How many CCs does it take to carry a fat-ass?

[sonnenkind]

How's it going?

Back in my early 20s I rode a '92 Kawi Vulcan 750, and I was happy with her. Today I'm 36 years old, and while I have no ailments or physical disabilitites, I am 6' 1" and weigh in at about 280 lbs.

I've been looking for a cruiser, mostly of the Asian variety. Although I would like a step up from a 750, I figure I shouldn't go for anything less than an 1100. Some people tell me that I should go for a 1600 or 1700 because of my size.

Now to my questions?
Is anyone out there as big as me and happy with a "medium cruiser"?
Will I be disappointed with an 1100 or 1300 as opposed to the bigger engines? I know I should test ride a few, and I have, but I didn't quite see much of a difference in performance in that short ride, other than the bigger bikes are heavier and more unwieldly. I'm asking about long-term effects on the engine with the extra weight and long-distance riding feels; especially with the occassional passenger.

Thanks for your advice!

[Uesque]

How's it going?

Back in my early 20s I rode a '92 Kawi Vulcan 750, and I was happy with her. Today I'm 36 years old, and while I have no ailments or physical disabilitites, I am 6' 1" and weigh in at about 280 lbs.

I've been looking for a cruiser, mostly of the Asian variety. Although I would like a step up from a 750, I figure I shouldn't go for anything less than an 1100. Some people tell me that I should go for a 1600 or 1700 because of my size.

Now to my questions?
Is anyone out there as big as me and happy with a "medium cruiser"?
Will I be disappointed with an 1100 or 1300 as opposed to the bigger engines? I know I should test ride a few, and I have, but I didn't quite see much of a difference in performance in that short ride, other than the bigger bikes are heavier and more unwieldly. I'm asking about long-term effects on the engine with the extra weight and long-distance riding feels; especially with the occassional passenger.

Thanks for your advice!

Figure even with a scrawny rider and passenger, a bike is carrying about 300 lbs, so I wouldn't sweat it too much. Look at torque rather than cc's, the more torque, the less impact the weight will have on the bike.

[CB750F]

I tell you what a 750 will pull you around fine but an 1100 would pull ya around better. I'm 232 right now and when I had my Virago 1100 it would pull me around at a real good clip.

[brutus]

I have an 1100 Yamaha Silverado and we almost always ride 2 up. I go 215 & my wife is about 140 and we don't have any trouble with that size engine. Even 2 up I get about 47 miles per gallon. I don't have a trouble running with guys with a little bigger bike. So I would say buy what feels most comfortable for you to sit on & handle in your price range. By the way, I LOVE my Yamaha. Bought it new in 03. First bike I have ever had. Was 59 years old when I got it. Retired last winter & enjoying not working & riding as much as I can every week. Enjoy your bike & your life.

[TFee3]

I just bought a Suzuki C90T, and it's great. That's 90 Cu in, which translates to a little over 1500 cc's. It comes with a really nice windshield that has lowers and saddle bags. It also has driver floor boards, which I really like, and heel/toe shifting. This is my third Suzuki, and I've never been disappointed or had an interrupted ride because of a bike problem. My friend just bought a Harley Softtail Classic and paid twice as much as I did. Then, he had to add a windshield and saddle bags. His is a 96 cu in bike, but the dealer says mine puts out 15 hp more. So, in my opinion, he paid an extra $10,000 for the Harley name. To each his own, however....

[Tom Bishop]

If you did have an interupted ride or what I call a breakdown (motorcycle) away from home on a Suzuki where would you take it? Maybe I haven't noticed but I don't see alot of Suzuki dealerships around. Harley dealerships are EVERYWHERE. I agree Harley's are expensive but the resale value seems to be very good. Anyway, ride safe. T.

[TFee3]

Tom, I guess in the resale situation, I have an advantage. I'm age 67 and will probably never get another one. And, I have no intention of getting rid of it even when I'm 90 if I can still ride. By the time I can't ride it anymore, I won't really care what the resale value is, or heck, maybe not even remember I have a motorcycle! :)

Actually, there are lots of Suzuki dealers around the Missouri area, but almost any shop can work on them. In fact, I bought it from a Harley dealer that sold them in Sedalia, MO.

We have a camper, so we're members of Good Sam's Emergency Road Service, and they say they will tow any vehicle I have anywhere it's necessary to get it repaired at no cost to me.

But, to summarize, I hope I never have to use any type of road service. I rode my last Suzuki 47,000 miles in just a few short months and never had a problem, other than running out of gas once because I didn't turn off the reserve tank when I filled up. This is my third one, and they're rugged and dependable. However, I'm sure there are other rice burners just as dependable, but I have no experience with those.

[CB750F]

There are a good many Japanese bike dealers around but you probably didn't notice and I think I know why. In a 50 mile radius of my house there are 3 Harley shops, 6 Yamaha dealers (one with just 4 wheelers but services motorcycles), 4 Kawasaki dealers, 4 Honda dealers, and 4 Suzuki dealers. If I go a hair farther, say another 10 mile radius, you can add 1 of each. This is just off the top of my head counting. The thing is, the Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki and Honda dealers are less noticeable than the Harley ones. The one Harley shop here I call the Harley castle and you'd have to be blind to miss it, #1 Cycle Center. Besides who really looks for a Japanese bike dealership? I don't strain my neck to look for them except Harley shops because most of the Harley shops are more visually pleasing due to some of them just have stunning architecture. Here is the site for one of our Harley shops, click it and look in the upper left corner of the site at the pic of the building. Real nice building. http://www.numberonecyclecenter.com/ Compare it to most the plain jane buildings the Japnese bikes are sold out of. That if you are into Harleys you will kinda look for other Harley dealers.

[TFee3]

Hey, you know what? The size and how the building looks doesn't mean they have good service. It just means they have a larger lease or building payment, which also means they have to charge more for their service to make the payment. My new Suzuki is under warranty, and I bought it from a Harley dealer (in a nice big pretty building) who also sells Suzukis. I got jacked around on a warranty claim on my foot brake switch for over three weeks. I finally screamed at them, they gave me the switch, and I changed it myself in about 20 minutes. They said it would entail taking the entire right side of my bike apart. I crawled under, took the oil filter off, and changed it with no problem. So, look at all the pretty Hardley Davidson shops you want, but it doesn't mean diddly, other than you pay twice as much for Harleys and get less bike and equipment. My friend bought a new Softail Classic for $19,000. Then, he had to shell out over $1,000 for windshield and saddle bags. I paid $9,850 for my new C90T, and mine came with all that on it, AND a much better windshield with lowers. What's more, his saddle bags are smaller and are some type of vinyl. My bags are real leather and much larger. NOT ALWAYS do you get your money's worth, and Harley bikes are a great example of that. Don't get me wrong - Harleys are beautiful bikes, but for the difference in money, I can't justify it in my mind to have one.

[Tom Bishop]

TFee3, sounds like the Suzuki 90 you've got is a pretty good deal,and from the sounds of Cb750F's post there are plenty of metric shops around. Kinda makes me wish I'd shopped around a little bit more. Oh well, I am enjoying my Harley Street Bob and thats the main thing. Speaking of enjoyment sounds like you got it made. Motorcycle riding and camping, it doesn't get much better than that. Have fun man, T.

[TFee3]

Tom, you're right - A bike's a bike, and as long as you ride, that's what counts. My two friends riding Harleys yesterday with me asked if I were going to fuel up when they did. I told them heck no, I have a Suzuki. I have to buy rice at the local grocery store! None of my friends who ride Harleys (every one of them) cares what I ride. I'm always included when they ride somewhere. We have a great time. Take care!

And hey ??750??, I didn't read your comments very carefully yesterday and misconstrued your meaning. If I offended you by my comments, I certainly apologize. I read it again today and now understand what you were trying to say. Sorry! :(

[CB750F]

No problem dude, I'm not offended. By the way if you are ever in central PA and on route 322 stop in #1 Cycle Center. They are an excellent Harley dealer. A friend of mine gets his serviced there and they've always treated him well.

[BH121869]

No problem dude, I'm not offended. By the way if you are ever in central PA and on route 322 stop in #1 Cycle Center. They are an excellent Harley dealer. A friend of mine gets his serviced there and they've always treated him well.
What I don't understand is why most of the Harley shops have nice assortments of cloths and do dads to buy and none of our metric shops near me have anything.

[COFats]

What I don't understand is why most of the Harley shops have nice assortments of cloths and do dads to buy and none of our metric shops near me have anything.

It is cause we metrics don't require a little costume or other fashion accessories or branded do-dad to ride!

We don't feel we need to advertize so folks know we are in the 'life'.

We don't feel a pressing need to display the latest and greatest decal or patch.

We don't need to accessorize to let folks know we are MCist! A helmet, glasses and riding gloves says it all for us. We just actually ride let people know who we are! What a concept!

Our dealers recognize we are there for hardware accessories and maintenence supplies and occassionally some mechanical service or knowledge. When we do buy clothing or non hardware items they actually serve a useful function other that to display a brand insignia.

We can get it anywhere, the dealer does not have to carry or make room for that stuff, AND it doesn't cost like the costume stuff. We ride our MC to clothing stores for cloths, shoe shops for boots, and leather shops for leather goods. Again what a concept!

You were the one that asked.

Ride safe & long,
Colorado Fats

[BH121869]

It is cause we metrics don't require a little costume or other fashion accessories or branded do-dad to ride!

We don't feel we need to advertize so folks know we are in the 'life'.

We don't feel a pressing need to display the latest and greatest decal or patch.

We don't need to accessorize to let folks know we are MCist! A helmet, glasses and riding gloves says it all for us. We just actually ride let people know who we are! What a concept!

Our dealers recognize we are there for hardware accessories and maintenence supplies and occassionally some mechanical service or knowledge. When we do buy clothing or non hardware items they actually serve a useful function other that to display a brand insignia.

We can get it anywhere, the dealer does not have to carry or make room for that stuff, AND it doesn't cost like the costume stuff. We ride our MC to clothing stores for cloths, shoe shops for boots, and leather shops for leather goods. Again what a concept!

You were the one that asked.

Ride safe & long,
Colorado Fats

Aren't we touchy today?
I seriously asked a question. I have heard others ask the same one and they ALL ride metric bikes. They want to be proud of their bikes too. In my office at work I have a coffee cup that my daughter gave me that is a Harley cup. Many mitric riders see it and ask if they can get one with says Honda etc on it. I still wonder why?

[CB750F]

Dennis Kirk has tons and tons of metric clothing and stuff. Ebay has more metric clothing and do dads than I can count. It's out there. It's just there is more Harley items out there. Harley markets stuff like that because people want it and buy it. Hell, I have some Harley stuff too. Some of the best quality leather items I've seen came from a Harley shop.

[COFats]

Aren't we touchy today?
I seriously asked a question. I have heard others ask the same one and they ALL ride metric bikes. They want to be proud of their bikes too. In my office at work I have a coffee cup that my daughter gave me that is a Harley cup. Many mitric riders see it and ask if they can get one with says Honda etc on it. I still wonder why?

Yeah, I been getting a little fiesty lately! Guess I better back off a little.
There are brand specific fun things around for all MCist. Metric owners just have to look at little more to find them. I've seen some of that stuff at larger dealerships.

My real point was that Metric dealers usually are not trying to be a mall. They are in the MC sales and service busiiness. Most Metric dealers I know of sell multiple brands of MC, unlike HD dealerships. To keep fluff inventory for several brands just is not economically feasible!

Most of the personal accessories are readily available at other businesses. Branded stuff is easy enough to find on the internet for those that have to have it.

BH121869, my apology for the rude and crude rantings before.

Ride safe & long,
Colorado Fats

[CB750F]

Most Metric dealers I know of sell multiple brands of MC, unlike HD dealerships. To keep fluff inventory for several brands just is not economically feasible!


That's true. There aren't very many single brand dealers in the Japanese line. I can only think of a few in my area (1 Yamaha motorcycles and ATVs and 1 Yamaha ATV). Most are 2 brands and I know of 1 5 brand in my area (Kawasaki, Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Artic Cat), that's too many I believe.

Yeah, I been getting a little fiesty lately!

No need to get fiesty bro!

[TFee3]

Shut up, CB, and leave my friend alone! (Just joking!) :D

And then there is my dealer in Sedalia, MO. They are one of the best motorcycle shops in the area and have a huge Harley inventory. But, they also sell Yamahas and Suzukis. There were 5 C50T Suzukis sitting in a row on the showroom floor (that's 50 cu in, not 50 cc's). The owner, Scott, told me that they sold them so fast that they had a hard time keeping them in stock. They also have non-labeled items. One thing I really liked was a leather motorcycle jacket. It had everything, but it also cost almost $300. I went to the local leather shop and settled for a nice jacket for, believe it or not, $29. I'm not knocking their prices, however, because when I find items for my C90T, they're every bit as expensive. I just happen to not want to look like a billboard. Suzuki gets enough advertising from me by my riding mine down the street.

[C50-Blvd.]

Sonnenkind - I ride a Suzuki also like TFee only mine is the C50. It's only a 805 cc bike but has plenty of HP and torque for me. I take my wife with me occassionally and it does just fine riding two up. If I were into taking a lot of long trips - touring two up - then it would not be the best choice. Truth is if I had to do it again, I'd probably buy the C-90. Mostly because the roughly $2,000 price difference would be worth it. Weight and size wise between the two Suzukis it is very little difference. Anyway, my take would be anything from a 750 cc up would be good for you assuming the bike fits you ergonomically. If you want to do a lot of two up riding or take a lot of long trips then I would go for an 1100 or larger - just my opinion.

As for other comments about the number of Jap bike dealers versus Harley dealerships, I know of 4 Suzuki dealerships within 15 miles of my house. I also agree with CB, I think you notice the Harley dealerships because their buildings stand out and are so impressive. However, that is yet another reason why their bikes cost more.

[CB750F]

Shut up, CB, and leave my friend alone! (Just joking!)

LOL! You guys take this on here way too serious. :D

[TFee3]

CB, I just couldn't resist it! :) I learned my less a short time ago about being too serious. All I was doing on another forum was comparing my Suzuki with my friend's Harley. Boy, one guy got all bent out of shape and told me I was just jealous because my friend had a Harley and I didn't, and all kinds of things. I noticed there aren't many participants on that forum - I wonder why!

[BH121869]

You are all great people on here. I for one enjoy reading all the questions and comments and know at times we don't agree but that is what makes this the #1 country to live in.
We can disagree and still get along. It is good that we all don't like the same things or we'd all be in Colorado riding the same color bikes.
I've riden a long time and I am amazed at all the good imformation and tips that I learn here.
Keep up the good work.

[COFats]

You are all great people on here. I for one enjoy reading all the questions and comments and know at times we don't agree but that is what makes this the #1 country to live in.
We can disagree and still get along. It is good that we all don't like the same things or we'd all be in Colorado riding the same color bikes.
I've riden a long time and I am amazed at all the good imformation and tips that I learn here.
Keep up the good work.

Well you gave me a well earned and deserved zing there BH121869! I'm still laughing!

Ride safe & long,
Colorado Fats

[TFee3]

Don't get bigheaded, Colorado! You know we'd all be in Missouri riding Suzukis!!!!! :D

[HellFireX12]

Well if you say your 750 is good enough to carry you around then I guess it only makes sense that a 1100 would be a bit better :)

[sowbelliedhog]

There are fewer Jap dealerships in my town than there were 20 years ago. Competition I guess. Most of the survivors have small showrooms. 2 HD dealers.
As far as the brand recognition and clothing/accessory sales. I am sure that Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kamasaki would all love to have the demand for name-brand clothing that HD has. Harleys are expensive because they are the only game in town. Partly because they are the only American brand left. Yes I know about all of the foreign parts, and the American-assembled Jap bikes, but they are still not the same. Lastly, some folks like to see the profits stay stateside, instead of going overseas.
And while we're poking good clean fun at one brand or the other, I offer two more points:
1) You see more inport riders moving (I resist saying "stepping up" to maintain peace) to Harleys than you see going the other way.
2) Harleys are not made to look like Japanese bikes. I know the Shadow, Vulcan, and C90 are not the same look as the CB750, XS 1100, and GS 1000, are they? I've have and do own both, but the HD is always the first choice to come out of the garage. Fun at any speed. Poke, Poke. :)

[COFats]

There are fewer Jap dealerships in my town than there were 20 years ago. Competition I guess. Most of the survivors have small showrooms. 2 HD dealers.
As far as the brand recognition and clothing/accessory sales. I am sure that Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kamasaki would all love to have the demand for name-brand clothing that HD has. Harleys are expensive because they are the only game in town. Partly because they are the only American brand left. Yes I know about all of the foreign parts, and the American-assembled Jap bikes, but they are still not the same. Lastly, some folks like to see the profits stay stateside, instead of going overseas.
And while we're poking good clean fun at one brand or the other, I offer two more points:
1) You see more inport riders moving (I resist saying "stepping up" to maintain peace) to Harleys than you see going the other way.
2) Harleys are not made to look like Japanese bikes. I know the Shadow, Vulcan, and C90 are not the same look as the CB750, XS 1100, and GS 1000, are they? I've have and do own both, but the HD is always the first choice to come out of the garage. Fun at any speed. Poke, Poke. :)

Oh boy, you and I will be having lively exchanges and absolutely meaningless discussions!!!

And BTW HD likes to see the profits in their own pockets. They use cheapest Asian parts/labor to make poor quality parts/products that they install on poorly assembled and poorly designed HDs and sell at exorbitant price! I think the HD's customer service motto is something like 'A fool and his money...'.

POKE/2 x 10 (poke squared to the power of 10). Oh man this is going to be fun and easy!

PS: Just so you know, I do not hate 'em, I just don't like 'em much!


Ride safe & long,
Colorado Fats

[CB750F]

I'm one of those guys who like all bikes. Why, just yesterday on my little ride I stopped at a Triumph/Kawasaki dealer, a Yamaha/Honda/ Suzuki dealer and a Harley dealer. I actually sat on a couple Harleys (I didn't catch the model name) with the mid controls. The only thing I would add would be drag bars.

[sowbelliedhog]

COFats-OUCH! And here I was trying to be gentle. Haha.
I don't like to put HD brand parts on mine, I try to go for the after market items for some of the reasons you mention. I can find American made parts of better quality. They are usually the same cost or less. I do love most bikes, just think HD takes a beating from some folks. A lot of guys will never admit their bike's shortfalls, but I will. I am adding a hot cam, roller rockers, forged roller supports, and Feuling lifters this winter. I will do the top end work myself. Gotta' have more power to haul my SBH a$$ around!

[greyboyfan]

I, personally, think that there is not many bikes as sexy as a dressed out Soft tail classic with lots o' chrome studs all over everything. but, alas, I will never own one unless I win it in some kind of bizarr raffle or something. Way to expensive. Anyway, I got the bike I want.
It might be kinda like those big ol' yaghts at the lake. If you can afford to buy one, you should be able to afford the mooring charge and fuel. Or, if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it. :)
HA! Naw, thats not always true. I know lotsa folks have enough green to buy what ever they want. Who cares! Don't be jealous, be happy for 'em.
Then, ...I know some bikers that barely have a pot to you know what in, who have the best ride you've ever seen.:eek:


Me?,...I got different priorities.

[COFats]

COFats-OUCH! And here I was trying to be gentle. Haha.
I don't like to put HD brand parts on mine, I try to go for the after market items for some of the reasons you mention. I can find American made parts of better quality. They are usually the same cost or less. I do love most bikes, just think HD takes a beating from some folks. A lot of guys will never admit their bike's shortfalls, but I will. I am adding a hot cam, roller rockers, forged roller supports, and Feuling lifters this winter. I will do the top end work myself. Gotta' have more power to haul my SBH a$$ around!

Nice to see a humble and real HD guy! Sounds like you know what you got and enjoy it for what it should be, enjoyment of the ride.

For all brand MCs:
It is what it is,
It ain't what it ain't,
Don't make it what it isn't!


Ride safe & long,
Colorado Fats