bike weight and typical new bike buyer

[sanford]

Any general view what is a typical bike weight for typical buyer if such a thing as
typical... what weight could I upgrade to in futhure that is not overwhelming at low speeds, which is typical of my riding.

I'm a average weight and hight male noob rider on a 250... thanks, sorry for so many questions, happy father's day to everyone and especially to father of the little girl on the dress code thread

[goalie]

Happy FAthers day back at you.

My bike weighs 537 (I think). I ride regularly with a guy whose BMW (1600cc) is about 100 pounds heavier. The weight is not so noticeable, but the higher center of gravity is.

I met an older rider (probably 75 years) at a restaurant once who was riding an UltraGlide. That's 800 plus pounds.

The super heavy weights have low centers of gravity, so you probably do not notice the weight as much. I think once you are past the "getting to know you" stage with any bike, weight is not much of an issue.

[sanford]

Originally Posted by goalie

Happy FAthers day back at you.

My bike weighs 537 (I think). I ride regularly with a guy whose BMW (1600cc) is about 100 pounds heavier. The weight is not so noticeable, but the higher center of gravity is.

I met an older rider (probably 75 years) at a restaurant once who was riding an UltraGlide. That's 800 plus pounds.

The super heavy weights have low centers of gravity, so you probably do not notice the weight as much. I think once you are past the "getting to know you" stage with any bike, weight is not much of an issue.

ok that makes sense.. I have a soft spot for a Sportster or a cruiser.. I think read maybe the Sportster may be a bit high?? any how will do research when ready..

I kinda outgrew the 250 which is fun and no real complaints...

[WintrSol]

How much the weight affects you depends a lot on the difference between your inseam and the seat height. In my experience, a tall bike with high CG, even if fairly light, can be a PITA in the parking lot, if your inseam isn't much more than the seat height. Whereas, my nephew's UltraGlide is no problem, as long as you don't let it get too far over. If you think you might let it down (happens to even us old-timers), a strong set of highway bars is a lot of help getting a heavy bike back on the black.

[goalie]

Originally Posted by sanford

ok that makes sense.. I have a soft spot for a Sportster or a cruiser.. I think read maybe the Sportster may be a bit high?? any how will do research when ready..

I kinda outgrew the 250 which is fun and no real complaints...

My bike is the Sportster. I can tell you that when I have ridden the V-star and Shadow briefly both feel as if they have slightly lower COG's. I'm not sure its enough for the non-super-expert to notice in terms of performance, so it probably doesn't matter. Both were very comfortable. The Sportster feels very maneuverable at low speeds. When you think of bikes that are maneuverable bikes at low speed like the Ninja, etc., they have higher COG's.

Just personal thoughts -- no science to it.

[Badlands-4-2]

The lighter the bike the easier it is to balance. The center of gravity is important too. Most cruiser bikes will have a low center of gravity. Things like my Ultra are just simply heavy, and you do notice the weight some times.

[LWRider]

My first bike (CB350) weighs in at about 350 and now I have a Bonneville that comes in at 450. It was a pretty easy transition from the Honda to the Triumph, although I can tell the obvious difference in weight. I rode a Kawazaki Vulcan Nomad 1500 a few times that was 800 plus--enough to know that a heavy bike like that is not my cup of tea. But to each his or her own.

Cheers,

Mike

[4Raven]

The Yamaha 650 Vstar has a low center of gravity and weighs in around 500 lbs. It leans over pretty far on the kickstand and you need some muscle to lift her up...but I use my legs....it has wider wheels which really enhances the comfort and handling also. If you get the manual, it is fairly easy to work on also. The higher the cc the more work is another thing to remember.

[R1200R]

I find the difference is only noticeable at very low speed... which is where 99% of the time a new guy will lay down his bike if he's turning and hits the brake, etc... I'd say a good weight tho all around is 480-520, where most bikes tend to sit anyway... you get to the 800's and such and it's just a lot of bike to handle at low speed for a new rider.

[Jeff10236]

I started on a Suzuki C50 Boulevard (611 LBS dry weight, then I added bags, engine guard, windshield, so I was a bit heavier). While I was also 300LBS when I started riding (down quite a bit now ) there are plenty of smaller people who start on that bike and find it a good starter bike. If you want the Sportster, plenty of people start on the 883 and even 1200cc Sporty and learn well. I've test rode one and loved it. Feels lighter than it is (and it isn't that terribly heavy), handles great for a cruiser, the 1200 engine has a lot of torque so I had to move through the gears a lot less than on my C50, just a fun bike to ride. The Sporty does have a slightly higher center of gravity than most cruisers, but it isn't bad. You already have started on a 250cc bike so you aren't completely inexperienced, it seems to me that if you want the Sporty, the 883 would be terrific, and if you aren't afraid of the power the 1200cc would be a nice upgrade too (test ride them, the power delivery of the 1200 is very manageable and predictable).

You mention looking at other cruisers, which ones are you considering?

[LWRider]

The only thing that kept me from the Sporty is that durn "peanut" tank. I hate stopping for gas every hundred miles. If you look for a Sporty, look for the "C" model which has a bigger tank. Also, 2004 and after have rubber engine mounts which reduce the vibration quite a bit.

[goalie]

Yeah, the peanut tank sucks, but when I think about changing it, I just cannot. I love the post-war look to the bike. Now, I just am always mindful of when I need to refill -- which is probably a good habit.

[Dodsfall]

2007 and up Sportsters are fuel-injected also. I've got the 4.5 gallon tank, which gives a fairly good range.

[zmago]

The gas in the peanut tank lasts about as long as your butt will on that hard little seat.

[OldGuy]

My 450 NH is too high for my very short legs, but I'm getting
used to it. I sat on a Honda Shadow 700, heavier bike...WOW!
Both feet flat on the ground, very easy to balance. I'm not sure
I like the feet-forward riding position.

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by OldGuy

My 450 NH is too high for my very short legs, but I'm getting
used to it. I sat on a Honda Shadow 700, heavier bike...WOW!
Both feet flat on the ground, very easy to balance. I'm not sure
I like the feet-forward riding position.

Take a look at the new Shadow RS. A little taller than the regular Shadow line, but mid mount controls. Also, it looks sharp!

[sanford]

Originally Posted by Animedevildog

Take a look at the new Shadow RS. A little taller than the regular Shadow line, but mid mount controls. Also, it looks sharp!

Thanks will look at that model also...lot of choice's..I have no regret starting on a 250 best to make mistakes on that then a heavier faster bike..

I probably will not loose much if sell next season, it had low mile's to start with.
I was wondering also may keep for a few more tamed trails..would it even be practical to put more trail like tire's on a starter cruiser bike..maybe a little silly..but it handles easy on the trails I rode.

I'm guessing not designed for dual purpose, clearance, bars, etc just a thought.

[img]http://www.*************************/files/2010_Honda_Shadow_RS%201.jpg[/img]

[Biker Dash]

The RS is one of the ones that when I look at... I just want to mod the HELL out of it. Make that puppy something that can perform!

Actually, I think this is the one shadow that I would consider trading in my ACE for...

[LWRider]

A good friend of mine here in Lake Wales just bought a pearl white RS. So far, he loves it. Hoping he lets me test ride it one of these days. It's just that small tank. And for all you thinking they just copied the Sportster with the RS, they campaigned a flat tracker almost identical to the RS for a long time before the rage of copying H-Ds.

Cheers,

Mike

[Biker Dash]

It would cost a bit of coin, but Thunder manufacturing can custom make gas tanks however you need them.

I think I would definately want a bit taller and wider, something closer in shape to the tank on the Thruxton I think. With pockets in the front for room for clipons.

What I REALLY like about the RS is that it uses the same engine case as the NT-700... And I think the cylinders are even from the same castings.

Yeah... my head is thinking of the possibilities now.

[sanford]

The one thing never really liked on the Sportster was the plain Jane appearance of the crankcase area, the above bike seems a cleaner and sharper design...but would I buy over a HD..not sure.

[GhostShip]

It's really what you're comfortable with.

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by sanford

I'm guessing not designed for dual purpose, clearance, bars, etc just a thought.

Taking a look at pics of the RS, I think it could easily be made into a dual-purpose bike. Chop the rear fender a bit for clearence, and add some swing arm extensions, then get some extended fork lowers, remount (and maybe trim) the front fender just below the lower tree. Extended rear shocks also. Add some compact engine guards, and some different risers, and maybe bars...

Then all you need is appropiate on/off road tires and an extended sidestand, and you have a homemade Honda Africa! Or, you could just shop around for a Honda Africa in decent condition lol

[Rebel53]

When I started riding, I wasn't concerned as much about the weight of the bike as I was about seat height. I'm am somewhat "vertically challenged" and wanted to make sure I got a bike I could get me feet on the ground while seated. I found the perfect starter in a Vulcan 750, hated the "ears" though.

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by Rebel53

I found the perfect starter in a Vulcan 750, hated the "ears" though.

Ears? o_O

[sanford]

Originally Posted by Animedevildog

Ears? o_O

guess bars?
nice bike btw

[Landarchstud]

Pretty sure my '82 Hondamatic 450 weighs in around 415 LBS. At first I thought it was heavy as hell, but now it feels like a toy! lol Now my girlfriend is getting her license and wants to steal it from me so I might be buying an '87 Suzuki FA50 just for the ****s and giggles. I think it might weigh 100 LBS. LOL

[Kiwi Steve]

I started on Hyosung GV250 cruiser which weighed 168 kg/380 lb (?). Moved up to the Boulevard M50 which weighs about 250 kg/550 lb. Both have low seat heights which I need, being dimensionally challenged in the inside leg measurement. The M50 has a long side stand so when standing it up I use my hip to just give it a little push.

If moving up from the 250 sanford, and thinking of moving to a cruiser, then I'd recommend something like a Boulevard C50 or M50, Vulcan 900, or any of the other cruisers in the 750 to 900 cc range. I wouldn't recommend the Honda Shadow 750, I found it's performance not too dissimilar to my 250 learner bike, it seemed heavier and underpowered. Just go around the dealers and test ride as many bikes as you can. Thats the fun of looking at a new bike

[goalie]

Originally Posted by Animedevildog

Ears? o_O

Mirrors look like mickey mouse ears?

[ldman]

Originally Posted by sanford

Any general view what is a typical bike weight for typical buyer if such a thing as
typical... what weight could I upgrade to in futhure that is not overwhelming at low speeds, which is typical of my riding.

I'm a average weight and hight male noob rider on a 250... thanks, sorry for so many questions, happy father's day to everyone and especially to father of the little girl on the dress code thread

My uncle was a motorcycle enthusiast who raced and collected them. He was also the person who taught me to ride and sold me my first bike. I remember him telling me to "never" ride a motorcycle that was to heavy for me to lift off of me had I wrecked or layed it over.

Dave

[sanford]

Originally Posted by ldman

My uncle was a motorcycle enthusiast who raced and collected them. He was also the person who taught me to ride and sold me my first bike. I remember him telling me to "never" ride a motorcycle that was to heavy for me to lift off of me had I wrecked or layed it over.

Dave

That make's good sense, especially for any noobs, because chances are noob's will have some incident first few weeks.. But I'm sure there are many pro's for heavy bike also..such as for touring..

[goalie]

Originally Posted by sanford

That make's good sense, especially for any noobs, because chances are noob's will have some incident first few weeks.. But I'm sure there are many pro's for heavy bike also..such as for touring..

Reality is that noob's will not have some incident in the first few weeks.

Criminently! Where is this attitude coming from!

[sanford]

Originally Posted by goalie

Reality is that noob's will not have some incident in the first few weeks.

Criminently! Where is this attitude coming from!

Maybe if you actually read some posts you would know it's high
probability a noob may have a incident while learning ,frikken common sense buster.. duh were learning


btw we get many posts by experienced riders of close calls with cagers..and you ask where my attitude is coming from..get real!

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by sanford

Maybe if you actually read some posts you would know it's high
probability a noob may have a incident while learning ,frikken common sense buster.. duh were learning

Animedevildog likes this.

[sanford]

[goalie]

Originally Posted by sanford

Maybe if you actually read some posts you would know it's high
probability a noob may have a incident while learning ,frikken common sense buster.. duh were learning


btw we get many posts by experienced riders of close calls with cagers..and you ask where my attitude is coming from..get real!

Dude:

If you are so frightened, why are you riding??

Common sense and ALL of the written reports are that new riders will not wreck or lay their bike over on themselves.

If you worry, its your problem. Don't lay that on every new rider to come along.

[sanford]

Originally Posted by goalie

Dude:

If you are so frightened, why are you riding??

Common sense and ALL of the written reports are that new riders will not wreck or lay their bike over on themselves.

If you worry, its your problem. Don't lay that on every new rider to come along.

Dude by " incident " could easily referr to a cager cutting you off, a cager running a stop sign...maybe join a few dots before running at the mouth... where did my post mention a wreck? or death, please use logic before posting.

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by goalie

Reality is that noob's will not have some incident in the first few weeks.

Criminently! Where is this attitude coming from!

Originally Posted by sanford

Maybe if you actually read some posts you would know it's high
probability a noob may have a incident while learning ,frikken common sense buster.. duh were learning


btw we get many posts by experienced riders of close calls with cagers..and you ask where my attitude is coming from..get real!

Originally Posted by goalie

Dude:

If you are so frightened, why are you riding??

Common sense and ALL of the written reports are that new riders will not wreck or lay their bike over on themselves.

If you worry, its your problem. Don't lay that on every new rider to come along.

Originally Posted by sanford

Dude by " incident " could easily referr to a cager cutting you off, a cager running a stop sign...maybe join a few dots before running at the mouth... where did my post mention a wreck? or death, please use logic before posting.

*sits back and watches the show*
Anyone got any salt for the popcorn?

[goalie]

Troublemaker LOL

[goalie]

Originally Posted by sanford

Dude by " incident " could easily referr to a cager cutting you off, a cager running a stop sign...maybe join a few dots before running at the mouth... where did my post mention a wreck? or death, please use logic before posting.

Sanford:
The post to which you responded that noobs will have incidents in the first few weeks was: I remember him telling me to "never" ride a motorcycle that was to heavy for me to lift off of me had I wrecked or layed it over.

Are we clear now?

goalie

your serve