A little fishing, a little girl watching and a lot of peace and quiet.

Will I suddenly change my mind after a few miles and "feel the need" to upgrade? I have one kayak. One bicycle. One Dog. One girlfriend ;) . I try to keep things simple and enjoy what I have and not always worry about more and better. (I do have multiple guns :eek: but that another story and job related).

So, what say you?

Paul

Uesque

09-20-2006, 03:55 PM

First thing to do is listen to yourself, not others. I have a so called "beginners bike", a Yamaha XJ600, and I am neither bored nor have I outgrown it after 5 years(riding for 25). Buy what meets your needs, and then decide for yourself.

I commute on it, take long rides, short trips with my wife on her bike, overnight camping trips, it does them all well.

My FIL just bought a sporty to complement his Venture dresser, and loves both.

Atlmagic

09-20-2006, 04:32 PM

First thing to do is listen to yourself, not others. .

Thanks for the feedback Uesque. That's pretty much my take on things too. That's why I spend so much time on the front end reading and talking to people before I jump into things.

So far I've already met some really cool people with some good ideas about riding. Of course, there's also a neighbor who rides a HOG with open pipes that wake up everybody on the block and is the stereotypical "Biker". He said get a "Big Boy" bike. Something around 1800cc's that I wont outgrow. (He was trying to sell me his at the time).

I guess I just want another toy to enjoy. Not another full time job or something that will take up all of my time and money (I like paying cash for my hobbies).

I'll be taking the riding course in the next few months so I stilll have time to shop around. I should be able to get a better deal when I show up with cash, the last Saturday in Dec or Jan, in 6 feet of snow. It's the sadist in me, I like seeing salesmen squirm. :D

Paul

Uesque

09-20-2006, 08:33 PM

I've found no use for anyone who looks down upon someone because of what they ride. If you ride, you ride, doesn't matter what. Not that my buddies and I don't bust each others balls about our individual choices, but that's just fun.

There's one particular brand where some (not all) people seem to pay a lot of money and then ride 5 miles to bike night once a month and think that makes them better than me. I'm out there in the rain, cold, heat, snow, etc., doing charity rides, riding to work 3-5 times a week.

Damn, off on a rant again. Anyway, buy what makes you happy, ride and enjoy, and if anyone gives you a hard time, mention my favorite two letters, F and U.

Take the class, you'll be the better biker for it.

gammaqueen

10-20-2006, 10:02 PM

No, I get tired of hearing this! I have a 1200 Sportster. Bought it cause I like it and still like it. I have no desire for something bigger or faster. My bike is plenty fast and fits me perfect. I don't listen to all the people who cut on Sportsters. I know what I like and I don't need anyone telling me what to ride.

KevSumac

11-10-2006, 08:56 AM

I,too, have a 1200 Sportster. Have no desire for any other bike. My only complaint, 3.3 gal tank.

Capt.

11-10-2006, 01:46 PM

I,too, have a 1200 Sportster. Have no desire for any other bike. My only complaint, 3.3 gal tank.

Sounds like you've got the King Sporty tank. You could bump up to the Porkster tank by Paughco at 4.2 gal. 'cept it looks like a pregnant peanut. :p
The last rigid sporty I built I just hung a set of fatbobs on it and called it good. Just some thoughts.
Capt.

KevSumac

11-10-2006, 04:43 PM

Yeah, thought about a fat bob tank, but nothing looks as good as the 3.3 on the sporty. Besides, the 3.3 is good for about 120 mi and you need to get off a sporty and devibe for a few minutes anyway.

chromeyellow

03-28-2007, 05:48 PM

My first bike was a 883 (modified to 1200 the next year) and after 7 years, I still have it. I've just modified the hell out of it. I have a 200mm rear and a custom 4" stretch tank, and custom wheels, among other things, and no one laughs at me. And I'm 6' 150lbs.

And a safety class is a great idea. I had been riding for several years and learned more in a weekend than all those years combined. Plus you'll get cheaper insurance.

RouslanK

05-27-2007, 02:02 AM

Absolutely nothing wrong with Sportsters, especially the way they are today. I had an '02 1200Sport, and loved it. Don't have it anymore, but am in the process of buying another HD. However, this time I'm upgrading to a Softail. Should be getting on Tuesday after the holiday.:)
It's a two-bike deal: my friend is getting an Ultra Classic at the same time.

TxFLSTC

05-27-2007, 02:22 PM

I remember when the 1200cc was considered a big bike :). I agree with everyone that has replied. It's your money, get what you like. Look long and hard and do your research. Talk to folks that own the kind of bike you want buy.

To answer the question" Do you always outgrow your first bike? not always, but it really depends on your first bike. My first street bike was a Suzuki 100cc street and trail bike. I never commuted on it, but I would have outgrew it. The first bike I actually rode on the street was the Suzuki LS650. Great first bike and would be good for a person that don't ride a lot of miles. I got it new and really didn't put a lot of miles on it. Would I have outgrew that bike... yes. It is a good inexpensive first bike. If I was going to ride the miles I ride today it would not be practical for me. I ended up selling it because I got married and needed the money.

For what you described you are going to do with the bike, in my humble opinion, the Sportster would be a great bike for you. (I believe in matching the bike with the purpose)

One way to confirm it in your mind: take the MSF course, get your license if you don't have it, rent a Sportster and see if you like it. (money well spent)

Uesque

05-30-2007, 03:13 PM

I had to actually grow "into" my first street bike:

http://www.avowners.com/Photos/ZSAZFBFEQH426200594020.jpg

Frosty

06-27-2007, 07:09 PM

A female friend of mine was told this (by the salesman) as well. So she bought a bike that was bigger then what she wanted. Now, she is too scared to ride it and I think has given up riding ever again. To quote her " I bought a bike I never ride why would I get a smaller one?" because you would have a Bike that you would be comfortable on and not given up on something you wanted to do for years.

kismetcapitan

06-28-2007, 07:56 AM

I outgrew my first bike in about two weeks - a Honda Zoomer (Ruckus in the USA). So after six weeks of riding (I'm old, 35 years old for a beginner biker) I'm still at 50cc - on a Derbi GPR 50R. It's not that fast, but it's not particularly slow either, and the riding position is very aggressive (hell, it's a full-on 50cc race bike), and I think it's plenty to learn the dynamics of sport biking. I drive a 680bhp Skyline GT-R, but bikes are a whole different game. It's humbling, to go from running low 11s and running time attacks on circuits (in a car), to bumbling and stalling about on a 50cc motorcycle. But it's fun! I will not buy my next bike until I feel I have completely mastered this one. I'd like a Ducati 1098 but it's quite possible a 600cc sport bike would be more than enough for the streets of Seoul.

Uesque

07-02-2007, 11:27 AM

Perhaps slowing down for spelling class might have been in order.

CB750F

07-02-2007, 09:39 PM

It's Gixxer for GSXR not gixzer........

Uesque

07-03-2007, 09:42 AM

Maybe it's an old man trying to sound young. A Gixzer is a Gixxer for Geezers. Don't try to say that out loud, your head might explode.

Capt.

07-03-2007, 09:54 PM

Either way, It's gonna take a lot of therapy and most likely a few close order knuckle drills to straighten out some of those kinks in that boy.

Capt.

Octane

07-05-2007, 12:40 AM

A lot of people turn their noses up at the Sportster because its supposedly a "chick bike" or a "beginner's bike".
I say get a bike that you can feel comfortable on. I dont think that you can ever have a bike that is too fast or has too much power.
Im looking at getting a bike in the near future and Im leaning towards a Buell Blast. Im a new rider and Im hesitant to step into an XB9 or XB12 because I want to learn the fundementals and get some experience under my belt before I go for a fast bike. I think a Blast would be light enough and would be so powerfull that it would intimidate me, but at the same time would be fast enough to keep me happy for a few years until I am ready for an 8 or 12.
Thus far everyone Ive talked to has spoken highly of the Blast, saying that its a great beginner's bike.
So, I say get the bike you like and feel comfortable on. Also get a bike that you can afford. I think it would be a good idea to get an entry-level cruiser (Sportster, V-Star, Shadow, ect...) and then if you really like it and get serious about motorcycling then sink $12,000-$14,000 on something better if thats what you wanna do.

CB750F

07-05-2007, 08:27 AM

Octane, I been riding since I was 14 and to be honest I prefer my 500 over all the other bikes I've had, including my 1100 Virago I sold. Never know, you might like the 500 Blast so much ya won't want to part with it.

Octane

07-05-2007, 09:20 AM

True. Im considering a Yamaha FZ6 as well. It seems like you get a lot more bike for your money with a Japanese brand and Ive owned Yamaha snowmobiles, ATVs and dirtbikes over the years and was pleased with them. Also I have concerns that I would quickly outgrow the Blast and want more. Im the type of person who likes to push his limits (but not ride stupid) and I have doubt that the lil 500 single would keep me happy for more than a month or 2.
Im used to riding a 120 hp snowmobile (I used to ride a 150 hp Yamaha snowmobile and I had a YFZ 450 that was modded and I thought it was slow) so I think Id be able to adapt for a 100-hp 600 sportbike and I think the more upright riding postion of the FZ6 would be fairly comfortable.
You are right though, more power does not always mean more fun. Its all about having something you are comfortable on.
Ive owned some of the fastest snowmobiles, ATVs and dirtbikes around and once you get used to the power they all seem slow.
I want to take the MSR safety course or the Rider's Edge course at the local Harley dealer first. That way I can learn the basics in a safe setting from someone who knows what they are doing before I throw myself to the wolves on the open road.

Uesque

07-05-2007, 12:54 PM

I always recommend the FZ6, you get 90% of the performance of a sportbike with 500% more comfort and a lot cheaper insurance. Other than on a cross country dash, I don't think you'll find it lacking for much.

Octane

07-05-2007, 07:16 PM

CB750F

07-06-2007, 08:00 AM

You would be surprised. If you use your head there ain't much out there anyone wouldn't be up to the task of riding. Remember you can get killed on a 50 as easy as a 1400.

I also own(ed) several Yamahas. All of them if they were taken care of were good machines. Right now I own 3 Yamaha 4 wheelers and 1 dirt bike.

Uesque

07-06-2007, 09:04 AM

The only concern I have is that it might be too much bike for a new rider. Im considering several bikes: Buell Blast, Sportster 883 and FZ6.
The Blast and Sporty would be my first choice, but the FZ6 is another option. Ive ridden the wheels off of every snowmobile, ATV and dirtbike Ive ever owned, but a streetbike is a whole new ballgame and Im not sure that Id be up to an FZ6.

An odd benefit of most metric sport and standard bikes is that the power is way up high in the rev band. If you tool around under 6,000 rpms, they are very docile bikes. My XJ600 needed to hit 7,000 before it really took off on me. Check out the 600 Bandit also.

Uesque

07-11-2007, 01:25 PM

Smoking tires is the easy part, where he struggles is getting them into the pipe.

CB750F

07-11-2007, 04:07 PM

Well, I already banned one today for 10 days lets go for 2.

Capt.

07-11-2007, 05:29 PM

id like two see u strayten me out you fat old retard. id grab you by the an throat and hold you down by my tyres while i smoked em.

Well, he did get one out of 3 sorta right....I guess to some I would be considered old.....er.
I believe it was Shakespear who once said " It is better to be silent and thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt". Yessiree, I do believe we have us a winner here folks!;)

Capt.